11 June 2026 / 15:00 - 16:00 CEST
EPIC HR Workgroup Meeting: Talent Retention and Career Development in Photonics
Online Event



Free Event





Sponsors





The session addresses one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: how to retain highly skilled professionals and create sustainable career pathways in a competitive market.

Photonics companies require professionals who combine technical expertise with project management, collaboration, and leadership capabilities. However, limited local talent pools and increasing mobility across Europe make long term retention a strategic priority.

This EPIC HR Workgroup Meeting will focus on practical strategies, including:

  • Designing career paths that integrate technical excellence with leadership development
  • Creating internal mobility pathways from manufacturing and cleanroom roles into advanced technical and R&D positions
  • Building structured development frameworks that improve employee engagement and long-term retention

The session is conceived as an exchange among HR leaders facing similar challenges. Together, we will explore how to create clearer development frameworks that strengthen retention and reinforce the long term competitiveness of the photonics industry.

The EPIC HR Workgroup Meetings bring together HR managers and talent leaders working in the photonics industry. Here you can find an overview of the past sessions.

This event is restricted to members only and recommended for the HR job title/role at the companies.

Agenda

15:00 – 15:05 Welcoming by EPIC
Members perspective:
15:05 – 15:20 Optotune Leadership, Culture & Career paths –  Adrian Wethli, VP HR
15:20 – 15:35  SMART PhotonicsRethinking retention in Photonics – Ilse de Graaf, Talent Acquisition Lead
15:35 – 15:50 EPIC members – TBA.
EPIC survey:
15:50 – 16:00 EPIC survey presentation on Talent Retention Rate over 2 upcomming years in photonics industry as well as their motivation to stay / leave

Speakers

Adrian has over a decade of experience in industrial HR. His work centers on leadership, coaching, and employer branding. With a background in psychology, he’s passionate about blending high-tech innovation with human-centered skills to create meaningful and effective workplaces.

Talent Acquisition Lead at SMART Photonics


More speakers will be announced soon.
Contact Information
Moderators
Coordination
Elisenda Lara
Elisenda Lara
Marketing Manager
Neringa Noreikiene
Neringa Noreikiene
Events Manager
Event Manager
Logistics, venue, accommodation, and transportation
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Related
Past Events