Kollmorgen announces that Udo Panenka has been named vice president marketing, Kollmorgen Industrial Automation, Global. Panenka previously held the position of vice president sales and marketing for Kollmorgen Europe GmbH, a position now held by Patrik Hug. Both are responsible for driving forward Kollmorgen's course of continued growth on global and European levels, respectively. "The addition of Udo Panenka to our global top management team signifies that the Kollmorgen Group understands the importance of different markets, perspectives and approaches to achieve truly global success," says Udo Aull, president Kollmorgen EU.  "And in adding Patrik Hug to the Kollmorgen team, we are happy to have been able to acquire such an experienced industry specialist for this important position. We regard these appointments as an important milestone in further expanding Kollmorgen's growth over the years to come."

Panenka is responsible for the development and implementation of the company's global marketing strategy, including product planning, vertical marketing and marketing communication.  Additionally, he will continue to drive the expansion of sales and support activities in India, a task which he had already been managing from Europe.  Panenka has been active in mechanical engineering for almost 20 years, and has a wealth of experience in sales, marketing and management responsibilities.  He has particular expertise in the areas of key customer management, product management and business communications, enhanced by comprehensive overseas experience.

Hug is responsible for all European sales and marketing activities for the company's range of integrated drive and automation systems, effectively combining Kollmorgen Europe's strategic and operational tasks.  In addition to continuing the existing product business, his focus will be on expanding Kollmorgen's systems solutions and co-engineering sectors. Hug has been active for over two decades in the motion, drives and automation fields, has tremendously deep knowledge of OEM systems solutions and user requirements, and a high degree of competence in inter-cultural communications. Previously Hug served as vice president strategy and business development for Motion and Drive at Schneider Electric.