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Dr Julio Aguilar
ChairmanDr. Julio Aguilar is Senior Casting Expert at Safran, responsible for evaluation and validation of new casting technologies and materials. He is attached to the platform Safran Advanced Turbine Airfoils dedicated to the development of new generation single crystal high pressure turbine blades. After completing his bachelor metallurgical engineering studies at the National University of Mexico (UNAM) he worked eight years as foundry manager in Guatemala. He moved then to Germany where he obtained his M.Sc. and PhD at the Foundry Institute of RWTH Aachen University. Before joining Safran he was director of the TechCenter of Access e.V. in Germany, working mostly on investment casting technologies.
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Dr. Owen Draper
Vice-ChairmanOwen Draper is a graduate of the University of Birmingham, where he completed a PhD on investment casting core materials. He has over 20 years experience of working within foundries at Rolls-Royce where he specialises in Nickel superalloy single crystal investment casting. He has a background in technology development in both processes and for new parts. Most recently, Owen was the technical manager for a research foundry for the University of Birmingham and Rolls-Royce
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Mr Emmanuel Falisse
TreasurerDr. Julio Emmanuel Falisse is actively involved in the investment casting industry since 2014, as Managing Director of IMC – Industrial Marketing Corporation SA, operating from Belgium. For more than 30 years, IMC is cooperating with premium manufacturers to distribute equipment and materials, as well as technical services, exclusively dedicated to the investment casting industry in Europe. Before being in the Investment Casting industry, Emmanuel has been involved during 24 years as a financing partner in industrial projects in the energy, aerospace, maritime and infrastructure sectors worldwide. His responsibilities were primarily commercial and management, while being strongly implicated in the technicalities of these sectors. He also acquired technical knowledge in the plastic injection industry where his family was active.Aguilar is Senior Casting Expert at Safran, responsible for evaluation and validation of new casting technologies and materials. He is attached to the platform Safran Advanced Turbine Airfoils dedicated to the development of new generation single crystal high pressure turbine blades. After completing his bachelor metallurgical engineering studies at the National University of Mexico (UNAM) he worked eight years as foundry manager in Guatemala. He moved then to Germany where he obtained his M.Sc. and PhD at the Foundry Institute of RWTH Aachen University. Before joining Safran he was director of the TechCenter of Access e.V. in Germany, working mostly on investment casting technologies.
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Dr. John Machielse
DirectorJohn Machielse went to the University of Amsterdam to finish his Master in Chemistry & Catalysis in 1992. In 1994 he finished a post-academic degree in Process Development at the University of Twente and also got his Master in Chemical Engineering. From 1994 until 2003 he was head of the R&D team at Byk-Cera BV, who produces wax additives for the paint & ink industry. Aer 5 years in marketing & sales in Honeywell’s synthetic wax department, he moved to Paramelt in 2009 to become Business Development manager for investment casting waxes. John Machielse is technically & commercially responsible in the European market for all Paramelt-Argüeso-Kindt Collins waxes related to the Investment casting industry.
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Mr. John S. Paraszczak
DirectorMr. John S. Paraszczak is the President and CEO at REMET® Corporation since April 1999. He has been in Executive roles with various major international firms throughout his entire career. Following opportunities in multiple leadership positions with, IC Industries, LTV‘s Youngstown Sheet & Tube, Esmark Corp.’s Estech Oil, Swift Adhesives and National Wax Companies. Mr. Paraszczak rose to Vice President –International Sales in 1983, and has been an industry leader in the international business arena, with particular focus in the global precision investment casting industry since 1989. He served as President & CEO at Yates Investment Casting and Dussek Campbell-Yates International. Mr. Paraszczak serves as Chairman of the Board of Remet Corporation, and is a member of DePaul University’s College of LA & S Advisory Counsel. Mr. Paraszczak founded the “Shaping the Future” program in conjunction with the School of the Art Institute. He holds an M.B.A. from DePaul’s Kellstadt Business School and a Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University.
