Kirti Patel Named Chief Manufacturing Officer
Industry veteran Kirti Patel will lead Connecticut’s manufacturing efforts as the state’s new chief manufacturing officer.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Patel’s appointment Sept. 11, noting his “decades of global experience in manufacturing, product development, and business leadership.”
“Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Connecticut’s economy, driving innovation, exports, and good-paying careers for our residents,” Lamont said.
“Kirti has led companies through complex transformations, expanded product lines that serve critical industries, and built trusted relationships across stakeholders.
“I am confident that his vision and leadership will strengthen our manufacturing sector and ensure Connecticut remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.”
Sector Experience
Patel brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the life sciences, healthcare imaging, medical devices, and semiconductors.
He most recently served as president and board director at Eppendorf Manufacturing Corporation in Enfield, responsible for North American manufacturing operations.
Patel also led the global Bioprocess Technology Division of Germany-based Eppendorf SE, a global leader in life sciences instrumentation.
Patel brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience.
Under his leadership, Eppendorf launched multiple new product lines with near 90% growth between 2014 and 2022, and completed a $20 million facilities renovation and manufacturing expansion in Connecticut.
He previously co-founded 3D ultrasound imaging technology company Sensant Corporation, which was later acquired by Siemens Healthcare, where Patel led the global preclinical imaging division.
He began his career at Intel Corporation, working on semiconductor lithography technology and advanced manufacturing process development.
‘Strengthen Collaboration’
Patel’s appointment is effective Sept. 15. He will report to Department of Economic and Community Development commissioner Dan O’Keefe.
“Connecticut has a world-class workforce, innovative companies, and strong educational partners,” Patel said.
“I look forward to working with manufacturers across the state to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”
Patel currently advises technology start-ups through Yale Ventures and the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program, helping transform research efforts into successful businesses.
CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said Patel “brings an impressive resume” to the position.
“We look forward to being a close partner as he steps into this critical role,” DiPentima said.
“CBIA and affiliates CONNSTEP and ReadyCT have had excellent relationships with his predecessors, and we’re excited to continue that partnership and further strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector.”
Industry Support
CBIA, CONNSTEP, ReadyCT, and the Connecticut Manufacturers’ Collaborative championed the need for the chief manufacturing officer position, which the state legislature created in 2019.
Manufacturing entrepreneur, CEO, and aerospace design engineer Colin Cooper was appointed later that year to the role, serving until he retired in 2022.
He was succeeded by Paul Lavoie, who stepped down in June this year to take a position at the University of New Haven.
The role oversees the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, which has spent $111.1 million since its inception in 2015.
The role oversees the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, which has spent $111.1 million since its inception in 2015—$108.6 million for programs and $2.5 million on administrative costs.
“The manufacturing sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy in Connecticut,” CBIA’s Paul Amarone, who manages the organization’s manufacturing outreach and policy advocacy activities.
“We look forward to working with Kirti to support manufacturers and strengthen policy decisions that grow the workforce, make it easier to do business, and innovate in a quickly evolving sector.”
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CBIA IS FIGHTING TO MAKE CONNECTICUT A TOP STATE FOR BUSINESS, JOBS, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH. A BETTER BUSINESS CLIMATE MEANS A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EVERYONE.