Bio

Ed has over 25 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and executive in software, design, autonomous/connected vehicles and automated manufacturing in the automotive, racing, aerospace, and apparel industries. Primary roles has been as a sales, business development and program management executive in early stage startups that have grown to global scope. Ed is currently VP Strategic Automotive Initiatives at Siemens PLM Software. Responsibilities include strategic planning and business development in areas of design of autonomous/connected vehicles in urban and racing environments, lightweight automotive structures and interiors. In addition, he is responsible for Siemens PL thought leadership in the area of Future Car technology, this includes publishing articles and development of cross divisional projects related to advanced vehicle technology. Prior to Siemens, he was a founding member and VP of Sales for VISTAGY that, without any outside funding, developed leading software for design and manufacturing of light-weight composites. Initially the sole sales person, he expanded sales to a global organization with direct and channel partners in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Ed was a key member of the executive team during global expansion of VISTAGY and transaction of Siemens acquisition in 2011. Prior to VISTAGY, Ed directed the Automation and Design Technology Group at the MIT Draper Laboratory, developing manufacturing processes, robotics, and design software for composites, automotive and textile applications. Projects included design of a composite car body, FRTM and preform pick/place for composites fabrication, as well as robotic equipment for manufacture of men’s suits, blue jeans, sweatpants and other apparel. Ed has an M.S. in mechanical engineering from MIT, B.S. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and an MBA from Butler University. He also has numerous patents in the area of composites manufacturing, robotics and laser technology.