Simon Ritter is the Deputy CTO of Azul. Simon joined Sun Microsystems in 1996 and spent time working in both Java development and consultancy. He has been presenting Java technologies to developers since 1999 focusing on the core Java platform as well as client and embedded applications. At Azul, he continues to help people understand Java and Azul’s JVM products. Simon is a Java Champion and two time recipient of the JavaOne Rockstar award. In addition, he represents Azul on the JCP Executive Committee, the OpenJDK Vulnerability Group as well as the JSR Expert Group since Java SE 9.
"I've always been fascinated by and passionate about technology ever since I was a child. Having started programming at the age of eleven, a career in IT seemed only logical. Fortunately, I have been lucky to work for some of the biggest names in Tech, like Sun Microsystems, AT&T, Novell and Oracle. I've been at Azul for over eight years, and the ethos of the company is a perfect fit for me: a dedication to developing fantastic software and a passion for customer satisfaction. What's not to love?"

Azul is the only company 100% focused on Java, delivering the most trusted Java platform to the modern cloud enterprise. We provide the world’s best commercial support for OpenJDK to our customers by prioritizing their success, maintaining our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, and advancing Java through community leadership. Millions of Java developers, hundreds of millions of devices, and the world’s most highly regarded businesses - including 27% of the Fortune 100 - trust Azul to power their applications with exceptional capabilities, performance, security, value, and success.