Atmospheric chemist Maria Echavarria is the new Managing Director of the Competence Network for Surface Technology e. V.(netzwerk-surface.net). At the general meeting on February 14, 2025, she received the support of the members and was subsequently appointed Managing Director by the Executive Board.
She replaces Achim Gilfert, who was Managing Director for 13 years and will focus more on AI technology in the future, which was introduced at the members' meeting as the "first talking technology network in Germany".
Echavarria is employed at the Ennepe-Ruhr Economic Development Agency. She holds a Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry from the University of Wuppertal. Her predecessor Achim Gilfert was made an honorary member of the association.
