Honeywell has announced the appointment of Peter Lau as President and Chief Executive Officer of its Industrial Automation business, effective October 15, 2025.
According to Honeywell, Lau previously led the company’s Security, Fire and Electrical Products businesses, where he was responsible for advancing global fire and life safety detection and control solutions.
He will now succeed Lucian Boldea, who will leave the company at the end of the month to pursue another opportunity.
Lau will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will report directly to Vimal Kapur, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell.
Kapur said: “We are delighted to welcome Pete back to Honeywell. He brings deep industry knowledge, a passion for our business and a strong track record of driving growth—all of which will help fuel innovation and create value for our customers.”
Kapur added: “We are grateful to Lucian for his leadership and dedication to positioning our Industrial Automation business for the next chapter of growth and wish him well in future endeavors.”
Honeywell reported that Lau most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of FARO Technologies.
It said he was also a member of FARO’s Board of Directors, where he led a strategic transformation that resulted in the company’s acquisition.
The company added that during his time at FARO, Lau strengthened the business’s position in 3D measurement, imaging and realization technology.
Honeywell stated that this was achieved through a commitment to operational excellence and delivery of customer-driven products and solutions aimed at growth.
The company explained that Lau had previously held leadership roles at Honeywell, where he led three global businesses.
It said these businesses included Security, Fire and Electrical Products, with a focus on global security and fire and life safety detection and control solutions.
According to Honeywell, Lau oversaw a transition from hardware-based products to software-focused offerings during that period.
It added that he also expanded Honeywell’s international footprint and strengthened its commercial capabilities.
Honeywell reported that Lau has also held senior positions at Hubbell, General Electric and Catalyst Nutraceuticals.
The company said he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University.
This broad background, it explained, reflects leadership experience across both industrial and technology-focused businesses.
Honeywell recently announced an evaluation of strategic alternatives for its Productivity Solutions and Services (PSS) and Warehouse and Workflow Solutions (WWS) businesses.
The company explained that both PSS and WWS are part of its Industrial Automation division.
According to Honeywell, this review is intended to simplify its portfolio and support accelerated value creation.
It said the review forms part of its planned separation into three independent businesses, expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
Honeywell stated that following the separation, it will operate as a global automation business focused on building automation, process automation technologies and industrial automation.
Honeywell’s decision to bring back Lau is directly relevant to fire and safety professionals because of his previous leadership of Honeywell’s Security, Fire and Electrical Products businesses.
During that time, Lau was responsible for advancing global fire and life safety detection and control systems, moving offerings from hardware to software-based solutions.
This leadership change indicates continuity in Honeywell’s strategic direction for its fire and life safety solutions, which are integrated into its Industrial Automation portfolio.
The restructuring of Honeywell into three separate companies by 2026 may also influence how fire and safety technologies are developed, marketed and delivered in the future.
Honeywell has appointed Peter Lau as President and Chief Executive Officer of its Industrial Automation business.
The appointment will take effect on October 15, 2025.
Lau will succeed Lucian Boldea, who is leaving the company at the end of September 2025.
Lau will be based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He will report to Vimal Kapur, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell.
Lau previously led Honeywell’s Security, Fire and Electrical Products businesses.
In that role he directed the development of global fire and life safety solutions.
He most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of FARO Technologies.
He was also a member of FARO’s Board of Directors.
Lau led a strategic transformation that resulted in FARO’s acquisition.
Honeywell has also announced a review of its Productivity Solutions and Services and Warehouse and Workflow Solutions businesses.
Both businesses are part of its Industrial Automation division.
The company plans to complete a separation into three independent companies in the second half of 2026.
After the separation Honeywell will focus on building automation, process automation technologies and industrial automation.
