Speakers

Sabine Scheunert joined Dassault Systèmes in 2024 as the Managing Director for the ECAL region, encompassing Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia. She oversees all business activities within these countries, focusing on three core areas: Manufacturing Industries, Infrastructure & Cities, and Healthcare & Life Sciences.

Before joining Dassault Systèmes, Sabine held significant leadership positions at several renowned companies. As a former top manager at Mercedes-Benz, she played a crucial role in the automobile and technology sectors. She also serves as a supervisor at Messer SE and Planet First Partners. Her career includes notable tenures at Hewlett-Packard, BMW, and a pioneering role as the first female CEO in China’s automotive industry. Sabine is deeply committed to promoting female leadership in the IT sector. As the co-founder of the Female CIO Circle, she actively supports and empowers women in technology. Her innovative contributions, such as implementing the direct sales model at Mercedes-Benz, and her involvement in supervisory boards, demonstrate her dedication to sustainable practices and pushing the boundaries of the digital revolution.

With a passion for creating transformative impact and fostering a sustainable future, Sabine Scheunert is thrilled to lead Dassault Systèmes in driving innovation and growth in the ECAL region.

Andreas Wank is Head of department “Smart Innovation” at Pepperl+Fuchs SE since January 2022. In addition, he also leads the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) program. When he joined Pepperl+Fuchs SE in 2019, he managed the project International Quality Management, which deals with traceability and incident management.

Before that, he was a Research Associate at the Technical University Darmstadt for five years (2014-2019). During this time he also acted as Managing Director „Mittelstand 4.0-Kompetenzzentrum Darmstadt“ (07/17 until 01/19), Team Leader for the Management of Industrial Production (04/16 until 01/19) as well as Assistance to the president of the German Academic Association for Production Technology (01/15 until 12/17).
The foundation for his professional success also lies in his scientific background. Andreas Wank holds both, a Bachelor (B.Sc.) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) from the Technical University Darmstadt with a specialization in mechanical engineering. On top of that, he successfully completed his PHD (DR.-ING) from 2014 until 2019.
Today, Andreas plays a crucial role in implementing the ongoing PLM project at Pepperl+Fuchs SE, which is essential for facilitating seamless information flow throughout the entire innovation chain, impacting approximately 2,500 users.

Guillaume Vendroux, CEO DELMIA at Dassault Systèmes, graduated from the California Institute of Technology with a Ph. D. in Aeronautics (93), Guillaume started his career in Engineering and R&D in the Transport sector, from aerospace as R&D engineer in Composite material at Aerospatiale (94-98), to Advanced Project Director at Valeo Electrical System (98-06) to various position in Engineering and R&D at Alstom Transport.
In 2010, still in Alstom Transport, Guillaume entered the Manufacturing world as VP industrial.
In 2016, Guillaume joined Dassault Systèmes to lead the DELMIA Brand, Dassault Systèmes industrial solutions portfolio to continue supporting all industries in the digital revolution to come.

Morgan Zimmermann, CEO Netvibes at Dassault Systèmes, joined EXALEAD in 2006 as Director of Strategy, Sales & Business Development. He took part in the international development of the brand in Asia, Europe, and the United States and was appointed CEO in 2015. Originally, EXALEAD supported major accounts on the use of web technologies as a vehicle for transforming transactional information systems. Since the acquisition of EXALEAD by Dassault Systèmes in 2010, Morgan ZIMMERMANN has rebuilt EXALEAD's product portfolio to accelerate value creation across the 12 industries served by Dassault Systèmes to:

• Transform knowledge of engineering and purchasing into performance and cost reduction levers
• Transform the implicit know-how (working methods, processes) of engineering and manufacturing into levers of operational excellence
• Exploit the data generated by consumers/end-users to support the client's digital transformation

In 2018, Morgan Zimmermann was named CEO of NETVIBES EXALEAD in order to leverage the NETVIBES ability to provide in-context insight from the market and industry into all enterprise business processes. Prior to joining EXALEAD, Morgan Zimmermann led the business development of Cril Telecom Software, a software publisher in global mobile networks.

