Unveiling the Visionaries: The Top 10 Influential Personalities Who Shaped 3D Printing in 2023

As another transformative year draws to a close, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the dynamic landscape of the additive manufacturing sector. 2023 has been marked by significant innovations, strategic shifts, and expanded applications, all driven by dedicated individuals and pioneering teams. These leaders, whether steering multinational corporations, fostering innovative startups, or pushing the boundaries in research centers, have profoundly influenced the 3D printing market on both local and global scales. Their vision, expertise, and relentless pursuit of progress are the true catalysts behind the rapid growth and evolution of this exciting industry. At the heart of every technological breakthrough and every successful market expansion lies the human element – the strategists, the engineers, the entrepreneurs, and the researchers who inspire and execute. In this spirit, we are delighted to spotlight 10 remarkable personalities who, in our assessment, have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of 3D printing throughout 2023. Presented in alphabetical order by surname, these individuals represent the diverse and impactful forces shaping the future of additive manufacturing. We invite you to explore their stories and share your thoughts on who you believe left the most significant mark. Happy New Year to all, and here’s to continued innovation!

Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO, UltiMaker

The year 2023 solidified the impact of one of the most significant industry developments from the previous year: the momentous merger of Ultimaker and MakerBot. This union brought together two giants of the desktop 3D printing world, creating an unparalleled powerhouse focused on making additive manufacturing more accessible and robust. Michiel Alting von Geusau stepped into the crucial role of CEO for the newly formed UltiMaker brand in September 2023, tasked with leading this combined entity into a new era of growth and innovation. Bringing over two decades of extensive experience in fostering, leading, and managing expansion within technology-driven companies, Alting von Geusau possesses a unique skill set perfectly suited for this challenge. His prior executive positions, including CEO and CFO of Docdata N.V. and Global President of the Commerce and Lifecycle Services business unit at Ingram Micro Commerce & Fulfillment, underscore his proven track record in complex global operations and strategic growth. Upon joining the 3D printing world at UltiMaker’s helm, he articulated a clear vision: “I am honored to become the CEO of UltiMaker and grow the adoption of 3D printing across the globe. I look forward to leading this innovative company with a bright future and industry leading products.” His leadership is set to further democratize 3D printing, empowering countless users from educational institutions to small businesses with advanced, reliable desktop solutions. UltiMaker, under his guidance, is poised to continue expanding its global footprint, pushing boundaries in user experience, material versatility, and the overall reliability of accessible additive manufacturing technology.

Brigitte de Vet-Veithen, CEO, Materialise

2023 marked a pivotal year for Materialise, a global leader and long-standing pioneer in 3D printing software and solutions, as Brigitte de Vet-Veithen assumed the role of CEO. Having first joined Materialise in 2016, she quickly rose through the ranks, notably serving as Executive Vice President of Materialise Medical. With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years in various industries, including a significant tenure with healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson, Brigitte de Vet-Veithen brings a wealth of strategic and operational expertise to her new position. Her leadership has been instrumental in the remarkable growth and profitability of the Belgian company’s medical segment, which now stands as its most lucrative division. Under her guidance, Materialise Medical has expanded its offerings significantly, delivering cutting-edge solutions for patient-specific implants, surgical planning, and medical device manufacturing, thereby revolutionizing healthcare practices globally. Her deep understanding of highly regulated industries like healthcare positions Materialise to navigate future challenges and opportunities with confidence and innovation. Commenting on her appointment, she articulated a clear vision for the company’s future trajectory: “I am proud and honored to take the reins as CEO of Materialise, a company that helped create and continues to shape the 3D printing industry. I celebrate our roots as 3D printing pioneers, but I am even more excited about our role as pioneers of tomorrow’s possibilities.” This statement reflects her commitment to honoring Materialise’s foundational legacy while simultaneously driving forward into new frontiers of additive manufacturing, focusing on sustainability, digital transformation, and expanding the reach of 3D printing into even more impactful applications.

