Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
Business-minded technical leader with 20 years’ experience in photonics and high-end manufacturing. Skilled in leading cross-functional projects, coaching teams, and delivering customer-focused solutions that enhance performance, efficiency, and market impact. I have contributed to strategic initiatives and technology roadmaps, evaluated emerging technologies, and bridged technical and business objectives to support sustainable growth and prepare organizations for future challenges. As an experienced presenter at conferences and industry events, I am recognized for building strong customer relationships, guiding multi-disciplinary teams, and fostering operational excellence across projects and departments.
Advisory Board Member at the European Society of Thin Films (EFDS) – working with industry and research leaders to foster progress in thin-film technology.
Bühler Leybold Optics drives innovation and precision in high-tech thin-film vacuum coating and ion beam machining systems. Part of the Bühler Group with over 13,000 employees, we serve global markets with solutions for high-end optics, semiconductor, architectural glass, ophthalmic lenses, smartphone and automotive optics, medical technology, and more. Our Leipzig Competence Center focuses on sub-nanometer surface modification using ion beam and plasma technologies, and develops high-precision optical inspection systems with expertise in automation and robotics. The team combines technical excellence with strategic program execution, delivering advanced solutions that meet the highest standards in quality, efficiency, and market impact.
Starting as a Development Engineer, I gained expertise in production measurement technology, broadcasting, lasers, high-end aspheres, and free-form optics. Building on this foundation, I transitioned into a Key Account Manager role, where I stepped into customer needs, represented them internally, and led complex projects. I coordinated cross-functional teams, guided key accounts from development to series production, assessed key technologies, identified competitive advantages, and represented the company at industry events and conferences.
As a Project Manager and Technology Scout at ZEISS, I led multi-disciplinary projects from concept to implementation, identifying emerging technologies and innovative solutions with strategic potential. I evaluated new technological approaches, coordinated cross-functional teams, and supported R&D roadmaps and product development initiatives. Additionally, I analyzed competitive landscapes, provided recommendations for strategic investments, and represented ZEISS at industry events, bridging technical insights with business opportunities.
As a Research Assistant in a young research team, I managed research projects and development contracts from acquisition to final reporting in the field of optics and laser technology. Simultaneously, I conducted my doctoral research on micro-processing of silicatic materials using ultrashort pulse lasers. I also mentored and guided a team of junior engineers in process development for laser-based manufacturing technologies.