03-03-2008: Z Corporation appointed John Kawola as the company’s CEO
Three years later, Kawola led the merger with 3D Systems
On March 3, 2008, Z Corporation—at the time a leading provider of color, powder-based 3D printers and 3D scanning solutions—named John M. Kawola as its new CEO. Kawola had been with Z Corporation practically since its early days, initially serving as a sales representative before being promoted to Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. As CEO, he succeeded Tom Clay, who left the company after three years to pursue new opportunities.
Kawola played a key role in Z Corporation’s success, contributing to nearly every aspect of its operations. As the company’s first salesperson, he spearheaded global expansion, building a sales, marketing, and support network that included 180 dealers across 40 countries.
He also led business development, opening new markets for 3D printing and 3D scanning in education, architecture, geographic information systems, and entertainment. Thanks to his marketing vision, Z Corporation became a market-leading brand, known for its speed, color capabilities, and affordability.
In November 2011, Z Corporation (along with Vidar) agreed to merge with 3D Systems. The merger was finalized in January 2012. After spending a few months at 3D Systems, Kawola decided to leave both Z Corporation and the 3D printing industry entirely, shifting his focus to robotics as the CEO of Harvest Automation.
However, in 2014, he returned to the AM industry, joining the board of directors at EnvisionTEC, and in March 2016, he became President of North America at Ultimaker. Finally, in September 2019, he moved to Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), once again taking on the role of CEO.
John Kawola is one of the key executives in the history of the Additive Manufacturing industry, responsible for Z Corporation’s global success in the 2000s, Ultimaker’s expansion in the U.S., and ultimately, the rise of BMF.
Source: www.3dsystems.com
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