We are thrilled to announce a remarkable upcoming event as part of our renowned CEO Series at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. On October 17, 2023, we will have the honor of hosting Mr. Jonathan Dawley, the CEO of KION North America Corporation, for an engaging and insightful discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on global logistics.
For nearly a century, logistics and material handling have revolved around the unchanging presence of forklifts as the fundamental tools for moving goods. Many companies adhered to conventional material movement practices, emphasizing simplicity and tradition. While leading retailers adopted automation, utilizing conveyor systems and sortation technology for parcel and small package processing, a pivotal question lingered: How could we innovate the handling of palletized loads, the lifeblood of various industries?
Today, a dynamic shift in manufacturing and distribution compels firms to reevaluate their reliance on manual labor, seeking automated solutions. The scarcity of skilled labor, coupled with the pursuit of unmatched consistency and efficiency, drives this evolution. This transformation transcends mechanical boundaries, shaping logistics into a fusion of software and advanced tech. As automation and AI infiltrate the logistics sector, warehouse operations undergo a revolutionary overhaul. Looking ahead to 2040, automation and AI will undoubtedly centralize warehouse operations. While it’s unlikely that humans will be entirely absent from these environments, their roles will evolve significantly.
This exclusive CEO Series event presents a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the synergy between human expertise and technological prowess that will redefine the logistics landscape, making it more efficient, adaptive, and responsive to the ever-evolving demands of global supply chains. In this era of automation and AI, the logistics industry is poised for an exhilarating transformation that will undoubtedly shape the future of material handling and distribution
Program Partner
Program Information:
Date:
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
VIP Reception:
11:30 – 12:00 PM ET
Lunch & Presentation:
12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location:
Hilton Charlotte Uptown Directions
Cost:
$50 (WACC Member Rate)
$65 (Non-Member Rate)
$35 (Young Professionals of the WACC Member)
$35 (WACC Student Member / Teacher Member)
- For non-online payments, please call 704-687-7762
- Mail your check to (World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223)
Biography:
Jonathan Dawley has been President & CEO of KION North America Corporation, a member of the KION Group, since 2020 and is responsible for all financial, commercial, engineering, and operational activities. Since 2020, KION North America has grown its revenue by over 125% and order intake by over 300%. A key element of growth has been organizational and distribution development, in which Mr. Dawley has led establishing strong leadership at all levels to enable sustainable results.
Under Mr. Dawley’s leadership, KION North America announced an operational expansion doubling production capacity and installing deep vertical integration. This focus, on localized manufacturing capability and an enhanced global supply chain, supports KION North America’s ability to unlock profitable growth, advance market penetration and achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Before joining KION Group, Mr. Dawley was the Americas CEO of Putzmeister Holding GmbH, a subsidiary of Sany Heavy Industry Corporation. It was there that he led all corporate functions and sites from Canada to Brazil. Between 2014 and 2018, he led the global aftermarket business at JLG Industries Corporation, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, where he, amongst other major Initiatives, established a global warehousing and distribution strategy with new operations in the U.S., EMEA, and China.
From 2005 to 2014, Mr. Dawley gained extensive executive leadership experience at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Corporation as President of Hyster, President of the Large Capacity equipment division, and Vice President of Marketing, including Product strategy.
Before 2005, Mr. Dawley spent 10 years in the automotive sector, working with Ford Motor Company and DaimlerChrysler headquarters on product and distribution strategy and technology deployment.
Mr. Dawley currently serves as a board member with the German American Chamber of Commerce Southeast, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. Additionally, he serves on the President’s Council for Industry and Innovation at the College of Charleston.
