Protolabs Appoints Visionary Chief Technology Officer To Lead AI Innovation

Published on
October 4, 2025

Protolabs, one of the world leaders in digital manufacturing, has selected Marc Kermisch as the new Chief Technology and AI Officer, starting October 13, 2025. This decision has been made to enhance the company’s focus on the new strategic priorities of AI and digital technologies integrated throughout the company’s manufacturing processes. Kermisch replaces the departed Protolabs Chief Technology Officer, Oleg Ryaboy, as head of the company’s global technology organization.

Kermisch’s appointment also entails advancing Protolabs’ technology infrastructure so that the company can fully sustain its digital manufacturing leadership. It shows Protolabs captures the continuously evolving digital tech world primarily to deliver integrated AI-gear solutions to customers in the digital tech world of rapid prototyping and production.

Kermisch’s Leadership Position in Technology and AI

Kermisch comes to Protolabs with 25 years of senior executive technology and R&D position experience in manufacturing, software, and retail industries. His background will certainly help Protolabs expand its digital offerings in manufacturing. Prior to Protolabs, Kermisch was Chief Technology Officer at Emergent Software, a company focused on software, cloud transformation, and AI.

Furthermore, Kermisch has been in Command Positions at Case New Holland (CNH) – a global $20 billion firm specializing in the manufacturing of agricultural and construction equipment. He managed projects on developing autonomous vehicles, technologies for precision farming, and electric powertrains. Kermisch has also worked with Optum Rx, Bluestem Brands, and the Red Wing Shoe Company, where he led the company’s electronic transformation and the technological advancement of various operational processes.

Suresh Krishna, the President and CEO of Protolabs, has no doubts about Kermisch integrating with the company’s technological strategy. Krishna pointed out the fact that Kermisch has an outstanding record of working in artificial intelligence and research and development in various worldwide organizations, making him the perfect choice for Protolabs on the next level of innovation in digital manufacturing.

Protolabs and the use of Technology and AI

Protolabs has been an industry digital manufacturing leader, known for its quick production of high-quality components, including custom prototypes and finished goods. AI and digital technologies in the company’s manufacturing processes and the streamlining of processes have been indispensable to the company’s growth, as they enable customers to accurately design prototypes and manufacture products for mass production.

Kermisch has stressed the importance of AI to the Protolabs business. He believes that every element of the business can be automated and integrated with AI, including quoting, machine automation and monitoring, and quality control. Kermisch believes that the added value of the operational integration of AI to Protolabs will be to enhance the operational speed of the business and improve the company’s production timelines. This will enhance Protolabs’ ability to provide improved solutions to clients and maintain competitiveness in manufacturing.

Protolabs aims to maintain its position as the fastest and most efficient digital manufacturing service in the world, offering custom manufacturing solutions that assist product developers, engineers, and supply chain teams from initial concept through to final production.

Protolabs’ Ability to Digitalize Manufacturing

Moving ahead, Protolabs will continue to digitalize its processes as Kermisch has insisted that Protolabs’ continued competitive advantage in the digital manufacturing space will require more innovative digital processes to be added to the company’s digital foundation. Protolabs has developed digital capabilities in AI and manufacturing processes.

Under his direction, Protolabs intends to improve its technology stack to create more cutting-edge solutions that address the rapid changes to manufacturers’ needs globally. The anticipated application of AI to Protolabs’ processes will further strengthen efficiency and innovation, enabling Protolabs’ clients to reduce time to market for their products for exceptional precision and quality.

Creating flexible and efficient digital manufacturing solutions has positioned Protolabs as the partner of choice across diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer products. Protolabs will continue to lead the digital manufacturing transformation with Kermisch’s leadership of technology and AI initiatives.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Protolabs

Protolabs is making a great step in its pathway to change manufacturing with the added capabilities of Marc Kermisch in the role of Chief Technology and AI Officer. With Kermisch’s background in technology and AI, the expectation is that he will help Protolabs navigate innovation in the company’s goal of faster, more efficient, and precise manufacturing. With advancements in AI and digital technology, Protolabs’s focus is on staying ahead to meet its customers’ expectations for fast, precise, and efficient solutions for prototyping and production.