Jesse Henson, President of ABB’s NEMA Motors Division, has been named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 2025 C-Suite Honor Roll, which highlights senior leaders making a strong impact in both their industries and the regions they serve.
Under Mr Henson’s leadership, ABB has continued to expand its position as a major manufacturer of electric motors in North America, delivering energy-efficient technologies to meet growing industrial demand while also improving performance and cost-efficiency for customers. “Our success is built on innovation, but it’s made possible by people,” said Mr Henson. “We’re focused on shaping the future of manufacturing by investing in talent and education.”
Leading one of ABB’s most significant divisions, Mr Henson has overseen a series of strategic developments including the integration of Siemens’ low-voltage NEMA motor business and Aurora Motors. His focus on research and product development led to the launch of six new motor models in 2025, the introduction of a customer portal for real-time service support, and a full brand refresh to align the division with ABB’s broader technology mission.
A key part of Mr Henson’s leadership has been his focus on workforce readiness. He has championed educational partnerships and invested in technical training programs in collaboration with institutions such as the Peak Innovation Center, the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, and Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus. These efforts aim to equip students with practical skills in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
Beyond the factory floor, ABB has supported local science and technology education initiatives (STEAM), participated in community food drives, and opened its doors to school groups for facility tours to promote interest in industrial careers. Mr Henson began his career with Arkansas-based Baldor Electric Company, where he worked in sales before rising through the ranks. After Baldor’s acquisition by ABB in 2011, he played a key role in integrating and expanding the business, eventually moving into executive leadership roles.
ABB is a global company specializing in electrification and automation technologies. With a presence in over 100 countries and more than 110,000 employees, ABB works across industries to increase productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Its motion division delivers motors, drives, and services designed to support customers in reducing energy consumption and moving toward cleaner operations. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.
