Brian Engle is a business development leader driving advanced sensing solutions for next-generation electrification as Director of Business Development at Amphenol Advanced Sensors. With extensive experience supporting OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across automotive and industrial markets, Brian specializes in aligning high-performance sensor technologies with the evolving demands of EV battery systems, power electronics, and thermal management architectures.

At Amphenol Advanced Sensors, Brian plays a key role in expanding the company’s portfolio of temperature, pressure, current, and gas sensing technologies tailored for lithium-ion battery packs, battery management systems (BMS), and high-voltage platforms. His work supports safer, smarter, and more efficient battery operation—enabling precise thermal monitoring, early fault detection, and enhanced system reliability in increasingly energy-dense applications.

Brian’s expertise spans sensor integration strategies, system-level validation, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams to address critical challenges in battery safety, predictive maintenance, and thermal runaway mitigation. By bridging technical innovation with commercial strategy, he helps accelerate the deployment of intelligent sensing solutions that underpin advanced battery analytics and AI-driven control systems.

Bob Galyen is a globally recognized battery technology leader shaping the evolution of energy storage as CTO Emeritus at CATL. With decades of executive and technical experience across the battery industry, Bob has played a pivotal role in advancing lithium-ion technologies, large-scale manufacturing, and global electrification strategies.

During his tenure as CTO at CATL, Bob led battery technology development and helped scale the company into one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, supporting major automotive OEMs with high-performance, cost-effective energy storage solutions. His work has contributed to significant advancements in energy density, safety, lifecycle performance, and manufacturing efficiency — all critical to accelerating EV adoption worldwide.

Bob’s expertise spans battery chemistry, system integration, manufacturing scale-up, and global supply chain strategy. He has been deeply involved in addressing key industry challenges such as thermal management, safety validation, and the transition to next-generation chemistries, including solid-state and cobalt-reduced systems.

Prior to CATL, Bob held leadership roles at major battery and energy companies, bringing a unique perspective that combines technical depth with commercial and operational insight. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in battery innovation, frequently advising on the future direction of electrification and energy storage ecosystems.

Jackson Bowers is an application engineering specialist supporting advanced joining solutions for electrified mobility as Application Engineer at Arnold Fastening Systems. With a strong focus on mechanical integration and product application, Jackson works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to implement fastening technologies that meet the demanding requirements of EV battery systems and lightweight vehicle structures.

At Arnold Fastening Systems, Jackson supports the application and validation of high-performance fasteners used in battery enclosures, module assemblies, and multi-material vehicle architectures. His work addresses key challenges such as joint reliability under vibration, thermal expansion management, electrical isolation, and efficient assembly in high-volume production environments.

Jackson’s expertise includes application testing, joint design support, and collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure fastening solutions align with system-level performance and safety requirements. He plays a key role in translating engineered fastening technologies into practical, production-ready implementations for next-generation battery platforms.

By combining hands-on engineering insight with application-driven problem solving, Jackson contributes to fastening strategies that enhance structural integrity, durability, and manufacturability in high-voltage EV systems.

Kush Patel is an application engineering specialist advancing high-performance materials for electrified mobility as Senior Application Engineer at Henkel. With hands-on expertise in adhesive technologies, thermal interface materials, and electronic encapsulation systems, Kush works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to optimize battery pack assembly, durability, and thermal performance.

At Henkel, Kush supports the deployment of advanced bonding, sealing, potting, and gap filler solutions engineered for EV battery modules and packs. His work focuses on solving critical challenges in battery integration — including thermal conductivity enhancement, vibration resistance, fire protection strategies, and scalable manufacturability. By aligning material selection with system-level performance targets, he helps enable safer, lighter, and more reliable high-voltage battery platforms.

Kush’s experience spans application validation, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration between R&D, manufacturing, and design engineering teams. He plays a key role in translating material innovation into real-world production environments, ensuring compatibility with automated dispensing systems and evolving cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis architectures.

With a strong understanding of battery thermal management requirements and structural bonding demands, Kush contributes to the advancement of multifunctional materials that combine mechanical strength, thermal performance, and long-term durability.

Bret Trimmer is an applications engineering leader advancing high-performance carbon materials for electrified systems as Applications Engineering Manager at NeoGraf Solutions. With extensive experience in graphite-based thermal management technologies, Bret works at the intersection of materials science and system integration to solve complex heat transfer challenges in EV batteries and power electronics.

At NeoGraf Solutions, Bret leads technical engagement with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, supporting the integration of flexible graphite heat spreaders and engineered graphite materials into battery modules, packs, and adjacent high-heat components. His work focuses on enhancing thermal uniformity, mitigating hotspots, and improving overall system reliability — critical factors as energy density and charging speeds continue to increase.

