Stoppek Named CEO Of Waukesha Gas Engines

INNIO has named Rob Stoppek as CEO of its Waukesha Gas Engines business.

Stoppek brings extensive technology leadership skills and change management expertise to both INNIO and Waukesha, according to Carlos Lange, CEO & president, INNIO Group.

“We are pleased to welcome Rob to the INNIO team to lead the respected Waukesha gas engines business,” Lange said. “His customer-centric focus, P&L management expertise and strong supply chain and manufacturing leadership experience provide critical skillsets that will be instrumental in driving the Waukesha business in the 21st-century economy.”

Founded in 1906, Waukesha’s distinctive orange-colored gas engines are manufactured in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA and from Welland, Ontario, Canada. The Waukesha products are primarily used in compression and transporting gas applications. In 2018, GE sold its Distributed Power business, which included the Waukesha and Jenbacher brands, to a private equity firm for US$3.25 billion. The brand was renamed INNIO in late 2018.

“The customer must be at the center of everything we do,” Stoppek said. “Coming off a record year, Waukesha’s gas engines and services are well-positioned for future growth through an escalated focus on our customers. Our customers and our employees believe in the Waukesha brand. Together, we will continue to move it forward. I am excited to be joining INNIO and Waukesha.”

Previously, Stoppek served as the executive leading Parker Hannifin’s US$1.5 billion motion and control business operations for Europe, covering 23 locations with 4000 employees. Prior to joining the Fortune 250 leader in motion and control technologies, he served in progressive leadership roles as SVP of Global Operations for Generac and as chief supply chain officer for IDEX. A holder of 11 U.S. patents, Stoppek holds an executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management from Northwestern University. He has Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.