Top 10: Technology Leaders in Europe

Rapid technological innovation and the transformative power of AI are two elements defining this technological era.

Because of this, strong leadership in tech-driven companies is more crucial than ever.

In Europe, technology is driving economic growth, innovation and societal impact as digital transformation further becomes a core strategic priority across industries.

Organisations are rapidly adopting AI, cloud computing, IoT and sustainable technologies to enhance efficiency, agility and customer experience, even in the face of challenges such as regulatory complexity and uneven technology adoption.

As European companies and governments intensify efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance digital skills and accelerate AI integration. Technology Magazine celebrates 10 figures leading the charge.

10. Pallavi Mahajan

Role: Chief Technology and AI Officer
Company: Nokia
Location: London, UK

New in post, Pallavi is Chief Technology and AI Officer at Nokia, leading the company’s newly created Technology and AI organisation. Her main focus here is in driving innovation, digital transformation and AI strategy across the company globally.

Pallavi brings more than 20 years of experience in networking, cloud computing, edge technologies and AI to her new Nokia role, having previously held leadership positions at Intel, HPE and Juniper Networks. 

9. Gustav Söderström

Role: Co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer
Company: Spotify
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

As Co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPO and CTO) of Spotify, Gustav is responsible for the company’s global product, design, data, technology and engineering strategy. 

He joined Spotify in 2009 and has played a key role in evolving Spotify from a music streaming service to a comprehensive audio platform with innovations in podcasts and AI-driven features. 

Before Spotify, he founded Kenet Works – acquired by Yahoo – and held product roles at Yahoo Mobile. 

8. Dr Peter Körte

Role: CTO and CSO
Company: Siemens
Location: Munich, Germany

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Siemens and a member of the Managing Board since October 2024, Peter oversees Siemens' global research and development, technology strategy and the Siemens Xcelerator business platform as well as foundational technologies. 

His priorities include accelerating sustainable technology innovation and digital transformation for Siemens’ customers. 

Before taking on his current role, he held leadership positions in Siemens Healthineers, including Executive Vice President of Digital Health. 

7. Laurence Barthès

Role: Executive Vice President and Chief People & Information Officer
Company: Dassault Systèmes
Location: Paris, France

Laurence joined Dassault Systèmes in 1987, initially leading quality, processes and production engineering in R&D before progressively taking on leadership roles including Vice President of Customer Support.

She became EVP and Chief People & Information Officer in 2009. 

Laurence drives the company’s digital transformation by integrating the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to innovate internal collaboration, talent development and management culture. 

She also oversees Dassault’s global information systems and has led the design of the company’s Paris and Boston campuses to foster collaborative work environments.

6. Erik Ekudden

Role: CTO
Company: Ericsson
Location: Stockholm, Sweden

As well as serving as CTO at Ericsson, Erik is also its Senior Vice President and Head of Group Function Technology. 

He has been with Ericsson since 1993 and has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's technological strategy – especially in 5G, AI and IoT. 

Erik’s extensive experience includes leadership roles in standardisation, research and development, with a significant background in advancing mobile systems from 2G to 5G. 

He is recognised across the tech industry as a visionary leader, driving Ericsson’s innovation and future-ready network transformations.​

5. Elke Reichart

Role: Chief Digital and Sustainability Officer
Company: Infineon Technologies
Location: Munich, Germany

Elke leads group-wide digitalisation initiatives, IT infrastructure, digital customer interfaces, software transformation, sustainability strategy and AI governance. 

With more than 30 years of experience – having held senior leadership roles at HP and as Chief Digital Officer and CEO of TUI’s technology entity prior to joining Infineon – Elke is a prominent European tech leader for driving digital transformation and sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing and technology.​

Alongside her role as Chief Digital and Sustainability Officer, she has been a member of the Management Board at Infineon Technologies since November 2023.

4. Fabio Gualandris

Role: President, Quality, Manufacturing & Technology
Company: STMicroelectronics
Location: Geneva, Switzerland

In post since July 2023, Fabio is pivotal in overseeing ST’s Back-End Manufacturing & Technology. 

He also leads the company’s Testing Council, manufacturing strategy in Asia and System-in-Package technology efforts from his base in Geneva. 

Fabio joined ST’s predecessor SGS Microelettronica in 1984, with his extensive expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, product quality and strategic leadership making him instrumental in driving the company’s innovation and global manufacturing excellence in Europe and beyond.

3. Lars Reger

Role: EVP and CTO
Company: NXP Semiconductors
Location: Hamburg, Germany

Lars is responsible for managing new business activities and R&D across automotive, Industry 4.0, IoT, mobile, connectivity and infrastructure markets at NXP. 

He joined the company in 2008 as head of automotive strategy and was appointed CTO of the entire technology portfolio in 2018. 

With a strong background in semiconductor and automotive sectors – including roles at Siemens and Infineon – Lars drives innovation in autonomous vehicles and connected devices, leveraging NXP’s broad edge computing expertise.

2. Christophe Fouquet

Role: CEO
Company: ASML
Location: The Netherlands

Heading up Europe’s leading semiconductor equipment maker since April 2024, Christophe joined ASML in 2008 and has held senior roles including Executive Vice President of EUV technology and Chief Business Officer, overseeing product management and strategy. 

He has more than 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry and combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills developed through managing global teams and driving innovation in advanced lithography techniques essential for cutting-edge chip manufacturing.

1. Dr Philipp Herzig

Role: Chief Technology Officer & Chief AI Officer
Company: SAP
Location: Berlin, Germany

As Chief Technology Officer & Chief AI Officer at SAP, Philipp leads the company’s efforts to embed AI across its business solutions and drive the SAP Business AI strategy globally. 

With a PhD in Computer Science from Technische Universität Dresden, he joined SAP in 2009 and has held roles spanning software engineering, architecture and senior product leadership. 

Philipp is based in Germany and is recognized for steering SAP’s AI-focused business unit, integrating innovative technologies across SAP’s vast portfolio and fostering engineering excellence.​