Meet the Board of Directors of Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, a leading provider of industrial automation solutions, has a distinguished and experienced Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and oversees the company's operations. In this article, we will dive deep into the history of Rockwell Automation's board, its current members, their roles, and the company's governance practices that ensure effective and transparent decision-making.

Discover the History of Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors

Rockwell Automation traces its roots back to the early 20th century when it was known as "Rockwell Manufacturing Company." Since then, the company has evolved and grown through mergers and acquisitions to become the innovative technology company it is today. Over the years, Rockwell Automation's board has played a critical role in governing the company's affairs and ensuring its success.

One notable member of Rockwell Automation's board of directors was Donald R. Parfet, who served as a director from 2003 to 2019. Parfet was a successful businessman and investor, and he brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board. During his tenure, he played a key role in guiding the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. Today, Rockwell Automation continues to innovate and lead the way in the technology industry, thanks in part to the contributions of its dedicated board of directors.

Who Makes Up the Board of Directors at Rockwell Automation?

The Board of Directors of Rockwell Automation comprises highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals from diverse backgrounds. The board is currently comprised of 11 members, including the CEO and Chairman of the Board, Blake D. Moret. The board members bring a wealth of experience in various fields such as finance, technology, manufacturing, and global business operations.

One of the notable members of the board is Susan Schmitt, who has extensive experience in human resources and talent management. She has previously worked with companies such as Accenture and Rockwell Collins, and brings valuable insights into talent acquisition and development strategies.

Another member of the board is Tom Rosamilia, who has a strong background in technology and engineering. He has previously held leadership positions at IBM and brings a wealth of knowledge in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

A Closer Look at the Members of Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors

Rockwell Automation's board members are widely recognized for their outstanding contributions to the business community and their respective industries. For instance, Susan Schmitt has won several national awards for her work on human resources leadership, while President and CEO of Siemens USA, Barbara Humpton, has received numerous recognitions for her leadership in the fields of energy and sustainability.

Another notable member of Rockwell Automation's board of directors is Blake Moret, who currently serves as the company's Chairman and CEO. Moret has been with Rockwell Automation for over 30 years and has held various leadership positions within the company. He is also a member of the National Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors and serves on the board of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

What is the Role of the Board of Directors at Rockwell Automation?

The Board of Directors at Rockwell Automation has several primary roles, including providing strategic direction, overseeing risk and compliance, and ensuring that the company's operations align with its overall mission and values. Additionally, the board is responsible for selecting the company's executive team and providing guidance on talent management, compensation, and succession planning.

Another important role of the Board of Directors at Rockwell Automation is to ensure that the company is meeting its financial goals and objectives. This includes reviewing and approving the company's annual budget, monitoring financial performance, and making decisions related to investments and capital expenditures. The board also plays a key role in communicating with shareholders and other stakeholders about the company's financial performance and future prospects.

How Does the Board of Directors Impact the Future Direction of Rockwell Automation?

The Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in shaping Rockwell Automation's future. By leveraging their deep expertise and knowledge of the market and industry trends, board members guide the company's strategic direction and help to ensure that it remains competitive and responsive to changing market dynamics. The board takes a long-term view of the company's vision and creates strategies to help realize it.

One of the key responsibilities of the Board of Directors is to oversee the company's financial performance. They review financial reports and ensure that the company is operating within its budget and meeting its financial goals. The board also approves major investments and acquisitions, ensuring that they align with the company's overall strategy and financial objectives.

In addition to financial oversight, the Board of Directors also plays a critical role in ensuring that Rockwell Automation operates in an ethical and socially responsible manner. They establish and monitor the company's policies and practices related to corporate social responsibility, including environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and ethical business practices. By prioritizing these values, the board helps to build a strong and sustainable future for Rockwell Automation.

An Analysis of the Skills and Experience Required to Serve on Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors

To be considered for a position on Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors, candidates must have extensive experience in their respective fields, a deep understanding of regulatory and policy issues, and be strategic thinkers with a track record of leadership and innovation. In addition, candidates must have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Furthermore, candidates must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be required to work closely with other board members, executives, and stakeholders. They must be able to effectively articulate their ideas and opinions, while also being open to feedback and collaboration.

Another important requirement for serving on Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors is a global perspective. The company operates in over 100 countries, and board members must have a deep understanding of international business practices, cultural differences, and geopolitical issues. They must also be able to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks in different regions of the world.

What Sets Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors Apart from Other Companies?

Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors distinguishes itself from other companies' boards through its commitment to diversity, sustainability, and accountability. The board comprises highly qualified individuals with experience in various industries, including financial services, technology, and manufacturing. Furthermore, the board is committed to including women and minorities in its membership and ensuring that its policies and practices align with best practices for corporate governance.

