“A Strong Leader Dedicated to Driving Innovation, Developing People, and Delivering Measurable Results.”
James “Jim” Newkirk is an accomplished executive whose career spans more than twenty-five years across aerospace, defense, automation, advanced manufacturing, medical device, industrial systems, and complex engineered solutions. From his earliest engineering roles to senior general management positions overseeing more than $60 million in annual revenue, Jim has built a reputation as a dynamic, strategic, and people-centered leader capable of transforming organizations, elevating performance, and delivering meaningful impact. His story is one of continuous growth—rooted in technical expertise, shaped by high-stakes commercial leadership, and defined by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and long-term partnership building.
Jim began his career as an Application and Product Engineer, gaining firsthand exposure to the technical and operational challenges faced by manufacturing and engineering organizations. His early experience managing production lines and supporting engineering teams sharpened his problem-solving skills and laid a foundation for understanding how products are designed, built, improved, and ultimately delivered to market. These formative years also fueled his appreciation for the intersection of engineering and business, prompting him to pursue opportunities that allowed him to bridge both worlds.
As he transitioned into sales and account management roles, Jim quickly distinguished himself with his ability to blend technical insight with customer-centric communication. At Invensys Appliance Controls, he managed a portfolio exceeding $19 million, drove substantial revenue growth, and introduced structured teams to address field returns, cost reductions, and product development opportunities. This period demonstrated his natural ability to create alignment between engineering, operations, and customer-facing teams, ultimately strengthening brand presence and increasing value for clients across multiple industries.
Jim’s progression to senior commercial leadership at Graco further showcased his strategic capabilities. Managing a diverse territory across multiple states, he consistently exceeded revenue targets while strengthening distribution networks and increasing brand recognition in competitive markets. His success in this role reflected not only his sharp business acumen but also his resilience and adaptability, as he navigated the volatile housing industry and maintained performance during uncertain economic periods.
His leadership trajectory accelerated significantly during his tenure at Carl Zeiss Industrial, where he was tasked with revitalizing underperforming operations and expanding market share in key territories. Jim successfully launched the West Coast Technical Center, grew revenues from $900,000 to $14 million within five years, and increased market share from 5% to 29%. These achievements were the result of deliberate strategy, disciplined execution, and his innate ability to inspire teams of engineers, sales professionals, and service technicians to rally around a shared mission. The years he spent at Zeiss solidified his reputation as a leader capable of scaling operations, entering new markets, and delivering sustained commercial success.
Jim’s later executive roles—spanning Fives Machining Systems, Mazak Corporation, Optomec, and ultimately Gosiger—expanded his impact across national and global markets. At Fives, he strengthened relationships with strategic aerospace and defense customers, led multimillion-dollar capital equipment projects, and earned recognition for record-breaking quarterly sales and executive performance. His time at Mazak placed him at the helm of regional operations with full P&L responsibility, where he drove revenue, restructured sales channels, and expanded value awareness in highly competitive sectors.
At Gosiger, where he serves in senior leadership, Jim oversees substantial revenue centers, technical teams, and multi-disciplinary operations across Southern California. His work includes implementing advanced CRM systems, developing long-term sales strategies, cultivating engineering and service teams, and integrating smart factory and automation technologies into customer environments. Jim’s leadership has resulted in increased market share, stronger customer loyalty, and a more structured, data-driven approach to organizational performance.
Beyond the numbers, Jim is deeply motivated by the opportunity to build high-performing teams and empower people to grow professionally. He is widely regarded as a mentor who leads by example, communicates with clarity, and creates environments where teams can innovate, take calculated risks, and deliver measurable results. His public speaking background and executive presence make him a compelling communicator who can engage audiences from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Jim’s global perspective—shaped by professional exposure in China, Mexico, Japan, and South America—enhances his ability to guide organizations navigating complex markets, international supply chains, and diverse cultural considerations. His Executive MBA from the University of Southern California complements his engineering foundation, giving him a balanced understanding of strategy, finance, operations, and leadership that strengthens his contributions at the board and executive levels.
Today, Jim is actively exploring board and advisory opportunities not only because he feels prepared to contribute meaningfully, but also because he recognizes the unique moment organizations are experiencing in a rapidly shifting post-pandemic economy. With emerging technologies accelerating change, private equity activity expanding, and innovation reshaping traditional industries, he sees a clear opportunity for experienced leaders to bring structure, insight, and stability. Jim believes he can offer substantial value to boards seeking a leader with technical depth, commercial vision, and operational rigor—someone capable of helping companies scale responsibly while remaining agile and competitive.
Jim’s personal leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering value with integrity. He is driven by the belief that successful organizations are built on strong relationships, transparent communication, and a commitment to shared success. His track record demonstrates not only what he has achieved, but how he achieved it—with purpose, precision, and an unwavering focus on people.
Character:
Jim demonstrates exceptional character through his consistent commitment to integrity, accountability, and organizational stewardship. He approaches every challenge with humility and a willingness to learn, ensuring that his decisions reflect both ethical values and long-term organizational health. His respect for people and dedication to mentorship further reinforce the strength of his character.
Knowledge:
His knowledge reflects decades of experience across engineering, sales, operations, and executive leadership, giving him a comprehensive understanding of complex business environments. He continually expands his expertise by embracing new technologies and market trends, particularly in automation and advanced manufacturing. His technical background combined with strategic business education allows him to provide informed, multidimensional insights to any leadership team.
Strategic:
Jim exemplifies strategic thinking by consistently aligning long-term vision with practical execution in ways that generate measurable growth. He is adept at identifying emerging opportunities, restructuring teams, and optimizing processes to position organizations competitively. His ability to balance innovation with disciplined financial oversight ensures strategies that are both ambitious and achievable.
Communication:
Exceling in communication through his clear, persuasive, and audience-tailored approach, whether speaking with engineers, executives, or customers. He uses communication as a tool for alignment, motivation, and relationship-building across complex stakeholder groups. His public speaking experience and executive presence further enhance his influence as a leader and advisor.
