November 28, 2022
SPEA announces the Retirement of SPEA America’s President
The longtime president of SPEA America L.L.C., David Buhrkuhl, who started the company in the Americas in 1999, announced his retirement on Monday, October 10th at the SPEA S.p.A headquarters in Volpiano, Italy.
The official SPEA announcement noted that Mr. Buhrkuhl will leave the position in December, 2022. Luca Fanelli, who has been with SPEA for 17 years and currently is the director of the Semiconductor Division for SPEA America, will be the new president. Buhrkuhl will remain active within the company as a consultant and a member of the SPEA America L.L.C. Board of Directors.
Mr. Buhrkuhl, 75, issued the following statement: “I have been talking about retirement for at least 10 years, but I love the excitement of working with our SPEA team. SPEA develops the best products on the market to help major electronic producers bring products into reality. Products that consumers may not see for several years. It is fun to be a part of it and grow SPEA America as a major contributor on the American continents. Currently business is extremely good. Now it is time to give someone else the opportunity I have enjoyed.”
“I want to thank David Buhrkuhl for the years of work together, and also the Board of SPEA for the confidence in me as I step into this role” said Luca Fanelli. “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with our talented team here in America to expand SPEA’s activities in the continent”.
SPEA S.p.A. Board of Directors thanked Mr. Buhrkuhl for the guidance and outstanding leadership provided to SPEA America’s team and customers for the last 23 years. SPEA noted that, under Buhrkuhl’s leadership, SPEA America has grown from a startup to having test equipment installed in most electronics and semiconductor manufacturers in the Americas. CEO Luciano Bonaria stated: “David’s contribution to SPEA has been relevant, and meaningful. His extensive knowledge of the testing process and industrial market, together with his strong leadership and brilliant insights, helped shape and build our growth and success”.
Vice President Lorenzo Bonaria added: “David Buhrkuhl set an example to be followed in the future. The work he started and conducted for more than 20 years will continue. While we will still rely on him as an incredibly valuable advisor, I express my deep gratefulness for the significant contributions he has made, and I wish him and his family all the best following his retirement”.
