JR Automation appoints industry vet as new technology chief

HOLLAND — Global automation leader JR Automation recently announced the appointment of Farid Bichareh as its new chief technology officer.

The move signals a strategic push by the company to deepen its footprint in AI-driven manufacturing and digital transformation.

Bichareh joins the leadership team with more than 25 years of experience in robotics, digital engineering, and industrial automation.

Throughout his career, Bichareh has specialized in unifying mechanical, electrical and software controls into cohesive, scalable architectures.

“Farid’s deep technical expertise and his track record of modernizing engineering organizations make him an exceptional fit,” said Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi’s Automation Division. “His vision will help us advance our global technology roadmap and strengthen our digital capabilities.”

Bichareh previously held high-profile roles in the broader tech ecosystem, including serving as the Smart Factory Chair for the Industry IoT Consortium. His work there focused on establishing the standards and best practices that now govern interoperability in next-generation industrial automation.

Bichareh’s arrival coincides with a period of rapid convergence between automation and artificial intelligence.

“Automation, AI — especially physical AI — and digital engineering are converging faster than ever,” Bichareh said in a statement. “JR Automation, together with Hitachi, is uniquely positioned to lead that transformation.”

With a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees across 21 facilities worldwide, JR Automation remains a cornerstone of the Hitachi Group’s strategy to deliver scalable, intelligent manufacturing solutions to a global market.

— Submitted by JR Automation To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.