PTC to Name James E. Heppelmann to Chief Executive Officer

By DE Editors

PTC has announced that James E. Heppelmann, the company’s president and chief operating officer, will succeed C. Richard Harrison as PTC’s chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1,  2010. Harrison will become the company’s executive chairman. 

“Jim is a great leader who has already created tremendous value for PTC, its customers, shareholders and employees as a strategic member of the executive team,” says Harrison.  “With his background as an engineer, Jim is one of those rare individuals who can understand our customers’ business requirements and couple that with a unique vision for the industry, a passion for technology, and the leadership qualities to drive the company to deliver solutions that provide measurable business value.  I couldn’t imagine a better person to lead PTC and leverage the company’s momentum.” 

Heppelmann, 45, joined PTC in 1998 as a senior vice president when PTC acquired Windchill Technology, a company he founded.  He was promoted to executive vice president and chief technical officer in June 2001,  and two years later was named executive vice president of the Software and Marketing Group and chief product officer.  In this role, he was responsible for strategic direction, product development, and marketing.  He joined PTC’s Board of Directors in May 2008 and was named president and COO in March 2009. 

As Executive Chairman, Harrison, 54, will focus on customer and investor relationships that support the company’s strategic initiatives,  while continuing to perform his duties as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. 

For more information, visit PTC.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.