Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, July 2025 – Udette Kirsch has joined SMART Photonics as the new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In her new role, she will lead strategic HR initiatives, organizational transformation, and leadership development to support SMART Photonics’ mission of solving global challenges through photonic technologies.
With nearly two decades of expertise in workforce transformation, AI-driven learning strategies, and DEI initiatives, Udette brings a wealth of experience to her new position. At InContext Consultancy Group, she worked with C-suite leaders across sectors like aviation, finance, and tech to deliver high-impact workforce strategies through behavioral economics, AI, and digital transformation. Her client portfolio included KLM, Deloitte, PwC, Schneider Electric, and others.
Prior to that, Udette spent over 13 years at Connemara as a Senior Learning & Development Consultant, where she led enterprise-wide leadership development, talent strategy, and change management projects across multiple industries. Her work helped drive inclusive leadership and organizational performance in fast-evolving markets.
Earlier in her career, she held key leadership roles at Stanbic Bank, Nedbank, and SASOL GAS, where she spearheaded cross-functional projects, market expansion, DEI programs, and strategic customer engagement initiatives. Her experience in both HR strategy and commercial transformation gives her a unique edge in scaling people-first innovation across industries.
About SMART Photonics:
SMART Photonics is a leading independent foundry based in the Netherlands, focused on high-end Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) that aim to improve global quality of life through innovative solutions. Their technology plays a pivotal role in enabling advances across sectors like energy efficiency, healthcare, mobility, data communication, and sensing. From prototype to full-scale production, SMART Photonics helps clients harness the power of photonics to address complex real-world challenges.
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