In a strategic leadership move within the thermoplastic fusion industry, McElroy has promoted Chris Zenthoefer from Director of Digital Strategy to Vice President of Product Strategy, signaling the company’s continued focus on technological innovation and digital transformation.
Zenthoefer, who has been instrumental in advancing McElroy’s digital capabilities since joining the company, has led several significant initiatives that have modernized fusion operations throughout the indus
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In a strategic leadership move within the thermoplastic fusion industry, McElroy has promoted Chris Zenthoefer from Director of Digital Strategy to Vice President of Product Strategy, signaling the company’s continued focus on technological innovation and digital transformation.
Zenthoefer, who has been instrumental in advancing McElroy’s digital capabilities since joining the company, has led several significant initiatives that have modernized fusion operations throughout the industry. His work has particularly focused on enhancing the DataLogger and Vault platforms with new features including guided workflows, pressure visualization, and FusionGuide automation.
“Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping our digital future,” said McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy. “His innovations have set new standards for efficiency and reliability in fusion operations.”
One of Zenthoefer’s most recent achievements was spearheading the development of McElroy’s Operator Profiles system, which integrates training credentials and performance data into a single platform. This innovation addresses a persistent industry challenge by providing machine operators with a centralized location to store and manage their qualifications and training certifications.
The advancement comes at a critical time for the infrastructure sector, which faces significant workforce challenges amid growing demand. Thermoplastic fusion equipment is essential for connecting pipes and other components in various infrastructure projects, including water, gas, and industrial applications.
“McElroy and the segments we serve are poised for growth, but skilled labor presents a serious challenge to meet the opportunity,” Zenthoefer noted. “Our investments into machine automation and the supporting product ecosystem are a direct response to this challenge, allowing reduced training times for new operators, increased productivity, and greater jobsite safety.”
Zenthoefer brings substantial experience in product innovation to his expanded role. A Tulsa native and University of Tulsa graduate, he previously founded ICEdot, a startup focused on technological products for outdoor enthusiasts. His entrepreneurial background has informed his approach to product development at McElroy, where he has emphasized connecting digital integration with customer experience.
“Chris’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit, strengthened by a proven track record in product innovation before McElroy, have been instrumental in seamlessly connecting digital integration with customer experience,” McElroy said. “As Vice President of Product Strategy, Chris’s leadership will once again be key to helping us better define and deliver our Go To Market strategies across our entire product portfolio.”
The promotion reflects McElroy’s ongoing commitment to technological advancement in the thermoplastic fusion industry. As the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, the company has consistently invested in innovations that improve efficiency, reliability, and safety in infrastructure development.
Zenthoefer acknowledged the collaborative nature of the company’s successes, crediting McElroy’s product management and digital teams for their contributions to recent innovations. “While I am humbled and grateful for the recognition, none of this would be possible without significant contributions from McElroy’s product management and digital teams, along with integrative collaboration across the organization,” he said.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Zenthoefer has been recognized with industry awards for his product innovations and received the Fast Track Alumnus Award from the University of Tulsa Collins College of Business in 2013. He is also co-founder of Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, an annual three-day biking festival in his hometown.
As infrastructure development continues to be a priority globally, McElroy’s leadership changes position the company to address industry challenges through technological innovation and strategic product development.
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