Kirti Patel Appointed Connecticut’s Next Chief Manufacturing Officer

Governor Ned Lamont has named Kirti Patel as Connecticut’s newest chief manufacturing officer.

Effective September 15, Patel will fill the role previously held by Paul Lavoie, who left in July to join the University of New Haven as vice president of innovation and applied technology.

“Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Connecticut’s economy, driving innovation, exports, and good-paying careers for our residents,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

“Kirti brings decades of global experience in manufacturing, product development, and business leadership.”

In his most recent manufacturing leadership role, Patel served as president and CEO of life science company Eppendorf Inc. in Enfield from 2013 to 2023, where he oversaw North American manufacturing operations and also led the global Bioprocess Technology Division, according to a press release from Lamont’s office.

Previously, Patel held roles with Siemens Healthcare as the head of Preclinical Solutions and Senior Director of Lifecycle Management, and co-founded 3D ultrasound imaging technology company, Sensant Corporation, later acquired by Siemens Healthcare.

“He has led companies through complex transformations, expanded product lines that serve critical industries, and built trusted relationships across stakeholders,” said Lamont.

CMO Kirti Patel called his appointment to the new role an “honor,” saying, “Connecticut has a world-class workforce, innovative companies, and strong educational partners. I look forward to working with manufacturers across the state to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”

Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president & CEO, said Patel “will be instrumental in supporting the ingenuity of our manufacturers, propelling their continued growth and success.”

Within the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the chief manufacturing officer spearheads the Office of Manufacturing and its efforts to fuel manufacturing growth and innovation in the state.

Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the DECD, said, “Mr. Patel brings not only deep experience in advanced manufacturing but also a strong record of building partnerships and driving innovation.”

“We look forward to collaborating to address key challenges, including workforce development, supply chain optimization, and the adoption of new technologies,” said Gutierrez. “Together, we will continue to strengthen Connecticut’s robust manufacturing legacy and create new opportunities for our talented workforce.”

“I am confident that his vision and leadership will strengthen our manufacturing sector and ensure Connecticut remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing,” said Lamont.

“The new chief manufacturing officer will be instrumental in supporting the ingenuity of our manufacturers, propelling their continued growth and success and ensuring our state remains a thriving manufacturing powerhouse,” said  Beatriz Gutierrez, CEO and President of CONNSTEP. 

“We look forward to collaborating to address key challenges, including workforce development, supply chain optimization and the adoption of new technologies. Together, we will continue to strengthen Connecticut’s robust manufacturing legacy and create new opportunities for our talented workforce.”