Martin Gerten is a researcher in digital product development, with a strong focus on the integration of emerging technologies into industrial and educational contexts. Based in Germany, his work is characterized by a combination of practical project experience and academically grounded research.

During his studies, he focused extensively on digital product development within a variety of practice-oriented projects. These projects emphasized the end-to-end conception, design, and implementation of digital solutions, often in close alignment with real-world industry challenges. This hands-on experience also led him to entrepreneurial activities, where he translated theoretical knowledge into applied digital products and services.

In his master’s thesis, Martin concentrated on the concept of a fully integrated digital process chain. His work explored how digital continuity can be achieved across the entire product lifecycle—from initial customer requirements through design, manufacturing, and assembly, to end-of-life considerations. A particular emphasis was placed on the role of digital technologies in enabling transparency, efficiency, and sustainability throughout this lifecycle.

Currently, Martin is pursuing a doctoral degree with a research focus on humanoid robotics and knowledge management in industrial environments. His work investigates how intelligent robotic systems can be integrated into existing processes and how knowledge can be effectively captured, structured, and transferred within organizations.

Michael Hoffmann is a lecturer and head of the Laboratory for Digital Product Development and Manufacturing (LDPF) in the Department of Engineering at Trier University of Applied Sciences. His teaching and research focus on Digital Product Development, Additive Manufacturing, Industrial Digitalization, and research-oriented and project-based teaching, alongside active engagement in technology transfer.

He has many years of expertise in application-oriented research at the intersection of digital engineering, industrial IT infrastructure, and modern manufacturing technologies. A key aspect of his work is the development of sustainable research and transfer structures, combined with close collaboration with industry partners. In this context, Hoffmann has established and further developed the LDPF into an internationally recognized laboratory, which today serves as an industry-oriented transfer instrument and a permanent infrastructure for research, teaching, and cooperation.

Among his most significant scientific achievements is the international recognition of the LDPF as the first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Center of Excellence in Germany. He has also been involved in numerous award-winning innovation and transfer projects. In addition to his research activities, Hoffmann is an author, trainer in knowledge communication, and speaker in both academic teaching and industrial training.

His work also includes the conception and implementation of numerous externally funded projects and the sustainable development of research infrastructures. Through regular contributions to national and international conferences and the organization of many lecture series, Hoffmann actively contributes to scientific visibility and knowledge transfer between academia and industry.

31 years expertise in Product Development & End to End Virtual Product / Experience Innovation. Since December 2019, CEO of CATIA at DASSAULT SYSTEMES.

He started his career at Dassault Systèmes (3DS) in 1995 in CATIA’s Shape Design Industrialization Team. He then joined 3DS international Automotive Competency Center working with renowned customers like HONDA, FIAT, BMW, CHRYSLER and PSA to help them transform their design practices in the area of car body and styling. Through these experiences, he acquired deep knowledge of the automotive sector and customers’ business processes.

In 2011, he was appointed Vice President of the new defined Transportation & Mobility industry, which helps manufacturers and suppliers to develop new mobility experiences for their consumers.

As CATIA CEO, he is looking forward to empower the Community of Design Innovators to Engineer & Experience the best System of System from Concept to Experience Driven Engineering.

Michelle Ash is a dynamic, engaging, and goal-oriented senior executive who specializes in transformational roles, including business model reorientation, strategy development, implementation, and cultural change. She is passionate about transforming organizations that face challenges like rapid change and disruption, helping them reach their full potential. She is also a relationship-builder and values enabling stakeholders to achieve success.

In the past, Michelle has held key positions at BHP, as Vice President of Strategy for Growth, and at Barrick Gold as CIO, where she developed her passion for science, technology, and digital innovation. She also served as COO at Acacia Mining. She currently participates as a board member of several organizations, including Railveyor, Magnium, SAPHI, and StratumAI.

She earned a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Melbourne in 1992 and holds Graduate Diplomas in both Business and Economics, as well as an EMBA.

Michelle is also very familiar with DS; she held the position of GEOVIA CEO and Infrastructure Industry Segment Executive from 2019 to 2022.

