Robert Willett is named Cognex CEO

Machine-vision software, sensor, and inspection system provider Cognex Corp. (NASDAQ: CGNX; Natick, MA, USA) has promoted Robert Willett, previously president and chief operating officer, to chief executive officer.

In his most recent role, Willett had management responsibility for sales, marketing, product development, and operations for both the Modular Vision Systems Division and the Surface Inspection Systems Division at Cognex. As CEO, Willett also is now responsible for the company’s global finance and administration functions.

Prior to joining Cognex, he served as group vice president of business development and innovation for the Product Identification business group at Danaher Corp. (NYSE:DHR), a diversified manufacturer of industrial controls and technologies. Prior to that role, he served as president of Videojet Technologies, a subsidiary of Danaher and a supplier of coding and marking products. Before joining Danaher, he was CEO of Willett International Ltd., a global coding and marking company that he sold to Danaher in 2003, and that was merged into Videojet.

Willett will continue to report to Robert J. Shillman, who remains chairman of the board and who has taken on the newly created role of chief culture officer.

SOURCE: Cognex

-- Posted by Vision Systems Design