James Heppelmann

Heppelmann grew up in rural Minnesota on a small dairy farm with his seven siblings. At school, he liked math and science. He received an introduction to mechanical engineering by repairing and maintaining the farm’s mechanical machinery. An older sister's success in engineering inspired his interest in engineering.

While programming Apple 2e computers in his high school’s lab during his senior year Heppelmann recognized the significance computing would have on the future. When he entered the University of Minnesota he decided to specialize in how to use computers and software to solve mechanical engineering problems because of this experience. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1987 from the University of Minnesota.

Named one of the Top 25 Enterprise IT Innovators Of 2019 by CRN Magazine.

Named #15 on NextReality’s 50 People to Watch in Augmented & Mixed Reality.

Named to the CEO Forums 2018 list of 10 CEOS who are transforming business through technology for his translational work in AR.

Named to the Top 100 Executives Of 2018 list by CRN Magazine.

After advancing through the management ranks, Heppelmann was appointed PTC's President and CEO in October, 2010 PTC. His roles leading up to becoming CEO include:

Heppelmann joined PTC in 1998 when PTC acquired Windchill Technology, Inc., a product life cycle management (PLM) software company that he co-founded in 1996.

James E. Heppelmann (born September 4, 1964) is an American engineer and businessman. He is the chief executive officer (CEO) of PTC (software company) (formerly Parametric Technology) a multinational software company he joined in January of 1998 as Senior Vice President Windchill, Parametric Technology Corp.