Prof. Dr. Jacobs is recognized as one of the leading experts in drive technology, mechanical design, and wind energy systems. Since 2018, he has served as Chair Professor and Director of the Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering (MSE) at RWTH Aachen University. Since 2013, he has also headed the Chair for Wind Power Drives (CWD) and serves as Chairman of the Board of the interdisciplinary Center for Wind Power Drives.

Before pursuing his academic career in Aachen, Prof. Jacobs held several senior management positions at Bosch Rexroth, including membership of the executive management team of the Hydraulics division, where he was responsible for the development of hydraulic and mechanical drive technologies. Since 2019, he has additionally been a member of the Strategy Council of Mubea AG. His career combines academic excellence with extensive international industry experience in mechanical and plant engineering.

Timo Kistner leads Nvidia's business in the manufacturing and industrial sector in the EMEA region. With a focus on areas such as semiconductors, electronics, mechanical engineering, aerospace, chemistry, and transport and logistics, he maintains strategic partnerships and builds trusting relationships with key customers. His role includes not only managing Nvidia's strategic customer relationships but also maintaining a partner ecosystem and supporting key technology and business trends within the industry. Prior to joining NVIDIA, Timo led Manufacturing Solutions at Google Cloud in EMEA. Before that, Timo was a Partner at Siemens Management Consulting in Munich and Beijing with a focus on discrete and process manufacturing.

Frederic Horsch is a member of the Management Board at HORSCH Maschinen, an internationally leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery with a strong focus on crop protection, tillage, and seeding technology. He studied mechanical engineering and subsequently business informatics, combining a solid technical foundation with a deep understanding of digital systems and data-driven processes. In his current role, Frederic Horsch is primarily responsible for the strategic development of the company’s digitalization agenda. He drives HORSCH’s digital transformation across products, services, and internal processes advancing initiatives such as connected machines, smart farming solutions, and the integration of digital tools that enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer value.

Head of Novoferm Group R&D – since 2021

Worked in different industries like building automation, Automotive & Power tools before for Companies like GEZE, Festool, Valeo & Siemens

Mainly as Head of R&D throughout my career, taking responsibility for worldwide teams.

Mechanical Engineering degree – Dipl.-Ing. (FH)

Senior Consultant and Solution Architect with 25+ years of experience supporting automotive, industrial equipment, aerospace, and consumer goods companies in transforming complex PLM and CAD landscapes. Specialized in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes, I guide clients from process analysis and system architecture to successful technical implementation, primarily in large-scale and key account environments.

My expertise includes designing modular, scalable PLM architectures, optimizing end-to-end processes with a focus on integration and data quality, and delivering POCs and pilot projects to drive informed decisions. I combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and business insight, leading digital transformation initiatives from concept through rollout.

Started at CLAAS with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Assembly Responsible for residue management. Project manager for LEXION and TUCANO projects. Head of Development Planning in Business Unit Grain. Head of Service Function ENG Processes

Now heading the Service Function Product Development Excellence

Dr. Lucian Dold has been in automation for over 40 years – no wonder, considering he programmed his first PLC at age 14, while others were still figuring out their Walkman. He now leads Global Account Management at OMRON, blending deep technical passion with a sharp sense for digital transformation. In short: a tech‑nerd with a doctorate who not only talks about digitalization – he actually makes it work.

Sebastian Bachinger is a senior leader in operations and digital transformation, currently serving as a Vice President and Head of Corporate Digital Transformation at TDK Electronics AG in Munich. He brings extensive expertise in operational excellence, smart manufacturing, and large-scale business transformation across global organizations.

With a strong track record in leading international teams and fostering a people-centric culture, Sebastian has driven initiatives in operational excellence, industrial engineering, and digital factory development, consistently delivering measurable improvements in performance and efficiency.

His work is centered on leveraging next-generation technologies to transform complex enterprise environments. This includes the integration of AI, advanced analytics, and large-scale enterprise systems across complex, global environments.

He focuses on enabling transformation through people, building capabilities, aligning teams, and driving smarter, faster decision-making across the organization.

By combining deep operational expertise with modern technology stacks, he drives sustainable transformation and long-term competitive advantage.