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Mr Michael Rünz
DirectorMichael Ruenz is Chief Executive Officer of the Deloro Group, a specialist wear solutions company comprising foundries, hot isostatic presses and coating plants across Europe. The Deloro Group includes Deloro Wear Solutions based in Koblenz | Germany and two other plants, Deloro Microfusione & Deloro Coatings in Milan | Italy. Prior to this position, Mr. Ruenz held various sales and general management positions with Kennametal Inc. in Europe, focusing on Kennametal's wear solutions business. Prior to joining Kennametal through the successful exit of an MBO/private equity of Deloro Stellite, Mr. Ruenz served as Managing Director of Deloro Stellite Holdings GmbH & Co KG, Deloro Stellite GmbH and Hettiger Stellite GmbH and actively participated in the sale process and due diligence during the exit as Managing Partner. On the operational side, he was responsible for the development of all business aspects of the Deloro Stellite Group's largest business unit, including sales, finance, operations, quality and development, and also oversaw the Group's operations in India and Italy, both of which were established or acquired during his tenure. Mr Rünz was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Deloro Stellite Group's businesses in France (ATS Stellite and ATS Sferic) from 2002 to 2006 and President until his successful exit from this business at Marle/Carlyle in 2011. Mr Rünz has been a member of the Board of Directors of the European Investment Casting Federation since 2004.
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Mr. Calogero Vassallo
DirectorCalogero Vassallo holds a commercial business study degree and a degree as VDG engineer in foundry technology. He is active for nearly 30 years in the foundry industry, where he worked in several positions for leading foundry chemical suppliers producing various chemical products used in the foundry industry for sand-casting and permanent mould casting processes. He has worked as Sales Manager, Director of International Sales and Global Business Line Manager, in this position he already experienced the Investment Casting Industry. Since 2017 he is working for Imerys, where he started as Business Development Manager Foundry Europe for green moulding sand application. He is member of the board of the European Investment Casters` Federation. Since March 2020 he is Regional Sales Manager of Imerys Advanced Ceramics & Specialties (former Imerys Aluminates), member of Imerys group, world leader in the production of high engineered products for a large number of different industrial applications.
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Mr. Karl Szulakowski
DirectorKarl is the Sales Director for Ross & Catherall Ltd, a superalloy manufacturer based in Sheffield, UK. He is responsible for the sales growth and marketing of the company worldwide into the Aerospace & IGT sectors, with the focus on complex and critical alloys for use with OEM manufacturers requiring ultra-low S & N capabilities. He has worked in the refractory and metals industry for over 25 years. He started his career working as a Process Metallurgist before moving into the refractories industry, specialising in technical ceramics and cores for the investment casting industry. This involved working with both investment casting and superalloy foundries worldwide on specialist ceramic shapes (crucibles, pour cups and precast shapes). Karl’s experience includes the establishment and management of sales agencies and local manufacturing facilities worldwide including India, Japan, Taiwan and the USA. He was also worldwide Sales Manager for the ceramic cores division at CIC Ltd for over 6 years. In 2017 Karl joined Ross & Catherall superalloys where his metallurgical and refractory background in the investment casting industry allows him to offer customers the benefits of his varied experience and knowledge of the processes and requirements that the modern investment casting foundry requires from its suppliers.
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Mr. Gianmaria Pinasco
DirectorGianmaria Pinasco is an italian citizen graduated in General Management in Genoa’s university that is active in Casting industry from 2009. Starting in sales, during time he covered different roles up to Managing Director position and had the chance to work in companies specialized in different casting technologies (High Pressure Die Casting Aluminum and Magnesium, Iron Cast, Precision Casting, Additive Manufacturing) . After joining Georg Fischer in 2017, in 2023 he took over the role of Head of Business Unit Aerospace and IGT. This Business Unit, part of GF Casting Solutions division, is specialized in Investment Casting and Additive Manufacturing with 4 plants in Switzerland and Romania and around 600 employees.