Patrick Farrey, CEO, SPE

Patrick Farrey, an entrepreneur with a strong background in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, has been the CEO of SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) since 2017. In 2023, he significantly amplified his influence within the additive manufacturing sector through a series of strategic moves designed to democratize and industrialize 3D printing. Farrey orchestrated the instrumental takeovers of two key companies specializing in 3D printing: 3Dnatives and ImplementAM. These acquisitions are pivotal to SPE’s broader mission to integrate additive manufacturing more deeply into the plastics industry, bridging the gap between traditional plastics processing and advanced manufacturing techniques. His overarching aim is to make 3D printing technology accessible to a wider audience, from academic researchers to industrial professionals, and crucially, to assist businesses in seamlessly integrating it into their existing production workflows. By acquiring prominent platforms like 3Dnatives, a leading global media outlet dedicated to additive manufacturing, SPE under Farrey’s leadership is consolidating knowledge dissemination and community engagement within the sector. Similarly, ImplementAM’s focus on consultancy and strategic integration directly supports his goal of helping professionals adopt this transformative technology effectively. Farrey’s strategic vision ensures that SPE remains at the forefront of materials science and manufacturing, fostering an environment where innovation in plastics and additive manufacturing can flourish and drive industry-wide advancement.

Maria Forss, CEO, BICO

Maria Forss made a significant impact in 2023 by taking the helm as CEO of the BICO Group, a global leader specializing in cutting-edge 3D bioprinting technologies and advanced medtech solutions. Her appointment signals a strategic move for BICO, aiming to further solidify its position in the rapidly evolving fields of life science research and regenerative medicine. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Maria Forss brings extensive experience in strategic marketing, executive management, and sales, much of which was cultivated within the highly regulated and innovative pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Her previous roles at renowned companies like AstraZeneca and Vitrolife have equipped her with a deep understanding of product development, market penetration, and global commercialization strategies in the life sciences. Crucially, Maria has also been actively involved in several successful mergers and acquisitions throughout her career. This expertise is particularly pertinent for BICO, a group known for its inorganic growth strategy and its portfolio of diverse subsidiaries that are pushing the boundaries of bioconvergence. Under her leadership, BICO is set to accelerate its mission of enabling scientists and researchers worldwide to create the future of health, from advanced drug discovery platforms to the ultimate goal of printing functional human tissues and organs. Her strategic acumen and M&A experience are expected to drive BICO’s continued expansion, foster deeper collaboration across its entities, and cement its role as a pivotal innovator in the bioprinting landscape, advancing personalized medicine and scientific research.

Aurélien Fussel, Program Manager – Additive Manufacturing, Alstom

Aurélien Fussel stands out as a key figure in the industrial adoption of 3D printing, particularly within the challenging and safety-critical mobility sector. Having joined Alstom, a global leader in sustainable and smart mobility, in 2007, Fussel has steadily climbed the ranks, holding various management positions across innovation, product development, and quality departments. His journey into additive manufacturing began in 2016, where he recognized the immense potential of 3D technologies for the French industrial conglomerate. Since then, he has spearheaded Alstom’s additive manufacturing program, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible industrial applications. Fussel is remarkably active within the market, serving as a fervent advocate and driving force behind the integration of 3D printing into the mobility industry. He is deeply convinced of the myriad advantages that additive manufacturing brings, including lighter components, reduced lead times for spare parts, complex geometry optimization, and enhanced supply chain resilience. His strategic leadership and commitment bore significant fruit in 2023, as Alstom proudly announced passing the remarkable milestone of 150,000 3D printed parts. This achievement is not merely a number; it signifies a robust industrialization of additive manufacturing within a demanding sector, demonstrating the technology’s readiness for large-scale, critical applications. Aurélien Fussel’s work exemplifies how visionary leadership can translate technological potential into widespread operational success, making him an undeniable influencer in the industrialization of 3D printing.

