Leadership team

About us / Leadership team / Robert Harris, P.Eng.

Robert Harris, P.Eng.

Co-Founder, Chairman

In 1992, along with co-founder Mike Kropp, Bob recognized a growing need for independent software system integration services in the manufacturing sector. Together, they developed an idea for a company that would bring a little-known technology called peer-to-peer communications to the factory floor. Bob was the original visionary spirit behind PEER Group, setting the strategic direction of the company, evaluating and selecting corporate partners, and representing the organization to customers across multiple industries. In 2010, Bob took on the role of Chairman. In 2024, Bob and Mike were inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame in recognition of their exceptional impact on the community and demonstrated vision, leadership, and integrity throughout their careers.

Prior to co-founding PEER Group, Bob was the creator and manager of the software system division of ATS (Automation Tooling Systems), one of the world’s largest providers of custom automation systems. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a licensed professional engineer in the province of Ontario.