The leadership transition comes as ASTM expands its efforts to develop standards for robotics and autonomous systems alongside its traditional focus areas like manufacturing, construction, consumer products and more.

"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 in a variety of volunteer roles and is exceptionally well-suited to lead the organization forward."

Griese praised Kireta's commitment to ASTM's mission and values, as well as the seamless transition made possible by Morgan's tenure. "Kathie's dedication and engagement have made it possible for us to find the right leader for ASTM's future," he said.

Kireta, currently president and CEO of the Copper Development Association, has been an ASTM member since 1998. He joined the board of directors in 2014 and served as chair in 2020. ASTM highlighted his extensive background in standards development through these leadership roles and with affiliate SEI International.

"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."

Kireta takes the helm as ASTM intensifies its focus on robotics, autonomy and automation through its F45 committee. The group is developing terminology, practices, test methods and specifications for cutting-edge applications like robotic grasping and manipulation, legged robots, autonomous assembly, vision-guided bin picking and construction automation.

Adam Norton from the NERVE Center at UMass Lowell will provide an update on F45's activities in a session titled "ASTM Standards for Robotics and Autonomous Systems" at the upcoming Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston on May 2nd. He aims to gather industry feedback to help align future standards with real-world developer and user needs.

"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 stated. With surging demand for robotic solutions across industries, the organization's standards work takes on heightened importance.

As the new president, Kireta will play a pivotal role in steering ASTM's robotics standardization efforts while continuing the organization's over 125-year mission of developing globally-recognized standards to enhance safety, quality and market confidence.

ASTM boasts over 35,000 members worldwide working across more than 90 industry sectors. Under Kireta's leadership, the organization aims to build on that legacy as it tackles emerging technology areas critical to today's economy and society.