Christoph Keist, a Swiss national, has been since 2004 Director of R&D for Abatek International, AG, where he focuses on innovations for input devices and keypads. He has applied for several patents for input devices such as tactile touch pads, integration of input devices into automotive interiors, and contact systems for door and steering wheel switches. During his tenure, the organization has built many innovative device prototypes in close cooperation with automotive customers.

Prior to Abatek, Mr. Keist was with Dätwyler i/o Devices Europe, and was head of production at Dätwyler i/o Devices Asia in Bangkok, where he oversaw a staff of 600 and facilitated the renovation of the entire plant for QS9000 certification.