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Yaskawa reorganizes its European leadership
Yaskawa EMEA has announced the appointment of Pär Tornemo as President & CEO, following the retirement of Marcus Mead
Effective March 1, 2026, Pär Tornemo has been appointed President & CEO of Yaskawa Europe GmbH. Mr. Tornemo has been with Yaskawa since 2007 in various leadership roles, including Managing Director of Yaskawa Nordic AB and, most recently, Senior Vice President of the European Robotics Division.
Reflecting on the company's future, Mr. Tornemo stated, "Yaskawa is entering a new era characterized by digitalization, AI-driven automation, and sustainable business practices that will define our success. Collaborating with our team, we aim to further strengthen the connection between our company's global expertise and the needs of our European customers."
The organization has further communicated additional leadership adjustments across the EMEA region.
Pär Tornemo, Bobbie Linkenbach and Sibel Yanak, serve as the managing directors of Yaskawa Europe, reflecting the company’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic direction across its operations.
Sibel Yanak appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer
Sibel Yanak, who joined Yaskawa Europe in February 2025 as SVP Finance, has been appointed to Chief Financial Officer. She brings more than 16 years of experience in financial and sustainability audit and advisory within leading professional services firms. Most recently, she served as Director at PwC. In her new role, she will focus on standardizing and centralizing the EMEA finance organization, strengthening governance and compliance frameworks, and driving the development of sustainability reporting across the region.
Bobbie Linkenbach to Continue Leading Yaskawa’s Drives & Motion Control Division
Yaskawa confirms continuity in the leadership of its Drives & Motion Control Division. Bobbie Linkenbach, will continue to head the division as Senior Vice President and drive its ongoing expansion. Under his leadership, Yaskawa has reinforced its position as a technology leader and the continued management stability underscores Yaskawa’s long term commitment to innovation, performance, and customer-focused solutions in drive and motion control technology.
Jörg Rommelfanger Appointed President of Robotics DACH Region
Effective August 2025, Jörg Rommelfanger has taken on the role of President for Yaskawa’s Robotics DACH Region, overseeing operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With substantial experience in the robotics industry, including prior leadership positions at ABB, Mr. Rommelfanger provides critical expertise to Yaskawa.
He states, " The DACH region continues to grow as a leading robotics market, driven by skilled‑labor shortages, smart‑factory development, and rising demand for flexible automation. Yaskawa aims to turn these challenges into opportunities by strengthening customer presence, highlighting our core portfolio, and expanding collaborations. Beyond welding, we will grow in logistics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, while advancing AI‑driven robotics with Motoman Next. “
Yaskawa in Europe
Established in Japan in 1915, Yaskawa has become a global leader in robotics, drive, and control technology. Since 1979, the company has maintained a dedicated subsidiary in Europe. Yaskawa Europe GmbH, headquartered in Hattersheim near Frankfurt, comprises two primary business units: Drives Motion Controls (automation, drive, and control technology) and Robotics (Motoman industrial robots and systems). The organisation serves markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.