Livermore, Calif.-based Topcon Positioning Systems last week announced three appointments to key management positions in the agriculture, OEM and asset management groups.
David Vaughn of San Jose, Calif., is the company’s new senior vice president, business unit manager of precision agriculture; Mark Bittner of Danville, Calif., has been named senior vice president, business unit manager-telematics; and, James Murphy of San Jose, Calif., has been named director of OEM sales and marketing.
Vaughn was most recently the CEO of WAGIC (What A Great Idea Company). He also served as president and CEO for NovAtel Corp. He is the founder of Foursome Technologies, a consulting firm for major corporations in the area of strategic planning, marketing, sales and distribution and operations. Additionally, he served as senior vice president – chief operating officer, and senior vice president for strategic business alliances for Magellan Corp. He is also a former executive vice president for corporate business development and tracking and communications products for Trimble, as well as vice president of operations for the company.
“I have known David for years and have admired his work ethic and dedication,” said Ray O’Connor, TPS president and CEO. “He brings an across-the-board wealth of business experience to the TPS precision agriculture group. He knows every aspect of not only operating a major business unit, but also has the strategic background necessary to drive a business with phenomenal potential, like TPS’ agriculture division.”
Bittner is the former senior vice president of sales-Americas for Proxim Wireless in California. He is also former director of worldwide sales-construction services and director, North America sales (mobile solutions) for Trimble Navigation. Prior to working at Trimble, he was vice president, strategic partner sales for @Road, a mobile resource consulting firm, which was purchased by Trimble. He also has extensive experience in the areas of strategic partner sales, business development and sales and marketing.
“Mark’s vast and varied experience makes him uniquely qualified to fill the important asset management role for TPS,” said O’Connor. “Our company has grown exponentially over the past years and Mark’s track record and expanse of knowledge and attention in the wireless and asset management business will certainly serve Topcon well.”
Murphy comes to Topcon from two years as director of sales-OEM solutions and Technologies for the Americas and Asia region for Magellan Navigation. He has also served as business development manager for EDO Reconnaissance and Surveillance Systems, where he developed marketing plans and customer services strategies. He also worked for Thales Navigation in the role of director of worldwide sales and marketing and also as director of worldwide OEM sales.
Topcon Positioning Systems, a developer and manufacturer of positioning equipment, offers a leading selection of innovating precision GPS, GIS, laser, agriculture, optical surveying, and machine control products, software and applications.
