Director of Product Management,
EJOT-ATF

Arnaud Gug is a global product and technology leader with over 20 years of experience in energy storage, EV systems, and advanced manufacturing, currently serving as Director of Product Management at EJOT ATF. With a career spanning battery cell innovation, electric powertrain integration, and fastening technologies, Arnaud brings a uniquely cross-functional perspective to the challenges of EV development.

At EJOT ATF, a leading supplier of precision fastening solutions, Arnaud is driving the evolution of joining technologies critical to the structural integrity, safety, and manufacturability of electric vehicle battery packs and platforms. His work focuses on engineering fastening systems that address the growing demands of thermal management, electrical isolation, weight reduction, and automation—key factors in scaling EV production efficiently and safely.

Arnaud’s deep background in battery systems, previously honed at E-magy, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, and Airbus, positions him at the nexus of product development and manufacturing excellence. He has led cross-disciplinary teams on next-generation energy storage programs, from silicon anode materials to full battery pack integration, and now applies this experience to ensure that mechanical joining technologies meet the pace and precision needs of modern gigafactories.

Arnaud’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit offers valuable insight into how fastening innovation supports battery design optimization, assembly line flexibility, and vehicle safety performance. For OEMs and Tier 1s navigating the shift toward high-volume EV production, he provides a critical perspective on how advanced fastening strategies can reduce costs, improve serviceability, and enable more compact, high-performing battery architectures.

Application Engineering Manager,
NEOGRAF Solutions

Bret Trimmer is a seasoned application engineer and thermal management specialist with over 15 years of experience helping global manufacturers integrate advanced graphite materials into high-performance energy storage and electronics systems. As Application Engineering Manager at NeoGraf Solutions, Bret plays a leading role in enabling thermal innovation across the electric vehicle industry.

At NeoGraf, Bret guides OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the adoption of engineered graphite solutions that solve critical challenges in battery pack design, including thermal runaway mitigation, heat dissipation, and mechanical stability. His expertise bridges material science and product integration, ensuring that graphite-based thermal interface materials (TIMs) and fire protection products align with the stringent safety, efficiency, and manufacturability demands of EV platforms.

Bret’s deep involvement in cell-to-pack and pack-to-vehicle thermal strategies has positioned him as a key contributor to the evolution of EV battery architectures. From pouch cells to cylindrical and prismatic formats, he works closely with engineering teams to optimize thermal pathways, extend battery life, and reduce risk—helping electric vehicles perform more reliably under real-world conditions.

Prior to his current role, Bret supported thermal applications across multiple sectors, including consumer electronics and industrial power systems, giving him a broad understanding of scalable thermal management across use cases. His career reflects a commitment to collaborative problem-solving and real-world implementation of advanced materials.

Bret’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings practical and actionable insight into the role of thermal materials in battery safety and performance. He offers the EV community a unique perspective on how to engineer thermal solutions that are not only technically effective but also economically viable at mass-production scale.

President,
bdtronic Americas

Dr. Wim Dexters is a multidisciplinary engineering executive with deep expertise in advanced materials, process engineering, and high-precision manufacturing for the automotive sector. As President of bdtronic Americas, he leads regional operations for one of the world’s foremost providers of dispensing, plasma, heat staking, and impregnation technologies—core enablers of scalable electric vehicle production.

With a Ph.D. in Physics and a career spanning continents, Wim has spent over a decade at bdtronic spearheading complex technical programs, engineering centers, and customer-facing automation initiatives across North America. His leadership ensures that bdtronic’s technologies meet the evolving requirements of EV manufacturers, particularly in the high-demand areas of battery assembly, power electronics, and e-mobility component integration.

Under Wim’s guidance, bdtronic Americas has become a critical partner to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers aiming to scale electric vehicle production efficiently and safely. His teams work closely with customers on process development and automation strategies that support thermal management, dielectric safety, and long-term reliability—key considerations for gigafactory-level operations.

Wim’s scientific background, including research into thin-film deposition and photovoltaic interfaces, gives him a unique material-level understanding of the technical constraints behind EV system performance. Combined with his operational leadership and international experience, he offers a rare fusion of innovation insight and real-world manufacturing strategy.

