Bystronic Appoints Kevin McAllister as President, Region Americas!

Bystronic, a global manufacturer of sheet metal and material processing systems headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, has announced the appointment of Kevin McAllister as president, Region Americas, effective January 1, 2026. He succeeds John-Paul Surdo, who departed the company at the end of 2025.

McAllister steps into the role with significant executive leadership experience spanning industrial manufacturing, global operations, sales and marketing. A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, he brings an international perspective and cross-border expertise that align well with Bystronic’s footprint across North and South America.

Prior to joining Bystronic, McAllister served as president of Schuler North America at Andritz Schuler, a position he held for seven years. In that role, he oversaw operations, strategic growth initiatives and customer engagement across the region, helping strengthen the company’s market position in forming and automation solutions. His leadership tenure there provided deep exposure to advanced manufacturing systems and high-performance industrial equipment.

Before his time at Andritz Schuler, McAllister spent more than two decades at ABB, holding senior leadership positions in both global and regional operations. His experience at ABB included managing complex business units, driving operational excellence and supporting digital transformation initiatives in manufacturing environments. This long-standing background in automation and electrification technologies complements Bystronic’s focus on smart sheet metal processing and integrated production solutions.

Bystronic is widely recognized for its advanced laser cutting systems, press brakes and automation platforms that support modern sheet metal fabrication. As manufacturers continue to adopt digitalized production workflows and seek higher levels of efficiency, the company’s solutions play a central role in enabling precision, flexibility and scalability. McAllister’s leadership is expected to further strengthen Bystronic’s position in the Americas by enhancing operational performance, customer engagement and strategic growth initiatives.

In addition to his industry experience, McAllister holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Windsor and an executive leadership degree from IMD in Switzerland. His technical foundation, combined with advanced executive training, provides a balanced approach to managing both technological innovation and organizational development.

With this appointment, Bystronic reinforces its commitment to strong regional leadership as it continues to support fabricators across the Americas with advanced laser cutting, bending and automation solutions. McAllister’s blend of operational expertise and strategic vision positions the company to navigate evolving market demands while accelerating growth in a competitive manufacturing landscape.