Leif Gross is Director for Product Definition and New Product Introduction at Caterpillar Marine Power Systems worldwide headquarter in Hamburg (Germany). He oversees product development for Caterpillar and MaK branded Marine Engines. Leif received his officer cadet training at the French Ecoles de Saint-Cyr and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. He studied economics at the University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg and the University of the City of Hamburg. Following his military career in 1994 he took a sales position for Cummins Marine Engines and joined Caterpillar in the year 2000. Leif went through several international sales positions, both for Caterpillar and MaK products. Until April 2012 he was responsible for Caterpillar's business in the Cruise industry. Leif’s current responsibilities encompass segment specific product definition in all technical and commercial aspects and the development of strategic product support solutions. Leif has served as lecturer and speaker amongst others at Interferry and Seatrade conferences as well at the Aida Cruise Academy.