Wim’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings critical perspective on how engineering automation, material application precision, and process optimization converge to power the next wave of EV growth. He speaks to the practicalities of bridging R&D with production, making him a valuable voice for those navigating the path from prototype to plant floor.

Automotive Innovation Manager – Powder Coatings, Akzonobel

Kevin Hales is a globally recognized product strategist and coatings expert with over 25 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of advanced materials, automotive manufacturing, and sustainable technologies. As Automotive Innovation Manager for Powder Coatings at AkzoNobel, Kevin leads efforts to bring next-generation coating solutions to market—helping OEMs enhance EV performance, protection, and design.

At AkzoNobel, Kevin spearheaded the global development and launch of cutting-edge powder coating technologies tailored for electric vehicles, with a particular focus on efficiency, durability, and environmental performance. His work is instrumental in enabling lighter, more efficient battery enclosures and e-mobility components, while meeting the rigorous demands of corrosion resistance, dielectric strength, and sustainability.

With a proven track record in product development, technical sales, and global account leadership, Kevin has played a pivotal role in advancing novel coating systems—including Interpon® Bodycoat—that reduce energy consumption, simplify application processes, and deliver measurable cost and environmental benefits. He has presented these innovations to automotive leaders across Europe, Asia, and North America, and continues to collaborate with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to shape the future of automotive coatings for the EV era.

Kevin’s deep experience spans the full corporate value chain—from R&D and product launch to supply chain strategy and market expansion. His ability to align technical capabilities with commercial growth objectives has made him a trusted partner for automotive customers pursuing both performance and sustainability targets.

Kevin’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA offers the EV community a forward-looking perspective on how advanced coatings contribute to battery protection, thermal efficiency, and system integration—key factors in the push toward safer, lighter, and more sustainable electric vehicles.

SVP & Head of Brands,
Evonomy Group

Anthony R. Giesey is a senior executive and cross-industry strategist with deep expertise in electrification, autonomous systems, connectivity, and modern vehicle architecture. As Senior Vice President & Head of Brands at EVONOMY Group, Anthony leads the global expansion of two key industry brands—Evonomy and REPfirm—delivering integrated solutions to OEMs and technology providers across the automotive, mobility, and industrial sectors.

At EVONOMY Group, Anthony oversees global operations spanning sales, engineering, product development, and strategic partnerships, positioning the firm as a premier connector between high-tech innovators and established OEMs. His work focuses on accelerating design cycles, reducing supplier friction, and integrating smart technologies—from power electronics to software-defined components—across e-mobility ecosystems.

With prior leadership roles at Blaize, Marvell Semiconductor, Ansys, and ALPS ALPINE, Anthony has shaped the commercialization strategies of cutting-edge technologies including AI-enabled SoCs for autonomous driving, functional safety systems, in-vehicle connectivity, and simulation tools for electrified powertrains. His broad industry reach includes automotive, off-highway, energy, aerospace, and logistics—making him a rare voice at the intersection of technical depth and business acumen.

Anthony’s approach blends technical fluency with strategic marketing and sales leadership, backed by P&L responsibility and global program management experience. He’s built long-term partnerships with top-tier OEMs by delivering differentiated solutions in ADAS, EV platforms, and next-gen vehicle electronics, helping suppliers scale in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.

Anthony’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings forward-looking insight into how electrification and smart technologies are converging to redefine vehicle performance, efficiency, and intelligence. He offers the EV community a clear view of how to build collaborative, commercially viable ecosystems that enable innovation at scale.

Head of Sales – Battery Protection,
AIS

Alexander Teufl is the Head of Sales – Battery Protection at AIS (Advanced Innergy Solutions), where he leads global initiatives focused on advancing battery safety technologies for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). With more than 11 years of experience spanning chemistry, electrification, and automotive systems, Alexander brings a rare blend of technical depth and commercial strategy to the rapidly evolving battery landscape.

