Deloitte appointed Paul Wellener vice chairman of Deloitte LLP and leader of the industrial products and services practice in the U.S., effective immediately. Wellener succeeds Trina Huelsman, who will continue to serve as Deloitte’s chief risk and reputation officer, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory, Deloitte & Touche.

Based in Cleveland, Wellener will be responsible for driving key industrial products and services sector initiatives, growing the practice across all businesses and working closely with senior leaders of the organization and their clients, which include over 95% of the industry’s Fortune 500 companies. He will also serve as Deloitte’s managing principal of Northeast Ohio.

“The industrial products industry is experiencing a time of rapid change and uncertainty as globalization, advanced technologies, the skills gap and the evolution of Industry 4.0 reshape the industry,” said Wellener. “This is an exciting time to lead the industrial products practice as we work with our clients to navigate the changing landscape.”

A principal in Deloitte Consulting, Wellener has 28 years of experience in the industrial products and automotive sectors, and has focused on helping organizations address major transformations. His global experience spans work with teams in Asia, Europe and South America.

“Paul’s deep understanding of the industry and business issues that impact industrial manufacturers has positioned him as a leader among his clients, our colleagues and our industry,” said Seema Pajula, vice chairman and consumer and industrial products leader at Deloitte LLP. “I look forward to seeing our practice advance and our clients succeed under his leadership.”