Gregg Holst is a highly accomplished executive with over 44 years of leadership experience spanning diverse industries, including manufacturing, industrial automation, and data center infrastructure. Renowned for his ability to transform underperforming organizations into thriving, innovative entities, Gregg has held prominent roles as President, COO, and CEO in both publicly traded and privately held environments. His leadership philosophy centers on aligning operational excellence with strategic foresight to achieve sustained growth and value creation.
Until Jauary of this year, Gregg served as CEO of iAutomation, a Saw Mill Capital portfolio company, Gregg oversees operations from Maine to Florida, delivering high-end industrial automation solutions in partnership with ABB/B&R Automation. Under his leadership, iAutomation has scaled its portfolio to include contract manufacturing, high-speed machine building, and system and Robotic integration, solidifying its position as an industry leader. His efforts have been pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency and expanding market reach.
Gregg’s private equity expertise extends beyond operational roles to include board memberships with organizations such as OnRobot, where he provides strategic guidance for global automation initiatives, and Saw Mill Capital, where he drives value creation across portfolio companies. These roles underscore his ability to operate at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation.
A hallmark of Gregg’s career is his success in rebuilding organizational cultures. At Omron Automation and Safety and Rittal Corporation, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that earned accolades such as “Best & Brightest Places to Work.” His cultural initiatives prioritized employee engagement, customer-centric strategies, and cross-functional collaboration, resulting in double-digit growth and operational efficiencies.
Gregg is also a seasoned global leader with extensive international exposure, having collaborated with teams in Japan, Germany, China, India, Canada, and Latin America. His global perspective has enabled him to navigate complex market dynamics and foster partnerships that drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Throughout his career, Gregg has consistently championed strategic planning and execution. At Rittal, he introduced the innovative “Shock & Awe” campaign, which not only doubled sales in targeted product categories but also reshaped market perceptions. At Omron, his leadership resulted in sustained annual growth averaging 12% over a seven-year period, despite challenging economic conditions.
A dedicated mentor and consultant, Gregg has a passion for executive coaching and fostering the next generation of business leaders. His role as a Senior Consultant at RCMS and as a member of Bradley University’s Business & Engineering Advisory Council highlights his commitment to knowledge sharing and professional development.
Outside the boardroom, Gregg is actively involved in community initiatives. For over two decades, he has supported the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer as a fundraiser and coach, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the workplace.
Gregg’s academic foundation in Electrical Engineering Technology from Bradley University, complemented by advanced executive management training at General Electric and Square D, has equipped him with the technical expertise and strategic acumen to drive innovation and growth in complex industries.
Character
Gregg Holst exemplifies integrity, resilience, and a commitment to fostering environments where individuals and organizations excel. His leadership is defined by a focus on building winning cultures and driving transformational change with empathy and purpose.
Knowledge
With extensive expertise in industrial automation, manufacturing, and business development, Gregg has a deep understanding of complex market dynamics. His technical foundation and years of hands-on experience equip him to deliver innovative solutions and sustainable growth strategies.
Strategic
Gregg’s ability to craft and execute transformative strategies has consistently resulted in operational excellence and market leadership. His visionary approach ensures alignment between organizational goals and evolving industry demands, driving long-term success.
Communication
As an effective communicator, Gregg excels at building trust, aligning diverse stakeholders, and fostering collaboration across global teams. His ability to articulate clear visions and inspire action has been instrumental in his leadership success.
