Knudson appointed director of Center for Business and Economic Development

by Susan Sullivan
February 14, 2014

Gregory H. Knudson, formerly vice president of sales and marketing at Nextronex, Inc., an Ohio-based solar inverter/power electronics company, has been named director of the Center for Business and Economic Development (CBED) at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC). His appointment took effect February 3.

As CBED director, Knudson will be responsible for developing business-to-business partnerships between IUPUC and business enterprises throughout the region, including educational programming for professional development, including front-line management training, business consulting services, applied research projects, and academic support for new business ventures and entrepreneurship.

Knudson will oversee all CBED operations, including development and deployment of noncredit program offerings and certificate programs. He will also support project-based learning initiatives and IUPUC faculty who deliver these types of courses.

With a career that spans more than 30 years of experience, Knudson’s expertise includes start-up venture capital operations in which he was responsible for managing and building top-line sales revenues worldwide. 

He has served as president and CEO of TecnoSun Solar USA and managing director of Rocket Ventures, both in Ohio. A consulting partner with Nevada-based Miller Heiman Inc., Knudson oversaw projects with global enterprises in England, Australia, Singapore, Shanghai, and Brazil. As chief marketing officer for worldwide operations at Master Chemical Corporation, Knudson focused on the company’s United Kingdom, Thailand, Japan, and Chinese markets.

Knudson holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and international studies from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in international studies and demography with a focus on Latin America from Western Michigan University. He has studied economics, history, and geography at Cambridge University in England. 

In addition, Knudson is working toward a doctoral degree in international economic and demography with a focus on Latin America at the University of Florida, where he has completed all but the dissertation requirements.

For more information about the Center for Business and Economic Development, visit iupuc.edu/cbed. Contact Knudson at 812.348.7301 or gknudson@iupuc.edu.