St Margrethen, St Gallen, Switzerland
My mission is to transform ideas into products, services, and opportunities that improve people's lives and create meaningful impact. Growing up in a farm workshop in South Africa taught me a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving. The motto "’n boer maak ’n plan" refers to always finding a way, and usually with limited available resources. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to shape how I approach innovation today. I am an innovation and product development leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning sport engineering, biomechanics, technical textiles, composites, advanced materials, product development, and innovation management. Combining a PhD in Sport Engineering with extensive industrial experience, I have led projects from early-stage research and concept validation through to industrialization and commercialization. My experience includes laboratory leadership, testing and validation, supplier collaboration, technology transfer, manufacturing partnerships across Europe and Asia, technology scouting, trend analysis, patent intelligence, sustainability initiatives, digital twins, AI-enabled innovation, and business model development. I have developed practical Stage-Gate systems and innovation processes while leading cross-functional teams across engineering, design, manufacturing, marketing, and business functions. Throughout my career, I have been motivated by the challenge of turning emerging technologies and ideas into products, services, and business opportunities that create real value. I am particularly interested in the intersection of advanced materials, digital technologies, sustainability, and innovation strategy. Beyond my professional work, I am passionate about creating opportunities for those less fortunate. Through my Dazud project, which focuses on the collection, refurbishment, and redistribution of bicycles in Africa, I have supported mobility and skills-development initiatives, including bicycle mechanic training programs. What began as a practical response to a local need evolved into a broader effort to help people gain independence, develop valuable skills, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities. Today, I am energized by innovation leadership roles where technology, people, and purpose come together to create lasting value for businesses, customers, and society.