Verena Fink is an expert on leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, an entrepreneur, and an author. Through numerous publications and lectures, she is one of the leading voices in the emerging networked AI economy. Her consulting and supervisory board roles include established companies in industry, energy, mobility, retail, finance, and healthcare. Her focus is on how people and technology can collaborate productively, responsibly, and with an eye toward the future—and how leadership must be reimagined in this dynamic landscape.

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Since 2023, Sven Weihe has served as General Secretary of the International Committee of Decorative Laminates Industries (ICDLI), the European trade association representing the HPL industry, as well as Managing Director of pro-K, the Industry Association for Durable Plastic Products and Reusable Systems e.V. Prior to that, he worked for eleven years at Plastics Europe Germany, most recently as Head of Communications. He began his professional career at leading public relations agencies.

The ICDLI represents European manufacturers of high-pressure laminates (HPL), contributes its technical expertise to standardization processes, and promotes the international exchange of knowledge. With its annual HPL Summit, the association organizes Europe’s leading industry gathering, attracting more than 80 international participants.

The author of numerous design books, a university lecturer, keynote speaker, and jury member for prestigious international awards, she founded her interior design studio, “JOI-Design”—which has grown into a European market leader in design for unique international hospitality destinations—together with her husband and business partner, Peter Joehnk. Founded in 1984, the studio now has three talented partners who are continuing the life’s work of Corinna and Peter as founders and co-managing directors, while the dynamic duo remains active in their newly defined roles as brand ambassadors and senior advisors, is also becoming more involved in the partner office JOI-Design India, founded in 2018, and is dedicating their time to other projects close to their hearts—such as the recently launched ‘Green Hospitality Conference.’

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2006 PhD in Wood Science and Technology, University of Hamburg
2006–2010 Voith Paper – Process Development, Graphic Paper Grades
2010–2013 Swedspan Sweden – R&D Manager, HDF and Surfacing Technology
2013–2023 IKEA Industry Sweden – Global Product Development Manager, Wood-Based Panels, Adhesives, and Lightweight Constructions
2023–present AFRY Management Consulting – Global Wood Products Lead

Dominique Heilborn is Director of Ecosystem Partnerships at TactoTek, where he is building and scaling the global IMSE ecosystem as an operational model for industrialization. His work integrates technology, materials, design, and manufacturing into a seamless collaborative model—from early ideation through to mass production.

In parallel, he serves as CTO Automotive at EuroSemi, where he supports semiconductor and technology manufacturers in aligning with OEM and automotive requirements.

With over 15 years of experience in automotive, lighting technology, electronics, and materials development, he has held leadership positions at TactoTek, Novem, Vosla, and EuroSemi, working with global OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and innovation partners.

He holds a Ph.D. in microsystems engineering and materials science and combines technical depth with a systemic view of people and organizations.

He also brings this perspective to Campfirerocks—a consulting project that helps organizations create the human conditions under which truly great work is produced.

A trendscout for the future of work at Vitra and an independent strategic partner at the intersection of architecture, business, and technology. For many years, he has been analyzing global trends, visiting companies, universities, and innovation hubs, and translating these insights into clear perspectives for organizations, spaces, and business models. At the heart of his work is the question of how work, value creation, and places are changing in the context of digitalization, AI, and social transformation.

His approach combines systemic thinking with concrete application. He does not work on the surface level, but rather on the underlying logics of use, decision-making, and relevance. In doing so, he develops narratives, strategies, and formats that help companies remain capable of acting in an increasingly dynamic and uncertain environment.

His work is aimed at companies, investors, and institutions that do not merely build or operate spaces, but understand them as active components of future value creation.

Sven Liemann combines craftsmanship, design, human resources development, and business administration with over 30 years of consulting experience. He laid the foundation for his career with an apprenticeship as a carpenter, followed by training as a media designer specializing in production. His profile was further enhanced by qualifications as a human resources specialist and a business administrator. This combination of practical knowledge of materials, a creative eye, insight into human nature, and entrepreneurial thinking continues to shape his work to this day. In his consulting role, Mr. Liemann has been supporting companies, brands, and projects across various industries for more than three decades. He particularly values the dialogue between creative ideas, technical possibilities, and economic requirements. His perspective is practical, interdisciplinary, and shaped by a deep understanding of materials, processes, and the demands of modern design.