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Dr. Michele Di Foggia
DirectorMichele is the R&D Manager of EMA - Europea Microfusioni Aerospaziali Spa, part of Rolls-Royce plc, a world-class precision investment castings foundry, that produces Turbine Blades, Vanes and Components for the engines turbines in aerospace and energy markets. 53-years-old, Michele holds a master's degree in physics from Bari University and a Master in Material Science from University Institute of Higher Studies - IUSS - Pavia University Prior to joining EMA in 2004, Michele worked since 1996 as a product and process engineer and in R&D, in Hi-Tech companies, mainly in the semiconductor sectorIn EMA he has managed 10 funded R&D projects also in partnership with other companies and universities, also managing and coordinating all scientific collaborations with Universities, Public Research Institutions, Companies and Research Organizations. Focal point of EMA for the Italian Association of Industrial Research (AIRI) and member of the Technical Committee for Energy Materials of the Italian Association of Metallurgy (AIM). Co-author of 16 scientific publications, of which 4 as co-author of sectoral scientific dissemination texts. N°1 international patent, PCT/IT2016/000029
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Mr. Philippe Hoste
DirectorPhilippe HOSTE is active in the Investment Casting industry since 2015, as Managing Director of the CASTINGPAR GROUP, having today 3 plants employing a total of 200 people: the SETTAS foundry (Charleroi, Belgium), the PRECIMETAL foundry (Seneffe, Belgium) and the MPO machine shop (Orléans, France). CASTINGPAR is producing and exporting castings to 24 countries mainly for aerospace and defense applications. Before being in the Investment Casting industry, Philippe has been involved as CEO of aerospace manufacturing projects in France, Canada, USA, Morocco and Belgium with several achievements in business development, turnaround and M&A. Mr. Hoste has been EICF Chairman from 2022 till 2024
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Mr. Carel Wegman
DirectorCarel has been an integral part of the R&R team since joining in 2011 as an Application Engineer. Over the years, he has provided exceptional on-site technical support and implemented innovative solutions for ceramic shell customers in regions including the Benelux, Scandinavia, Finland, Israel, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Carel has 25 years of industry experience. Before joining R&R, he served as a Shell Room Team Leader, Chemical Analyst, and Quality Manager at Eurocast BV, an aerospace and defense foundry, where he specialized in casting steel and aluminum alloys using ceramic shell and plaster block mold technology. His expertise also includes leading foundry conversion to achieve AS9100 and ISO14385 certifications. Since 2025 Carel is Ransom & Randolph Global Application Manager. In this position, Carel is overseing the application of R&R’s advanced technologies globally.
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Mr. Alejandro Martínez
DirectorAlejandro Martínez is an industrial executive with over 30 years of experience in business management, strategy, and international development within the advanced manufacturing sector. Since 2010, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Ecrimesa Group, a company specialized in investment casting, Metal Injection Moulding (MIM), and machining, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 250 professionals in a highly international, export-oriented environment. His entire professional career has been developed within the Group since 1994. He has driven sustained growth, internationalization, and operational transformation, implementing advanced quality systems such as IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and EN 9100. His experience includes leading strategic investments, R&D initiatives, and efficiency improvements, as well as developing supply chain platforms in Asia and launching a MIM production facility in Thomasville in 2023. He holds a degree in Economics and Business Administration and has complemented his education with training in general management, business analytics, and digital transformation. His profile combines strategic vision, strong analytical capability, and results-oriented leadership in complex and competitive industrial environments.
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Mr. Aleksandar Mišković
DirectorAleksandar holds a master’s degree in Economic Sciences from the University of Novi Sad. He joined the Livnica Preciznih Odlivaka d.o.o. (LPO) team in 2001 and played an active role in the company’s acquisition by the Israeli BSEL Group. Since 2005, he has served as the company’s General Manager. In 2006, LPO delivered its first LPT blades to the market. The company established itself as an expert in the production of equiaxed blades castings, but expanded its portfolio to NGVs, Shrouds, Nozzles, and structural parts. In 2014, the company opened a machining facility, and in 2015, a HIP facility was installed. LPO is an AS9100 certified company and an approved supplier for all leading global engine and assembly manufacturers. It holds NADCAP certifications for: NDT (FPI & X-ray), HT & HIP, welding, shot peening, and laboratory services.
