Lenuta Gontaru, Chief Technology Officer of Titgemeyer, joined the company in mid-2025. With a career spanning senior engineering, research and leadership roles across multiple organisations. she brings a broad, international perspective to one of the most technically demanding segments of the manufacturing sector. She speaks to Torque Magazine about her path into fasteners, her people-centric leadership philosophy and how automation and digitalisation are shaping both the future of production engineering and the next generation of talent in the industry.
You've held senior engineering and leadership roles across multiple companies before becoming CTO at Titgemeyer. What drew you to the fastener Industry?
My entry into the fastener industry happened somewhat by coincidence. I have always been fascinated by diverse technologies. What drives me are challenges and opportunities where I can make a meaningful impact, combining strategic thinking with operational implementation to create lasting results.
As CTO, what does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, and that's exactly what makes my work so exciting. I'm not someone who seeks routine. While the overarching goals remain constant, the strategies and approaches vary depending on the people I work with, their characters, experience levels and perspectives. The most important aspect is to listen carefully, while at the same time supporting and developing people to achieve the company's objectives together.
Since technology is evolving rapidly, how do automation and digitalisation shape the future of fasteners and production engineering?
We have to look at this from different perspectives. One is the customer's application - customers define the requirements, and we support them with ideas on how to design product solutions that enhance efficiency in their production environments. We focus on both standard and customised solutions, developing and implementing automated systems such as our modular riveting system, SAN. The future lies in simplifying the complexity of such automated systems.
The second perspective concerns our own manufacturing technologies. Here, automation and digitalisation are key to increasing production efficiency, maintaining competitiveness and delivering best-in-class quality.
How has your early research and academic experience Influenced your leadership and Innovation approach?
I was fortunate to conduct my research in an international environment supported by a Marie Curie Scholarship. This experience broadened my perspective and taught me to approach topics systematically. It also helped shape my leadership style through exposure to different cultural values. The most important lesson I've learned is to find an environment where you can live your own leadership values, and not allow negative influences to shape you.
What advice would you give young women considering a career in the fastener or manufacturing Industry?
My leadership approach is built around three core values - the 3E principle: Empathy, Engagement and Empowerment. This means putting yourself in others' shoes, offering support, and fostering an environment where people are encouraged to grow and realise their full potential. Above all, be authentic and commit to continuous learning.
What achievements or milestones in your career are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the lasting impact I have made in every role I have held. Colleagues continue to recognise and value the contributions I brought to each organisation. Notably, I helped regain the trust and business of one of our most important customers and was selected as the company's first Lean Six Sigma Black Belt focused on post-acquisition integration. In this role, I successfully implemented Lean Six Sigma principles and helped broaden both my own mindset and that of my colleagues, embedding a more structured and continuous improvement approach across the business.
If you could give one plece of advice to your younger self. what would it be?
Be a little more patient.
Any final thoughts?
Focus on what you truly enjoy, but stay consistent - success and financial rewards will follow naturally. Stay true to your values and inspire others through authenticity and example.
