Franz Cerwinka

Senior Vice President, President, Applied Water Systems and Xylem Business Transformation

Role at Xylem

Franz leads Xylem’s Applied Water Systems (AWS) segment including market-leading brands Goulds Water Technology, Bell & Gossett and Lowara. These brands deliver efficient movement of water for industrial, commercial building and residential applications as well as low-flow pumps, valves and membrane filters used in everything from beverage processing and dispensing to leisure boats.

Franz also leads Xylem Business Transformation with accountability for global business processes that enhance customer experience and drive profitable growth. 

Professional Background

Franz joined Xylem in 2020 and has more than 25 years of experience in general management, operations, commercial and finance leadership positions, with a focus on the industrial and manufacturing segments, including:

• Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning in Tokyo and Vice President/General Manager of Johnson Controls-Air Distribution in North America. Franz also held a variety of commercial and finance roles at Johnson Controls’ automotive and HVAC businesses in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific
• Franz served as a board member in multiple partnerships and joint ventures in China, India, Korea, Japan and other Southeast Asia countries

Community Impact

Franz is an advocate for the Hispanic Origin & Latin Affinity (HOLA) community, including serving as executive sponsor for the network within Xylem.

In the community, Franz serves on the Singapore Advisory Board for the Asian University for Women, an independent international university offering undergraduate education and leadership development for young women from across Asia and the Middle East.

Education

Master of Business Administration in Finance, University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Universidad de las Américas Puebla