The Siemens Foundation today announced that Virginie Maillard, Siemens Foundational Technologies head of global research in simulation and digital twin, as well as head of research for Siemens USA, and Dickson Mercer, head of strategic messaging and executive communications for Siemens USA, have been named to the Siemens Foundation Board of Directors.“We welcome Virginie and Dickson to our board of directors and look forward to benefiting from their combined expertise and invaluable perspectives,” said Barbara Humpton, chair of the Siemens Foundation Board of Directors and CEO of Siemens USA. “Their leadership and passion for community engagement, workforce development and philanthropy will enhance our efforts to create equitable opportunities and drive positive change in our communities.”
As head of global research in simulation and digital twin for Siemens Foundational Technologies, Virginie Maillard leads teams across Germany, India and China from the R&D office in Princeton, NJ. She has also served as the head of research for the U.S. since May 2019. Before joining Siemens, Maillard worked for the automobile manufacturer Renault, most recently as head of corporate research and central research strategy. She currently serves as the president of the Scientific Advisory Board of Institute Mines-Telecom (IMT) in Paris, France, the biggest group of graduate engineering schools in France.“I am continually impressed with what the Siemens Foundation is able to accomplish, especially in fostering technical education, and am deeply honored to join the board,” said Maillard. “I am committed to continuing these success stories, driven by my belief that technology can address real societal changes. At Siemens, we have the tools to implement technological solutions that change the everyday for everyone.”Dickson Mercer, who has been with Siemens since 2016, will continue to lead the company’s narrative in its largest global market while contributing to the Foundation’s mission of advancing social equity and workforce development in STEM. Mercer brings nearly 20 years of experience in journalism and communications to his role at Siemens, managing strategic messaging and overseeing executive speaking opportunities. He is also the creator and producer of the Siemens USA podcast, The Optimistic Outlook, featuring CEO Barbara Humpton.“I’ve had the privilege of crafting messaging to support the Siemens Foundation’s priorities since my first week at Siemens almost nine years ago,” said Mercer. “The guiding principle that ‘we all do better when we all do better’ resonates with me deeply, as does the Siemens Foundation's practical, optimistic approach to shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and competitive economy. I look forward to expanding my contributions to the Siemens Foundation’s success alongside a phenomenal group of leaders.”For more information on the Siemens Foundation, follow the Siemens Foundation on LinkedIn or visit siemens-foundation.org.