Forterro has created a new role of AI Transformation Leader and appointed Marco Metzlaff. In the new role, Metzlaff will oversee the development and implementation of Forterro’s AI strategy. It is a forward-looking decision that demonstrates the importance of AI within the Forterro roadmap across its suite of products. The intent is to have someone help define, refine and implement a strategy that will deliver long-term benefits to Forterro’s customers.
The implementation of AI will be crucial for competitiveness in manufacturing and other industries. Forterro leverages a micro-services architecture to integrate and embed AI-powered solutions across the MyForterro platform. It includes solutions such as Prodaso, an AI-supported IIoT platform which Forterro acquired in 2024.
AI offers the promise of automation, insights, and optimisation that can assist customers in reducing downtime, improving quality, and increasing their productivity and competitiveness in the long term. The role will see Metzlaff coordinate operational measures, strengthen existing initiatives and ensure AI capabilities are embedded across Forterro’s industrial portfolio.
Marcus Pannier, President, Lines of Business, at Forterro, commented, “AI transformation is integral to our long-term strategy. By embedding AI at the highest organisational level, we are making it easier for our customers to advance their own digital development and AI capabilities. This underlines our position as a dedicated partner for mid-market manufacturers right across Europe.”
Who is Marco Metzlaff
Metzlaff has over 20 years of experience in transformation, ERP and technology consulting. He joins from IBM, where he was a business development and account executive. He recently specialised in the practical application of AI. Metzlaff spent four years as head of consulting at BWI GmbH and was a Senior Manager of Technology Strategy at Accenture.
Marco Metzlaff, AI Transformation Leader at Forterro, said, “At Forterro, we want to take the next logical step in artificial intelligence – professionalising our expertise and focusing it on measurable customer impact. We have decades of experience working with industrial midmarket companies. Our goal is to deliver industry-specific AI solutions that make a sustainable difference to those customers’ daily operations. From shop floor efficiency to strategic decision-making.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
Creating this role demonstrates the importance that Forterro are putting behind AI. It will be interesting to see how Metzlaff influences what happens next. Will he pursue a strategy of acquiring AI-powered functionality or look to develop products internally? Or perhaps a combination?
What direction will he take Forterro on its AI journey, and how will it fit into the Forterro platform? In addition to his role in strategy for improving customer-facing solutions, will his remit also look to improve the use of AI within Forterro? It is a strategy that Dean Forbes, CEO, is an advocate of. Additionally, will Metzlaff leverage the partnership with AWS further, utilising the AI capabilities the hyperscaler has to offer?
