AGCO has appointed Dr. Rob Smith as senior vice president & general manager Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME). “We are very pleased to announce that Rob Smith has joined our executive team,” said Martin Richenhagen, chairman, president and chief executive officer of AGCO. “Rob’s international background and extensive experience in the automotive industry make him a great addition to our management team. He will lead our strategic growth plans for EAME and build a strong market position in emerging markets including Eastern Europe and Africa.”

Dr. Smith has extensive international management experience and most recently was the Vice President & General Manager of the global Engine Components Division for TRW Automotive – one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. He also served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TRW Automotive GmbH. Prior to this, Rob served as Vice President of the Global Automotive Division at Tyco Electronics, and Vice President & General Manager of Bombardier Transportation's Aftermarket Parts and Material Repair and Overhaul business. Between 1993 and 2001, he worked in various operations and supply chain roles in the global automotive industry with LucasVarity PLC, Lucas Industries PLC and BMW.

Dr. Smith was a Combat Engineering Officer in the United States Army. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Princeton University followed by an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School of Business. He received German Diplom-Kaufmann and Doctoral degrees in International Operations Management from the WHU – Graduate School of Management in Koblenz, Germany. Dr. Smith is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in Germany.

Source: AGCO