NovAtel Appoints New CEO

NovAtel, Inc., announced the appointment of Michael Ritter as the company's new president and CEO. Ritter succeeds Jon Ladd, who will take on a new strategic advisory role with NovAtel's parent company, Hexagon AB, of Sweden. A provider of core GNSS technology, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo receivers mostly in high-precision OEM form factors, NovAtel is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Ritter is a trained engineer by profession and has more than 20 years of experience in the precise GNSS industry. The most recent position was at Trimble Navigation Ltd where he served as a senior executive. At Trimble, Ritter served for several years as general manager of the company's construction services division. Prior to Trimble, Ritter held senior positions with Schlumberger and various other companies around the globe.
NovAtel's outgoing president and CEO, Jon Ladd said, "After an extensive executive search, I believe we have hired the best candidate to continue expanding NovAtel's business and to develop strategies that will ensure the company's long-term success in the new global economic environment. Michael's understanding of the industry, his experience managing change improvement processes, and his team-oriented leadership style will fit very well with NovAtel's culture and business environment."
In his remarks, President and CEO of NovAtel's parent company, Hexagon AB, Ola Rollen said, "We are extremely pleased that Michael, who has world-class industry experience, will be leading the NovAtel team. We anticipate a very smooth transition of leadership and look forward to supporting Michael in his new growth initiatives for the company." Of Ladd, Rollen stated, "One only has to look at NovAtel's tremendous growth during Jon Ladd's tenure to recognize the value he delivered to the company. He and his management team firmly established NovAtel's position as a leading global manufacturer of GNSS precision technology, creating a powerful brand that is second to none in the industry."