Following a national search, Conexus Indiana, a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries, today announced the appointment of Jay Wirts as its new president and CEO. Wirts brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the advanced manufacturing sector, with a track record of driving business growth and operational excellence.
Wirts most recently served as executive vice president of Smart Infrastructure Solutions at Belden, where he managed a $1.2 billion global business that designs and manufactures broadband and network infrastructure. Throughout his career, Wirts has demonstrated exceptional leadership in developing innovative customer solutions, strengthening supply chains and fostering talent pipelines.
“Jay’s extensive experience and passion for advancing industrial innovation make him an ideal leader for Conexus Indiana,” said Scott Brand, chair of the Conexus Indiana Board of Directors and president and COO of Subaru of Indiana Automotive. “We are confident that his strategic vision and collaborative approach will further accelerate our mission to strengthen Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics sectors.”
Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Conexus Indiana’s parent organization, also welcomed Wirts to his new role. “Jay’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries. As Conexus continues its laser focus on enhancing productivity and developing a skilled talent pipeline, his expertise will be instrumental in advancing our shared efforts to drive industry growth across the state,” said Kennedy.
During his tenure at Belden, Wirts led initiatives to expand automation, optimize supply chain operations and establish partnerships to advance fiber technology manufacturing. His efforts included the opening of a Fiber Technology Center in collaboration with the University of Arizona and reshoring manufacturing facilities to enhance supply chain resilience.
Employing more than 840,000 workers and contributing $151 billion to the state’s GDP, Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries account for 25% of all Indiana jobs and 37% of economic output—well above national averages. Conexus Indiana serves as a key driver of industry advancement, ensuring the state remains a leader in these sectors.
“As a chosen Hoosier, I am honored to join Conexus Indiana and contribute to the growth and innovation of our state’s manufacturing and logistics industries,” said Wirts, who officially joins Conexus on April 14. “Indiana has long been a leader in these sectors, and I am excited to work alongside our dynamic industry, academic, philanthropic and public sector partners—and the talented team at Conexus—to build on this strong foundation.”
Wirts holds a master’s degree in finance and marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Colgate University. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served as a company and platoon commander, leading multiple deployments across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Under Wirts’ leadership, Conexus Indiana will remain committed to keeping Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries competitive by offering the support, resources and programs businesses need to thrive in an Industry 4.0 environment.
To learn more about Conexus Indiana’s vision and strategic goals, view the recently launched strategic plan, Conexus 2031: Empowering Bold Industry Transformation.
###
About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.
About Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this mission, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.
