Ascential Technologies, a global provider of automated diagnostic, inspection, assembly and test systems and services across a wide range of industries, has hired Erik Petersen as regional director of Aerospace and Industrials (A&I) in the Americas. In this position, Petersen will play an integral role in accelerating growth in the North American market and strengthening the company’s partnerships regionally. 

With over two decades of leadership experience in manufacturing and industrial sectors, including aerospace and defense, he has a proven track record of driving strategic growth, operational excellence and international expansion. Additionally, he has extensive expertise in engineered products, capital equipment, and highly regulated industries. 

“Erik’s commercial strength, his ability to create high performing teams, his lean transformation skills, and his experience with M&A and business integration all put him in the perfect position to take us to the next level in his new role,” said Scott Watts, Test & Measurement Systems divisional CEO for Ascential Technologies. “We are very excited to have him here with us.”  

Most recently, Petersen worked for Magnetic Holdings, LLC (now Permag), a private equity platform business which serves many industries, including aerospace and defense, life sciences and semiconductor capital equipment. During his time with the company, he served as vice president of Sales & Marketing, where he also had interim stretch assignments as general manager and head of R&D Engineering. He also previously worked at Konecranes, a global leader in material handling solutions across multiple industries. During his tenure at the company, he worked in business development and sales leadership capacities, following several years as a technical lead overseeing product management and aftermarket services.

Petersen earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management with an emphasis in finance and organizational leadership. 

In his spare time, the Evanston, Illinois, resident volunteers as a committee chair for a Scouting America cub scout pack and serves as an event organizer for Kellogg Cares Day, an event supporting care and maintenance of woodlands near his alma mater. 

For more information, visit www.ascentialtech.com.