CESMII, The Smart Manufacturing Institute, today announced that Ira Sharp, Director of Product Marketing for Automation at Phoenix Contact USA, has joined its governance board.
Sharp succeeds Lou Grice, Phoenix Contact Vice President of Digitalization and Government Affairs, who has retired after playing a foundational role in the company's Smart Manufacturing leadership.
Sharp brings more than 18 years of industrial automation experience to the role, with deep expertise in Open Control, IIoT, Industry 4.0, networking, and cybersecurity. Over the past 15 years, he has led marketing, engineering, and sales teams overseeing a multi-million dollar product portfolio. He is also a recognized LinkedIn content creator focused on automation, a co-founder of the Industry 4.0 Club, and a board advisor for IIoT-World. Sharp was named to Onalytica's Who's Who for IIoT in both 2021 and 2022, and ranked among the Top 100 IoT Influencers by CBT.
"Ira brings a rare combination of technical depth and industry influence to our board. We are proud to have him representing Phoenix Contact as we accelerate the future of Smart Manufacturing together."
John Dyck, CEO, CESMII
Phoenix Contact Development and Manufacturing, Inc. joined CESMII as a Platinum Member with a shared mission to radically accelerate the development and adoption of advanced sensors, controls, platforms, and models. Together, they aim to make Smart Manufacturing the driving sustainable engine behind real-time business improvements in U.S. manufacturing.
Sharp's appointment signals continued momentum for Phoenix Contact's commitment to Smart Manufacturing leadership and its ongoing collaboration with CESMII to shape the future of U.S. industry.