Ishani Malhotra, CEO, Carcinotech

Ishani Malhotra is the visionary CEO and founder of Carcinotech, a pioneering MedTech startup she established in 2018. Her groundbreaking work has positioned Carcinotech at the forefront of personalized oncology, garnering significant attention in 2023 for its innovative approach to cancer research and drug development. Carcinotech is the world’s first company to successfully produce 3D-printed living micro-tumors derived directly from patient cells. This revolutionary technology provides an unprecedented platform for personalized analysis and meticulous testing of new pharmaceutical drugs, offering a more accurate and ethical alternative to traditional animal testing or 2D cell cultures. Malhotra’s impressive academic foundation includes a degree from the University of Edinburgh and a postgraduate degree from Harvard Medical School, equipping her with a deep understanding of complex biological systems. With a decade of invaluable experience in oncology and stem cell research, she combines scientific rigor with entrepreneurial drive. Her exceptional contributions have been widely recognized, earning her numerous national and international accolades in both entrepreneurship and medical research. Most recently, she was celebrated as one of the “35 rising stars under 35” by Scottish Business Insider, a testament to her profound impact and promising future. Ishani Malhotra’s work at Carcinotech is not just advancing medical science; it is actively shaping the future of cancer treatment and drug discovery through the power of advanced bioprinting, promising more effective, tailored therapies for patients worldwide.

Robin Simsa, CEO and Co-Founder, Revo Foods

Robin Simsa, an innovator with a remarkable academic background featuring two PhDs in regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering, founded Revo Foods in Austria in 2020. In 2023, Simsa and Revo Foods captivated global attention with a groundbreaking achievement that pushed the boundaries of food technology and sustainability: the introduction of their 3D-printed plant-based salmon fillet, aptly named “The Filet,” to European supermarkets. This momentous launch represents a significant leap forward not only for food 3D printing but also for the sustainable food movement. Revo Foods’ core mission, driven by Simsa’s vision, is to actively combat the pressing issue of overfishing by developing and bringing to market delicious and sustainable plant-based alternatives to traditional fish products. “The Filet” is a testament to the power of additive manufacturing to create complex textures and flavors, mimicking the sensory experience of conventional seafood with environmental responsibility at its core. Simsa’s deep scientific knowledge, applied to a critical global challenge, highlights the interdisciplinary nature of modern innovation. By successfully moving from concept to widespread retail availability, Revo Foods, under Simsa’s leadership, has demonstrated the commercial viability and consumer appeal of 3D-printed food. This achievement positions Robin Simsa as a pivotal figure in both the additive manufacturing and sustainable food industries, paving the way for a future where advanced technology helps address ecological concerns and transforms our culinary landscape.

Nina Swienton, Chief Growth Officer, Nexa3D

Nina Swienton, equipped with an Executive MBA and an extensive professional background, has been a driving force behind Nexa3D’s aggressive growth trajectory. Joining the company in 2021 as Chief Marketing Officer after a distinguished seven-year tenure with Protolabs, she quickly demonstrated her strategic prowess. In 2023, she transitioned into the pivotal role of Chief Growth Officer, a testament to her profound impact on the American manufacturer’s market expansion and brand development. With over two decades of experience in the intricate art of brand creation, development, and market penetration, Swienton is instrumental in propelling Nexa3D’s rapid ascent in the additive manufacturing sector. Her leadership in this capacity has been particularly crucial during a highly active year for Nexa3D. The company made significant waves in the additive manufacturing market in 2023, announcing a series of strategic acquisitions that included Essentium, Addifab, and XYZprinting’s SLS activities. These acquisitions highlight Nexa3D’s commitment to expanding its technology portfolio and market reach, positioning itself as a comprehensive provider of ultra-fast industrial 3D printing solutions across various technologies. Swienton’s expertise in orchestrating brand narratives and identifying growth opportunities has been key to integrating these new entities and communicating Nexa3D’s expanded capabilities to a global audience. Her strategic vision ensures that Nexa3D not only innovates technologically but also effectively captures new market segments, solidifying its position as a major player in high-speed, high-performance additive manufacturing.

