Benjamin Kaplan
R&D & Innovation Director
Heddesheim
Summary
Accomplished Global R&D Director with extensive international experience in driving innovation strategies and overseeing diverse project portfolios. Proven track record in developing cutting-edge construction products, sustainable systems, smart glazing solutions, and advanced polymer technologies. Proficient in system integration, value chain optimization, fostering external partnerships, managing intellectual property, and leading cross-functional teams to success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
R&D and center Director
Isover G/H & Rigips GmbH
01.2019 - Current
- Company Overview: Insulation & Gypsum
- Define innovation strategy & oversee research projects from concept to launch.
- Leads a 50+ person team of researchers and developers. Fosters innovation and excellence.
- Manages an annual budget of over €10 million. Optimize resource allocation.
- Aligned R&D strategies with business goals. Ensured innovative solutions drove market growth.
- Established and executed innovation processes, enhancing efficiency.
- Cultivated strategic collaborations with institutes and industry partners.
- Ensured regulatory compliance and managed the IP portfolio.
- Showcase: Successful product developments like Lanae and Glasroc F.
Smart Glazing Platform Manager
St-Gobain Sekurit
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Automotive Car Glazing
- Define & deploy a business transformation approach.
- Directed 13 global projects. Oversaw diverse stakeholders.
- Managed a dedicated €3 million project budget.
- Integrated high-value features, enhancing automotive glazing.
- Developed and implemented new OEM onboarding, supporting digital transformation.
- Showcase: "Driving tomorrow by St-Gobain Sekurit."
R&D Department Manager
St-Gobain Sekurit
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Automotive Car Glazing
- Develop technical competences to support diverse R&D Project Portfolio and Sekurit plants worldwide.
- Led a department of 85 professionals.
- Managed comprehensive departmental budgets (€8 million). Optimized resource utilization for personnel, equipment, and facilities.
- Secured and cultivated critical departmental competencies (glass mechanics, simulation, electronics, pilot line).
- Built high-performance R&D teams, fostering collaboration.
- Proposed Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) plans for new developments.
- Managed the global R&D portfolio, aligning projects with strategy.
R&D Binder Group Manager
Isover International
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: Insulation
- Managed a specialized group of 23 professionals (12 engineers, 11 technicians).
- Oversaw a €5 million budget for personnel, equipment, and facilities.
- Directed R&D portfolio innovating glass wool with sustainable binder technology.
- Developed business cases for binder deployment in 20 countries.
- Supported Marketing & Global Engineering on green binder deployment, water/emission treatment.
- Showcase: Led initiatives like "Sustainable Insulation: Help Build an Environment of Change."
R&D Team & Project Manager
Michelin Americas Research Center
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: Tire
- Led worldwide R&D projects and international R&D efforts.
- Oversaw a € 500k budget for personnel and equipment.
- Optimized material costs. Qualified new raw materials for production.
- Directed critical international R&D projects on road hazard, corrosion, and rubber-metal adhesion.
- Provided technical support to plants in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
R&D Engineer
Michelin Research Asia
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Company Overview: Tires Supplier Japan
- Developed rubber formulations for tire applications.
- Conducted in-depth studies on ice-rubber adhesion.
- Coordinated prototype tire manufacturing internationally.
- Performed competition and patent analysis to inform R&D.
- Showcase: MICHELIN X-Ice (Japan)
Laboratory Manager
IFRTP
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Company Overview: Research Institute (Amsterdam Island)
- Oversaw a €200 k budget for personnel, equipment Managed and executed air pollution monitoring programs.
- Showcase: Air Pollution monitoring - New Amsterdam (5 – 6 min)
Education
Ph.D. - Physical Chemistry
University of Paris VI
Paris 01.1999 - 01.2002
Ph.D. - Chemical Engineering
Iwate University
Japan 01.2000 - 01.2002
Master of Science - Electrochemistry
University of Paris VI
Paris 04.1996 - 01.1997
Skills
Material Science (Glass, Gypsum, Polymer, Rubber formulation, Adhesion, Molten saltries))
Light construction, Insulation, Batteries,Tires, Membrane
Environmental: Air Pollution, Water treatment, Fumes treatment
Business case, Value Chain Analysis, TCO
Breakthrough/incremental innovation
Platform management/Industrialization/Market Launch
Interests
Music: Violin degree from National Academy of Music of Nancy
Activities: Running, Skiing, Mountain Trekking, Language Learning, Music Playing
Timeline
R&D and center Director
Isover G/H & Rigips GmbH
01.2019 - Current
Smart Glazing Platform Manager
St-Gobain Sekurit
01.2015 - 01.2019
R&D Department Manager
St-Gobain Sekurit
01.2014 - 01.2019
R&D Binder Group Manager
Isover International
01.2009 - 01.2014
R&D Team & Project Manager
Michelin Americas Research Center
01.2005 - 01.2009
R&D Engineer
Michelin Research Asia
01.2002 - 01.2005
Ph.D. - Chemical Engineering
Iwate University
01.2000 - 01.2002
Ph.D. - Physical Chemistry
University of Paris VI
01.1999 - 01.2002
Laboratory Manager
IFRTP
01.1998 - 01.1999
Master of Science - Electrochemistry
University of Paris VI
04.1996 - 01.1997
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