Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. (SE&A), Alpharetta, Ga., has announced that Tom Kopanski, vice president of the Automation and Motion Division (AMD) has been named the new vice president of the Power Distribution and Controls Division (PD&C). Raj Batra, vice president of the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Competence, has been named to replace Kopanski as vice president of the Automation and Motion Division. These appointments became effective on Jan. 15. In his new role, Batra will be responsible for the overall planning, organizing and directing of all activities of AMD, which manufactures industrial automation products for discrete and process automation, production machines, microsystems and machine tools. Batra joined Siemens in 1993 and held a variety of high-level sales and industry positions as senior account manager, automotive business unit manager and General Motors global account manager before being appointed vice president, Automotive Center of Competence, in 2002. In this role, he was responsible for the total automotive go-to-market strategy of Siemens Energy & Automation in the North America. In early 2005, Batra also assumed the responsibility of establishing and formalizing the go-to-market strategy for the US-aerospace industry. Batra will continue as head of the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Competence until a replacement is named. Batra received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Lawrence Technological University in 1990 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan in 1997. Kopanski will lead the Power Distribution & Controls Division of SE&A including the circuit protection, controls and electrical apparatus business units. PD&C manufactures products to control and distribute the flow of electricity for the commercial and industrial construction markets. PD&C’s customer base consists of electrical contractors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), retailers, system integrators, industrial end-users and a national network of electrical distributors. Kopanski assumes responsibility from Dennis Sadlowski, chief operating officer, who was acting vice president of PD&C. Kopanski joined Siemens Energy & Automation in 1992 as manager, training and promotions for AC controls. He held various managerial positions within SE&A including general manager of the drives business unit in 1997, vice president and general manager of the solutions business unit in October 1999. He was named vice president of the AMD in July of 2002. Kopanski holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree from Marquette University, in Milwaukee. “We have the utmost confidence in these proven leaders, who have strong customer orientation and a comprehensive knowledge of the power distribution and automation markets,” said Aubert Martin, SE&A president and chief executive officer, of the two appointments. “They have a solid understanding of Siemens’ global strategy and have built a network of support that will enable them to lead their respective organizations forward with a strong focus on the market and a commitment to operational excellence.” Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. www.sea.siemens.com.
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