Ye Tao, Founder and CEO, Bambu Lab

Ye Tao, the brilliant mind behind Bambu Lab, emerged as one of the most impactful personalities in the 3D printing sector in 2023, particularly within the desktop FDM segment. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in astrophysics, a field demanding meticulous precision and innovative problem-solving. This foundational expertise, coupled with significant experience in developing high-tech consumer products—notably as a director at DJI, a world leader in drones—provided him with a unique perspective when he founded Bambu Lab in 2020. Under Ye Tao’s astute guidance, Bambu Lab achieved rapid, unprecedented success, transforming the landscape of personal and prosumer 3D printing. The company quickly ascended to become one of the most popular and talked-about brands in the market. This swift rise is largely attributed to Bambu Lab’s revolutionary FDM solutions, which introduced features like multi-color printing, remarkable speed, exceptional print quality, and an unparalleled ease of use at accessible price points. Bambu Lab’s mission, spearheaded by Ye Tao, is to profoundly revolutionize 3D FDM printing and make it truly accessible to an exponentially increasing number of individuals worldwide. By focusing on intelligent design, advanced automation, and user-centric innovation, Bambu Lab has democratized capabilities previously reserved for industrial machines or highly experienced hobbyists. Ye Tao’s vision has not only built a successful company but has also inspired a new wave of innovation and adoption in the personal 3D printing community, solidifying his status as a key influencer for the future of additive manufacturing.

Valeria Tirelli, President and CEO, AIDRO

Valeria Tirelli has been at the helm of AIDRO as its President and CEO since 2012, steering the Italian company to continuous success within the demanding realm of industrial additive manufacturing. AIDRO specializes in the production of high-performance metal parts for the oil and gas industry, a sector renowned for its stringent quality and safety requirements. In 2021, AIDRO became part of the Desktop Metal Group, a strategic move that amplified its capabilities and reach. However, 2023 proved to be another landmark year under Tirelli’s leadership, as she guided AIDRO to achieve an industry-wide milestone: becoming the first additive manufacturing company globally to earn DNV certification for its two primary metal 3D printing technologies – binder jetting and powder bed laser fusion. This DNV certification is not merely an accolade; it is a critical validation of AIDRO’s commitment to the highest standards of quality, reliability, and safety, essential for applications in critical industries like oil and gas, maritime, and aerospace. It signifies that AIDRO’s processes and products meet rigorous international standards, thereby accelerating the industrial adoption of metal AM in safety-critical environments. Beyond her corporate achievements, Valeria Tirelli is a vibrant and active member of the 3D printing community in Italy and globally. She passionately promotes activities and organizes meetings with the Women in 3D Printing network, actively fostering inclusion and diversity within the additive manufacturing sector. Her multifaceted contributions—driving technological excellence, securing vital certifications, and championing inclusivity—firmly establish Valeria Tirelli as a powerful and inspiring force in the 3D printing world.

The individuals profiled above represent just a fraction of the immense talent and dedication driving the 3D printing industry forward. However, their specific accomplishments in 2023—from pioneering new applications in medicine and food, to consolidating market leadership, and achieving critical industrial certifications—underscore their profound impact. Their collective efforts highlight the diverse ways additive manufacturing is evolving, expanding its reach into new sectors, and maturing as a mainstream production technology. These leaders are not just overseeing operations; they are actively shaping the narrative, pushing technological boundaries, and fostering environments where innovation can thrive. Their work inspires countless others and continues to attract significant investment and talent into the sector. We hope their stories offer valuable insights into the dynamic forces at play within additive manufacturing. Who, among these influential personalities, do you believe made the most significant mark on 3D printing in 2023? We would love to hear your thoughts and engage in further discussion! Share your opinions in a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! For the very latest updates and insights directly delivered to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here. You can also discover a wealth of engaging content and interviews on our YouTube channel, showcasing the vibrant world of 3D printing innovations.