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Mr. Thomas Kruslind
DirectorThomas Kruslind works as a Casting Technical Fellow at GKN Aerospace, contributing strategic technical expertise across both design functions and casting operations. He holds a master’s degree in applied physics from the University of Gothenburg (1994) and began his career as a Materials Application Engineer before specializing in investment casting in 1999. His background includes more than three years of hands‑on experience in an investment casting foundry, forming the foundation for his deep expertise in design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Throughout his long career, he has collaborated with aerospace casting operations worldwide, advancing casting processes and strengthening design‑for‑manufacturing practices. In his current role, Thomas contributes to advanced research and development initiatives and plays a significant part in mentoring and developing early‑career engineers. Since January 2025, he has been closely engaged in supporting GKN’s newly acquired investment casting foundry, guiding its progression toward world‑class operational performance.
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Mr. Olivier Cornet
DirectorOlivier Cornet is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of international experience in the metallurgical industry, specializing in management, strategic procurement, and the commercial development of high-value technical products. Since October 2025, he has served as Deputy CEO at AMA Services (Paris), a leading B2B supplier of nickel- and cobalt-based alloys and superalloys. From 2018 to 2025, he was Sales Director at AMA Services, where he contributed decisively to the company’s European expansion, managing direct sales, international logistics, and customer technical support. Prior to that, he spent nearly 15 years with ESCO Turbine Technologies / CPP Group, leading European procurement strategy and major globalization and industrial integration projects within the precision casting sector for aerospace, aeronautics, and energy applications.
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Mr. Arjunan Ramachandran
DirectorArjunan Ramachandran is the Managing Director and CEO of Texmo Blank, a leading precision investment casting manufacturer headquartered in Sheffield, UK, and also serves as one of the Managing Directors of the Texmo Group, founded by his grandfather in 1956. He has been instrumental in transforming Texmo Blank into a globally trusted supplier of high-quality cast components through advances in technology, automation, and quality systems. Guided by a strong commitment to sustainable industrial growth, innovation, and skill development, Arjunan promotes ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the global investment casting community. His vision ensures that Texmo continues its legacy of engineering excellence while embracing the evolving challenges of modern manufacturing.
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Mr. Xavier Delandshere
DirectorXavier Delandshere, has been a leader in the casting industry with Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) since 2009. His extensive expertise spans Finance, Sales, and Operations, and he currently serves as Vice President and General Manager for CPP Belgium and CPP Slovakia. In this role, Xavier oversees the production of complex superalloy castings primarily for Aerospace and Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) applications.With more than 15 years of experience in Aerospace and IGT, Xavier's leadership enables CPP Belgium and Slovakia to deliver high-quality components to major OEMs globally. Both foundries are part of the global CPP Group, which operates over 20 locations worldwide, strengthening their ability to meet the precision casting needs of critical industries.
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Mrs. Nicole Procter
DirectorNicole Procter brings extensive experience in business development, export sales, and technical expertise in metals and alloys to the EICF Board of Directors. Currently serving as Commercial Manager at ICD Europe, Nicole specializes in high-value metals sales, contract negotiation, and customized solutions for foundries and investment casting facilities worldwide, particularly within the Oil & Gas, Aerospace, and Defence sectors.Her role also involves creating bespoke revert management plans for clients and closely monitoring global metals markets for emerging trends and trading opportunities. Fluent in German, English, and French, Nicole’s international experience and insight into market dynamics further enrich her contributions to the EICF Board.
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Carlos Olabe
CEO (Executive Director)Carlos Olabe currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the European Investment Casters Federation (EICF). With a professional background spanning different industrial sectors and over two decades in the aerospace sector, Mr. Olabe held the role of Programmes Director at Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP Aero). He later served as CEO of PCB, a state-of-the-art investment casting company in Spain, where he led its creation and strategic positioning on the international stage over a ten-year period.