Our Leadership | Distribution Design-Build Firm | FORTNA

Leadership at FORTNA

Robert McKeel

Chief Executive Officer

Robert has overall responsibility for FORTNA’s strategy, capital allocation, performance for customers, and establishing culture. Through his unique...

Robert has overall responsibility for FORTNA’s strategy, capital allocation, performance for customers, and establishing culture. Through his unique combination of technical breadth, financial acumen, and operational expertise, he owns the financial performance of the enterprise. He will continue to grow and transform FORTNA through expanding offerings and capabilities, diversifying markets and customers, and global expansion.

Robert holds an MBA from James Madison University, a Master of Computer Science degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Greater Atlanta and currently serves on the marketing sub-committee.

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Kathleen Phelps

Chief Financial Officer

Kathleen is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company and supporting FORTNA operating teams across the globe. Kathleen...

Kathleen is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company and supporting FORTNA operating teams across the globe. Kathleen brings 20 years of financial leadership experience with global, large multi-billion-dollar businesses and offers a robust background of driving seamless enterprise integrations, systems implementations and organizational transformations.

Kathleen holds an MBA from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business from The University of Georgia. She currently serves on the Alumni Board of The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and on the Board of Trustees of Springmont School.

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Keith Bauer

Chief Human Resources Officer

Keith provides strategic leadership in all areas of human resources, including organizational effectiveness and talent acquisition and management....

Keith provides strategic leadership in all areas of human resources, including organizational effectiveness and talent acquisition and management. Working closely with the executive management team and employees, Keith assesses needs and implements HR solutions that enable FORTNA to attract, develop, and engage the talent needed to drive business success.

Keith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a Master of Arts in Industrial and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

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Yani Liaskos

Chief Product and Technology Officer

Yani is responsible for the FORTNA product development organization, leveraging his robust experience in software, robotics and R&D to design and...

Yani is responsible for the FORTNA product development organization, leveraging his robust experience in software, robotics and R&D to design and develop solutions that solve our customer’s most difficult challenges. His deep understanding of operational processes, technology and engineering acumen continue to elevate our full spectrum of offerings that drive competitive advantage.

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Jim Hilderhoff

Senior Vice President, Lifecycle Performance Services

With decades of experience in services and a passion for customers, Jim leads our lifecycle performance services group. Dedicated to serve our...

With decades of experience in services and a passion for customers, Jim leads our lifecycle performance services group. Dedicated to serve our customer base with services to maximize uptime, ensure operational performance and increase system longevity for warehouse, distribution and sorting solutions throughout their lifecycle.

Jim holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science from Penn State University.

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Brian Finken

Senior Vice President – Operations

Brian brings a 20-year history of delivering profitable growth and solutions for leading project, technology and manufacturing operations. He embeds...

Brian brings a 20-year history of delivering profitable growth and solutions for leading project, technology and manufacturing operations. He embeds his rich understanding of project delivery from procurement to product delivery to integrate the right solution for our customers while bringing new innovations to their operations.

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Pei Zhang

General Counsel

Pei is responsible for overseeing legal, compliance, Health Safety & Environmental, and Sustainability/ESG at FORTNA. Acting as a trusted advisor to...

Pei is responsible for overseeing legal, compliance, Health Safety & Environmental, and Sustainability/ESG at FORTNA. Acting as a trusted advisor to the executive management team, Pei provides strategic advice to help guide FORTNA towards long-term success and sustainability. Pei also serves as the Corporate Secretary.

Pei holds a Bachelor of Law from Peking University in China and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Louisville.

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Thomas van Workum

President, FORTNA International

Thomas leads our international leaders across commercial, operations and services supporting FORTNA’s global expansion.

Thomas holds a Master...

Thomas leads our international leaders across commercial, operations and services supporting FORTNA’s global expansion.

Thomas holds a Master degree in Management from Nyenrode Business University and a Bachelors degree in International Technology Management and Mechanical Engineering.

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Jeffrey Cashman

Senior Vice President, Corporate Development

Jeff leads the development process to enable growth through new partnerships and acquisitions. Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience driving...

Jeff leads the development process to enable growth through new partnerships and acquisitions. Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience driving scalable revenue growth with robust experience in supply chain technology, fulfillment software and robotics.

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