At the end of 2024, Cadmatic entered a new phase, as we welcomed a new CEO, Detlef Schneider, with a clear mission: to continue building on Cadmatic’s strong foundation and lead us into our next chapter of global growth. Now, more than one year into his role, Detlef reflects on what he’s learned about the company, the team, and the opportunities ahead. And more importantly: where is Cadmatic heading in 2026 and beyond, and what does that mean for the people building that future?
Reflections from the first year
“When I joined Cadmatic, I saw a company with deep domain expertise, strong customer loyalty, and a very special culture. I knew we had something powerful to build on, and also a lot of untapped potential”, Detlef Schneider, CEO, says.
During his first months as CEO, Detlef focused on quickly understanding our business, culture, and ways of working. Based on those early insights, the company moved fast. Already in January 2025, we went through a major reorganization to better support its next phase of growth.
“We moved quickly from listening to acting. Year 2025 was very much a year of change, and we’re already seeing positive results.”
What stood out to Detlef early on was the level of commitment across the organization.
“What impressed me was the dedication. People here really care about what they do. At the same time, I noticed we could benefit from better alignment in how we operate globally and more clarity in where we are going,” he says.
Those early changes laid the groundwork for how Cadmatic operates today. Looking ahead, 2026 builds on that foundation with further focus on operational excellence, scaling what already works well, and making sure that all teams, across more than 20 countries, continue moving in the same direction.
Focus area 1: Growing our global presence
As we look ahead to 2026, one of our key focus areas is accelerating international growth, especially in markets where we see high demand for Cadmatic’s products and expertise. We already operate in 60+ countries, but there are regions and industries where our technology can create even greater impact.
“We want to be closer to our customers, especially in growing markets like Middle East, North America, and Asia,” Detlef explains. “That means investing in sales and support locally, but also making sure our global teams work in sync.”
To us, global expansion means building sustainable operations, enabling local teams to thrive, and ensuring that customers everywhere receive the same high standard of service and expertise.
“It’s important to us that no matter where you meet Cadmatic, you meet the same standard.”
“It’s important to us that no matter where you meet Cadmatic, you meet the same standard. That requires alignment and scalable processes, but also people who understand our customers deeply,” Detlef says.
Focus area 2: Scaling how we work – together
As we grow, so does the complexity of operating across more countries, teams, and customer needs. That’s why another key focus for 2026 is scaling how we work: building common ways of working that support alignment, speed, and clarity without sacrificing local ownership.
“Scaling doesn’t just mean doing more. It means being more coordinated, sharing information faster, and making better decisions across borders,” Detlef says.
This means developing shared processes for planning, collaboration, and communication across all teams, from sales to product development to customer support. But Detlef emphasizes that this is not about creating bureaucracy, but enabling people to move fast, stay informed, and focus on what matters.
“We want everyone to feel empowered, but also connected to the bigger picture. That’s what drives momentum,” he says.
As part of this work, leadership development will continue to play a big role in 2026. With more people in more countries, our leaders are key to ensuring clarity, culture, and continuity, even as the company changes.
Focus area 3: Sharpening our product focus
At the heart of our business is our software, and this year, we are sharpening our product focus to make sure we continue solving the right problems for our customers, in the right way.
“We are known for deep, domain-specific products. That’s a great strength, and it also means we must be crystal clear on what we want each product to achieve,” Detlef says.
Moving forward, product development teams are working more closely with other business functions to set clear priorities and long-term direction for each product line. That includes defining ownership, improving collaboration between R&D and sales, and investing in areas that bring the most customer value.
One of the most significant steps forward is the launch of our new subscription-based licensing model, planned for early 2026. The new model will bring much more flexibility to customers to use all the different products, gives access to powerful AI capabilities, and support our long-term growth.
“Our subscription model is a game changer,” Detlef says. “It helps us add more value to customers and simplifies significantly how we do business, both for them and for us.”
This strategic move also reinforces the importance of product clarity and internal alignment. As we grow, it becomes even more important that everyone understands their role in building, improving, and delivering value through the software.
“We are not trying to be everything to everyone. We are focusing on what we do best, and doing it even better,” Detlef says.
What does this mean for the future talents joining us?
Behind every strategy, expansion, and product release is one thing: people. In 2026, we will further grow our team and looking for professionals to join this growth journey, especially in areas like sales, product development, and customer success, but also other functions.
“For us, talent isn’t just about technical skills, but about mindset,” Detlef says. “We’re the best place for people who are curious, proactive, and eager to solve complex problems in a global context.”
“We’re the best place for people who are curious, proactive, and eager to solve complex problems in a global context.”
That global context is key, as the cross-functional collaboration is both challenging and rewarding. While growing, we’re committed to staying true to what makes us Cadmatic: succeeding together, delighting our customers, and continuously improving the way we work.
“If you’re someone who values autonomy, but also wants to be part of something bigger, you’ll feel at home here,” Detlef says.
For future team members, this next chapter means opportunity: the chance to take ownership, shape how we work, and grow in a company that’s scaling intentionally, not just quickly.
What makes our team strong, and what comes next?
Looking ahead, Detlef is confident that our greatest strength lies in the people already here, and their willingness to evolve. “I am impressed and proud by how deeply our people care about the product and our customers. There’s a strong sense of ownership, and a real commitment to doing things right.”
That level of care, combined with deep industry knowledge, gives us a competitive edge, but also brings a responsibility to keep improving.
So, moving through 2026 and beyond, the path is clear: focused growth, clarified way of working, empowered teams and leaders, and a shared commitment to delivering value to our customers.
“We have an incredible foundation. Now it’s about scaling in a way that keeps our culture strong, brings our teams closer together, and helps more customers benefit from what we do.”
“We have an incredible foundation. Now it’s about scaling in a way that keeps our culture strong, brings our teams closer together, and helps more customers benefit from what we do,” Detlef says.
For anyone considering joining us, Detlef offers a simple message: this is a place where your contribution truly matters. “We’re still small enough that every person has a real impact, but large and global enough to offer variety, international opportunities, and stability,” he says.
Whether your passion is in sales, CAD, data, shipbuilding, or process industry digitalization, Cadmatic offers a rare combination: a focused and supportive work environment, a growing global market, and the opportunity to build something meaningful. “I can ensure that if you are motivated and excited about what you do, here you can find a place to put your skills to use, and know it really counts”, he summarizes.