James E. Fritz
Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Collins Aerospace
Jim currently leads technology strategy and business development programs at UTC, developing technology roadmaps, market analysis, and competitive intelligence for UTC’s central research organization and across UTC’s business units. This role has included leading a team of scientists, engineers, and business development professionals in identifying opportunities and exploiting UTC technology into new markets.
Jim previously served as Executive Director of Operations for UTC’s central research organization, responsible for the day to day management of the 600 person global enterprise, with facilities located in the US, China, and Europe. Under Jim’s leadership, UTRC launched the first major facility expansion in over 30 years and significantly expanded UTRC’s international research operations.
Previously, Jim served as Manager, Strategic Planning at UTRC where he planned and implemented strategic technology initiatives, including the establishment of UTC’s European research hub, UTRC-Ireland. Prior to re-joining UTC in 2007, Jim held a variety of roles in product development, engineering management, strategy development, and marketing management, predominantly in the aerospace and defense industry. Jim started his career as a structural analysis engineer in the Space and Sea Systems Department of Hamilton Standard, now a part of United Technologies Aerospace Systems (UTAS).
Jim serves as UTC’s voting representative for the Industrial Research Institute, and is a member of the Advisory Board for University of Connecticut Ventures. He currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Ireland-based International Energy Research Centre, a collaborative state/industry partnership focused on integrated energy system research. Jim is an Associate Fellow of the AIAA, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Green Mountain Club. Jim previously served as the Chairman of the Board for UTRC China, Ltd, was the founding Executive Sponsor of UTRC’s “Women’s Forum” Employee Resource Group and co-chair of UTRC’s 2017 United Way campaign.
Jim holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an Executive MBA from the University of Connecticut, as well as an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.