Matthias Winkenbach

About Matthias Winkenbach

I lead research and innovation at the intersection of operations research, intelligent systems, and supply chain management. As Director of Research at MIT\'s Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL), I shape the strategic research agenda of one of the world\'s leading supply chain institutions, driving innovation into practice through collaborations with our global network of industry partners.At MIT CTL, I founded the MIT Intelligent Logistics Systems Lab, which pioneers advanced methods to transform how companies design and operate cyber-physical logistics systems. Our work spans predictive modeling, autonomous operations, and human-machine collaboration in complex supply chain environments.I also direct the MIT CAVE Lab, where we develop human-centric interfaces that make advanced supply chain analytics accessible to decision-makers through interactive visualization and natural language controls.Previously, I led the MIT Megacity Logistics Lab, focusing on the design and planning of future logistics systems and last-mile distribution networks in complex urban environments.Beyond academia, I founded VizRD Labs, bringing cutting-edge research into practice through a modular supply chain analytics platform that combines advanced optimization, machine learning, and interactive visualization.My professional experience spans continents and sectors, including consulting with McKinsey & Company in the US and Germany, automotive manufacturing at Volkswagen in South Africa, telecommunications at Deutsche Telekom, and advisory roles for startups and established companies across Europe, Asia, and North America.I hold a Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and an M.Sc. in Business Administration with specializations in Finance and Economics. My academic journey spans Germany (WHU), the United States (MIT, NYU Stern), and Canada (HEC Montréal).I\'m particularly interested in connecting with industry leaders seeking to leverage intelligent systems in their operations, technology innovators working on next-generation logistics solutions, and researchers exploring the optimization of complex logistics networks.

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Vizrd Labs

   Sep 2023 — Present · Cambridge, MA, US

   Launched a supply chain analytics technology startup based on a decade of MIT research. Developing a multi-layered SaaS platform that combines advanced optimization with machine learning capabilities to solve complex supply chain challenges. Our technology stack integrates visualization, analytics, optimization and data management layers to create customized solutions for Fortune 500 clients. Leading product strategy and business development while building a core science and product team.

Education

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business

  Executive Education, Influence and Negotiation Strategies Program

  2024

• NYU Stern School of Business

  Visiting Student in the MBA program, Business Administration (Finance, Economics)

  2010 — 2010

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Visiting Ph.D. Candidate, Transportation & Logistics

  2013 — 2014

• Harvard Business School

  Executive Education, Launching New Ventures

  2023

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

  Dr. rer. pol., Transportation & Logistics

  2011 — 2014

• Harvard Business School

  Executive Education, High Potentials Leadership Program

  2022

• HEC Montréal

  Visiting Student in the B.B.A. program, Business Administration (Finance)

  2008 — 2008

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

  Master of Science (M.Sc.), Business Administration (Finance, Economics)

  2009 — 2011

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Business Administration (Strategy)

  2006 — 2009

• Stanford University Graduate School of Business

  Executive Education, Customer-Focused Innovation

  2022