Change in Leadership at Innovent: Rocco Holzhey Takes Over as Director of the Institute

Innovent’s development is closely linked to several generations of institute leadership. Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Tiller, who founded Innovent in 1994, handed over responsibility for the institute’s future development to Dr. Bernd Grünler and Dr. Arnd Schimanski in 2008. As co-directors, both shaped Innovent’s development over many years. Under their joint leadership, the institute’s scientific expertise was further expanded, and the integration of application-oriented research, technological development, and successful transfer to industry was consistently advanced. Dr. Bernd Grünler subsequently continued this development and played a decisive role in shaping Innovent for many years. His commitment extended far beyond the institute and included, in particular, his dedication to industry-oriented research and technology transfer.

Tribute at the Innovent Festive Colloquium

At the commemorative colloquium, several speakers paid tribute to Dr. Bernd Grünler’s many years of service. Jena’s Mayor Thomas Nitzsche, Thuringia’s State Secretary for Economic Affairs Mario Suckert, Thuringia’s State Secretary for Science and Culture, Prof. Dr. Steffen Teichert, and Prof. Dr. Steffen Tobisch, Vice President of the Zuse Association, emphasized in their laudatory speeches, in particular, Grünler’s long-standing work for Innovent and his commitment to industry-oriented research. The importance of collaboration between research and industry, as well as Innovent’s role as an application-oriented research partner, were also central themes of the celebratory colloquium. For Innovent, the leadership transition also signifies an important continuity: Rocco Holzhey, a long-time employee, is taking over as director of the institute. He has known the institute, its areas of expertise, and its people for many years and is thoroughly familiar with Innovent’s structures and strategic priorities. Rocco Holzhey has served as a member of the Executive Board and Deputy Director since April 2026. Prior to that, he was in charge of the Magnetic and Optical Systems division. During the celebratory colloquium, Rocco Holzhey presented his vision for Innovent’s future development. The focus is on the continuous advancement of application-oriented research, the expansion of technological expertise, and close collaboration with companies.