Rockwell Automation has announced the recent appointment of David Hegarty as managing director Australia and New Zealand. David brings a wealth of sales and marketing experience to the role, and has a firm focus on customer service.

“Our vision is for Rockwell Automation to be the most valued supplier of industrial automation products and solutions in the region. I see my role as managing director, Australia and New Zealand as one of translating what being ‘most valued’ means to customers and industry in our region, and leading our team to meet and exceed customer expectations,” David says.

Following his appointment on 5 November, Hegarty takes on a dual role. He will maintain his previous role of regional sales director for the region, further strengthening the company’s dedication to customers.

“I’d like to make sure that everyone in Rockwell Automation feels that they play a part in serving customers and keep customer service central to what we do,” David says.

Hegarty has been with Rockwell Automation since 1999, and is inspired by the high quality of the company’s technology, products and people. He has managed branches in Sydney and Brisbane, and spent several years based in Singapore. This has given him a broad understanding of the capabilities of the company and strong links to leadership in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

A key challenge will be to lead the company during a time of economic uncertainty in Europe and China, and manage the flow-on effect to our region. Hegarty believes that this opens up tremendous opportunities.

“Many manufacturers and producers are moving their focus to productivity in Australia and New Zealand,” he says.

“As an industrial automation and information company Rockwell Automation has the opportunity to work with our customers to drive productivity in their businesses.

“I see increased productivity as our customers working existing assets harder and smarter to increase their output. By providing production information to the right person, at the right time, in the right context, and optimising existing process control, I think we can achieve this.”