Episode 2: Model-Based Definition in Practice: Dennys Gomes on Digital Engineering at Vestas

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Dennys Gomes, Senior Director and Head of Engineering Excellence at Vestas. Dennys is a mechanical engineer specializing in automotive engineering with over 23 years of experience across R&D, engineering leadership, and industrial transformation. Having held roles ranging from designer and specialist to team leader, manager, and senior director, he brings a strong end-to-end perspective on how engineering organizations operate and scale. Currently a Senior Director and Head of Engineering Excellence at Vestas, Dennys focuses on engineering excellence, PLM strategy, and cross-functional alignment, with deep expertise in Model-Based Definition (MBD), Model-Based Enterprise (MBE), and PDM/PLM systems. Here’s what you can look forward to in this insightful episode:⚉ Discovering the Opportunity for Model-Based Definition⚉ Explaining Model-Based Definition in Simple Terms⚉ Addressing Legal and Contractual Considerations ⚉ Moving from Document-Centric to Data-Centric Thinking⚉ The Efficiency Gains of Model-Based Engineering ⚉ Enabling Machine-to-Machine Communication ⚉ Starting the MBD Journey at Vestas⚉ Collaborating with SuppliersCONNECT WITH DENNYS: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennys-gomes-1b49b6/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Rikke Holtze, former CIO at FLSmidth and a seasoned technology and transformation leader with nearly 20 years of experience bridging business strategy and IT. Until recently, she served as CIO at FLSmidth, where she led the company’s global digital transformation — modernizing core systems, driving cloud adoption, and promoting collaboration across international teams.Before joining FLSmidth, Rikke spent more than a decade at Danske Bank, leading enterprise IT development and digital innovation across HR, ERP, and compliance platforms. Known for her people-centered leadership and engineering mindset, Rikke is passionate about building empowered teams, simplifying complexity, and ensuring technology creates real business value. In this experience-driven conversation, Rikke shares what it truly takes to lead change where digital is not the core product—but an enabler of it.Here are the key topics:⚉ Moving from Banking to Heavy Industry ⚉ Digital as Core vs. Digital as Enabler⚉ Who Drives Digital Transformation?⚉ Avoiding “IT-Only” Projects⚉ Organizational Change Management Beyond IT ⚉ Sustainability and New Business Models⚉ Building a Strong PLM Business Case⚉ KPIs and Stop-OptimizationCONNECT WITH RIKKE: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikke-holtze-45128a5/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Andreas Wank, Head of Department “Smart Innovation” at Pepperl+Fuchs.Andreas is a leader in digital transformation and industrial innovation, with a strong academic foundation in production management research from TU Darmstadt. In his current role, he leads the Smart Innovation department at Pepperl+Fuchs, where he works at the intersection of business processes, technology, and people to drive sustainable and scalable innovation.With deep expertise in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), data-driven value creation, and global process integration, Andreas focuses on building strong innovation chains that connect strategy with execution— turning complex ideas into real business impact.In this value-packed conversation, we explored what it really takes to lead a successful PLM transformation in a complex industrial organization. From shifting mindsets from documents to data to managing people, resistance, and leadership change over a multi-year journey, Andreas offers a grounded and refreshingly human perspective on PLM — one that goes far beyond tools and technology. His insights resonate strongly with organizations striving to future-proof their innovation chains while keeping collaboration, clarity, and culture at the center of transformation.Here are the key topics:⚉ From Academia to Industry 4.0 Practice⚉ Why Pepperl+Fuchs Started Its PLM Journey⚉ PLM as a Management Approach, Not a Tool⚉ Aligning the Entire Innovation Chain⚉ Combining Top-Down Vision with Bottom-Up Expertise⚉ Managing Resistance Through Communication⚉ “Mood Barometer” as a Standout Practice⚉ Navigating Leadership Changes During Transformation⚉ Moving from Project-Centric to Product-Centric Thinking⚉ Breaking Down Complexity Into Manageable StepsCONNECT WITH DR. ANDREAS: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ing-andreas-wank-38404014a/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Jussi Sippola, Chief Expert in Product Architecture Management & Modularity.Jussi Sippola is a seasoned expert in product architecture management and modularity, with nearly two decades of experience at Wärtsilä shaping the future of engine platforms in the marine and energy industries. Throughout his career, Jussi has helped organisations navigate complex technological transformations by combining deep engineering expertise with a strong understanding of culture, collaboration, and human behaviour.With over ten years dedicated specifically to building and managing modular platforms, Jussi believes modularisation is far more than a design strategy—it's a mindset shift. His work focuses on using modular architecture as a strategic driver to improve efficiency, accelerate innovation, and bring teams together around shared ways of working.Join us as we dive into modularity, product architecture, and PLM transformation with Jussi in a deeply practical, experience-driven conversation.