Festo Names Dr. Wilm Uhlenbecker CEO of North America Business Region, Carlos Miranda to Retire

Festo has announced the pending retirement of its North American Business Region CEO Carlos Miranda and the appointment of the region’s new CEO Dr. Wilm Uhlenbecker, effective April 1.

A family-owned global business with more than $3.7 billion in revenue and 20,000 employees, Festo is recognized as one of the world’s leading automation suppliers and innovators. The company’s global headquarters is in Esslingen, Germany, and this year celebrates its 100th anniversary. Festo has had operations in North America for more than 50 years.

New CEO Background

Dr. Wilm Uhlenbecker began his career in 1994 as a management trainee at Robert Bosch GmbH. He distinguished himself in every position, and by 2003, he was the Assistant to the Robert Bosch CEO and Chairman Supervisory Board. He has held senior leadership positions throughout his career and in 2019 was named President NA, Brose Group. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA degree, both earned at RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. Uhlenbecker reports directly to Thomas Böck, Chairman of the Board. He started at Festo on January 15 and underwent an intensive two-month onboarding process.

“As a family business entering its second century, everyone at Festo takes the long-term view and prizes innovation, sustainability, customer service, and support of coworkers,” said Miranda. “After extensive meetings with Dr. Uhlenbecker, I know that he shares these values.”

Miranda’s 24-Year Legacy at Festo

Carlos Miranda began his career as a sales manager at Trottner McJunkin in 1990. He joined Festo in 2001 as the Sales Director for Festo Mexico and by 2004, was named CEO of Festo Mexico. In 2010, he was promoted to President Festo Americas and in 2017, he was named President and CEO of North America, which includes Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

On his watch, Festo North America built a state-of-the-art distribution, custom manufacturing, and training center in Mason, Ohio, that serves the entire region. “Festo North America is not on the cusp of growth, it’s growing,” Uhlenbecker said. “Its dedication to customer success and innovative solutions is phenomenal.”

Visit Festo at www.festo.com for more information.