At AIS, Alexander is at the forefront of developing and commercializing thermal runaway protection and battery module safety systems, including the use of advanced materials like ContraFlame® S1 and S2 for anti-propagation. His work supports leading OEMs and Tier suppliers across the EMEA, NAFTA, and Asia regions in implementing safety-critical solutions for cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cell configurations.

Before AIS, Alexander served as Global Technical Expert for Resins at Von Roll, where he provided cross-continental leadership in battery systems, power electronics, and charging infrastructure. He also held roles in technical sales and R&D leadership at Bodo Möller Chemie, supporting structural adhesives and insulation materials for EVs.

A frequent speaker at global industry events, Alexander is recognized for his practical insights into resin technologies, potting and impregnation methods, and scalable solutions for high-performance electrical systems. His chemistry background and technical experience allow him to bridge R&D, application engineering, and commercial strategies, fostering collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, and integrators.

At the summit, Alexander will address the critical issue of battery safety—highlighting the materials, design strategies, and regulatory considerations required to prevent and contain thermal events in modern EV battery systems.

Sales Manager,
Zeltwanger

Ryan Takacs is a dynamic sales strategist and eMobility market expert with a proven track record of enabling scale and profitability through data-driven sales models and industry-specific insight. As Sales Manager for North America at Zeltwanger Leak Testing & Automation, Ryan plays a pivotal role in bringing advanced manufacturing technologies to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers navigating the demands of electric and hydrogen-powered mobility.

At Zeltwanger, Ryan leads the North American expansion of the company’s precision leak testing and automation systems—critical technologies for quality assurance in EV batteries, fuel cell stacks, and eDrive assemblies. From individual bipolar plates to complete battery packs, Ryan helps customers implement intelligent, modular manufacturing solutions that ensure product integrity, safety, and scalability.

With a background that spans product development, key account management, and international sales, Ryan brings a holistic perspective to EV component manufacturing. He has supported over 47 active projects and built a $13.5M pipeline by aligning technical solutions with customer-specific needs, market trends, and regulatory expectations. His customer-first approach, combined with deep sector knowledge, has made him a sought-after speaker at EV and fuel cell conferences across North America.

Ryan’s expertise spans a broad range of EV-related technologies, including Industry 4.0 integration, thermal management, fuel cell systems, ADAS, and autonomous platforms. He has consistently delivered new product launches, OEM breakthroughs, and market penetration strategies—earning awards for outperforming aggressive growth targets.

Ryan’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings real-world insight into how automation, quality assurance, and intelligent testing are shaping the future of electrified mobility. His perspective bridges the gap between innovative engineering and practical implementation, helping manufacturers confidently scale high-performance EV solutions.

Director of Sales for US,
Neural Concept

Frederick Garrett Reis is a seasoned enterprise sales strategist and technical leader specializing in scaling AI/ML-powered SaaS solutions across global industrial and mobility markets. As Director of Sales for the Americas at Neural Concept, Frederick is leading the U.S. commercial expansion of a cutting-edge engineering intelligence platform that enables faster, smarter, and more efficient product development for the EV sector and beyond.

At Neural Concept, Frederick drives go-to-market strategy and execution for North America, helping OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers integrate AI-driven simulation and design tools that drastically shorten development cycles while enhancing product performance. His leadership is instrumental in translating highly complex engineering technologies into enterprise-ready solutions that deliver measurable ROI across design, validation, and production stages.

With a strong foundation in industrial and systems engineering, Frederick brings a deep understanding of the technical, operational, and business drivers that shape modern vehicle development. He has previously scaled technical sales organizations at venture-backed companies like GelSight, where he spearheaded the commercialization of MIT-developed AI/ML technologies, and held key account leadership roles at Hexagon, supporting global automotive OEMs with simulation and manufacturing intelligence tools.

Frederick has built a reputation for navigating complex sales cycles, forging strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 organizations, and guiding early-stage tech companies through hypergrowth. His cross-functional experience spans defense, automotive, and enterprise SaaS—giving him a unique ability to connect engineering innovation with boardroom strategy.

