Knorr-Bremse has appointed Piotr Sroka president and CEO of Knorr-Bremse North America, extending his authority across the group’s North American businesses while he continues to serve as president and CEO of Bendix. The Munich-based supplier, whose two divisions generated approximately $9.1 billion (€7.8 billion) in revenues in 2025, said the appointment advances its One North America vision. Bendix, the group’s Avon, Ohio-based commercial vehicle air brake and safety systems business, told employees and customers the announcement does not change current operations or customer commitments.
Highlights
- Dual mandate: Sroka adds president and CEO of Knorr-Bremse North America to his existing role as president and CEO of Bendix, covering oversight and strategic alignment across the company’s North American businesses
- Rail Americas leadership: Ilan Elad has been appointed president and CEO of Rail Americas, effective September 14, 2026
- Retirement: Ulisses Camilo retires as president and CEO of the North America Rail Division and remains with the company as an executive advisor through the end of 2026
- Group scale: Knorr-Bremse reports roughly 30,000 employees at more than 100 locations in 30 countries, with 2025 revenues of approximately $9.1 billion (€7.8 billion)
What Is Knorr-Bremse’s One North America Vision?
The company frames the appointment as a step toward tighter collaboration across its North American operations under an approach it calls One North America. Under that approach, Knorr-Bremse says it will increase alignment between its Rail and Commercial Vehicle Systems divisions while maintaining the customer focus and business accountability of each individual business.
In the expanded role, Sroka is responsible for driving greater regional alignment, faster decision-making, and profitable growth across North America. The company points to his record of business leadership and operational performance over his career with Knorr-Bremse and Bendix.
Executive Board Backing
Bernd Spies, Member of the Executive Board, Commercial Vehicle Systems Division, tied the appointment to the group’s BOOST and Growth Beyond programs.
“Piotr has consistently demonstrated the leadership, operational discipline, and customer focus that have helped strengthen our Commercial Vehicle Systems business in North America,” Spies said. “As we build on the success of BOOST and advance the objectives of Growth Beyond, his expanded role will help create stronger regional alignment, accelerate decision-making, and enhance our ability to capture long-term growth opportunities. Piotr is exceptionally well positioned to help drive profitable growth and create lasting value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders.”
Rail Leadership Changes in the Same Announcement
Knorr-Bremse paired the Sroka appointment with two changes on the rail side of its North American organization.
| Executive | Role change | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Ulisses Camilo | Retires as president and CEO, North America Rail Division | Remains with the company as an executive advisor through the end of 2026 |
| Ilan Elad | Appointed president and CEO, Rail Americas | Effective September 14, 2026 |
What Changes for Bendix Customers?
Nothing immediate, according to the company. Knorr-Bremse states that for Bendix employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners, the announcement does not change current operations, customer commitments, organizational priorities, or the company’s focus on safety, reliability, and service.
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