Swisslog Leadership Team
Swisslog is committed to creating automated intralogistics solutions that improve the lives of the people in our customers’ organizations and those they serve. The people behind Swisslog automation help us make that commitment a reality.
Jens Schmale
CEO Swisslog
Jens joined Swisslog in 2020 as Head of AutoStore Europe until he took on the role of CEO of Swisslog EMEA in September 2021. Prior to his time at Swisslog, Jens held several leading positions in the logistics sector. During his time at Swisslog he demonstrated his ability to successfully transform an international complex business, bringing different cultures closer together, and achieving financial growth. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to our company's growth and cultural transformation led to his appointment as Swisslog CEO, starting January 2024.
Judeke Frederiks
Executive Vice President People & Organization
Judeke is a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, holding significant roles in the Netherlands, the US, and Switzerland, including her most recent position as HR leader for the commercial business at MSD across 32 European markets. She has passionately engaged in strategic areas such as Leadership Development, Talent Management, Change Management, and Diversity & Inclusion, while also leading initiatives in process simplification and HR system implementation. Judeke holds a Masters Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands and is passionate about fostering inclusive workplace cultures that empower diverse talent.
Giulia Colombi
Executive Vice President EMEA Region
Giulia brings extensive experience across business areas, working closely with customers to meet and exceed their business goals. She is dedicated to customer success and demonstrates a deep understanding of the dynamics of the EMEA region. She began her career at Swisslog as a Market Segment Sales Manager before leading the Design and Consulting team, and successfully transforming this into our Design and Engineering department. Giulia has a deep understanding of the dynamics of the EMEA region, so she plays a pivotal role in driving our continued growth and success.
Sean Wallingford
Executive Vice President Americas Region
Sean is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of driving growth and enhancing capabilities in North America. In his role at Swisslog, he is prioritizing the North American region's market potential. Aligned with Swisslog's strategy, he emphasizes holistic robot and data-based intralogistics solutions, leveraging the organization's greatest asset – its people. Sean is committed to expanding the Americas customer base, investing in competencies and customer service for top-tier project realization. His expertise positions Swisslog America for strong, sustainable growth, promising a vibrant future under his leadership.
Steven Wei Xie
Executive Vice President SEA Region
Steven is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in industrial equipment and logistics. He has led strategic initiatives and managed P&L for companies like Kardex and Konecranes. An MBA graduate from Oxford Brookes University, Steven also holds a B.Eng. in Automotive Combustion Engine from Shanghai University. Fluent in Chinese and English, he has enhanced his leadership skills through programs in Switzerland and the UK, focusing on expanding business operations in Greater China and North-East Asia. Steven is committed to business growth and innovation.
Dan Ulmamei
Executive Vice President ANZ Region
Dan was appointed Managing Director of Swisslog ANZ in 2022, after spending more than 26 years of his career in the logistics industry, most of it in various leadership positions. Dan’s people-focused approach, passion for the industry and extensive experience position him as an ideally equipped leader to drive this diverse region towards unprecedented success. Dan is committed to growing the Swisslog ANZ operations through a community culture and long-term partnerships, underpinned by the new Swisslog values, which he believes are about supporting one another, reveling in what we do, and delivering unparalleled value to our colleagues and customers.
Alexander Leitner
Executive Vice President Strategy & Markets
Alex has an extensive academic background in applied physics, economics, and innovation theory. As a visiting researcher and PhD examiner at ETH/HSG and the University of London, Alex also shares insights as an international conference speaker. With 14 years in global technology transformation, including 6 years at MH/WA, Alex has worked with notable companies such as TGW Logistics Group, KION Group, and BMW Group. Having lived and worked in various countries, Alex embraces a global citizen lifestyle. Known for building and leading cross-functional teams, Alex exhibits strong motivation, commitment, loyalty, and integrity. Excelling in innovation, product development, and strategic management, Alex plays a key role in high-tech sector transformations, leading by example with excellent networking skills and a focus on business innovation.
Mads Budde
Executive Vice President Technology & Development
Mads is a strategic and globally experienced leader known for his work in diverse industrial sectors ranging from renewable energy to medical systems. With a master's degree in electrical engineering from Aalborg University, Mads has held significant leadership roles in companies like NEL ASA, and Harman International. His career reflects a strong capability in leading large-scale R&D teams and executing transformative strategies that integrate global mindsets in engineering processes. He is recognized for his ability to motivate teams, manage across international platforms, and drive product innovation and market strategies effectively. Mads is committed to creating sustainable solutions that not only meet the technological demands of today's industries but also contribute positively to environmental and societal progress.
Cees Luijendijk
Executive Vice President Supply Chain
Cees, based in the Netherlands, brings extensive international experience across various disciplines, emphasizing strategy, change and risk management, PMO, controlling, and general management. With a strong background in the logistics sector, Cees excels in crafting strategic plans, overseeing projects through PMO, and implementing effective financial controls. His global perspective and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset for organizations navigating the complexities of the dynamic logistics industry.
James Sharples
Executive Vice President Commercial Excellence
James is a dynamic executive with over 20 years in the automation and logistics industry. He drives revenue growth through global key account development and innovative solutions like robotic item picking. Previously, he was VP Head of Strategic Accounts, significantly enhancing company revenue, and Managing Director of Swisslog (UK), where he led a 300% turnover increase to £75 million. James began his career as a Project Engineer at Wells Soft Drinks, consistently focusing on innovation and customer relationships.
Craig Arnold
Executive Vice President Customer Service Excellence
Craig joined Swisslog in January 2024, bringing extensive international experience from the UK and US markets. With a strong background in senior roles at companies like Vanderlande, British Airport Authority at Heathrow, Tesco, Emcor, and Hertz, he has focused on service, maintenance, and engineering functions, managing critical asset portfolios. Craig's expertise in service organizations within top-tier environments allows him to adopt best practices that enhance Swisslog's offerings. Committed to building strong partnerships, his mission at Swisslog is to maximize the service business's potential and drive sustainable value for customers and the company.
Martin Maier
Executive Vice President Operations Excellence
Martin is an established executive with over 20 years of experience in project management and supply chain automation. He excels in leading global execution teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, fostering high-performance, multicultural collaboration and continuous improvement. With leadership roles at FORTNA, Dematic, and KNAPP Inc., he has implemented global execution methodologies and driven efficiency initiatives. Fluent in English and German, Martin is committed to optimizing operations and exceeding business objectives.