Sabrina Wieland is International Director of Marketing at Interprint and has a proven track record of success in leading international marketing transformations in the decorative surfaces and furniture industries.

She is driving the further development of marketing at Interprint by integrating AI and data-driven approaches into core processes. This enables more informed decision-making, a more effective customer approach, and scalable marketing performance.

Her focus is on translating technological innovation into measurable business success while strengthening both operational excellence and market relevance across international markets.

With a background in both marketing and design leadership, she combines strategic thinking with operational execution expertise in complex international B2B and B2C environments.

Michael-Bernd Wehmeyer is a member of the EGGER Decorative Products Division Management Team for Central Europe. He is responsible for the strategic direction of sales and marketing for the industrial and retail channels in a market area stretching from Scandinavia to Italy, as well as for the sales activities of five EGGER plants in Central Europe. Currently, significant growth and investment projects fall within his division’s area of responsibility, including the expansion of the Markt Bibart (DE) site and the integration of the Caorso (IT) plant. Michael-Bernd Wehmeyer has been part of the EGGER Group for nearly 30 years and has held various leadership positions during this time, including roles in sales for the Edge Banding product group and in retail and commercial consulting in Germany.

Gabriele Kirchmeier connects people, technologies, and strategies. As an independent consultant, she helps international companies in the printing, packaging, and surface treatment industries successfully integrate digitalization into their business models and production processes.

As a board member of the Digital Printing Association (DIPA), she plays an active role in shaping the future of the industry. Her areas of focus include digital transformation, innovation, and how new technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—will bring about lasting changes in industrial production, collaboration, and value creation.

Philip Berger
Global Head of Application Engineering, Robert Bürkle GmbH

As a trained process engineer, Berger gained experience in optimizing a wide range of coating processes in the wood and furniture industry through various positions at Robert Bürkle GmbH.
Since 2023, he has headed Bürkle’s application engineering for coating and laminating at the Freudenstadt site.
In early 2026, he assumed global responsibility for all processes handled by Bürkle.

Tobias Borrmann
CTO, Robert Bürkle GmbH
Tobias Borrmann has a background in measurement technology and, throughout his career, has held positions including Head of Quality Assurance and Global Quality Director at various mechanical engineering companies.
At Robert Bürkle GmbH, he has been responsible for the entire engineering division as Technical Director since the beginning of 2025.

Walter Bachleitner is Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at ARCOLOR AG in Switzerland, where he is responsible for the company’s strategic and operational R&D activities with a strong focus on innovation management, business development, and cross-functional team leadership.
He holds a PhD in technical natural sciences from Johannes Kepler University Linz, specializing in EB/UV-curing of hard coatings and brings over 20 years of international experience in the chemicals and woodworking industries.
Walter Bachleitner has a proven track record in developing and executing innovation strategies, building and leading competence centers, as well as managing international, cross-functional teams. His expertise spans technology and product development, scaling of industrial processes, and the successful implementation of new applications and business models.

Oliver Luedtke is Chief Executive Officer of ColorGATE Digital Output Solutions GmbH, a position he has held since July 2023. In this role, he leads a team of industry specialists delivering software, services and tools for successful digital printing worldwide.

With more than 25 years of experience in the printing industry, Oliver previously held senior leadership roles at Kornit Digital and EFI, shaping global and regional go-to-market strategies and representing the industry at major international trade shows such as drupa.

He holds a Dipl.-Ing. in Print Communications Technology and is deeply passionate about technological innovation, digital transformation and customer-centric solutions in digital industrial printing.

Udo Steinhauer is Director of Business Development, Marketing & Sustainability at Profol, a manufacturer of innovative polymer films.
Udo Steinhauer holds a degree in chemical engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and has over 30 years of experience in various positions in the chemical, coatings, and polymer industries. His experience includes polymer films and additives, coatings, and composites, as well as their technical application in various markets such as flooring, furniture, and automotive.

Markus Rauhut has headed a department at Fraunhofer ITWM since 2014. He coordinates projects and workshops on the implementation of IT, digitalization, and AI solutions in image processing for companies and public institutions, with a particular focus on the development and implementation of inspection systems. Since 2017, he has been working on the use of AI in production quality assurance and supports companies planning to implement AI.

