FRIEDRICHSDORF, GERMANY — Maxon (www.maxon.net), the developer of professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solutions, has announced a number of leadership appointments. The executive leadership team changes, effective immediately, reflect the strategic goals of David McGavran, chief executive officer, for the future of Maxon and its acclaimed 3D software application, Cinema 4D.
The announcement lays the foundation for a more agile, growth-oriented and efficient organization that is focused on strategy, innovation and superior customer experience. Most of the Maxon executive team members are already well known by the Cinema 4D community, and all of them have been instrumental in the company’s many successes.
“This is an exciting and transformational time in the evolution of Maxon and I’m eager to work with our new leadership team that represents the very best talent across our offices poised to take MAXON to the next level,” states McGavran. “With proven track records of delivering strong results, I am pleased to have these talented and passionate executives join me in streamlining operational initiatives to best serve global customers and partners, anticipate the ever-changing needs of the 3D digital landscape, and maintain Cinema 4D’s standing as a best-in-class market leader in 3D content creation.”
The leadership team assuming new or expanded roles at Maxon will be directly reporting to McGavran, and include:
Philip Losch, chief technology architect: Losch is one the creative forces behind Cinema 4D, which he invented back in 1989 together with his brother Christian. In his new role as chief technology architect he will guide, direct and drive all technical aspects of development.
Oliver Meiseberg, chief product officer: Meiseberg joined Maxon in 2011 after working for leading German broadcasters and media production houses. He has a keen understanding of the needs of artists in a post production environment and is focused on making sure the company’s products are shaped with a customer-centric emphasis. Though he works on various areas of the business, he is ultimately responsible for all aspects of product and potential M&A activities.
Paul Babb, head of worldwide marketing: In 1998, Babb founded the US office for Maxon, and introduced Cinema 4D to the North and South American markets. His strategic planning and marketing expertise are widely credited for taking Cinema 4D from a virtual unknown to one of the most widely used 3D products for digital content creation and the leader in 3D motion graphics. In his new role as head of worldwide marketing, he will expand his focus to serve and support the global Cinema 4D community.
Friederike Bruckert, head of worldwide sales: As VP of international sales and marketing, Bruckert has successfully expanded Maxon's distribution chain and delivered significant year-over-year growth; including more than 20 percent in EMEA and Asia-Pacific. She is known for her passionate customer focus and great understanding of local markets. In her new role, Friederike is responsible for managing the company's worldwide sales team and sales partner network.
Gesa Häfner, head of human resources and legal: Hafner joined Maxon in 2014 with more than 12 years of professional experience in the HR sector and as corporate lawyer. She is responsible for worldwide HR, legal and employee experience. Hafner is leading the staffing and hiring needs of the company through this exciting time of globalization and considerable expansion of the Maxon family.
Karsten Jancke, director of engineering: Jancke is passionate about and has been working in software development for over 20 years. He started his career as a part-time developer while finishing his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. He joined IBM in 2001, first as a developer and ultimately as software development manager. In 2015, he joined Maxon as director of engineering.
Dieter Bonoff, director of IT: Bonoff began his career at Maxon in 2010 as IT-Director, responsible for technological infrastructure in Germany. He is thrilled to take on the challenge and bring his knowledge of more than 20 years to the global needs of all Maxon offices worldwide.
“I look forward to working with these talented and dedicated executives during this exciting new phase. Their wealth of experience and significant contributions to Maxon will further position us to capture even greater market opportunity,” adds McGavran. “And, while these appointments represent a new global focus, we wish to assure our customers that Maxon will continue to operate as the customer-friendly company they have come to know and love.”