Eric Starkloff has been appointed president and chief operating officer of National Instruments, responsible for leading NI's global sales, marketing and R&D. Previously, Starkloff was serving as the executive VP responsible for global sales and marketing, a role he assumed in 2014. He joined NI in 1997.
Alex Davern will remain CEO, focusing on the company's long-term strategic direction. He assumed the role of CEO in January 2017, after NI co-founder James Truchard retired. The change in Davern's role will enable him to accelerate growth, both organically and inorganically, according to a company announcement.
Under Starkloff's leadership, NI’s sales organization shifted to a targeted market strategy focused on growth opportunities and key accounts in semiconductor, transportation, aerospace, defense and government.
“We have delivered dramatic improvement in our operating performance over the last two years; allowing us to increase our focus on revenue growth. Driving accelerated growth — both organically and inorganically — will require increased strategic focus. As a result, we have promoted Eric to president and COO. His leadership capabilities, deep knowledge of our customer needs, and more than two decades of NI experience will help ensure alignment and accelerate decision making.” — Alex Davern
“I’m honored by this opportunity and responsibility. By better aligning sales, marketing, and R&D around the needs of our customers, we create more focus on growth opportunities. I am committed to driving growth by building on our industry-leading platform and delivering more value to our customers.” — Eric Starkloff