Toray Advanced Composites Appoints Dr. Jan Nowacki as Managing Director for Europe

Updated on July 14, 2026 • 4 min read

Toray Advanced Composites has appointed Dr. Jan Nowacki as Managing Director, Europe, effective July 6, 2026, strengthening its leadership team as demand for advanced composite materials continues to expand across aerospace and industrial markets.

Dr. Nowacki succeeds David Bernard, who is retiring after a 40-year career in the advanced composites industry. The leadership transition comes as composite manufacturers continue investing in operational efficiency, supply chain resilience and technology development to support growing demand across Europe.

Leadership Brings Aerospace and Manufacturing Experience

Dr. Nowacki joins Toray Advanced Composites with more than 20 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing and advanced industrial operations.

Throughout his career, he has managed complex manufacturing organizations and international supply chains while leading initiatives focused on operational performance, business growth and manufacturing innovation.

His technical background combines both engineering and materials science. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kaiserslautern and earned a PhD in Composite Materials from the Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW) in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

According to Toray, the appointment supports the company’s strategy of strengthening its European operations while continuing to expand customer support and technical capabilities.

Composite Demand Continues to Grow Across Multiple Industries

In announcing his appointment, Dr. Nowacki noted that advanced composite materials are playing an increasingly important role across a broad range of industries.

While aerospace remains one of Toray’s largest markets, demand for carbon fiber composites continues to grow in sectors including space, defense, hydrogen storage, industrial equipment and transportation, where lightweight structures and high-performance materials are becoming increasingly important.

The company said it will continue focusing on innovation, customer collaboration and sustainable business growth throughout the European market.

Leadership Team Expansion Reflects Long-Term Investment

Dr. Nowacki’s appointment follows the recent addition of Guillaume Coustaud as Commercial Director for Europe, further expanding Toray Advanced Composites’ regional leadership team.

According to CEO Scott Unger, the appointments reflect the company’s continued investment in strengthening its European business while supporting customers and accelerating innovation.

The company also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Managing Director David Bernard, recognizing his leadership and long-term service during four decades in the advanced composites sector.

Technical Leadership Remains Important for Composite Manufacturers

Professor’s Analysis

Leadership transitions within advanced materials companies often reflect broader changes occurring throughout the composites industry.

As aerospace production rates recover and new markets such as hydrogen storage, electrification and sustainable manufacturing continue to expand, composite manufacturers face increasingly complex operational challenges. Success now depends not only on material innovation but also on manufacturing scalability, supply chain management and close technical collaboration with customers.

Executives with backgrounds in composite engineering and manufacturing are particularly valuable because advanced materials businesses require an understanding of both production processes and end-use applications. Managing qualification requirements, production quality and global supply networks has become as important as developing new resin systems or reinforcement technologies.

The appointment of a leader with both engineering and composite materials expertise suggests continued emphasis on integrating technical capability with manufacturing execution as the European composites market evolves.

Europe Remains a Strategic Market for Advanced Composites

Europe continues to be a major center for aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and industrial composite manufacturing, making experienced technical leadership increasingly important as manufacturers respond to changing customer requirements and production demands.

For Toray Advanced Composites, the appointment of Dr. Nowacki represents a leadership transition that supports the company’s long-term strategy of expanding its presence while continuing to develop advanced composite solutions for European customers.

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