What initially interested you in the electrical engineering/coil winding industry?
I've been in this field for many years. Even in high school, I attended an Electrotechnical school, and my final thesis back then was the design of a transformer. Later, I pursued electrical engineering at the University of Zagreb, where my graduation thesis also focused on transformers — specifically, automated testing of large transformers. These are massive machines, sometimes as large as a room, and require extensive testing over several days. 

Back then, this was all done manually, recording data on paper, then retyping it later. It was inefficient and prone to errors. Fortunately, I worked with a visionary professor who wanted to digitalise the process. My graduation project was probably the first automated transformer testing systems in the world, and we published a lot about it. Today, that approach has become standard in the industry.

Can you give me a brief history of your work in the industry?
After that initial project, we went on to develop other digital systems for remote monitoring of operating transformers. Over 20 years ago, I could already access transformer data from anywhere with just a laptop and mobile connection. These systems allowed real-time diagnostics, which was my master's thesis, and later led me into machine learning and AI to handle the increasing data and the shortage of skilled engineers.

My PhD work focused on AI for transformer diagnostics, essentially creating systems that could interpret data without human input. At the time, the concept of smart grids wasn’t even defined, but we were already working toward it.

Later, I joined ABB — now Hitachi Energy — where I worked on groundbreaking projects like the development of a 1,200kV transformer, the highest voltage class in the world. We developed insulating technologies that reduced size of some key transformer components by 30 per cent, which is revolutionary in this industry.
Recognising the challenge of knowledge transfer as senior engineers retire, I founded Transformers Magazine, the first and only global publication for the transformer industry. It became an educational hub, trusted even by international organizations like IEEE, IEC, Cigre and more. From there, we launched Transformers Academy for in-depth online learning, followed by Industry Navigator Conferences, which gather top experts and leaders to discuss key industry challenges. Our latest initiatives have even influenced EU energy strategy, showing the broader impact of our work.

What made you want to become a CWIEME advisory board member?
Since launching Transformers Magazine, we naturally connected with the CWIEME team, as their events were central to our industry. It made perfect sense for a knowledge and media platform like ours to collaborate with CWIEME, which brings the industry together physically. Over the years, that relationship grew deeper, especially with the launch of our Industry Navigator conferences. CWIEME has become one of our most important partners.

What are you most looking forward to seeing at this year's event?
Berlin is always a highlight for us — not just the event itself but the opportunity to meet clients, partners and collaborators over three very productive days. There are many side events and informal discussions that make it invaluable. While we often get early access to new products through the magazine, seeing them live in Berlin is still exciting. As someone with over 25 years in the industry, I still enjoy the tactile experience — seeing, touching and discussing new technologies in person.

What technology do you think is going to have the biggest impact over the next ten years?
Apart from digital technologies, which are already transforming our industry, AI and machine learning will continue to play a major role. We've been pioneering this area for decades, but its impact is accelerating. I'm also keeping a close eye on new materials, especially amorphous core materials, which I believe will gain significant market traction. And in the longer term, I have high expectations for solid-state transformers — they could be truly disruptive.

To meet more experts and make key connections in electrical engineering and coil winding, join CWIEME Berlin.  

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Image courtesy of Transformer Magazine