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It is a sad day for the 3D printing world, as BigRep reported that its founder, René Gurka, has passed away. The 3D printing visionary, who founded the German large-format 3D printer manufacturer in 2014, has left the additive industry too soon.
BigRep issued a heartfelt statement about the passing of its leader:
It is with deep regret that we must relay of the passing of René Gurka, BigRep’s founder and former CEO.
René was a true visionary—full of excitement, warmth, quick-witted humor and charisma. He inspired everyone around him to achieve the unimaginable and was a leader who we at BigRep were infinitely fortunate to have.
Born in 1971 in the North Germany town of Varel (Friesland), he grew up in Wickede an der Ruhr. Later, he studied business law in Osnabrück before settling in Berlin. René was an energetic entrepreneur and imaginative creator. He brought his incredible energy to global leadership positions as Managing Director of the German American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco, California and of Berlin Partner GmbH, promoting the city as a leading hub for business and technology around the world.
René energized BigRep as a global brand from its foundation. He brought his personality and global thinking to the company’s core. René’s spirit lives on at BigRep where his limitless energy continues to fuel the daily lives of everyone here.
We cannot imagine what BigRep and all our daily lives would look like without René’s influence on the company and its employees. There are no words that can properly convey the incredible impact and inspiration that René had on the spaces he lived his life and his lasting influence on those around the world who were blessed to know him and remain dedicated to his ideas.
Our thoughts are with René’s family.
We are committed to fulfilling his vision for BigRep.
BigRep has posted a touching In Memoriam page to its website, which invites those who knew and worked with Gurka in the AM industry to leave tributes or memories. If you’d like to share your condolences with the BigRep team, you can do so here.
Not only has BigRep lost an important part of its team, but the 3D printing industry at large is saying goodbye to an innovative spirit.
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