Sebastian is passionate about shaping the future of smart enterprises through people-driven leadership and transformation.

Adé Popoola is the Global Assembly Process Engineering Lead at ZF Wind Power, a leading manufacturer of gearbox solutions for wind turbines. Based in Lommel, Belgium, he is responsible for driving process standardization and continuous improvement across global assembly operations, with a strong emphasis on digitalization and data-driven manufacturing.

He joined ZF Wind Power two years ago and is currently leading the introduction and adoption of DELMIA within the organization to support process optimization and enhance operational efficiency.

Prior to joining ZF Wind Power, Adé gained over two decades of experience across the automotive and aerospace industries. His expertise lies in manufacturing and process engineering, with a strong focus on continuous improvement initiatives and New Product Introduction (NPI) using APQP methodology.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mechatronics.

I am a Mechanical engineer with a master’s degree and hands-on experience in the household appliance supply industry as well as special-purpose machine engineering. After working in engineering and manufacturing environments, I joined TECHNIA as a consultant focusing on digital engineering solutions and process optimization.

Since 2019 I am working with GEBERIT where I am responsible for process and method development in the 3DEXPERIENCE environment and involved in the development of CAA Tools. My main areas of expertise include industrial prefabrication, equipment and fixture design, toolmaking, and change management related to the introduction of new tools and applications.

Wolfgang Weber has been CEO of ZVEI e. V., based in Frankfurt am Main (Germany), since 2020. After graduating in chemistry in Frankfurt, a doctorate in Zurich and short stints at SAP and a post doc in San Diego, he joined the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) as a consultant in 1999. In 2006, Wolfgang Weber joined BASF in Ludwigshafen as Head of Energy and Climate Policy, Communications and Government Relations. Five years later, he transferred to Brussels as Vice President EU Government Relations of the BASF Group. From 2017 to 2019, he was Vice President Corporate Communications and Government Relations for BASF's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

As a Team Lead at Schwarz Digits, Tobias Jung heads the team that holds complete end-to-end responsibility for their Delmia Quintiq multi resource planning software implementation. After successfully coordinating the software’s international rollout across many countries, his focus has evolved to cover the entire application lifecycle. Today, he oversees every aspect of the system — including daily application support and release management—while simultaneously consulting for logistics to drive the development of innovative transport solutions.

Lars Schubert is Vice President and Head of the PLM Practice Germany at Capgemini, with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation in engineering and manufacturing. A former founder and CEO of iFAKT, he has successfully delivered many customer implementations across industries including aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Lars is recognized for leading large-scale PLM programs, shaping digital continuity strategies, and enabling operations excellence through innovative SaaS solutions. He brings a unique combination of deep technical expertise and executive leadership, helping organizations accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable transformation at scale.

Niklas Hoppe is a passionate R&D leader who believes that successful innovation happens when technical excellence meets pragmatic execution. Holding a Diploma in Mathematics and Computer Science, he brings 18 years of experience across software, hardware, and systems engineering.
Throughout his career within the ROSEN Group, Niklas has held roles ranging from software developer and quality leader to project manager, system architect, and engineering manager. His work has focused on developing technology and data-driven solutions for demanding industrial environments.
Since joining Rosenxt at its inception, Niklas has been part of the R&D leadership team, helping to shape the organization, its engineering processes, and its digital transformation. As a driving force behind Rosenxt’s PLM journey from day one, he is passionate about building the structures, processes, and digital foundations that enable teams to bring innovative products to market efficiently and sustainably.

Jan Kalita joined Aircraft Industries in 2024 on the position of the Member of the Board of Directors and is responsible for technical development. He is an aerospace engineer and specia​​list in aircraft development, modernization, and lifecycle support with more than twenty years of experience in the aviation industry. Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous projects focused on development and modernization of aircrafts and helicopters and implementation of Integrated Product Support (IPS) systems in companies like LOM PRAHA s.p. and Aero Vodochody Aerospace. He started as a designer, structural engineer and now specializes in managing complex development programs, certification strategies, development of manufacturing and maintenance processes, and integration of innovative solutions into the aerospace environment. Jan Kalita is also actively involved in supporting the development of the Czech aerospace industry, strengthening international cooperation, and implementing advanced digital technologies. He is a strong advocate of innovation aimed at increasing efficiency, safety, and global competitiveness of aerospace products and services.

