Professional Title and Role
Robert (Bob) Buttermore currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Rockwell Automation, a position he has held since February 13, 2023. In this global leadership role, he heads the Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) organization, overseeing Rockwell Automation’s worldwide operations, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain strategic planning initiatives.
Company Background
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is the world's largest company focused on industrial automation and digital transformation. The company is actively engaged in supply chain innovation, logistics, manufacturing, and strategic supply chain development.
Career at Rockwell Automation
Bob Buttermore’s career at Rockwell Automation spans nearly 30 years, having joined the company in 1997 through the Operations Leadership Development Program as an engineer. Over his tenure, he has held multiple senior roles across operations management, sales, and sales management, demonstrating a broad and deep understanding of the company’s business and operations before advancing to his current executive supply chain leadership position.
Prior to his current role as SVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Buttermore served as Vice President and General Manager of the Power Control Business, reflecting experience managing a major business unit within Rockwell Automation.
Educational Background
Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University. His technical education provides a strong foundation aligned with the company’s engineering-driven culture and its industrial machinery focus.
Stock Transactions and Financial Standing
- He has executed multiple insider stock sales between late 2024 and early 2025. Notably:
- Sold 182 shares on December 5, 2024 (valued at approximately $53,934).
- Sold shares totaling around 456 shares with an estimated value of $135,242 by May 2025.
- Another recent sale approximating $59,823 was reported in February 2025.
- Robert L. Buttermore’s estimated net worth is at least $778,422 as of August 2025, reflecting significant equity participation and financial interest in Rockwell Automation.
Recognition and Industry Standing
- Recognized as one of the Top 100 Supply Chain Leaders in 2025 by Supply Chain Digital, indicating industry acknowledgment of his leadership and impact on supply chain strategy.
- Nominee for the Leaders in Supply Chain Awards 2025, underscoring his prominence in supply chain leadership within the sector.
Public Engagement and Thought Leadership
- In public forums such as industry conferences and online platforms, Bob Buttermore emphasizes building resilient supply chains, highlighting five key elements for supply chain resiliency in the context of Rockwell’s supply chain planning and recovery strategies.
- He has discussed Rockwell’s supply chain learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, responding to logistics disruptions by adjusting freight preferences and accelerating supply chain recovery.
- Advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion within engineering and supply chain fields, as evidenced by participation in podcasts discussing these themes.
Geographic and Organizational Presence
- Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, aligning with Rockwell Automation’s headquarters and key operational centers.
- Has led supply chain operations globally, indicating experience managing cross-regional and cross-functional supply chain teams and initiatives.
Summary: Robert Buttermore is a seasoned executive with a longstanding, progressive career at Rockwell Automation, currently leading the company’s integrated supply chain organization as SVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer. His technical background in mechanical engineering coupled with extensive leadership experience across manufacturing, operations, and sales positions him as a key figure in driving Rockwell’s supply chain strategy and innovation. His executive insider stock transactions and net worth reveal deep vested interest in the company. Industry recognitions affirm his leadership credibility. His public insights on supply chain resiliency and adaptation to global disruptions highlight a pragmatic and forward-looking approach to complex supply chain challenges in a large industrial automation enterprise.
