Event Overview
We are excited to welcome you to a panel discussion on “Advanced Manufacturing & Industrial Competitiveness”, taking place as part of the Machine Tools Innovation Awards programme on 23 September at EMO Hannover (Hall 12, Forum stage).
The discussion will focus on how Europe can strengthen its industrial base through innovation, looking at the impact of AI, automation, and green production technologies, as well as the importance of skilled talent, better access to funding, and smart regulation. We will also explore how to support SMEs, foster cross-border collaboration, and advance digital and sustainable manufacturing across Europe.
Machine Tools Innovation Awards – Pitching session
Following the panel, we will host the third edition of the Machine Tools Innovation (MTI) Awards pitching session, where the top shortlisted candidates will present their innovative ideas to a jury of industry experts and the audience.
The Machine Tools Innovation (MTI) Award Ceremony will take place at 18:30 as part of the vibrant Start-up Night in Hall 6.
Join leading voices from industry as they uncover the practical paths to smarter, greener, and globally competitive manufacturing.
Who should attend?
Manufacturing executives • Operations & plant managers • Innovation leads • Policymakers • SME founders •
Tech providers • Investors
DATE: Tuesday, 23 September 2025
TIME: 16 :15 – 17 :30
VENUE: Hall 12, Forum stage
Programme
Speakers

Irene Bader
Member of the Board, Global Corporate Communication & Chief Marketing Officer, DMG Mori
Irene is a member of the Executive Board of DMG MORI COMPANY LIMITED. She is responsible for Global Corporate Communication and Chief Marketing Officer. She joined the company in 2005 and has held various management positions. Under her leadership, the global marketing structure has been established and consolidated across the Group. She is also Managing Director of DMG MORI Europe Holding. In this role, she defines the strategic direction of the company, manages operational processes in Europe and identifies market potential in the manufacturing industry. Since 2016, Irene Bader has represented the main shareholder DMG MORI COMPANY LIMITED on the Supervisory Board of the subsidiary DMG MORI AG.

Christian Bölling
Managing Director, Central region, EIT Manufacturing Central
Christian founded the Central Office of EIT Manufacturing in Germany in 2019 and is its Managing Director. With a team of 20, he delivers innovation, commercialisation and startup support in manufacturing. Before, he was Head of Cutting Technology at the Institute of Production Management, Technology and Machine Tools of TU Darmstadt, Germany.

Paul Ribus
Head of European Sales & Marketing Coordination, FANUC Europe
Paul is the Head of European Sales & Marketing Coordination in FANUC Europe with the head office located in Stuttgart (Germany), coordinating the European sales business activities in cooperation with all 23 European FANUC Subsidiaries in the European Market. He joined FANUC in 2002 as Managing Director of FANUC BeNeLux with the head office located in Mechelen (Belgium) establishing a profitable, motivated, and efficient business organisation for the BeNeLux territories, for the complete FANUC Product Portfolio (ROBOTS, CNC, ROBODRILL, ROBOCUT, ROBOSHOT, and IOT) and Customer Service activities (Parts, Training and Maintenance). Has some previous experience in a European Management position (2012 – 2014) as General Manager, European Marketing and Sales Support.

Monika Šimánková
Chief Executive Officer of ITS group and Chamber of the Board at HESTEGO
Monika graduated from Brno University of Technology. She has been with the ITS Group for 21 years. She began her career at HESTEGO, where she gradually worked her way up to the position of CEO, a role she held for 10 years. For the past four years, she has been CEO of the entire ITS holding. She is primarily responsible for the strategic direction of the holding and its individual companies, the leveraging of group synergies, and the coordination across the companies.
See you at EMO Hannover 2025!
22 – 26 September