Frederick’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings forward-thinking insight into how AI and machine learning are reshaping the development of battery systems and EV platforms. His expertise offers manufacturers a clear path toward accelerating innovation, reducing development costs, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

Application Engineer,
ARNOLD Fastening Systems, Inc.

Thomas Klama is a fastening and forming technology specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience in cold forming, process development, and advanced joining solutions for the automotive industry. As Application Sales Engineer for Flowform at ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG, Thomas supports OEMs and Tier 1s in implementing highly engineered fastening systems optimized for lightweight structures and e-mobility applications.

At ARNOLD, Thomas plays a key role in bridging application engineering and customer-facing innovation, helping automotive manufacturers integrate Flowform fasteners into critical components such as EV battery housings, structural enclosures, and high-load joints. His work ensures optimal joining performance in lightweight materials—including aluminum and multi-material combinations—while meeting the demands of automated production and system integrity.

With previous engineering roles at Nedschroef Altena GmbH, where he led process development and new part implementation, Thomas developed deep expertise in cold forming technology and its application in high-precision, high-volume manufacturing. His foundation in mechanical engineering and advanced training through the Deutscher Schraubenverband (DSV®) positions him as both a technical authority and a practical solution provider for fastening challenges in electrified platforms.

Thomas’s approach combines engineering rigor with customer-centric thinking, helping drive innovations that improve product durability, reduce vehicle weight, and enhance assembly line efficiency—all critical to the future of electric mobility.

Thomas’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA provides attendees with valuable insight into how precision fastening technologies like Flowform can enhance structural reliability, thermal performance, and manufacturability in EV battery systems. His perspective supports design engineers, process specialists, and manufacturing leaders working to advance the next generation of electric vehicles.

Market Development Manager EV,
Elkem ASA

John Albaugh is a seasoned silicone materials expert and industry connector with over 25 years of experience driving innovation in energy storage, thermal management, and advanced manufacturing. As Market Development Manager for Electric Vehicles at Elkem ASA, John led the company’s expansion into the EV sector by championing high-performance silicone solutions for battery safety, thermal control, and system durability.

At Elkem, a global leader in silicon-based advanced materials, John served as a key bridge between engineering challenges and material innovation. His work focused on enabling EV manufacturers to improve battery performance through the integration of Elkem’s advanced silicones—used in everything from thermal gap fillers and fire-resistant foams to insulation gels and bonding adhesives. These technologies help OEMs address critical issues like thermal runaway prevention, modular battery design, and vehicle safety in high-voltage environments.

John played a pivotal role in promoting Elkem’s silicon powders for next-generation battery anodes, a core component in boosting energy density and reducing charging times. His customer-first mindset, paired with deep technical acumen, helped clients leverage Elkem’s EV Applications Center to accelerate design validation, reduce development costs, and ensure real-world performance.

With leadership experience in R&D, technical service, and sales across companies like Dow Corning and NuSil Technology, John brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective on scaling materials from lab to production. He’s an advocate for collaboration, lifelong learning, and solving complex problems through both science and teamwork.

John’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings critical insight into the role of silicone materials in making EV batteries safer, lighter, and more reliable. His expertise helps OEMs and Tier 1s navigate the evolving landscape of battery pack design—unlocking new possibilities for performance, protection, and production scalability.

Global Technical Director, Transportation Technologies, Intertek

Rich Byzeck is a globally recognized authority on energy storage compliance, validation engineering, and electric vehicle standards. With over 25 years of experience in the automotive and battery technology sectors, Rich currently serves as Global Technical Director for Transportation Technologies at Intertek, where he leads international efforts in regulatory testing, product safety certifications, and EV infrastructure compliance.

At Intertek, Rich has played a pivotal role in building out global capabilities for EV and battery product testing—developing world-class laboratories, managing multi-continent expansion programs, and guiding automotive OEMs and suppliers through the ever-evolving landscape of global certification standards. His leadership has helped shape Intertek’s 100,000-square-foot EV and energy storage center of excellence in Michigan, positioning the company as a key partner to innovators across the electrification value chain.