One of the key ways that Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors sets itself apart from other companies is through its focus on sustainability. The board recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and has implemented policies and practices to reduce the company's carbon footprint and promote sustainable business practices. For example, Rockwell Automation has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy sources in its operations. Additionally, the board regularly reviews the company's sustainability performance and sets targets for improvement, demonstrating its commitment to long-term sustainability and responsible business practices.

The Importance of Diversity on Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors

Rockwell Automation recognizes the importance of diversity on its board and works to ensure that it reflects the diversity of its employees, customers, and stakeholders. The board believes that a diverse group of individuals with varied perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is more likely to make effective decisions that benefit the company and its stakeholders.

Studies have shown that companies with diverse boards tend to outperform those with less diverse boards. This is because a diverse board can bring a wider range of ideas and perspectives to the table, leading to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. Rockwell Automation understands this and is committed to ensuring that its board is as diverse as possible.

In addition to promoting diversity on its board, Rockwell Automation also encourages diversity and inclusion throughout the company. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to promote diversity, including unconscious bias training for employees and a diversity and inclusion council. By fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, Rockwell Automation is able to attract and retain top talent from a wide range of backgrounds, which ultimately benefits the company and its stakeholders.

How Does Rockwell Automation Ensure Effective Governance with its Board of Directors?

Rockwell Automation's board ensures effective governance through a range of policies and practices that promote transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. These include regular board and committee meetings, rigorous selection criteria for board members, and strong oversight of financial and operational matters. Additionally, the company has implemented measures to ensure that it complies with relevant laws and regulations and that its practices align with best practices for corporate governance.

One of the key ways that Rockwell Automation ensures effective governance with its board of directors is through regular evaluations of board performance. These evaluations help to identify areas where the board can improve and ensure that the board is functioning at its highest level. The company also encourages open communication between board members and management, which helps to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

Another important aspect of Rockwell Automation's governance practices is its commitment to sustainability. The company has established a Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the company's sustainability strategy and ensuring that it aligns with the company's overall business objectives. This committee also helps to ensure that the company is meeting its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and that it is reporting on its progress in a transparent and accountable manner.

Meet the Women Leaders on Rockwell Automation's Board of Directors

Rockwell Automation is committed to gender diversity in its leadership, and this is reflected in its board composition. The company's board currently comprises four women leaders, each of whom brings a unique perspective and valuable expertise to the table. Susan Schmitt, president of human resources, is a respected leader in the field who has won national awards for her work. Roxanne Decyk, a former executive at Royal Dutch Shell, is an expert in global operations, while Barbara Humpton, president and CEO of Siemens USA, has a wealth of experience in the energy and sustainability sectors.

The Relationship Between Rockwell Automation's Board and its Shareholders

Rockwell Automation's board works closely with its shareholders to ensure that the company's practices and decisions align with their interests. The board regularly engages with shareholders through meetings and other communication channels to understand their priorities and concerns and to provide regular updates on the company's performance and progress towards its strategic goals.

A Review of Recent Changes to Rockwell Automation's Board Structure and Membership

Rockwell Automation's board has undergone several changes in recent years, with new members joining and others leaving. For instance, in 2020, Judy Bruner, former executive vice-president and CFO at SanDisk, Inc., was appointed to the board, bringing her extensive experience in finance and technology to the company. These changes reflect the company's commitment to refreshing its board membership and ensuring that it remains responsive and aligned with its strategic goals.

How Does Rockwell Automation Select Candidates for its Board of Directors?

Rockwell Automation has a rigorous process for selecting candidates for its board of directors. Prospective candidates must meet the company's requirements for experience, skills, and expertise in areas such as financial management, technology, and global operations. The company also considers a candidate's values and commitment to sustainability and ethical behavior. Once a candidate is identified, they are evaluated by the nominating and governance committee before being put forward for a vote at the annual shareholder meeting.

The Impact that COVID-19 has had on Rockwell Automation's Board Meetings and Decisions

Like many companies, Rockwell Automation has had to adapt its board practices and processes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has prioritized safety and taken steps to ensure that its board meetings adhere to social distancing guidelines while still maintaining effective communication and decision-making. Furthermore, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital technologies in enabling remote collaboration and communication, and the company has leveraged these tools to ensure that its board remains effective and agile in its decision-making.

Conclusion

Rockwell Automation's board of directors plays a critical role in the company's success and growth. Comprising highly experienced and knowledgeable individuals from diverse backgrounds, the board provides strategic direction, oversees risk and compliance, and guides the company towards its vision of sustainable, responsible, and innovative industrial automation solutions. Through its commitment to diversity, transparency, and ethical behavior, Rockwell Automation's board sets an example for best practices in corporate governance and leadership.