The People of Power Systems Research
George Zirnhelt, President & CEO
George Zirnhelt is the President & CEO of Power Systems Research. He was cofounder of Power Systems Research in 1976 and coordinates the business of the company as well as focusing on consulting projects, product and service development and company growth. Having completed over 1,000 project management assignments and designing the original databases for the company, Mr. Zirnhelt has enjoyed strong relationships throughout the global power systems industry. He received his BSME and MBA degrees from the University of Minnesota with post graduate studies at Harvard Business School and numerous seminar and continuing education studies to support his professional engineering license. Mr. Zirnhelt originally worked as a research engineer for a leading automotive components manufacturer where he received several patents. From there, he became plant manager for a leading recreational vehicle manufacturer and then was majority owner, president and CEO of an original equipment manufacturer of wheel loaders, rough terrain forklifts and auxiliary equipment sold throughout the world. After successfully selling that company, Mr. Zirnhelt founded PSR. He has numerous technical, business and management publications including 18 years as publisher of Power Products Business - a publication of Power Systems Research.
Engines and powertrains are a natural for Mr. Zirnhelt who is a committed “gearhead.” He has previously rebuilt and currently owns several classic cars and is currently up to his elbows in restoring a 1948 Ford pickup including a complete overhaul of the flathead V-8.
Edward Hadingham, Senior Director
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As Senior Director for Power Systems Research, Edward Hadingham is responsible for business development, project management and handling customer relationships. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester University, UK, and then went on to gain 21 years of experience in the engine industry holding positions in research, development, product management, and marketing and sales management before joining Power Systems Research 22 years ago.
Dennis Huibregtse, Senior Vice President
Dennis Huibregtse is Senior Vice President and is responsible for North America business development and client relationship management. Dennis received his Mechanical Engineering degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering and then held positions with major US and European engine companies in application engineering, sales and account management. Dennis joined Power Systems Research in 1983 and subsequently led the effort to establish the company’s European presence, serving as Managing Director of European Operations for 16 years. Since 2002, he has been based in at Power Systems Research’s office in Ann Arbor, MI.
Kamini Patel, Vice President & Managing Director Europe
Kamini Patel is the Vice President & Managing Director of Power Systems Research Europe and is based in Brussels, Belgium. She is responsible for leading and developing the Power Systems Research international businesses as well as managing client interactions and consulting engagements. She joined Power Systems Research in August 2010. Prior to joining Power Systems Research, Kamini held the position of Executive Director of Global Marketing at Cummins Filtration based in Nashville, Tennessee. She has spent 15 years with Cummins Inc. and has held international roles in strategic marketing, business development, product planning, brand management, marketing communications, market research and sales located in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. She holds a Bachelor Honors in Science, from Brighton and an MBA from Manchester Business School, Manchester, England.
Joe Zirnhelt, Vice President of Analytics and Technology Solutions
Joe Zirnhelt is the Vice President of Analytics and Technology Solutions at Power Systems Research. His responsibilities include management of the proprietary EnginLink database covering worldwide engine production and forecast information. He has extensive experience in the power sector and has led and provided expertise to advanced research projects in the Power Generation and other engine related industries.
Joe also manages the Technology Services Group within Power Systems Research which supports and maintains the information tools and systems used to deliver client content. He holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Over his 16 year professional career he has served as an Officer in the US Navy including training in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program followed by experience with Alstom Power, a leading French power plant developer, before joining Power Systems Research in 2005.
He has been a regular contributor for Diesel Progress articles featuring the North American power generation market and is also actively involved in the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) where he has contributed content for their Powerline Magazine and currently serves as Secretary on the Market Trends Committee.
Kei Watanabe, Director and Consultant Japan
As the Japan Director and Consultant for Power Systems Research, Kei Watanabe is responsible for Power Systems Research representation in Japan. He is responsible for all sales for the OE Link™, EnginLinkTM, PartsLinkTM,CV LinkTM, and MarineLinkTM databases along with project management and maintaining customer relationships. Kei studied at Tokyo Foreign Language University, 1955-1958, and graduated from West Virginia University in 1961. Kei has been the driving force behind Power Systems Research in Japan since 1982.
Carlos Briganti, Managing Director South America
Carlos Briganti is the Managing Director of South America for Power Systems Research. Prior to joining Power Systems Research, Carlos has held several senior positions in the automotive and auto parts industry internationally. He was President and General Manager of Eaton Corp – Truck Transmissions, Latin America, and General Manager of Eaton Transmissions, Europe and Japan. Carlos has also been an active Board member of the ABM - Metallurgy Brazilian Association, member of Consulting Board of SAE -Society of Automotive Engineers, Brazil; as well he spent several years as a member of General Motors South America Supplier Council and Sindipecas – Brazilian Autoparts Association. Carlos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Material Engineering from the Universidade Federal of Sao Carlos and a Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Escola Politecnica, Universidade Sao Paulo.
Jim Downey, Vice President of Global Research Operations
As Vice President of Global Research Operations at Power Systems Research, Jim Downey is responsible for database management, as well as customer and project support, and heads up our analysis of North American Off-Highway OEM operations. Another responsibility is the management of the proprietary OE Link™ database covering worldwide vehicle and equipment production and forecast information. He received his Business Administration degree from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to starting with us, Jim was a Loan Officer at Wells Fargo Bank. He has been with Power Systems Research for 12 years.
Barbara Dick, Vice President & Controller
Barbara Dick is Vice President and Controller at Power Systems Research. She is responsible for managing accounting, payroll and Human Resources. Barbara has been supporting Power Systems Research global operations for over 23 years. Prior to joining Power Systems Research, Barbara worked as a veterinary technician and managed an EAP Services office in Florida.
Marilyn Tarbet, Director of New Business Development – North America
Marilyn Tarbet is the Director of New Business Development – North America for Powers Systems Research. Marilyn joined Power Systems Research in 2004. She has extensive sales and business development experience working with emerging enterprises and multi-nationals in both public and private sectors, as well as leading and training sales teams. Her current responsibilities include managing sales and business development for our North America clients. Marilyn has developed a business portfolio that spans all market segments, but specializes in medium and heavy duty, oil and gas (lubricants) and component markets . She is responsible for developing and maintaining business relationships at all levels within client and partner organizations. She received her business degree from Waldorf College.
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