Cross Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cross has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and market development.

Driven by employee ownership, Cross is dedicated to solving complex industrial automation challenges through specialized expertise and a commitment to customer success.

Leadership Roles at Cross

  • Chief Executive Officer - Naoki Motoki
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jerry Bohnsack
  • Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer - Ernesto Vergne
  • Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer - Ernesto Dejesus
  • President - Ed Valentine
  • President - Robert Luoto
  • President - Thomas Murray
  • President - Rachel Williams
  • President & Managing Partner - Jesse Papike
  • President - Mike Kanzaki
  • Naoki Motoki - Chief Executive Officer

    Naoki Motoki, the Chief Executive Officer at Cross, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and operational framework. Motoki guides Cross's commitment to being a 100% employee-owned industrial automation solutions provider. This leadership involves aligning specialized sales and engineering teams across machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. Motoki ensures Cross maintains its technical expertise to address the most challenging automation applications for clients. The Chief Executive Officer's role focuses on fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth within the industrial machinery sector. By championing the employee-ownership model, Naoki Motoki cultivates a culture of shared responsibility and dedication to client outcomes, reinforcing Cross's market position.

    Jerry Bohnsack - Chief Operating Officer

    Jerry Bohnsack, the Chief Operating Officer at Cross, manages the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency of the company. Bohnsack oversees the integration of specialized sales and engineering functions, ensuring seamless delivery of industrial automation solutions. This role is critical in maintaining Cross's reputation for technical expertise in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. Bohnsack's leadership focuses on optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to meet challenging automation application demands. As CFO of the Year, Jerry Bohnsack brings a strong financial acumen to operational strategies, driving profitability and operational excellence. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that Cross Company's employee-ownership model translates into superior service and client satisfaction across all operational facets.
    Jerry Bohnsack

    Ernesto Vergne - Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Ernesto Vergne, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer at Cross, shapes the foundational operational strategies and drives the company's long-term development. Vergne's co-founding role imbues the operational leadership with a deep understanding of Cross's history and mission in industrial automation. Overseeing key operational functions, Vergne ensures the specialized sales and engineering teams effectively tackle complex automation challenges. This involves maintaining high standards in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. Ernesto Vergne's operational oversight supports the company's status as a 100% employee-owned entity, fostering a collaborative environment. The Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on enhancing Cross's technical capabilities and market reach, ensuring continued success in solving intricate industrial applications.
    Ernesto Vergne

    Ernesto Dejesus - Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer

    Ernesto Dejesus, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer at Cross, directs critical operational initiatives and contributes to the strategic direction of the industrial automation solutions provider. Dejesus's co-founding influence is integral to maintaining Cross's core values and commitment to employee ownership. This leadership role involves managing the integration of specialized engineering and sales efforts across diverse technology areas, including machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power. Ernesto Dejesus ensures that the company's technical expertise remains at the forefront of solving challenging automation applications. The Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering operational excellence and driving efficiency throughout the organization, reinforcing Cross's market leadership.

    Ed Valentine - President

    Ed Valentine, President at Cross, spearheads strategic growth initiatives and market expansion for the industrial automation solutions provider. Valentine's leadership focuses on enhancing Cross's capabilities in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. This role involves directing sales strategies and fostering strong client relationships to address complex automation applications. Ed Valentine ensures that the company's 100% employee-owned structure translates into exceptional service and innovative solutions. The President's oversight is crucial for maintaining Cross's technical edge and competitive positioning within the industrial machinery sector, driving revenue and market share.

    Robert Luoto - President

    Robert Luoto, President at Cross, drives operational excellence and strategic development across key business units. Luoto's focus is on optimizing the delivery of industrial automation solutions, leveraging Cross's specialized sales and engineering teams. This involves ensuring proficiency in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies to solve challenging applications. Robert Luoto champions the company's employee-ownership model, fostering a culture of accountability and shared success. The President's leadership is instrumental in maintaining Cross's reputation for technical expertise and customer-centric service, contributing significantly to the company's sustained growth and market impact.

    Thomas Murray - President

    Thomas Murray, President at Cross, directs strategic planning and business development initiatives for the industrial automation solutions provider. Murray's leadership emphasizes Cross's commitment to technical expertise in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. This role involves guiding the specialized sales and engineering teams to effectively address complex automation applications. Thomas Murray ensures that the company's 100% employee-owned structure enhances client collaboration and service delivery. The President's focus is on expanding market reach and driving innovation, reinforcing Cross's position as a leader in solving challenging industrial automation needs.

    Rachel Williams - President

    Rachel Williams, President at Cross, oversees strategic market positioning and client engagement for the industrial automation solutions provider. Williams' leadership focuses on leveraging Cross's deep technical expertise across machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. This involves directing efforts to solve the most challenging automation applications for diverse industries. Rachel Williams ensures that the company's 100% employee-owned model fosters strong partnerships and exceptional service delivery. The President's role is critical in driving business growth and maintaining Cross's competitive advantage through innovation and a client-focused approach.

    Jesse Papike - President & Managing Partner

    Jesse Papike, President & Managing Partner at Cross, directs the company's strategic vision and operational management, with a particular emphasis on partnership development. Papike's leadership ensures Cross remains a premier industrial automation solutions provider, leveraging specialized sales and engineering teams. This involves driving expertise in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies to tackle complex applications. Jesse Papike champions the 100% employee-owned structure, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances client solutions. The President & Managing Partner's focus is on expanding Cross's market influence and strengthening its technical capabilities to meet evolving industry demands.

    Mike Kanzaki - President

    Mike Kanzaki, President at Cross, drives strategic initiatives and operational performance for the industrial automation solutions provider. Kanzaki's leadership focuses on enhancing Cross's capabilities in machine automation, process control, instrumentation, data communication, and fluid power technologies. This role involves guiding the specialized sales and engineering teams to effectively address complex automation applications. Mike Kanzaki ensures that the company's 100% employee-owned structure translates into superior client outcomes and operational efficiency. The President's oversight is critical for maintaining Cross's technical leadership and market competitiveness, driving innovation and sustained growth.
    Mike Kanzaki

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cross Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cross?
    Cross is led by Naoki Motoki (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jerry Bohnsack (Chief Operating Officer) and Ernesto Vergne (Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Cross’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cross includes leaders such as Naoki Motoki (Chief Executive Officer), Jerry Bohnsack (Chief Operating Officer), Ernesto Vergne (Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cross have?
    Cross has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cross’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cross includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, President.