MORRISVILLE, NC – Juki Corp. has named Robert J. (Bob) Black, Jr. as executive operating officer, the first non-Japanese executive officer in Juki’s 73-year history.

Black currently serves as president and CEO of Juki Automation Systems, the firm’s US subsidiary, where he will continue his duties in addition to new responsibilities.

Black will report to the top management of Juki, where he will advise on the worldwide SMT market, strategies to continue the company’s growth in electronics assembly, and assistance to other subsidiary companies.