SUNNYVALE, CA - Trimble announced the appointment of PeopleNet founder and CEO Ron Konezny as general manager of Trimble's worldwide Transportation and Logistics (T&L) Division.

"Since establishing PeopleNet in 1994, Ron has positioned the company as a fast-growing wireless tracking and mobile communications provider in the U.S. transportation industry. His expanded leadership role will be an asset in growing our global presence as more fleets source solutions internationally," said Bryn Fosburgh, vice president of Trimble. 

The announcement follows the completion of Trimble's acquisition of PeopleNet, a provider of innovative and integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems for effective fleet management throughout North America. Anchoring its Americas T&L business, PeopleNet provides fleets with software and hardware solutions that help manage regulatory compliance, fuel costs, driver safety, and customer service. 

"This acquisition and the previous acquisitions of Punch Telematix in Europe and Tata AutoComp Mobility Telematics in India confirm Trimble's commitment to meeting the complex regulatory and operational needs of the global T&L market. The PeopleNet acquisition complements our growing portfolio of proven solutions for both emerging and developed countries," said Fosburgh. 

"Trimble's expansion in the T&L market is timely, with companies competing in the global economy looking for more ways to be more operationally efficient. Trimble products provide a strong competitive edge in terms of improving customer service and reducing operational costs," said Ron Konezny.

In addition to the recent expansion in the U.S. and Canada, Trimble's growing T&L Division has strengthened its presence in Australia, India, and throughout Europe, specifically in the UK, Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Spain, under Michel Van Maercke, Trimble's T&L business area vice president for Europe and the Asia Pacific. Van Maercke will continue his role. Brian McLaughlin, who has been with PeopleNet since 2001 and has served as chief operating officer (COO) for the past four years, has been appointed president of PeopleNet.