Timon Burghardt is a trained mechanical engineer specializing in the development of mechatronic systems.
Since early 2026, he has served as Head of Development at Hecht AG, where he is responsible for developing innovative testing systems for measuring and inspecting furniture components, as well as sawing systems. Previously, as Design Manager at Xactools GmbH, he was responsible for the development of automated custom systems for high-precision measurement tasks. Other career milestones include his work as a design engineer and as a research assistant at the Institute for Construction Technology and Technical Design (IKTD) at the University of Stuttgart, where he earned his Ph.D. on the development of structurally integrated drive systems.
Timon Burghardt combines in-depth research experience with extensive industrial expertise in automation and measurement technology. He is particularly distinguished by his expertise in analyzing technical problems and translating solutions into market-relevant products.

1989–1994 Studied textile design, Reutlingen University
1995–1999 Designer, Schattdecor
1999–2009 Design Manager, Süddekor GmbH
2009–2011 Team Leader, Süddekor GmbH
2011–2014 Head of Design, Süddekor
2014–2018 Head of Design, Surteco Decor GmbH
2018–2020 Head of Design Trends + Presentation, Surteco GmbH
2020–2025 Lecturer, Reutlingen University
2021–2025 Design Manager, Swiss Krono Group
2025–present Design Manager, Munksjö Germany GmbH

Matti von Kannen is the father of three children and a trained product designer. For more than a decade now, he has been known for his ability to blend creativity, technology, and industrial feasibility in the decorative industry. From his start in design development, through his specialization in embossed textures, to providing comprehensive support for sophisticated surface projects with clients, he now oversees the entire design division as Head of Design at the Saueressig Group—with a clear focus on digital transformation and sustainable surface solutions.

Anna Badum is a Product Manager with a clear focus on innovation, design, and strategic portfolio development. In her role at REHAU, she designs international product lines and drives solutions that consistently combine functionality, aesthetics, and market requirements.
Her experience in the consumer goods industry at STAEDTLER has sharpened her eye for distinctive product concepts—from the initial idea to successful market positioning. She laid the foundation for her understanding of industrial processes and decision-making structures at Siemens, where she was involved in international projects and complex organizational structures from an early stage.
With a master’s degree in marketing (FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg) and international study experience, Anna Badum combines in-depth knowledge with practical implementation skills. She embodies a modern approach to product management—data-driven, interdisciplinary, and with a keen sense for forward-thinking design.

Philipp Keisker holds a Master of Science in Sales Management. He began his apprenticeship and studies in 2010 at Felix Schoeller, where he joined the company in 2013 as Customer Service Manager for Photo Imaging. In 2016, he moved to the sales department, where his roles included Area Sales Manager and Key Account Manager for Technocell Decor.

Since 2021, Keisker has been Deputy Segment Manager (Sales, Technology, Color Technology) for Decor EMEA, with a focus on solid color management. Philipp Keisker was appointed Head of the Innovation Department in 2026 and is responsible for strategic innovations and the development of sustainable surfaces.

2020 – 2023 Berufsakademie Melle “Holz- und Möbeltechnik”
2020 – 2023 Trainee “Product Management” Hueck Rheinische GmbH
2023 – now Product Management Hueck Rheinische GmbH

2021 – Present -Formica – European Design Lead
Responsible for the Colour, Material and Finish (CMF) development of Formica® product launches across Europe, from concept through to market introduction. Working as part of the Global Formica Design Team, collaborating with international colleagues, suppliers and industry partners to develop commercially relevant and sustainable surface solutions. Responsibilities include trend forecasting, product design, stakeholder engagement, design communications, and supporting successful product launches across commercial and residential markets.

2017 – 2020 – Formica – UK Design Lead
Similar role to above with UK focus

2015 – 2017 – Tarkett/ Desso – Field Designer
Led the UK Design Department, creating bespoke interior design solutions for commercial projects across multiple sectors. Responsibilities included customer presentations, trend forecasting, project coordination with European manufacturing teams, and management of a Junior Designer.

2013-2015 – Amtico – Junior Designer
Supported new flooring product development through trend forecasting, market research, customer engagement, and international manufacturing collaboration.