Dennis M. Fairchild is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Cognex Corporation, a global leader in machine vision systems for industrial automation headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts. He has held this position since 2005 and is responsible for the company's financial strategy and operations. Fairchild joined Cognex in 2002 as Vice President of Finance, advancing due to his expertise in financial planning, treasury, tax, internal audit, and investor relations. Under his leadership, Cognex has experienced substantial growth, including expansions into new markets and innovations in vision technology, contributing to strong financial performance and shareholder value.

Prior to Cognex, Fairchild held senior finance roles at Haemonetics Corporation and other firms, building a robust foundation in corporate finance and accounting. His strategic oversight has been pivotal during economic volatility, helping Cognex maintain fiscal stability and pursue acquisitions. Fairchild is known for his conservative yet forward-thinking approach to financial management, emphasizing operational efficiency and risk mitigation.

He maintains a low public profile outside his professional duties, focusing on corporate governance and industry contributions. Fairchild has supervised key personnel including Robert Willett and plays a central role in Cognex's executive team, reporting directly to the CEO.