Mitsubishi Electric Automation Announces Leadership Transition

Milton Coleman to lead new Industrial Automation Division as Scott Summerville retires after 46 years

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is entering a new chapter with the retirement of President and CEO Scott Summerville after a remarkable 46-year career. Effective March 31, 2026, Summerville will step down, and Milton Coleman, currently Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will take over as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the newly created Industrial Automation Division of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc.

Why it matters

This leadership transition and reorganization at Mitsubishi Electric Automation signals a strategic shift towards enhanced growth and market responsiveness in the rapidly evolving industrial automation landscape. The formation of the new Industrial Automation Division underscores Mitsubishi Electric's commitment to the sector and its ambition for long-term success in the Americas.

The details

The appointment of Milton Coleman reflects his extensive experience within the company, and he will initially lead Mitsubishi Electric Automation through the integration process before fully focusing on the strategy, operations, and expansion of the new division across the Americas. This reorganization aims to streamline operations and accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions to the market, as the industry faces key trends such as the increasing role of AI and machine learning, the rise of collaborative robots, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and the use of digital twins.

  • Scott Summerville will retire on March 31, 2026.
  • Milton Coleman will take over as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the new Industrial Automation Division effective March 31, 2026.

The players

Scott Summerville

The outgoing President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., who is retiring after a remarkable 46-year career.

Milton Coleman

The incoming Senior Vice President and General Manager of the newly created Industrial Automation Division of Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., who previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mitsubishi Electric Automation.

Mike Corbo

The President and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric US, who highlighted Coleman's 30+ years of industry experience and deep understanding of customer needs as key factors in his selection to lead the new division.

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What’s next

The new Industrial Automation Division will focus on integrating Mitsubishi Electric Automation's operations and developing a strategic plan to drive growth and innovation in the Americas.

The takeaway

Mitsubishi Electric's reorganization and leadership transition at Mitsubishi Electric Automation reflect the company's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving industrial automation landscape. The formation of the new Industrial Automation Division and the appointment of Milton Coleman signal a strategic shift towards enhanced growth, market responsiveness, and the delivery of innovative solutions to customers across the Americas.