Leading the Way in Airfield and Highway Surface Cleaning Technology
Smets Technology has entered a new phase with the appointment of Christian Bragrock as CTO. Dr. Sascha Smets remains in the management team of Smets Technology in his new role as CEO, while the company’s founders, Karl and Stephan Smets, continue to play an active role as shareholders and advisors, ensuring continuity while empowering the next generation of leadership. We sat down with Dr. Sascha Smets and Christian Bragrock to discuss their journey, vision, and what’s next for Smets Technology.
Interviewer: Congratulations on your new roles! Can you tell us a bit about your journey at Smets Technology and what brought you to where you are today?
Dr. Sascha Smets (CEO): Thank you! I’ve been with Smets Technology for over two and a half years now, initially joining as one of three managing directors responsible for Strategy, Business Development and Legal. From day one, I saw the enormous potential this company has. The opportunity to step into the role of CEO was a natural evolution, and I’m honored to be leading a team that’s so committed to excellence and customer success.
Christian Bragrock (CTO): My journey has been a bit different. I joined Smets Technology five years ago as a Production Supervisor. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with the engineering and product teams, learning the ins and outs of our operations. Being appointed as CTO is an exciting new challenge, and I’m looking forward to driving the technological vision of the company. Smets Technology has always been a place that values expertise and dedication, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to lead our technical innovation.
Interviewer: What’s it like stepping into these leadership roles while the company’s founders, Karl and Stephan Smets, remain closely involved?
Dr. Sascha Smets: It’s been a smooth and collaborative transition. Karl and Stephan built a strong foundation here, and having them as advisors and shareholders is invaluable. They’ve entrusted us with guiding the company forward, but their insights and support are still very much part of our decision-making process. We benefit from their experience while having the freedom to introduce new strategies and directions.
Christian Bragrock: Absolutely. Karl and Stephan are great mentors. Having worked under their leadership for five years, I’ve seen firsthand the high standards they set. Moving into the CTO role, I want to uphold those standards while also bringing fresh ideas and leveraging the experience I’ve gained to make our technology strategy even stronger.
Interviewer: How do your roles differ and complement each other?
Dr. Sascha Smets: My primary focus as CEO is to set the strategic direction and ensure that all parts of the business are aligned toward our growth objectives. This includes expanding into new markets, strengthening our customer relationships, and enhancing our internal capabilities. Christian, as CTO, is a key partner in this, ensuring that our technological innovations and production capabilities are not just keeping pace but are setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Christian Bragrock: Exactly. As CTO, I’m responsible for overseeing our technology strategy, research and development, and the implementation of new innovations. Sascha’s business strategy and my technical vision work hand-in-hand. Together, we’re making sure Smets Technology delivers cutting-edge solutions while maintaining the quality and reliability that our clients expect.
Interviewer: What are your immediate priorities, and what do you envision for the future of Smets Technology?
Dr. Sascha Smets: In the short term, our focus is on optimizing our current operations and expanding our product portfolio. We want to make sure we’re fully leveraging our strengths while preparing for new growth opportunities. Long-term, our goal is to position Smets Technology as a leader in our field, known for innovation, customer focus, and a forward-looking approach to technology.
Christian Bragrock: My immediate priority is to build on the solid production and engineering foundation we have. This means refining our processes, implementing new technologies, and strengthening our team’s capabilities. For the future, I envision Smets Technology becoming a hub of technological excellence, where we push the boundaries of what’s possible and set new industry standards.
Interviewer: What can employees and customers expect under your leadership?
Dr. Sascha Smets: For our employees, we want to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth. It’s important that everyone feels invested in the company’s future and sees Smets Technology as a place where they can build a fulfilling career. For our customers, they can expect the same reliability and high standards they’ve always known, with a renewed focus on innovation and personalized service.
Christian Bragrock: I want to ensure that our teams are empowered to experiment and innovate. Employees can expect more opportunities to contribute to strategic projects and expand their skill sets. For our customers, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, bringing new ideas and solutions that not only meet their needs but also anticipate future challenges.
With Dr. Sascha Smets and Christian Bragrock at the helm, and with the continued guidance of Karl and Stephan Smets, Smets Technology is poised to build on its legacy of excellence while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
