RC Mowers Adds New Autonomous Engineering Director
RC Mowers named Richard Lukas, Ph.D., a 25-year engineering veteran with experience in robotics, autonomy and machine learning, as its new autonomous engineering director.
“It is our goal to remain on the cutting edge of innovative landscaping solutions,” said RC Mowers co-founder and CEO Michael Brandt. “Richard’s presence will be particularly beneficial as we continually work to advance autonomous technology and refine our products for landscaping professionals around the world. His background in autonomous driving and proven success as an engineer make him the perfect candidate to solidify RC Mowers’ position at the forefront of robotic and autonomous mowing.”
Lukas’ previous experience developing AI-controlled power tools and autonomous vehicles gives him a unique perspective on how RC Mowers can expand its global offerings by helping commercial landscaping companies scale their businesses using integrated autonomous or robotic mowers. Lukas also has extensive experience leading engineering teams from ideation to market launch, providing process-driven technical guidance to meet target deliverable timetables. In addition to his leadership roles, he was also crucial in the development of the first electronic onboard recorder for commercial trucking and a first-of-its-kind autonomous robotic truck for use by the U.S. military.
Lukas is also an active member of Wisconsin’s higher education community. As an adjunct professor and lecturer at Milwaukee School of Engineering, Lukas helps shape the future of engineering by sharing industry insights with the next generation of engineers.
WorkWave Names New Chief Product Officer
WorkWave appointed Robbie Hobbs as chief product officer, responsible for leading its product innovation strategy and ensuring a best-in-class approach to delivering software and solutions to its customers.
"Our mission at WorkWave is to deliver innovative software and fintech solutions to companies that keep the world safe, clean and beautiful, so we are excited to welcome Robbie Hobbs to the team to enable us to realize this mission," said WorkWave CEO Kevin Kemmerer. "Under Hobbs's leadership, we look forward to deepening our product functionality."
Hobbs is a seasoned technology and product executive with more than 20 years of experience in research and development, engineering and product management across aerospace, energy and commercial real estate. Most recently, as chief product officer at Jones Lang LaSalle Technologies, he played a pivotal role in modernizing commercial building services by integrating real-time data, automation and AI-driven workflows, helping businesses navigate the pandemic and transition to the hybrid work era. At General Electric, he spearheaded hardware and software upgrades for natural gas power plants, enabling them to adapt to a deregulated energy market increasingly reliant on renewables. While at Rolls-Royce, he developed advanced materials to improve the fuel efficiency and environmental impact of air travel.
Born and raised in Australia, Hobbs has lived, studied and worked across four continents, shaping his global perspective on business and technology. He holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge. He is currently based in Atlanta, Ga.
Loftness Appoints New CEO
Loftness Specialized Equipment promoted Josh South to CEO.
South brings a wealth of financial and strategic leadership experience to Loftness, having served as the company’s chief financial officer since November 2023. With an extensive background in financial management, cost accounting and business expansion within the manufacturing and industrial sectors, South is well positioned to drive Loftness toward continued growth and innovation.
Prior to joining Loftness, Josh held several executive leadership roles, including serving as CFO of Farmers Union Industries, where he played a key role in the company’s organic expansion, acquisitions and strategic pricing negotiations. His expertise in financial planning, risk management and operational efficiency has made him a trusted leader in the industry.
As CEO, Josh will lead the management team at Loftness consisting of Sarah Lamers, director of operations; Shannon McComas, director of sales and marketing; and Kimberly Karg, human resources manager. This team’s focus will be on expanding its market presence, optimizing operational processes and ensuring the continued development of high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of customers.
