PEOPLE WATCH
Brandt to succeed Smith at Hypertherm Associates
Hypertherm Associates , a U . S . -based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software , has confirmed that Aaron Brandt , EVP of Technology , will succeed Evan Smith , CEO , upon Smith ’ s planned retirement at the end of 2024 . Brandt will become the third CEO since Hypertherm Associates was founded in 1968 .
Brandt earned his Bachelor ’ s and Master ’ s degrees in mechanical engineering from Penn State University . He joined the company 25 years ago , starting as a research and design engineer and progressing to both engineering and business leadership roles .
Brandt has served as general manager for the heavy industrial plasma business and as executive leader for the software , waterjet and laser consumables businesses . In 2019 , he founded the Hypertherm Ventures practice as a critical component of the company ’ s advanced manufacturing technology development strategy . In addition to functional and business leadership , Brandt has spent the past ten years on the Executive Management Team serving as EVP , Technology and shaping as well as executing the company ’ s core technology
Evan Smith ( left ), Hypertherm Associates ’ CEO , with Aaron Brandt , Hypertherm Associates President & COO .
roadmap , while leading the company ’ s digital and multi-technology growth strategies .
During 2024 , Smith will continue in his role as CEO while Brandt takes on the position of President and Chief Operating Officer ( COO ). This carefully planned transition year will include staged transfer of strategic leadership responsibilities as well as recognition of Smith ’ s long and accomplished tenure .
Evan Smith joined the company in 1992 , was named President in 2012 and has served as CEO since 2015 . He has led the company through substantial growth , global expansion , the establishment of 100 % Associate ownership and the strategic development of Hypertherm Associates as a multi-technology industrial cutting solutions specialist . n
www . Hypertherm Associates . com
CECIMO confirms new leadership roles
During its General Assembly , the European Association of Manufacturing Technologies ( CECIMO ) announced the appointment of François Duval as its new President for a two-year term , succeeding Dr . Heinz-Jürgen Prokop . This leadership transition also sees Riccardo Rosa take on the role of Chairman of the Technical Committee .
CECIMO delegates also confirmed Marcus Burton as Chairman of the Economic Committee and Michael Merkle as Chairman of the Communication and Advocacy Committee , for a further term of office . Spain holds one of the permanent vice presidencies of CECIMO , represented by José Pérez Berdud , President of AFM Cluster .
François Duval , recognised for his contributions to the machine tool industry , reiterated his appreciation for the new role : “ I ’ m truly honoured to take on the role of CECIMO President for the next two years , and I look forward to working together on our shared goals . Especially in these challenging times , my main priorities are supporting innovation in the manufacturing sector and ensuring that European regulations allow businesses to thrive and remain competitive ,” he said .
Mr . Duval ’ s commitment to industry development underscores the
François Duval .
interdependence of innovation and skilled talent .
“ As manufacturing solutions become more complex , the need for expertise becomes paramount . To truly reap the benefits of the innovations we offer , we must provide our customers with unwavering support and guidance . Complex innovation requires a skilled and talented workforce and a commitment to helping customers realise their full potential ,” he highlighted .
With a degree in engineering from the Institut Catholique d ’ Arts et Métiers ( ICAM ) in Lille , Mr . Duval ’ s career spans almost three decades within the FIVES
Group . Throughout his career , he has held prominent management positions . He has been managing director of GF Machining Solutions France since July 2020 . He has over two decades of experience in the machine tool industry , including six years as President of the Machine Tool Manufacturers and Importers Group in the French trade association , SYMOP ( now EVOLIS ).
Mr . Duval began his career in the machine tool sector as managing director of Cinetic Machining , where he oversaw the development of Rouchaud milling and laser welding solutions for the automotive powertrain , aluminium extrusion milling and routers for the aerospace industry , and machine tool reconditioning .
Duval ’ s subsequent acquisition of Metrap , the largest remanufacturer in France , marked a significant milestone in his career . By merging Metrap with Cinetic Machining , he created Fives Machining , a testament to his strategic vision and leadership .
He has also participated and gained experience in powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition as a Board Member of AddUp , a JV between Fives and Michelin . He has a broad international career with extensive experience in Eastern Europe , Asia and Australia . n
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