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:⚉ Modularity as a Company-Wide Strategy ⚉ What Modularity Really Means in Practice⚉  The Challenge of Defining the “Right” Modules ⚉  Ownership and Responsibility in Modularity⚉  Why a Dedicated Modularity Team Matters⚉ Tools Support Modularity—but Don’t Replace Skills⚉ Modularity as an Enabler of Sustainability ⚉ Culture, Change, and Human Factors ⚉  Business Value of ModularityCONNECT WITH JUSSI: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jussi-sippola-5199124/ ⚉ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Javier Sánchez, Plant Manager at Kerry. Javier Sánchez is a seasoned industrial leader with over 30 years of experience driving transformation and operational excellence across global manufacturing environments. From his early engineering roles at General Motors and Delphi to senior management positions at Panrico, Andros, and now Kerry Group, Javier has built a career around lean leadership, innovation, and people-driven performance. With an MBA and a background in Mechanical Engineering, he brings a strategic yet hands-on approach to leading change and promoting continuous improvement.In this conversation, Javier shares how lean thinking has evolved from a factory-floor methodology into a people-centered leadership philosophy—and why successful PLM and operational transformations depend as much on mindset, engagement, and storytelling as they do on tools and processes.Here’s what you can look forward to in this insightful episode:⚉ Lean Management Beyond the Factory Floor⚉ Applying Lean Principles to Engineering and Design⚉ The Shift from Tool-Driven to People-Centered Transformation⚉ The Power of a Strong Change Story⚉ Soft Introduction as a Strategy for Sustainable Change⚉ Measuring Engagement to Guide Transformation⚉ Standardization Without Losing Local Context⚉ Leadership Experience: Start With People, AlwaysCONNECT WITH JAVIER: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javiersanchezjimenez/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:⚉ Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Jaap Holweg, PLM Manager at Moba and a passionate, hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of people, processes, and systems.With an entrepreneurial mindset, he combines a people-first approach with a drive for efficiency and value. He’s worked across ERP, CRM, and PLM projects, helping teams turn strategy into action and navigate complex challenges with clarity. Jaap has a knack for connecting diverse perspectives, aligning IT and business goals, and building strong collaborations that drive real results.Whether he’s integrating systems after an acquisition or sparring with fellow executives on strategy, Jaap brings curiosity, balance, and a genuine passion for continuous growth — both for the business and the people behind it. In this conversation, Jaap shares practical insights on anchoring PLM transformation around a clear “why” that people truly believe in, using modularity and configure-to-order as the backbone for scalable enterprise PLM, and building trust and momentum through small, consistent steps rather than big-bang change. With that foundation, let’s dive into the key topics explored in this episode:⚉ Understanding Moba’s Complex Product Landscape ⚉ Why PLM Is a Clear Priority for the Business ⚉ The Shift from Technical Solutions to People-Centered Change ⚉ Driving Engagement Through the “Why” ⚉ Balancing Top-Down and Bottom-Up Transformation ⚉ Configure-to-Order as a Strategic Foundation ⚉ Integrating Service into Modular Product Thinking ⚉ Preparing the Ground for AI in PLMCONNECT WITH JAAP: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaap-holweg/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Ella Malara, a communication expert and human behaviour specialist. Ella is the founder of Ella Malara Strategic Consulting, where she helps managers and organizational leaders boost productivity, reduce turnover, and strengthen engagement through communication strategies rooted in behavioural science. She empowers organizations to view communication not as a soft skill, but as a strategic driver of innovation, trust, and change. