German automation specialist Festo has appointed Professor Tomas Smetana to its Management Board as Head of Research and Development, effective May 1, 2026. The move signals Festo’s commitment to strengthening its innovation capabilities in industrial automation.
Prof.Smetana brings over two decades of international leadership experience across engineering and technology development. Most recently serving as Chief Technology Officer at ebm-papst Group, he previously held senior roles at Schaeffler, including Global CTO of the Industrial Division and CTO for Asia Pacific. His portfolio at Festo will span Corporate Research and Innovation, Product Development, and Software Development, alongside strategic business units including Electric Automation, Process Automation, and LifeTech.
