JLG Industries announced that Ara Eckel has been named director of product management for the company’s connected solutions platform team.

In this role, Eckel is tasked with driving the connected channel strategy.

“One of the biggest responsibilities JLG has as a leading global equipment manufacturer is to truly understand the needs of users — what they expect from the machine and how they want to interact with the equipment,” said Eckel. “The goal of our team is not only to demonstrate that we can deliver real-world job site value today, but that we also want to grow that value over time through technological advancements that create intuitive, engaging and interactive connected experiences.”

Eckel said JLG’s current connected solutions products only scratch the surface of what’s to come.

“The sky is the limit for expanding the use of connected technologies. As we work to advance today’s connected job sites and tomorrow’s connected cities, we are focused on the customer. Anything we introduce is intended to make their work easier and their equipment more efficient."

Eckel moved into this new role in fall 2021.

Prior to joining JLG, Eckel’s work experience included sales, marketing, and technical product roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors, Meltwater Group, and Apple Inc. He is a graduate of Ithaca College and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

JLG’s team of product directors includes Eckel, Bob Begley, Daliborka (Dali) Ribeiro, and Nate Hoover.