Rich is a frequent speaker, panelist, and technical advisor on topics related to battery safety, electric vehicle infrastructure, and international regulatory requirements. He currently serves on multiple global standards development committees, lending his technical expertise to the formation of key compliance frameworks for high-voltage systems, battery packs, and charging networks.

Prior to his work at Intertek, Rich held technical and program management roles at Alpine Electronics and Top Source Automotive, where he contributed to vehicle electronics development, EMC testing, and audio system validation. His engineering foundation, combined with his strategic vision for compliance and safety, enables him to navigate both the technical depth and regulatory complexity required in today’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.

Rich’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings critical insight into how safety standards, global certifications, and validation processes are shaping the future of electric mobility. His experience helps manufacturers bring energy storage systems to market with confidence—ensuring they meet international safety, performance, and reliability benchmarks.

Director Functional Parts Pre-Series Production, ARNOLD Fastening Systems

Joerg Pecho is a senior engineering leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing precision fastening technologies for the global automotive industry. As Director of Functional Parts Pre-Series Production at ARNOLD UMFORMTECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG, Joerg oversees the development and validation of next-generation fastening systems that support the evolving demands of electric vehicle design and production.

At ARNOLD, Joerg leads a cross-functional team responsible for bringing innovative fastening solutions from concept to close-to-series prototypes, with a strong emphasis on battery pack applications and high-performance structural joints. His work plays a critical role in ensuring that fasteners such as Flowform® and Taptite® meet the stringent safety, thermal, and durability requirements of modern EV battery assemblies—while supporting customers with tailored engineering and testing services in ARNOLD’s dedicated joining technology laboratory.

With a background in industrial engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and over 19 years at ARNOLD, Joerg brings unmatched experience in bridging product development, production readiness, and sustainability. Under his leadership, ARNOLD’s pre-series production team has become an essential partner to OEMs and Tier 1s navigating challenges in lightweighting, thermal expansion, vibration resistance, and CO₂ reduction in battery system design.

Joerg’s approach emphasizes practical problem-solving, customer collaboration, and engineering excellence—empowering manufacturers to improve quality, reduce risk, and scale battery production more efficiently.

Joerg’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA offers the EV community expert insight into how fastening strategies can directly impact battery reliability, assembly efficiency, and lifecycle performance. His work is at the forefront of enabling safer, lighter, and more sustainable EV platforms through engineered fastening innovation.

EV Battery Innovation Lead,
Stanley Engineered Fastening

Dezarai Shepherd is an electrification-focused product development engineer and innovation leader, driving advanced fastening and thermal management solutions for electric vehicle battery systems. As EV Battery Innovation Lead at Stanley Engineered Fastening, Dezarai leads the development of next-generation fastening technologies that enhance the performance, safety, and manufacturability of EV battery architectures.

At Stanley Engineered Fastening—a global leader in fastening and assembly technologies—Dezarai plays a central role in developing and validating specialized components for EV platforms. Her work spans plastic and metal fasteners, thermal protection devices, swelling compensators, venting systems, and structural joining solutions tailored to battery covers, modules, and enclosures. She has been instrumental in launching innovative solutions that address key challenges such as thermal runaway, moisture ingress, electrical isolation, and mixed-material assembly.

Dezarai’s expertise in product design, customer collaboration, and continuous improvement has helped accelerate the development of safer, more reliable battery systems. She has led multiple fast-paced, cross-functional development projects and spearheaded an internal innovation initiative that resulted in a 189% increase in the product development pipeline—bringing forward high-impact ideas from concept to commercialization.

With a foundation in design engineering and a passion for transforming customer needs into manufacturable solutions, Dezarai brings a unique ability to align engineering precision with real-world application. Her background includes extensive experience with APQP processes, CAD modeling, validation testing, and intellectual property development.

Dezarai’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA offers firsthand insight into the critical role that advanced fastening and joining technologies play in shaping the next generation of EV batteries. Her contributions reflect a broader movement toward smarter, lighter, and more resilient battery solutions—enabling OEMs to meet evolving standards for safety, performance, and scalability.

