Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, industrial, and water systems, has appointed Santiago Martin as head of Danfoss Drives — Americas. In this role, he will be responsible for leading Danfoss’ drives business in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, ensuring its profitable growth and driving innovation. He also will serve as part of the company’s management team in North America.

Previously, Martin was vice president at Danfoss Drives in Latin America, where he was responsible for sales, marketing, and service. He joined Danfoss as part of the company’s merger with Vacon, where he spent seven years — first as managing director in Spain and Portugal, and later as vice president of Vacon Latin America.

Martin holds an International MBA from Instituto de Empresa business school in Madrid, Spain, and completed Hanken & SSE Executive Education’s LEAP global leadership program in Stockholm, Sweden. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical industrial engineering from the University of Seville (Spain).

Danfoss Drives is the world’s second largest manufacturer of variable speed drives, with a product and service portfolio that meets the needs of a variety of energy-intensive and high-performance industries dependent on efficient and reliable motor control — including HVAC, refrigeration, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, marine, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and mining applications. Danfoss Drives has eight locations in the region, including three manufacturing facilities and three R&D centers.