Emerson Exchange 365

Tuesday's schedule of keynote speakers informed, inspired, and entertained the audience of over 1,000 at the International Congress Centre as the opening general session of 2014 Emerson Global Users Exchange got underway in Stuttgart.

Board member Francisco Diaz-Andreu (left) welcomed conference attendees and provided a preview of this year's offerings at the Exchange. Roel van Doren, president of Emerson Process Management, Europe, then presented Emerson's business outlook for 2014 and beyond. Roel was followed by Emerson's Chief Strategic Officer, Peter Zornio, who delivered the technology update. Finally, closing out Tuesday's general session, process industry expert Dave Beckmann discussed how to get the most out of capital investments in today's ever-changing business world.

Francisco Diaz-Andreu is currently Director of Engineering Procurement and Contracting with Repsol. He started his career in Repsol in the Instrumentation and Advanced Control department where he accumulated 20 years of experience. Francisco has participated in the most important projects Repsol has developed in different countries, especially Spain and Latin America. He is teaching Instrumentation and Control. Francisco was the first president of ISA Spain Section and he continues being active in the activities of the section. He holds an Electronic Engineering degree from Universidad Politecnica de Madrid.

Roel van Doren is the President for Emerson Process Management Europe, based in the European Headquarters in Baar, Switzerland. Roel has over 20 years of experience with Emerson Process Management and has held a variety of positions including Engineering, Operations and Sales Management in various countries in Europe as well as in North America. His educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

As Chief Strategic Officer for Emerson Process Management, Peter Zornio has responsibility for overall coordination of technology programmes such as PlantWeb and Smart Wireless across the Process Management business unit, as well as the group-level marketing team, standards, and product direction. He also has direct responsibility for the product definition and development organisations for DeltaV, Ovation, Syncade, Machinery Health, and AMS Suite. Peter also is engaged in the overall business and acquisition strategy for Process Management. He has been at Emerson for 6 years. Prior to that, he spent 21 years at Honeywell. Peter has extensive experience with field measurement products, fieldbus technologies and systems architecture, as well as acquisition strategy and integration. Peter holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

Dave Beckmann received his Electrical Engineering degree from LeTourneau University in Texas. He then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Trinity University in Chicago and Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Dave started his career with Siemens in 1969 and since then has worked in Honeywell and Emerson in various sales and marketing roles. He “unofficially” retired in 2007, but continues to travel the world as a speaker for companies in the process industry.