Chief Engineer,
One | Our Next Energy

Nathan Saliga is a veteran battery systems engineer and electrification leader with over two decades of experience advancing high-voltage energy storage solutions for the automotive industry. As Vice President of Engineering at Our Next Energy (ONE), Nathan leads the technical development and execution of ONE’s groundbreaking battery platforms, including the dual-chemistry Gemini™ system and the next-generation Aries™ LFP product line.

At ONE, Nathan plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s engineering strategy as it scales production of safer, more sustainable, and higher-performing EV batteries. He has overseen the development of innovative cell-to-pack architectures, integration of manganese-based chemistries, and validation of long-range performance milestones—such as the Gemini battery’s industry-leading 608-mile range demonstrated in a BMW iX.

Nathan’s technical leadership has helped ONE secure over $500 million in funding and 36 GWh in customer agreements, while also guiding the launch of ONE Circle, the company’s new LFP battery manufacturing facility in Michigan. His work is central to ONE’s mission to double EV range, eliminate dependence on nickel and cobalt, and localize the battery supply chain using abundant, lower-cost materials.

Before joining ONE, Nathan held high-impact roles at ELMS, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Ford, where he led high-voltage battery system engineering, calibration programs, and design release for advanced electrified platforms. His depth of experience spans hardware design, software integration, and production scaling—making him a key player in bridging innovation with manufacturability.

Nathan’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings critical insight into the future of battery design—from chemistry and architecture to range extension and cost reduction. His work exemplifies how engineering leadership can accelerate the commercialization of next-generation battery technologies for mainstream EV adoption.

Engagement Lead – Battery Industry,
Siemens Digital Industries Software

Katharina Gerber is a battery industry strategist and clean energy advocate with over 15 years of experience advancing breakthrough technologies across the lithium-ion value chain. As Engagement Lead for the Battery Industry at Siemens Digital Industries Software, Katharina plays a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within the battery manufacturing ecosystem—enabling companies to scale smarter, faster, and more sustainably through digital twin technologies and AI-driven automation.

At Siemens, Katharina leads cross-functional collaboration efforts focused on implementing smart manufacturing solutions for upstream and midstream battery production, including Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and Dry Battery Electrode (DBE) processing. Her work connects complex technical concepts—such as AI-enhanced process modeling and predictive maintenance—with practical business outcomes, helping battery innovators de-risk scale-up, reduce time to market, and improve operational efficiency.

A passionate supporter of domestic battery production and supply chain resilience, Katharina also serves as Vice President of NAATBatt International and Co-Chair of the Electrode Materials Committee, where she champions innovation, policy development, and standards for critical battery materials. Her earlier work includes senior roles at LICAP Technologies, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the California Energy Commission, where she shaped strategies in electrode manufacturing, clean lithium extraction, and grid-scale energy storage.

Katharina is also a former chair of Germany’s ISO/TC 333 committee on lithium standards and holds a patent on novel electrode compositions. Her thought leadership spans technical development, policy advocacy, and commercialization—making her a sought-after voice in efforts to accelerate the transition to clean, electrified energy systems.

Katharina’s participation in the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA brings a unique perspective on how digitalization, materials innovation, and cross-sector collaboration are driving the next era of battery manufacturing. Her insights help OEMs and suppliers unlock smarter, more sustainable approaches to building the EV battery technologies of tomorrow.

Engineering Group Leader – NextGen Controls, General Motors

Praveen Chavannavar is a seasoned engineering leader and innovator with over two decades of experience driving new product and technology introduction across the automotive and industrial sectors. As Engineering Group Leader – NextGen Controls at General Motors, Praveen leads cutting-edge development of modular, scalable embedded controls architectures that integrate vehicle motion, high-voltage propulsion systems, and thermal management—including advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS).

At GM, Praveen has spearheaded the development of unified controls frameworks for next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles, enabling supplier-agnostic integration, functional safety compliance, and AI-powered optimization across propulsion and energy domains. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing GM’s Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) initiative, where he has overseen the development of machine learning-based algorithms for battery state-of-charge prediction, thermal energy optimization, and predictive analytics—transforming how vehicle systems communicate and adapt.

