1. Mr Duffy, you are taking over the Digital & Semiconductor Business Unit at a time of significant momentum. What particularly appeals to you about this role?
Suggested response:
“What especially appeals to me is the combination of technological depth and societal relevance. Digital technologies, semiconductors, AI, as well as cyber and quantum security are increasingly converging and have become strategic foundations for economic growth and technological sovereignty. The Digital & Semiconductor Business Unit brings together exceptional expertise in these areas – and that is exactly what I want to build on together with our teams.”
2. You are taking over the Business Unit during a phase characterised by strong continuity. How do you view the achievements of your predecessor?
Suggested response:
“Luis Gómez has set benchmarks over many years – both in the development of ALTER and in bringing together the Digital & Semiconductor Business Unit since NOVA. He has created a strong foundation on which we can build today. Luis was instrumental in setting a clear vision for the world-leading Alter Digital Platforms, such as DOEET and Virtual Lab. In addition, Luis has implemented a strong Innovation culture within the BU, coupled with successful growth strategies including a number of successful M&A integrations.
For me, it is important to build-on Luis’s achievements while, together with the team, taking the next steps forward to take the BU to the next level. I would like to sincerely thank Luis for his support and guidance to me personally over the last few months and for his contribution and commitment to Alter and D&S BU. .”
3. What will be your key strategic priorities in the coming years?
Suggested response:
“We will continue to focus on high‑reliability applications – ranging from cybersecurity testing for hardware and software to OSAT services and semiconductor product enhancement solutions. At the same time, we will further strengthen our position in future‑oriented fields such as AI, space, defence and critical infrastructure. What matters most throughout is profitable growth, expanding our international presence, staying at the cutting edge of technological and digital advancements and of course ensuring that the great people working in our BU are motivated and developed in their careers.”
4. ALTER recently contributed to the Artemis II mission. What significance do such projects hold for you?
Suggested response:
“These projects demonstrate what is possible when technological excellence, teamwork and long‑standing experience come together. Our involvement in Artemis II clearly shows that our work is not only economically relevant, but also contributes to international future‑focused programmes. Our colleagues can rightly be proud of this. Such a project is just the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of the societal and economic impact our team across Alter and TUVIT make through their technological excellence on a regular basis”
5. How do you intend to strengthen collaboration within the Business Unit and across the Group?
Suggested response:
“It is important to me that we as a BU work closely together as an international organisation – across locations, disciplines and brands to exploit value-driven, selected synergies. The strength of TÜV NORD GROUP lies precisely in this combination of local expertise and global reach. I want to encourage dialogue, break down silos and make joint successes more visible. As ALTER, with locations in Spain, the UK, France, Germany and the USA, we are very well positioned globally to use this existing footprint as a basis for growth in other areas of our BU.”
6. What message would you like to share with employees as you take up your role?
Suggested response:
“I am very much looking forward to working with you on the challenges and opportunities ahead. In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical change and rapidly evolving supply chains, you make a vital contribution every day to safety, quality and trust. That is what we build on – and what we will continue to build on together.”