Fischer Connectors Group, a global provider of ultra-reliable and high-performance connectivity solutions, has appointed Alain Lafourcade as president of its U.S. subsidiary in charge of North American and Canadian operations, based in Alpharetta, Ga. Lafourcade has been a driving force within Fischer Connectors for seven years, serving as CIO from the Group's world headquarters in Saint-Prex, Switzerland. His wealth of knowledge in technology and organizational change management will allow Fischer Connectors to continue its North American growth, with a focus on moving the company's portfolio from connectors to connectivity solutions and strengthening partnerships with customers and local institutions as they reimagine connectivity.

Lafourcade has an extensive track record in business transformation and growth, with over 30 years of success in defining and implementing strategic plans. As CIO, Lafourcade was a member of the Group's Directorate and designed the IT strategy used to transform the company's Saint-Prex facilities into a smart factory, investing in Industry 4.0 means of production, ERP, CRM, and supply chain. He also spearheaded the group's exploration and innovation program as one of three main sponsors.

Lafourcade's in-depth knowledge and experience in the Group's long-term business strategy and culture are just some of the executive assets on which he and his North American team of experts will rely on to strengthen and develop the market outreach and impact of Fischer Connectors USA, the largest of the Fischer Connectors Group's eight worldwide subsidiaries.

Fischer Connectors Group CEO Jonathan Brossard said during the seven years Lafourcade spent as CIO of the Group, he demonstrated a strategic vision and a deep business understanding, along with outstanding people and change management skills. "The North American market is instrumental for our Group, and I'm convinced that Mr. Lafourcade and his team of experts in Alpharetta will keep strengthening our partnerships with customers across all industries by providing responsive support and a wide range of turnkey connectivity solutions," Brossard noted.

Prior to joining Fischer Connectors, Lafourcade worked for 24 years for Grundfos, a leader in pumping solutions with over 19,000 employees internationally, in different leadership positions, living and working in 14 different countries, including a two-year stint in Fresno, Calif. At Grundfos, he managed complex transformational information system and information technology projects to support the Group's international growth and evolution. He has a master's degree in mathematics and computing from the University Aix Marseille in France.

"I'm excited about taking on the challenges at Fischer Connectors USA, as we continue to grow our presence in the North American and Canadian connectivity market, strengthening our portfolio of assembled and integrated solutions," Lafourcade said. "By focusing on excellence, collaboration, and respect, we expect to strengthen our bonds with our customers, and others who l ook to our leadership in providing innovative connectivity solutions."

Lafourcade replaces Stephen J. Gosk, who leaves the company after nine years of progressive growth to pursue other opportunities.

For more than 60 years, Fischer Connectors has been reimagining connectivity, turning customers' challenges into success stories with technologies, quality products, and collaborative customer support. Since 1954, Fischer Connectors has designed, manufactured, and distributed rugged connectors and cable assemblies that help customers worldwide product reliable, high-performance electronic devices. The connectivity solutions are especially suitable for applications requiring faultless precision, durability, and resistance to extreme conditions, including defense and security, medical, industrial, instrumentation, audio-visual, transportation, and engery. Headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland (Canton of Vaud), where its R&D Center and manufacturing facilities are also located, the Fischer Connectors Group has cable assembly sites in Europe and the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. The Group also includes subsidiaries and a wide network of distributors and agents globally. Its U.S. subsidiary is based just north of Alpharetta, Ga., in its ISO-certified, ITAR-registered engineering and manufacturing center.