Robert Witik

Robert Witik, PhD, has a diverse work experience spanning different companies and roles. Robert is currently the Cluster Head & Senior Analyst (Materials & Industrials) at Robeco, where they lead an ESG research team focusing on the materials and industrials sectors. Prior to this, they worked as an Expert and Mentor at MassChallenge Switzerland and an Expert: Materials and End of Life at the Solar Impulse Foundation.

Dr. Witik also has a strong background in sustainable materials development. Robert worked at Nestlé in various roles, including Team Lead: Sustainable Materials Development, Program Manager Sustainable Material Development, Senior Specialist: Sustainability and Materials, and Specialist: Sustainability & Materials. In these positions, they established impactful multi-partner projects, identified EU project opportunities, and coordinated applications. Robert also led the LCA and Eco-design network, which promoted sustainability in product innovation and renovation across R&D centers worldwide.

Before joining Nestlé, Dr. Witik worked as an Independent Sustainability Professional at EcoIntel, where they provided consulting services on materials sustainability for global players in the engineering materials domain. Robert also created content for webinars and presented approaches at industry conferences.

Their earlier experience includes working as an Engineer & Marie Curie Research fellow (PhD Candidate) at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) Laboratory of Polymer and Composites Technology, where they conducted industrially focused research in the field of sustainable materials and product manufacturing. Robert also worked as an R&D Materials and Process Engineer at Airbus - Research and Technology, managing projects related to fibre and textile reinforced polymer aircraft components. Additionally, they held the position of Principal R&D Engineer at GE Aviation - Propellers Division, where they were responsible for polymer composite material R&D and managed a team.

Dr. Witik started their career as a Materials Engineer at Cosworth, where they managed materials development projects and supported race engine programs in Formula 1, CART, and World Rally Car (WRC). Robert conducted materials testing, provided technical reporting, and performed root cause failure analysis.

Overall, Dr. Witik's work experience showcases their expertise in sustainable materials development, ESG research, and project management in various industries.

Robert Witik, PhD completed their education with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West of England in 2002. Following that, they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Materials Science with a focus on Sustainable Materials and Product Manufacturing at EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne). Recently, in 2021, they attended IMD to complete a program called "Future leaders: Business Fundamentals & Leadership," which provided him with a comprehensive understanding of Business Administration and Management.