A recognized transformer of engineering organizations, Praveen has built and led global teams of 60+ engineers, implemented Agile methodologies at scale, and delivered breakthrough innovations including the “Watts to Freedom” mode in the GMC Hummer EV and “Stealth Mode” in the Corvette E-Ray. His work on embedded software and system-level controls for GM’s EV portfolio has directly improved safety, performance, and customer experience.

With 12+ U.S. patents, numerous peer-reviewed publications, and global experience in establishing offshore R&D centers, Praveen brings a rare blend of technical depth, business insight, and visionary leadership.

At the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, USA, Praveen will share key insights on how intelligent controls, AI, and system-level thinking are reshaping the future of EV batteries—from energy storage and thermal integration to charging infrastructure and grid connectivity.

Business Development, AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies

Jun Li is a seasoned engineering and business development leader with over 18 years of experience in the automotive sector, currently serving in Business Development at AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies. At AVL—the world’s largest independent company for powertrain development, simulation, and testing—Jun plays a pivotal role in connecting advanced simulation capabilities with real-world challenges in electric vehicle and battery development.

With a strong foundation as a former Senior Analysis and Support Engineer, Jun brings deep technical expertise in multi-physics simulation, battery modeling, and electrified powertrain systems. Today, he works at the intersection of engineering and strategy, guiding OEMs and tier suppliers in adopting AVL’s advanced toolchains, including the eSUITE™ and CRUISE™ M platforms, to accelerate innovation while reducing reliance on costly physical prototypes.

AVL’s Advanced Simulation Technologies offer powerful capabilities for virtualizing battery design, thermal behavior, safety validation—including thermal runaway simulation—and full-system electrification. Jun helps EV manufacturers optimize battery performance, improve safety, and compress development timelines by integrating AVL’s simulation, testing, and battery management system solutions into their workflows.

From battery cell behavior modeling to system-level energy flow optimization, Jun enables AVL’s customers to advance state-of-the-art electrification technologies in a smarter, more sustainable way. His passion for innovation, coupled with a customer-first mindset, makes him a trusted advisor to EV engineering teams tackling the industry’s most complex challenges.

Jun’s session at the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit will offer valuable insights into how simulation-driven development is transforming battery innovation—from safety and thermal management to lifetime prediction and system integration.

CVO, Founder,
Finding Engineered Solutions

Ryan Bostick is the Chief Visionary Officer and Founder of Finding Engineered Solutions, where he is redefining how engineers make critical component decisions in the design-for-manufacturing process. With over 20 years of experience in sales and business development—much of it rooted in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and mechanical joining—Ryan is on a mission to bridge the widening knowledge gap between mechanical design education and real-world application.

At Finding Engineered Solutions, Ryan leads the development of digital tools that empower OEM engineers to select optimal components—such as fasteners, seals, hinges, and clips—with just a few clicks. His platform acts as a digital Field Application Engineer, streamlining product selection and avoiding costly redesigns, delays, and obsolescence. The company is solving one of the most persistent design challenges: managing hundreds of specialized subcomponents without specialized knowledge of each.

Ryan also co-founded Battery Sealing Solutions, an innovation-driven company focused on accelerating and simplifying battery cell and pack manufacturing. The company has introduced breakthrough mechanical sealing methods that reduce cycle times to under three seconds per cell, supporting high-volume EV battery production.

Over the course of his career, Ryan has played an instrumental role in launching 37 global programs and has been a key contributor to numerous EV and clean energy projects. His background includes senior roles at Stanley Engineered Fastening, where he helped design application-specific joints for electric drivetrains and power electronics. He has also served on the advisory panel for the Mini MBA program at the University of Houston, lending his industry insights to the next generation of business leaders.

At the Electric Vehicle Battery Technology Summit, Ryan will offer practical insights into how mechanical joining innovation and digital component selection tools can transform battery system design, accelerate product launches, and enhance manufacturability across the EV industry.