MILWAUKEE – March 28, 2023 – Best in Biz Awards, the only independent business awards program judged each year by prominent editors and reporters from top-tier publications in North America, named Rockwell Automation a silver winner in three categories: Most Innovative Company of the Year – Large, Technology Executive of the Year and Innovator of the Year. Chris Nardecchia, senior vice president, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, at Rockwell Automation was recognized for his leadership in both the Technology Executive of the Year and Innovator of the Year categories.
As a global leader in industrial automation, Rockwell Automation is committed to the next generation of smarter manufacturing by making the world more productive and sustainable with a focus on technology innovation, domain expertise, integrity and corporate responsibility. The wins in these three categories recognize the hardworking team at Rockwell Automation powering next-generation innovations.
With over 120 years of industrial expertise, Rockwell Automation approaches begin with a deep understanding of the best opportunities for productivity, then combines differentiated technology and domain expertise to deliver positive business outcomes. Rockwell Automation does this by simplifying the customer experience at every step, from initial solution development through services and reports.
Responsible for strategic vision, operational excellence and change management of information technology initiatives across Rockwell Automation, Nardecchia continues to transform the DNA of the company. The creation of the Enterprise Transformation Office (ExO) facilitated the ongoing business model transformation. The ExO evaluates the current state and future state of maturity needed at each step of the ILAERA (Innovate, Land, Adopt, Expand, Renew, Analyze) business model. It has identified business capabilities at each step of the new business model, mapped out end-to-end business processes and customer experience needs for the target state, and prioritized investments to make the holistic experience come to life for customers.
"It is an honor to not only work for a company that is recognized as an innovator, but to be named as an innovator myself takes that honor to another level,” said Nardecchia. “Creating an environment where innovation can thrive requires the combined efforts of the entire organization. Innovation is in our DNA, and success is possible because of our deep domain expertise in the industries we serve and our relentless focus on helping customers achieve their goals. This award validates the culture we have built at Rockwell Automation and the commitment we have to our customers as an organization.”
The 12th annual program saw fierce competition among more than 700 entries from public and private companies of all sizes and representing all industries and regions in the U.S. and Canada, ranging from some of the most iconic global brands to the most innovative start-ups and resilient local companies. This year’s judges highlighted the winning companies’ visionary leadership, innovative strides in the use of new technologies, laudable employee diversity and inclusion programs and workplace best practices, and many winners’ continued community involvement and monetary and time investments in their environment and corporate social responsibility programs.
Since the program’s inception in 2011, winners in Best in Biz Awards have been determined based on scoring from independent judging panels assembled each year from some of the most respected national and local newspapers, TV and radio outlets, and business, consumer, technology and trade publications in North America. Thanks to the impressive diversity of represented outlets and the unparalleled experience and expertise of the editors and reporters serving as judges, Best in Biz Awards judging panels are uniquely suited to objectively determine the best of the best from among the hundreds of competitive entries. The 2022 judging panel included, among others, writers from AdWeek, Computerworld, Forbes, The Globe & Mail, Inc., The Oregonian and Portland Tribune.
“The depth and breadth of this year’s nominees in Best in Biz Awards – and especially the winners – demonstrate savvy business acumen among the leadership and represent the type of entrepreneurship powering today’s economy,” said Dustin Klein, Smart Business, judging his first Best in Biz Awards competition.
Best in Biz Awards 2022 honors were conferred in 100 different categories, including Company of the Year, Fastest-Growing Company, Most Innovative Company, Best Place to Work, Customer Service Department, Executive of the Year, Marketing Executive, Most Innovative Service, Enterprise Product, Best New Product, App, CSR Program, Environmental Program, Website and Film/Video of the Year. For a full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2022, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com/2022-winners.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.
About Best in Biz Awards
Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has been the only independent business awards program judged by a who’s who of prominent reporters and editors from top-tier publications from North America and around the world. Over the years, judges in the prestigious awards program have ranged from Associated Press to the Wall Street Journal and winners have spanned the spectrum, from blue-chip companies that form the bedrock of the global economy to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups and nimble local companies. Each year, Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in two separate programs: North America and International, and in 100 categories, including company, team, executive, product, and CSR, media, PR and other categories. For more information, visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com.
Media Contact:
Chaya Jacobs
Director, Global Public Relations
Rockwell Automation
414-305-2784
CJacobs@rockwellautomation.com
Published March 28, 2023