Lauri Laihanen is a distinguished executive serving as Vice President of R&D Product Management at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, leveraging his expertise to drive groundbreaking technological advancements in the field of surface drilling. With nearly two decades of experience spanning the construction and mining sectors, Lauri has played a pivotal role in spearheading global teams and innovation in machine technology development, high-technology integration, automation, digitalisation and electrification. His journey in technology leadership began with a solid educational foundation, earning a Master’s of Science in Hydraulics, Automation and Industrial Economics from Tampere University of Technology, Finland. Since then, Lauri has applied his extensive knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of research and development, as well as product management, propelling forward the evolution of surface drilling technologies. Throughout his career, Lauri has consistently demonstrated a passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of high-tech solutions for the construction and mining industries. His visionary leadership and strategic insights have been instrumental in driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for enhanced efficiency, sustainability and safety in surface drilling operations.