Belden Inc. announced that Ashish Chand, EVP of Industrial Automation Solutions and Managing Director of APAC, has been appointed president. In connection with his appointment, Dr. Chand has been appointed to the company's board of directors. The appointments are effective immediately.

Dr. Chand succeeds Roel Vestjens, who has resigned from his position as president and chief executive officer and as a member of the company's board of directors for personal reasons. Mr. Vestjens' resignation is unrelated to Belden's strategy, operations, financial reporting, or any other matter related to the performance of the company. Dr. Chand joined Belden in 2002, and most recently served as the company's executive vice president of industrial automation solutions since July 2019 and Managing Director of Belden Asia Pacific from August 2017.

Over the course of his tenure with Belden, he has held roles across several functions, including sales and marketing and operations in both Asia and North America. Dr. Chand has played a pivotal role in developing and executing Belden's long-term growth agenda, solutions and product strategy, and go-to-market efforts. He made key contributions towards establishing and growing Belden throughout the Asia Pacific region, including setting up manufacturing in China and India.

Dr. Chand holds a BA in Economics from Loyola College, Chennai, India, an MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, India, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the City University of Hong Kong.