Cobble Creek Solutions helps businesses and their investors develop new growth opportunities at the intersection of industrial markets and emerging technologies.
LEADERSHIP PROFILE
Joe Kann
Joe Kann is a veteran technologist and strategist with over 30 years of experience in driving growth and innovation in manufacturing and industrial companies.
He joined Rockwell Automation in 1986 as part of the Advanced Technology laboratory, having completed a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in manufacturing systems engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He worked in a progression of research, commercial and business leadership roles and gained a variety of global market experiences across a broad range of manufacturing segments.
Joe became the Vice President of Global Business Development in 2001 when Rockwell Automation was established as a publicly traded company on the NYSE (ROK). Since then the company grew by nearly $3B, with sales outside the U.S. expanding from 36% to over 50%. During this time, Joe grew the role from single advisory position to a team of over 40 professionals responsible for driving the company’s strategy development processes; managing strategic partnering programs; and supporting acquisitions.
Joe facilitated cross-functional teams in the development of key growth initiatives including: machine safety, industrial networking and the Internet of Things; regional initiatives in Europe, Asia and Latin America; and expansions in industries such as oil and gas and mining. He and his team oversaw more than 140 partnerships including strategic alliances with Cisco, AT&T, Microsoft and industrial market leaders Fanuc, Endress + Hauser and Panduit and supported the pursuit and execution of over a dozen acquisitions around the world.
Joe retired from Rockwell in January 2017. He has now formed Cobble Creek Solutions, a consulting and advisory practice helping businesses and their investors develop new growth opportunities at the intersection of industrial markets and emerging technologies.
Joe and his wife Christine are long time residence of Racine, Wisconsin where they have raised two wonderful daughters. Joe is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing and hunting adventures.