Faces of ECIA – Rob Tilmans

What is your involvement with ECIA and what have you gained from your engagement with the association?

I represent TE Connectivity on the ECIA Manufacturing Council, where I have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from across the electronic components value chain. ECIA plays a unique role in bringing together manufacturers, distributors, and industry stakeholders to address common challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

Through my involvement, I have gained valuable insights into market trends, channel evolution, supply chain dynamics, and best practices from companies across the ecosystem. Just as importantly, ECIA provides a forum for open dialogue and relationship building among industry leaders who share a common objective: helping our industry grow and better serve our customers.

What does your company do and what is your role in your company?

TE Connectivity is a global industrial technology company that designs and manufactures connectivity and sensor solutions. Our products enable the reliable transmission of power, signal, and data across a broad range of applications, from automotive and aerospace to industrial equipment, communications infrastructure, medical devices, and energy systems.

I serve as Senior Director of Commercial, Strategy & Business Development for TE Connectivity's Channel Business Unit. My role focuses on developing growth strategies, strengthening our go-to-market approach with distribution partners, identifying new business opportunities, and helping position TE for long-term success in an increasingly connected world.

What is your favorite thing about this industry?

What I enjoy most is that our industry enables innovation across virtually every aspect of modern life. Whether it's electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, aerospace systems, AI infrastructure, renewable energy, medical technology, or smart devices, electronic components are often the essential building blocks that make these innovations possible.

I also appreciate the collaborative nature of our industry. Success depends on strong partnerships among manufacturers, distributors, customers, and technology providers. It is an industry that combines deep engineering expertise, strong business collaboration, and continuous innovation.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. Having lived and worked in different regions of the world, I enjoy learning about different cultures and perspectives.

I am also interested in business strategy, leadership, and global economic trends, so I often find myself reading or listening to podcasts on those topics. Staying curious and continuously learning is something I enjoy both professionally and personally.

Finally, I am a bit of an amateur astronomer and enjoy spending time under night sky with a telescope whenever I get the chance.

What is the best piece of career advice you've ever received?

One piece of advice that has stayed with me throughout my career is, "Focus on learning, not just advancement."

Titles and promotions tend to follow when you consistently develop new skills, take on difficult challenges, and create value for others. Early in my career, I learned that the most meaningful growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing unfamiliar opportunities, and being willing to learn from people with different experiences and perspectives.

That mindset has opened many doors throughout my career and continues to guide how I approach new opportunities today.

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