PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) today announced the appointment of Eric Gebhardt to Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective September 14. In this role, Gebhardt will lead Wabtec’s global technology and investment strategy, new product development, and global engineering organization.
A respected technologist with more than 30 years of experience, Gebhardt built his career developing innovative technology solutions in power generation, battery storage, renewables, and distributed power. He comes to this role as former Managing Director of KCK-US, an investment firm focused on the energy, life science, and industrial sectors. Prior, he spent nearly 30 years with General Electric in a variety of global engineering and leadership roles where he was responsible for driving the strategic direction for product and portfolio development, including Chief Technology Officer of GE Power, Chief Product Management Officer for Energy Connections, Chief Platforms and Operations Officer for Current, and Chief Technology Officer for GE Oil & Gas, among others.
“Eric is a powerhouse technology leader and key architect in developing cutting-edge solutions in power generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization,” said Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec. “His deep knowledge across the energy sector, extensive track record of building high performing product development and delivery teams, and experience designing product portfolios and digital solutions that minimize energy consumption, improve fuel efficiency and expand the use of alternative fuels will be key to meeting customer demand for cleaner, more energy-efficient transport and integral to Wabtec’s continued growth.”
“This is an exciting time to be joining Wabtec,” said Gebhardt. “The company’s core technology is proven beyond dispute and we have an opportunity to leverage Wabtec’s scale and breakthrough technologies in energy management, digital, and advanced automation to expand innovation across the technology stack. I look forward to combining the team’s incredible capabilities and knowledge with my experiences to further shape the future of transportation.”
Gebhardt, who succeeds Dominique Malenfant in this role, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, has received nine patents for his pioneering work across the energy sector, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. The freight portfolio features a comprehensive line of locomotives, software applications and a broad selection of mission-critical controls systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC). The transit portfolio provides highly engineered systems and services to virtually every major rail transit system around the world, supplying an integrated series of components for buses and all train-related market segments that deliver safety, efficiency and passenger comfort. Along with its industry-leading portfolio of products and solutions for the rail and transit industries, Wabtec is a leader in mining, marine and industrial solutions. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit the company’s new website at: www.WabtecCorp.com.