60Josef Matosevic excels as a dynamic leader in the corporate realm, particularly within global operations and manufacturing. His role as President and CEO of Helios Technologies Inc., a significant player listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HLIO, underscores his profound impact on the company's strategic direction and expansion. His career is characterized by substantial contributions to various multinational corporations, where he has consistently driven innovation and growth.
Born on May 13, 1971, in Germany, Josef embarked on his educational journey at Bayerische Julius-Maximilian's Universität in Würzburg, where he earned a bachelor's degree. This solid educational background laid the groundwork for his later successes in the international business landscape.
Josef's professional story began in earnest within the automotive industry, where he quickly established himself as a critical player at Wynnchurch Capital/Android Industries. From 2005 to 2007, he held the position of Vice President of Global Operations, where he managed the complex logistics necessary for the assembly, distribution, and sequencing of components for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). His success in this role led to his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in 2007, where he continued to push for operational excellence until 2008.
Following his tenure in the automotive sector, Josef joined Oshkosh Corporation, renowned for its specialized vehicles and vehicle bodies. As Executive Vice President of Global Operations from 2010 to 2012, he was instrumental in overseeing the company's defense segment and implementing lean operational practices, significantly boosting efficiency and streamlining production processes.
In 2012, Josef transitioned to The Manitowoc Company, Inc., a leader in engineered lifting solutions. He served as Executive Vice President of Global Operations and subsequently as Senior Vice President of Global Operational Excellence, roles in which he was pivotal in driving process improvements and enhancing the company's competitive edge in the market from 2012 to 2015.
Josef's career trajectory further ascended at Welbilt Inc., a global manufacturer of commercial food service equipment. In August 2015, he joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and later assumed the role of interim President and CEO in 2018. His leadership was critical in refining strategic direction and operational efficiencies, significantly expanding the company's market reach.
In June 2020, Josef assumed leadership of Helios Technologies Inc. as President and CEO. His tenure has been marked by remarkable growth, with the company's value increasing from $30 to $115 within two years. His strategic focus has been on enhancing technological capabilities through acquisitions and building a corporate culture that supports innovation and operational excellence.
Josef brings over 26 years of diverse experience, with critical skills in areas such as commercial sales, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. His leadership style emphasizes the importance of strategic clarity and operational agility, fostering a culture where innovation thrives, and efficient practices are standard.
Believing firmly that the success of a company lies in its people, Josef is committed to developing empowered and high-performing teams. He advocates for a leadership approach that emphasizes continuous improvement, strategic investment in talent, and a clear commitment to ethical practices and community engagement.
Outside of his executive duties, Josef is passionate about giving back to the community and actively participating in charitable endeavors. He also enjoys exploring the great outdoors with his family. He maintains a keen interest in technological advancements and continually seeks to integrate cutting-edge solutions into his professional strategies.
Josef Matosevic's leadership journey reflects a commitment to excellence, strategic innovation, and a deep understanding of the dynamics of global business, making him a respected figure in his field and a visionary in corporate leadership.