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CTO at Kodiak AI | NASDAQ:KDK
Andreas Wendel is the Chief Technology Officer at Kodiak Robotics, where he has built a team of world-class technologists from the ground up to make autonomous long-haul trucking a reality. Previously, Andreas was part of the small team that launched the first driverless car on public roads. He worked as Perception Tech Lead at Waymo from 2013 to 2018, enabling cars to see and understand all important aspects of the environment with extremely robust and efficient machine learning algorithms, and designing Waymo's camera systems. Andreas received a PhD in Computer Science from Graz University of Technology, Austria, with highest distinction (sub auspiciis Praesidentis). Before joining Google[x]/Waymo, Andreas was the Head of the Aerial Vision Group and lecturer at the Institute of Computer Vision and Graphics at Graz University of Technology, Austria. He was a visiting researcher at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute, and his academic research was focused on computer vision and robotics, specifically image-based 3D reconstruction, localization, and autonomous navigation for micro aerial vehicles. Andreas has received multiple recognitions for his outstanding work, including being named Austria’s Innovator of the Year.
Graz University of Technology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science
January 1, 2009 – January 1, 2013
Graz University of Technology
Master of Science (MSc), Telematics (Electronics and Computer Science)
January 1, 2007 – January 1, 2009
McMaster University
Exchange graduate student, Electronics and Computer Science
January 1, 2007 – January 1, 2008
Graz University of Technology
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Telematics (Electronics and Computer Science)
January 1, 2004 – January 1, 2007
Kodiak Robotics
Chief Technology Officer
May 1, 2022 – Present
Kodiak Robotics
VP of Engineering
January 1, 2019 – May 1, 2022
Kodiak Robotics
Senior Staff Software Engineer
May 1, 2018 – December 1, 2018
Waymo
Staff Software Engineer, Perception Tech Lead
December 1, 2016 – May 1, 2018
Mountain View, CA
X: The Moonshot Factory
Staff Software Engineer, Self-Driving Car
June 1, 2016 – December 1, 2016
Mountain View, CA
Senior Software Engineer, Self-Driving Car
December 1, 2014 – June 1, 2016
Mountain View, CA
Robotics Researcher, Self-Driving Car
August 1, 2013 – December 1, 2014
Mountain View, CA
Carnegie Mellon University
Visiting Researcher
June 1, 2012 – September 1, 2012
Großraum Pittsburgh und Umgebung
Graz University of Technology
University Assistant
January 1, 2011 – August 1, 2013
Graz, Austria
Graz University of Technology
Research Assistant
October 1, 2009 – December 1, 2010
Graz, Austria
Microsoft
Researcher
May 1, 2008 – May 1, 2009
Graz, Austria
OMICRON electronics
Consultant
September 1, 2007 – May 1, 2009
Österreich
OMICRON electronics
Software Developer
March 1, 2006 – August 1, 2007
Österreich
OMICRON electronics
Software Developer
August 1, 2005 – September 1, 2005
Houston, TX
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's extensive experience in autonomous driving, particularly at startups (Kodiak Robotics) and moonshot projects (X), suggests an adaptability to fast-paced, innovative, and high-stakes environments. Their academic background and research roles indicate a strong inclination towards continuous learning and pushing technological boundaries. The progression through various roles from individual contributor to executive leadership demonstrates ambition and a commitment to growth, aligning well with a culture that values impact and leadership.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate's career progression from researcher to CTO, including leadership roles at Waymo and Kodiak Robotics, demonstrates strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational management skills. Their involvement in building teams and deploying safety-critical systems suggests a high degree of responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration. The academic background and research roles indicate a strong analytical and innovative mindset.