Dr. Gert-Jan Gruter of Avantium named European CTO of the Year 2014

Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, received the award for large companies.

CTO of the Year is an award to promote the importance of technology and innovations for Europe’s future, and especially the crucial role of technology leadership in this. It highlights outstanding technology leaders in innovative European companies: persons who are inspiring leaders, foresighted technology managers and who contribute to the development and sustainability of their industries, as well as to society at large.
The nominations included excellent candidates representing successful companies and industries: from IT start-ups to innovative food producers and world leaders in chemistry and materials.
In the SME category, Dr. Gert-Jan Gruter, Chief Technology Officer of Avantium from the Netherlands was recognized on the basis of the impressive work done by him and his company in the area of advanced catalytic research, and green chemistry.
Griter commented that he was “honoured to receive this special award” which he viewed as “recognition for the pioneering work of the entire Avantium team, who developed a number of truly disruptive technologies in the renewable chemicals space.”

“This required focus, commitment and support from the people around me, but also from our partners and investors. This award is a fantastic stimulus as it marks the next era for our new polyester PEF, a material that is set to start a revolution in the plastics market, ” he added.

The CTO of the Year Europe is awarded by EIRMA and Spinverse. (KL)

http://www.ctoeurope.net