Zoltek founder and carbon fiber visionary Zsolt Rumy passes away at 81
Founder, CEO and board member of Zoltek Companies leaves behind significant contributions to industrial-grade carbon fiber and cross-cultural promotion.
Zsolt Rumy. Source | Business Newswire, Zoltek
It is with profound sadness that Zoltek Companies Inc. (St. Louis, Mo., U.S.) announces the passing of Zsolt Rumy, Zoltek’s visionary founder, long-time CEO and esteemed board member. Rumy passed away at his Jupiter Hills, Florida, home in the early hours of Feb. 3, 2024. He was 81.
Rumy was considered a “pioneer” in the carbon fiber industry, reshaping the landscape through his innovation, intellect and tireless dedication. In 1988, he entered a carbon fiber industry that was focused on high-end aerospace applications, and famously created the first “low-cost industrial grade carbon fiber” to compete with everyday building materials. His ability to execute on his vision to commercialize carbon fiber led to breakthrough applications in wind energy, aircraft brakes, automotive and consumer electronics. After the acquisition of two acrylic textile plants — Magyar Viscosa in Hungary and Cydsa in Mexico — he laid the foundation for Zoltek, a company centralized around carbon fiber and oxidized fiber, and influenced and inspired countless professionals in the composites industry.
In addition to his contributions to industry, Rumy will be remembered as a true character, whose colorful personality and direct approach left an impact on everyone he encountered — from the boardroom to the golf course. For those who knew him well, he will be remembered for his kindness, mentorship and enthusiasm for education and global experiences. This is exemplified by the exchange program Rumy established between the University of Minnesota and Budapest University of Technology & Economics, which promotes cross-cultural experiences for American and Hungarian science and engineering students each year. “What I learned over time, is that success comes as much from working relationships with people from all walks of life and with people from all over the world,” Rumy said.
Rumy Zsolt was also known to be charitable and donated to the History Museum, the Garden, STL Zoo, the Art Museum, Tower Grove Park, Ronald McDonald House, St. Luke’s Hospital and FOCUS Marines Foundation. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of these organizations or a charity of choice.