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: meaningful human connection is what unlocks real potential—because for Ella, good communication isn’t just about talking, it’s about transforming how people work, lead, and grow together.In our conversation, Ella shares powerful insights on: ⚉ Ella’s Nonlinear Journey from Arts to Organizational Change ⚉ Redefining Communication: Beyond Words and Information⚉ The Shift Toward Visual and Digital Communication⚉ Common Communication Mistakes in Digital Transformations⚉ Building Trust as the Foundation of Any Communication Strategy⚉ Measuring Impact Through Behavioral Change (KBIs)⚉ How Behavioral Science Shapes Ella’s Approach CONNECT WITH ELLA: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenamalara/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, hosts Beatriz Gonzalez, Jos Voskuil, and Maria Morris come together to reflect on an impactful year of conversations across the global PLM community. From human-centric transformation and sustainability to leadership alignment and cultural change, this conversation captures the essence of what shaped PLM in 2025—and what will matter even more in 2026.Let’s take a closer look:⚉ A Broader Range of Voices in the PLM Conversation ⚉ 2025: The Year of the Human Factor in PLM ⚉ The First Human-Centric PLM Conference ⚉ Learning from Both Small and Large PLM Transformations ⚉ Sustainability as a Core PLM Responsibility ⚉ From Training to Early Engagement ⚉ Diversity and Representation in PLM Leadership ⚉ What’s Next for the Share PLM Podcast ⚉ The Share PLM Summit Returns in 2026 ⚉ Bringing the C-Level into the PLM DialogueThe Share PLM Summit 2026Register Here! https://shareplm.com/the-share-plm-summit-2026/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us, and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Torben Pedersen, Head of PLM Program Office at Grundfos and a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in project and portfolio management, digital transformation, and team leadership. With a career spanning senior roles at global companies such as Grundfos, Siemens Gamesa, and Maersk, Torben has led strategic initiatives in Product Lifecycle Management, R&D, and business development.Known for his analytical and structured approach, Torben excels at turning both unstructured ideas and formalized projects into tangible results, always with a strong focus on financial and business value.Outside the corporate world, Torben nurtures his creative side as a passionate music creator. When he’s not leading transformation projects, he produces and shares his own music.In our conversation, Torben dives into a wide range of topics—from the mindset leaders need for successful PLM adoption to the practical steps that move an organization toward digital maturity. Below are the key themes we explored throughout the interview:⚉ Engaging Users Early and Building User Communities⚉ Avoiding a Big Bang Approach: Small, Targeted Implementation Projects⚉ Ownership Within the Business, Not Just the Program Team ⚉ How Grundfos Measures Success Without Traditional ROI Calculations⚉ PLM as an Enabler for New Business Models and Managing Complexity⚉ Governance First: Setting Up Strong Structures Before Execution⚉ The Risk of KPI-Driven Behavior⚉ Early Career Lessons: Meet People Where They Are⚉ The Human Side of PLM: People, Culture, and Communication⚉ Partners, Not Suppliers: A Collaborative Approach to ConsultingMENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:⚉ (Spotify) Golden Grayline: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14DQ2kFzKCkK8NxbK2az3l CONNECT WITH TORBEN: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedersentorben/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!

In this episode of the Share PLM Podcast, we are joined by Inga Müller, Strategy Manager Digital Twin & Data Lifecycle at WAGO.Inga is a passionate shaper of the future who believes that innovative technologies and new ways of thinking can help us create a better world. As part of WAGO’s Smart Data team, she plays a key role in defining the strategic direction of the company’s Digital Twin initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering, Inga bridges the gap between the product lifecycle and the data lifecycle, connecting the physical and virtual worlds. Her mission is clear: to ensure these two dimensions work hand in hand—unlocking their full potential and delivering maximum value.In this conversation, Inga shares why collaboration and data transparency are key to driving real digital transformation, and how a strategic, people-centered approach can make technology truly impactful.Here are some of the key topics we explore in this episode:⚉ The Meaning and Vision Behind the Digital Twin⚉ Understanding the Digital Product Passport (DPP)⚉ From Requirements to Systems: Building the Foundation Right⚉ The “Big Three” Systems at WAGO⚉ Collaboration Across the Organization⚉ Advice for Organizations: Start EarlyCONNECT WITH INGA: ⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inga-m%C3%BCller/ CONNECT WITH SHARE PLM:Website: https://shareplm.com/ Join us every month to listen to fascinating interviews, where we cover a wide array of topics, from actionable tips, to personal experiences, to strategies that you can implement into your PLM strategy.If you have an interesting story to share and want to join the conversation, contact us and let's chat. We can't wait to hear from you!