Eriez promotes three executives to key leadership positions

Equipment manufacturer Eriez has made three promotions of leaders to new positions. The appointments reflect an increased emphasis on global initiatives to support the company’s growing international footprint.

John Blicha has been promoted from director of global marketing and communications to senior director of global marketing and communications. He will take on an elevated role on Eriez’ corporate executive team, developing and executing global market growth strategies while continuing to provide strategic and operational direction to Eriez-USA and all Eriez global subsidiaries in the execution of world-class marketing programs. Blicha’s ongoing duties include overseeing all corporate advertising and public relations campaigns, the company’s websites and its participation at industry trade shows.

Blicha joined Eriez in 2012. He holds two degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor of Science in marketing and a Bachelor of Science in management. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from California University of Pennsylvania.

Greg Nowak has been promoted from technical director of research and development to senior technical director. He will serve as a key member of Eriez’ corporate management team and provide strategic leadership to the Eriez-USA engineering team, as well as directing the company’s global research and development efforts. According to Eriez Executive Vice President of Global Technology Mike Mankosa, “Greg’s work in both these areas is critical to the success of Eriez’ corporate goal of sales growth and product standardization.”

Nowak joined Eriez in 1989. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Gannon University.

Chris Knoll has been promoted from product engineering manager to director of global research and development. He will now be directly responsible for all Eriez corporate product research and development activities. According to Eriez, Knoll will utilize his industry expertise and project management skills to spearhead new product innovations.

Knoll joined Eriez in 2011. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Gannon University and holds a professional engineering license.