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ASTM International today announced the appointment of Andrew G. Kireta Jr. as its new president, effective May 1, 2024. It said his background in standards development and familiarity with the organization positions him to lead future growth and innovation.

Kireta will succeed Katharine Morgan, who served in the role since 2017 and will retire after a “distinguished 40-year career with ASTM.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy as president of ASTM International,” stated Bill Griese, 2024 chair of ASTM’s board of directors. “Andy has spent years supporting ASTM International in a variety of volunteer roles and is exceptionally well-suited to lead the organization forward.”

“He brings a strong commitment to ASTM’s mission, values, and membership,” Griese added. “Kathie’s dedication and engagement have made it possible for us to find the right leader for ASTM’s future, and we are delighted she will help to ensure a smooth transition as Andy assumes the role in May.”

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Kireta brings executive experience

Kireta is president and CEO of the Copper Development Association. He has been with that not-for-profit trade association since 1992, serving the past two decades in an executive management capacity.

In addition, ASTM International noted that Kireta has been an ASTM member since 1998. He joined the organization‘s board of directors in 2014, serving as chair of the audit and finance committee in 2017, vice chair in 2018 and 2019, and chair of the board in 2020. Kireta also previously served as vice chair and chair of the board of SEI International, an ASTM affiliate.

“I am honored and excited to serve as the new president of ASTM International,” said Kireta. “I have great respect for ASTM’s mission, staff, members, and partners, and I am humbled to lead an organization that has made such a meaningful impact on industry and society over its 125-year history. I am eager to work with the ASTM community to build upon that success as we advance our mission of helping our world work better.”

Learn about ASTM International robot standards

ASTM International said it is committed to serving global societal needs and improving public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. The Conshohocken, Pa.-based organization has 35,000 members worldwide working to develop and refine more than 12,900 technical standards and representing over 90 industry sectors.

As robots expand from factories into other environments, safety and reliability have become increasingly important. ASTM has been developing standards for robotic grasping and manipulation, legged robots, assembly robots, vision guidance for bin picking, and additive manufacturing in construction.

The F45 Committee on Robotics, Automation, and Autonomous Systems is working to develop standard terminology, practices, classifications, guides, test methods, and specifications applicable to these systems.

Adam Norton, associate director of the NERVE Center at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, will present a session on “ASTM Standards for Robotics and Autonomous Systems” at 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday May 2 at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston.

He will provide an overview the committee’s activities, as well as open a discussion to gather industry feedback on recommendations for future standards to ensure alignment with both developer and user needs. Registration is now open for the event. 

“We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovative services to improve lives … helping our world work better,” ASTM said.