Gerrit Grunwald
About Gerrit Grunwald
Gerrit Grunwald is a Principal Engineer at Azul Systems and a recognized expert in the Java community, known for his contributions as a Java Champion and JavaOne Rockstar. He has held various engineering roles at notable companies and actively shares his knowledge through speaking engagements and community leadership.
Work at Azul
Gerrit Grunwald has been serving as a Principal Engineer at Azul Systems since 2020. In this role, he focuses on advancing Java technologies and contributing to the development of OpenJDK. His work involves providing insights for developers regarding Java migration and addressing the challenges associated with transitioning from Oracle Java to OpenJDK distributions. Grunwald's expertise in Java and his active engagement in the community enhance Azul's position in the Java ecosystem.
Previous Experience
Prior to his current role at Azul Systems, Gerrit Grunwald worked at several notable companies. He was a Senior Software Engineer at Karakun AG from 2018 to 2020 and at Canoo Engineering AG from 2012 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2018. He also held the position of Java Technology Evangelist at Oracle from 2014 to 2016. His early career included roles as a Senior Software Engineer at Quintiq and as a student at Xaar.
Education and Expertise
Gerrit Grunwald studied Microsystems Technology at the University of Applied Sciences Münster, where he earned a Dipl. Ing. from 1996 to 2000. He also attended Ludwig-Erhard-Schule Münster from 1988 to 1990. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his extensive career in software engineering and Java technology.
Community Involvement
Gerrit Grunwald actively participates in the Java community as a speaker at international conferences and user groups. He founded and leads the Java User Group Münster, which fosters a network for Java enthusiasts in Germany. His contributions to the community have earned him recognition as a Java Champion and a JavaOne Rockstar, highlighting his influence and leadership in the Java ecosystem.
Contributions to Java Migration
Grunwald is involved in discussions and sessions that address the complexities of Java migration. He provides insights to developers on the considerations of staying with Oracle Java versus switching to an OpenJDK distribution. His expertise aids organizations in making informed decisions about Java technology and migration strategies.