BOXBOROUGH, MA — Inspection, testing and certification company TÜV Rheinland Industrial Solutions appointed Robert Burns as chief operating officer. In his new role, Burns will report directly to the chief regional officer and will be responsible for all operational aspects of TRIS, including staff management and profit and loss accountability.

Burns comes to TÜV Rheinland with more than 20 years of experience in growing businesses through strategic planning, development and operations. He is well-versed in functional departments, from customer service to finance, and specializes in testing and inspection services for major oil and pipeline companies.

His particular areas of expertise include mergers, acquisitions and business integration as well as managing accelerated organic growth.

Prior to joining TÜV Rheinland, Burns served as president and CEO of Applus RTD USA in Houston, where he managed the non-destructive testing and inspection company’s operations and directed the asset integrity management services to major oil and pipeline companies. Burns was the president and COO of PetroChem Inspection Services, Inc., also in Houston. In addition, he was the vice president and general manager of HMT Inspection and Engineering Services.

“Burns’ impressive track record of helping companies achieve their full potential and take a lead in the markets, combined with a deep understanding of industrial inspection services, makes him a perfect addition to TÜV Rheinland team,” said TÜV Rheinland’s Chief Regional Officer Gerhard Luebken. “We are confident that his leadership and business management skills will help guide TRIS to the forefront of the industrial inspection services scene.”

Burns has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a frequent speaker with the American Petroleum Institute, the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association and the Independent Liquid Terminals Association.

For additional information about TRIS, visit www.tuvris.com.