SME Appoints New CEO

SME has appointed Jeannine Kunz as new executive director and chief executive officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2025. Kunz succeeds Robert “Bob” Willig who, earlier this year, announced his retirement at the end of 2024.

Kunz brings 24 years of manufacturing experience, recently as SME’s chief workforce development officer where she leads a team focused on strategies nationally and partnering locally to build systematic approaches to workforce development.

Kunz has a network of industry relationships, serving as a board of director for the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group and Coalition for Career Development as well as co-chair with CESMII of the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council, the workforce committee chair of the manufacturing division of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), and the education and workforce committee member for ARM, the Robotics Institute.

“We are thrilled to elevate Jeannine Kunz to the role of CEO,” says Winston F. Erevelles, SME president. “Her extraordinary vision has helped SME move to the forefront of the manufacturing industry as thought leaders and doers. We are confident that Jeannine will ensure the long-term success of SME.”

Willig adds, “I have worked closely with Jeannine during my four years at SME and she is an inspiring, collaborative and committed leader who will ensure SME continues to play an important role in the advancement of the industry and the nation.”

“Seeing the barriers impacting individuals, businesses and government and slowing the nation’s economic progress has fueled my passion and pursuit for solving manufacturing challenges and seizing its opportunities through collaborative industry partnerships and innovative solutions,” says Kunz.

“I am truly honored to take on this role and lead SME into its next 100 years,” Kunz continues. “As we continue to innovate and evolve, I’m eager to collaborate with our talented team, members, and partners to unlock new opportunities for growth and deliver on SME’s mission.”

Global organizational consulting firm, Korn Ferry, conducted the search of internal and external candidates.

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