Aras Appoints Leon Lauritsen as CEO to Propel Next Phase of Growth and Innovation
In a strategic move to build on its momentum of growth and product innovation, Aras, a leader in product lifecycle management (PLM) and digital thread solutions, has announced the appointment of Leon Lauritsen as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lauritsen succeeds Roque Martin, who is stepping down after successfully guiding the company to new heights of success and profitability over the past four years.
Lauritsen’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for Aras as it seeks to redefine how product teams harness PLM software, product data, and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive value for their organizations. With nearly three decades of experience in the PLM industry, Lauritsen brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as head of global sales and general manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), where he played a critical role in expanding Aras’ market presence and strengthening its customer relationships.
A Vision for Transformation
Lauritsen’s leadership comes at a time when the PLM industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of AI and cloud-based technologies. Under his guidance, Aras aims to capitalize on these trends to solidify its position as a disruptor in the PLM space.
“Aras has a unique technology foundation and an incredible opportunity to transform the way companies experience PLM software,” Lauritsen said. “We have the software solution, the experience, and the strategy to help leading product-driven organizations successfully leverage data and AI. I am truly energized to lead this team during this technology shift, which will create opportunities for disruptors like Aras to change the industry.”
His vision aligns with Aras’ mission to empower organizations to manage complex product data across the entire lifecycle, from concept to retirement. By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities into its solutions, Aras is poised to deliver even greater value to its customers, enabling them to innovate faster, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
A Legacy of Success Under Roque Martin
Roque Martin, who will transition to an advisory role with Aras, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements. During his tenure, Martin led the company through a period of unprecedented growth and profitability, positioning Aras as a formidable competitor in the PLM market. Under his leadership, the company not only met but consistently exceeded its financial targets while spearheading the transition to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model—a move that has been widely recognized as a game-changer in the industry.
“Aras is an incredible company, and it has been my honor to lead this extraordinary team for the past four years,” Martin said. “We have consistently hit our growth and profitability targets and led the market with our transition to SaaS. Aras is now recognized as a PLM leader, able to compete and win against much larger competitors.”
Martin’s contributions have laid a strong foundation for Lauritsen to build upon as the company enters its next phase of expansion. His continued involvement in an advisory capacity ensures a smooth leadership transition and underscores his commitment to Aras’ long-term success.
A Proven Leader with Deep Industry Roots
Lauritsen joined Aras in 2022 through the acquisition of Minerva, a company where he spent two decades honing his expertise in PLM and enterprise resource planning (ERP). Beginning his career as an ERP programmer and consultant, he rose through the ranks at Minerva, ultimately becoming its vice president and partner responsible for business operations in EMEA and North America. Since joining Aras, Lauritsen has held a series of go-to-market leadership roles, each with increasing responsibility, demonstrating his ability to drive results and foster collaboration across global teams.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lauritsen is known for his passion for judo. A former member of the Danish national team, he continues to contribute to the sport as a member of the elite sports committee for the Danish judo federation. This blend of discipline, focus, and teamwork mirrors the qualities he brings to his leadership role at Aras.
About Aras
Aras is a leading provider of product lifecycle management and digital thread solutions. Its technology enables the rapid delivery of flexible solutions built on a powerful digital thread backbone and a low-code development platform. Aras’ platform and product lifecycle management applications connect users in all disciplines and functions to critical product data and processes across the lifecycle and throughout the extended supply chain. Visit www.aras.com to learn more and follow us on YouTube, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
