Azul 3D, a developer of leading-edge 3D-printing technology, today announced that industry veteran Paul Decker has been named chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2021.
Decker brings over 20 years of global executive experience commercializing digital industrial technologies to Azul 3D. He was CEO, and later chairperson, of ABP Induction, a leader in the field of high-powered induction equipment for global metallurgical industries. Prior to that, he was CEO of Cobotics, which invented human interactive robotics, or Cobots, used in automobile assembly. Earlier in his career, Decker was president of MST Analytics, a developer of digital life safety systems and is now part of Honeywell.
“Paul is a seasoned CEO with an outstanding track record of establishing, leading and growing transformative industrial technology companies,” said Azul 3D cofounder and chair Chad A. Mirkin. “He is the right leader for Azul, and we are fortunate to have him.”
“I am delighted to join Azul and work with its uniquely qualified team and innovative technology,” Decker said. “Azul is poised to transform the industry, moving 3D printing from small-part production and prototypes into production of mainstream products. I am excited to be part of this important transition to Industry 4.0.”
Throughout his career, Decker has launched innovative products, developed new markets and expanded existing ones. Under his leadership, ABP doubled in sales, expanding from five to nine countries and introduced the next generation of steel-heating technology, resulting in its acquisition by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. As CEO of Northwestern University-startup Cobotics, Decker raised venture capital and oversaw the adoption of Cobots by global manufacturing leaders such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, General Motors and Ford before being acquired by Stanley Black & Decker.
Decker has an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and a BSME from the University of Michigan. He also holds two patents for intelligent assist devices.
ABOUT AZUL 3D™
Azul 3D™ is a leading-edge 3D printing technology company that is transforming the additive manufacturing industry. Initially invented at Northwestern University, HARP™ allows one to print 3D structures from a wide pallet of materials. HARP™ based printers are capable of manufacturing parts at production speeds, regardless of size, with a throughput dramatically outpacing its competitors and competitive with injection molding. Azul 3D™ is enabling mass-manufacturing on a single, streamlined production platform accompanied by its proprietary library of industrial-grade materials.
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