Enhanced governance structure will support the next stage of growth and deliver high-quality, adaptable defense solutions
ARX Robotics has expanded its management team to support its next phase of growth. The new appointments include Ciaran Murphy as CTO, Dr. Volker Hartmann as Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and CHRO, Peter Schulze as Vice President of Programs and Product Strategy. These new members of the leadership team will work alongside the existing C-suite and founders, CEO Marc Wietfeld, CFO Maximilian Wied, and COO Stefan Röbel, to strengthen the company’s operational capabilities and further its expansion in the defense sector.
Strengthening its top-tier team to build the future of autonomous defense systems
The newly appointed management team underscore ARX’s commitment to accelerating the development of its high-end technology platform – advancing next-generation autonomy, AI-driven robotics, and mission-adaptive software systems designed to meet the complex and evolving demands of modern defense operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ciaran, Volker, and Peter to the ARX management team,” said Marc Wietfeld, co-founder and CEO of ARX Robotics. “Their combined experience and deep expertise will drive our international expansion, help us master its complexity, and significantly advance ARX’s technological excellence – positioning us to deliver scalable, next-generation defense solutions for European armed forces and Ukraine.”
ARX Robotics is advancing the development of its high-end autonomy platform and AI-driven product portfolio while scaling operations to meet the increasing complexity of European defense programs. With the expanded leadership team, the company is deepening its technical and strategic capabilities to address growing operational demands and accelerate the delivery of intelligent, adaptable ground systems. This renewed focus on technological depth, mission-critical software, risk management, and governance strengthens ARX’s ability to execute large-scale defense initiatives – offering scalable, future-proof solutions aligned with the evolving needs of modern military operations.
A Scalable, de-centralized structure for a new era of defense technology
ARX Robotics is building Europe’s leading autonomous ground vehicles (UGVs) – the Gereon RCS series – and Mithra OS, an AI-driven operating system that integrates autonomous and legacy assets. With these systems, ARX strengthens European defence sovereignty by enabling autonomous ground operations while maintaining a fully European supply chain.
ARX Ukraine is led by Igor Kornilov, and ARX UK by David Roberts, reflecting the company’s commitment to a deeply decentralized yet tightly integrated organizational model. This interlocked governance structure enables each regional unit to operate with tactical autonomy and local decision-making power – while remaining strategically aligned with ARX’s global vision, engineering standards, and product architecture. The result is a faster, more resilient, and field-driven innovation cycle that responds to the realities of modern defence environments while preserving coherence across markets and partners. Through this structure, ARX combines agility at the edge with coordination at the core – ensuring the company is well-positioned to deliver scalable dual-use robotics solutions that meet the demands of NATO-aligned forces and defence partners worldwide. As ARX enters its next phase of growth, the company is enhancing its operational excellence and technological innovation, reinforcing its position as a key player of autonomous defense systems and ensuring continued success in delivering high-performance solutions across Europe.
About the newly appointed members of the ARX leadership team
Ciaran Murphy joins ARX Robotics as Chief Technology Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in autonomous systems, robotics, AI/ML, cloud and embedded systems. With a proven track record of solving complex engineering challenges and building high-performance teams – from early-stage autonomy to production-grade platforms – Ciaran will lead the vision, growth and direction of ARX’s technology organisation.
Peter Schulze is a Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) in the Multinational CIMIC Command and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at the intersection of defence, technology, and military cooperation. At Rheinmetall Electronics, he led the Armed Forces Digitalisation unit and coordinated research and technology activities. As VP Program and Product Strategy at ARX, he will align product development with operational needs, oversee complex defence program execution, and help shape ARX’s long-term product roadmap.
Dr. Volker Hartmann is a proven legal expert in autonomous driving, robotics and AI with over 15 years of experience in industry, tech start-ups and research. As CLO and CHRO (starting July 1, 2025) at ARX, Dr. Volker Hartmann will establish agile legal structures, ensure compliance in regulated defence and robotics markets, and advise on strategic partnerships, M&A, and investment rounds – supporting ARX’s scalable growth and dual-use technology strategy. In true dual-use fashion, Dr. Volker Hartmann will also lead the People division, supporting ARX’s international growth through strategic talent acquisition and organizational design. Drawing on his own leadership journey, he will shape high-performing, authentic teams, hire the right talent to scale ARX’s mission, and strengthen a culture rooted in purpose, trust, and excellence.
