Rob Karsmakers Wins the Inaugural European Manufacturing Leadership Award 2014

LONDON, September 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The inaugural European Manufacturing Leadership Award 2014 has recognised the pioneering leadership demonstrated by the decision to re-shore Philips shaver production operation from China to the Netherlands.

This special Award has been launched to celebrate the first 10 years of WTG's market leading European Manufacturing Strategies Summit- and is designed to recognise an individual who has demonstrated pioneering leadership in driving excellence, performance and competitiveness within European manufacturing.

Following a process of peer nomination and an industry vote, WTG are delighted to announce that Rob Karsmakers, VP and Site Manager - Philips Consumer Lifestyle is the first recipient of the European Manufacturing Award.  

Rob Karsmakers said: "I am greatly honored to be awarded this prize. It shows recognition for the work done to put the manufacturing industry back on the map as a foundation for a sustainable European society.

Rob Karsmakers has worked within Phillips for 18 years and has experience in industrial, engineering and general business management functions. He is an experienced turnaround manager and excels in building high performing teams in what is a multi-cultural, global business. Rob plays a direct role in the future of manufacturing within Philips. He was a key figure behind the decision to reshore their shaver production operation from China to the Dutch town of Drachten.

Mr Karsmakers's award will be officially presented at the European Manufacturing Leadership Award Gala Dinner on the evening of Tuesday 28 October at the 10th Annual European Manufacturing Strategies Summit 2014.

Past Summit speakers and Advisory Board members were asked to provide the nominations for this Award and Mr Karsmaker was chosen by industry vote from the shortlist of industry heavyweights - which also included Jochen Ruehl, Director, GTM PS FemCare One Europe of Procter & Gamble; Bob Spooner, CEO of Hovis; and Guillaume Vendroux, Vice President, Industrial of Alstom Transport

About  

The European Manufacturing Strategies Summit is taking place on  27-29 October 2014, at the Swissotel, Düsseldorf, Germany. http://www.ems-summit.com

The European Manufacturing Strategies Summit is run by leading event organiser WTG events. WTG events offer innovative event formats which include pre-scheduled meetings, site tours and organised social activities across the sectors of Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Energy, Food & Beverage, Business Services and Pharma, to ensure attendees fully maximise the positive outcomes from business networking, strategic business opportunities and new connections.

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