Christian Lehmann is a senior PLM and Engineering Systems professional with more than 25 years of experience in product development, CAD, PDM/PLM and enterprise system integration. Throughout his career, he has led several global transformation programs, managed international teams, and advised organizations on digital engineering and product lifecycle strategies.

A distinctive strength of his background is the combination of extensive experience on both the customer and solution provider sides. This dual perspective enables him to bridge business requirements, engineering processes and technology capabilities, ensuring practical and sustainable PLM solutions.

His expertise spans PLM strategy, digital transformation, engineering processes, solution architecture and the implementation of global product development platforms across complex international environments.

Today, Christian serves as Head PLM Application&Process at V-ZUG, where he leads the company's PLM transformation initiative, driving the evolution of processes, systems, and organizational capabilities to support future product development and innovation.

Christian Jendrasik is Head of PDM & PLM Solutions at Bechtle PLM Deutschland GmbH. He has many years of experience in the PDM/PLM industry and has previously held various senior sales management positions. His areas of expertise include sales leadership, PLM, process optimization, data management, and PLM consulting.

After graduating in Architecture and Urban Planning from the University of Stuttgart in 2004 with a degree in engineering, he began his professional career at DPS Software in 2005. He initially worked there as a Support Technician until 2008. From 2009 to 2023, he was responsible for technical sales support as a PreSales Consultant in the field of Product Lifecycle Management and, in addition, held a team leadership role in PreSales from 2018 to 2023. Since 2024, he has served as Head of Sales Consulting Design Solutions at Bechtle PLM. His professional career is characterized by sound technical expertise, strong consulting capabilities, and many years of experience in sales-related and leadership functions.

Judith Tabea Meding works as Transformation Manager Digitalization and Product Development in Miele’s Central Development. In this role, she drives strategic transformation initiatives across product development and digitalization, focusing on innovation, organizational development, and the implementation of future-oriented development processes. Before taking on this role, Judith gained international experience within Miele in engineering, industrialization, and factory ramp-up projects. She contributed to cross-site projects in the Cooking Business Unit and supported the launch of Miele Manufacturing Inc. in Opelika, Alabama (USA), with responsibilities in factory planning, process management, and process optimization. Prior to joining Miele, she combined scientific research and teaching activities at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, contributing to innovation, digitalization, and sustainability initiatives. Judith holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences and a double-degree Master of Science / Laurea Magistrale in Production Engineering and Management from Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe and the University of Trieste, Italy. With a strong background in engineering, innovation, and organizational transformation, she is passionate about shaping the future of product development and accelerating digital transformation within global industrial organizations.

Matthias Klocke works within Central IT department at Miele and is responsible for all PLM and Research & Development related topics. Main focus is on digitalizing R&D processes by providing appropriate tooling support. Before joining his current role, he gained extensive experience in management and consulting positions across IoT and software development.

Dr. Nicolas Brossardt is a Solution Architect at BMW Group, focusing on the future of product development processes. With a strong background in engineering and technology, he works at the intersection of innovation, digital transformation and process architecture, helping to shape how complex products are developed in an increasingly connected and data-driven environment. His expertise combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of industrial processes, enabling him to translate technological potential into scalable, future-oriented solutions. Through his work, he contributes to the continuous evolution of product development and supports the transformation of engineering workflows within one of the world’s leading automotive companies.

Dr. Gregor Höpfner is Managing Director at seek Systems Engineering, where he focuses on bringing innovation from research into industrial product development through Model-Based Systems Engineering, simulation and AI. With several years of experience at RWTH Aachen University, he has worked extensively on seamless, function-oriented development processes for complex mechatronic systems. His expertise lies in connecting system models, simulation methods and engineering knowledge to enable earlier validation, greater transparency and more efficient product development. Through his work, he supports organizations in managing technical complexity and translating advanced engineering approaches into practical, industry-ready solutions.