Caroline Viarouge takes over as EIT Manufacturing CEO and sets the organisation in fast-forward mode
2 May 2023
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Outgoing EIT Manufacturing CEO Klaus Beetz hands over his duties to incoming CEO Caroline Viarouge, a well-regarded international leader who has extensive knowledge of the industry and the corporate business environment and is a strong proponent of innovation as competitive advantage.
Effective today, 2 May 2023, Caroline Viarouge assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer at EIT Manufacturing. Named as incoming CEO on 23 March 2023, Caroline succeeds Klaus Beetz, who plans to retire at end of July 2023 after four years at the helm of EIT Manufacturing. EIT Manufacturing is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Caroline already had the opportunity to meet with the community partners and EIT Manufacturing members at the annual MatchMaking Event, to discuss industry challenges and steps to accelerate manufacturing competencies in Europe. Caroline will spend her first weeks and months visiting all EIT Manufacturing offices to meet with her teams, community partners, startups, educational institutions and larger corporations. In 2023 her priorities will include the redesign of the EIT Manufacturing Strategic Agenda for financial sustainability and the development of service offerings.
I am pleased that Caroline Viarouge starts today as the next EIT Manufacturing CEO.
On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Klaus Beetz for successfully leading the development of our organisation from its early days in 2019. We strongly believe that Caroline is the right successor to take over this responsibility, further shape the organisation to provide more value to our community and members and help transform European manufacturing.
Cecilia Warrol, Chair of the EIT Manufacturing Supervisory Boar
Caroline commented:
I am honoured to lead EIT Manufacturing and, together with our colleagues, start a new chapter while making our organisation financially sustainable. EIT Manufacturing has a unique community; I believe EIT Manufacturing partners can join forces to accelerate innovation. Together, we will build on what was done so far, to reshape and improve European manufacturing competitiveness and impact.
Caroline Viarouge, new CEO of EIT Manufacturing
In his tenure as CEO, Klaus led EIT Manufacturing in supporting projects to turn research and innovative ideas into market-ready solutions. During the last three years, the organisation has made significant progress in connecting diverse networks, expertise and education initiatives to empower Europe with skilled people and support high-growth companies that have positive social impact.
Klaus stated:
First of all I want to say a big THANKS to our partners and to the team of EIT Manufacturing for their commitment and support. It was really an honour to serve this outstanding and unique European community and I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity to lead the talented team and, with the support of our partners, to shape the future of EIT Manufacturing and the manufacturing community. Much has been achieved and there is a lot to do. I wish Caroline, the whole team and the still growing community a lot of success and a prospering future
Klaus Beetz, former CEO of EIT Manufacturing
Caroline Viarouge brings a strong leadership and transformational track record, broad background in the industry and a passion for manufacturing in Europe. She held various senior management positions in larger industrial groups, such as Nissan and Munters, where she was instrumental in growing and transforming these organisations, and in expanding their manufacturing footprints. Beyond her deep corporate knowledge, Caroline worked in management consulting at BearingPoint, and she continues to support innovative start-ups through X-HEC, and as a business angel. She holds a Master of Sciences in International Business from the University College Dublin and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.
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The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) strengthens Europe’s ability to innovate by powering solutions to pressing global challenges and by nurturing entrepreneurial talent to create sustainable growth and skilled jobs in Europe. The EIT is an EU body which is an integral part of Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. The Institute supports the development of dynamic pan-European partnerships – EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities – among leading companies, research labs and universities.
EIT Manufacturing is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, and it is one of nine innovation communities within EIT. EIT Manufacturing’s main goal is to bring European stakeholders focused on manufacturing together in innovation ecosystems that add unique value to European products, processes and services and inspire the creation of globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing. EIT Manufacturing brings together more than 80 members (universities, research institutes and business).
EIT Manufacturing — Making Innovation Happen!
Contact Details
Email: communications@eitmanufacturing.eu
More information at www.eitmanufacturing.eu
