Post by Sean Wallingford

Last week, we announced the appointment of a new President and CEO for Swisslog Americas. I wanted to give it a few days so Mike could receive the well-earned congratulations, though I might be the most excited person (besides Mike) about his leadership of the region! My time at Swisslog has been incredibly rewarding. We faced legacy challenges and needed to reposition ourselves in the market. As I prepare for a new chapter, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished. Our laser focus on customers and core strengths has driven record growth and profitability… It’s funny what happens when you build a team that truly understands the industry they serve, rather than applying a generic operating model that overlooks the nuances and specific challenges of our space. There are no shortcuts and it’s not rocket science. Many in our industry should take note, as there’s a trail of disappointed customers left by leaders (and owners) who didn’t grasp the problems they were solving and made promises they couldn’t keep. While this has benefited Swisslog Americas, it’s unfortunate for the industry overall. A bit more humility at the top would go a long way. To our customers: thank you for being such outstanding partners. You are in excellent hands! To my global leadership team: thank you for your unwavering support. Special thanks to Jens Christian Schmale and Manuela Franke, whose support was instrumental to our success in the region. Words aren’t enough to express my gratitude to both of you. To the incredible Americas team: navigating constant change amid rapid growth is no small feat, and you’ve done it together with resilience and determination. With Mike and the leadership team in place, you’re well-positioned to accelerate even further. What a journey it’s been! I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Swisslog team and proud of everything we’ve achieved together.