Bret’s expertise spans application design, thermal modeling collaboration, and validation testing, helping customers optimize material selection for cell-to-pack architectures, busbars, power conversion systems, and structural battery enclosures. He plays a key role in advancing lightweight, passive thermal solutions that complement active cooling strategies while supporting safety and long-term durability.

By bridging product innovation with real-world engineering requirements, Bret contributes to scalable, high-performance thermal management strategies that enable safer and more efficient electrified platforms.

Niranjan Malvadkar, Ph.D., is a research scientist advancing cutting-edge materials for electrified systems as a Research Scientist at DuPont. With a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, Niranjan focuses on the development of innovative polymer and composite solutions designed to meet the demanding performance and safety requirements of next-generation EV battery systems.

At DuPont, Niranjan is engaged in the research and development of advanced materials for thermal management, electrical insulation, and structural applications within lithium-ion battery architectures. His work supports improvements in thermal stability, dielectric performance, and resistance to extreme operating conditions — all critical for enhancing battery safety, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Niranjan’s expertise spans materials design, microstructure-property relationships, and advanced characterization techniques, enabling a deeper understanding of how materials behave under thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to translate fundamental research into scalable solutions that align with industry requirements for manufacturability and regulatory compliance.

Through his work, Niranjan contributes to the advancement of high-performance materials that address key challenges such as thermal runaway mitigation, lightweighting, and long-term durability in electrified platforms.

Khaled Rashwan, MS, PhD, MBA, is a materials and commercial strategy leader advancing high-performance polymer solutions for electrified mobility as Key Account Manager at Kingfa Science and Technology. With a multidisciplinary background spanning materials science, advanced engineering, and business leadership, Khaled works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to integrate next-generation polymer compounds into EV battery and high-voltage systems.

At Kingfa, Khaled supports the development and commercialization of flame-retardant, thermally stable, and lightweight engineering plastics designed for battery enclosures, module components, connectors, and structural applications. His work focuses on addressing critical challenges in battery safety, thermal runaway mitigation, electrical insulation, and weight reduction — all while meeting stringent regulatory and sustainability requirements.

Drawing on his technical foundation in polymer science and his MBA-driven commercial insight, Khaled bridges R&D innovation with market-driven execution. He collaborates across engineering, procurement, and validation teams to ensure materials meet demanding performance specifications for mechanical strength, heat resistance, dielectric performance, and manufacturability at scale.

His expertise includes materials selection strategy, application validation, lifecycle considerations, and global supply chain alignment — enabling robust, compliant, and cost-effective solutions for next-generation battery architectures.

Dr. Kevin Payne is an R&D leader advancing high-performance materials for electrified systems as R&D Manager at Wacker Chemical Corporation. With a strong background in polymer chemistry and materials innovation, Kevin leads the development of next-generation silicone-based solutions designed to enhance the safety, durability, and thermal performance of EV battery systems.

At Wacker, Kevin oversees research and product development focused on silicone elastomers, thermal interface materials, encapsulants, and protective coatings tailored for demanding battery and power electronics applications. His work supports critical functions such as heat dissipation, electrical insulation, environmental protection, and flame resistance — enabling more robust and reliable high-voltage architectures.

Kevin’s expertise spans formulation development, materials characterization, and application validation, allowing him to bridge fundamental chemistry with real-world engineering requirements. He collaborates closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to address challenges in battery pack integration, including gap filling, sealing, vibration resistance, and long-term performance under thermal and mechanical stress.

David Schmitz is a strategic materials leader advancing high-performance polymer solutions for electrified mobility as Segment Manager Automotive & Mobility – High Performance Polymers (LCPA) at Evonik Industries. With extensive experience in engineered polymers and automotive applications, David focuses on enabling next-generation EV battery systems through lightweight, high-strength, and thermally resilient material innovations.

At Evonik, David drives the development and market adoption of liquid crystal polymer amide (LCPA) and other advanced polymer technologies tailored for demanding automotive and battery applications. His work supports critical components such as battery module housings, connectors, busbars, and electrical insulation systems — where high temperature resistance, dimensional stability, and dielectric performance are essential.

David collaborates closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to address key challenges in battery integration, including thermal management, flame retardancy, miniaturization of electronic components, and compatibility with evolving architectures such as cell-to-pack designs.
He plays a key role in aligning material capabilities with system-level requirements, ensuring scalability, compliance, and long-term performance.

With a strong understanding of both technical material properties and market dynamics, David helps bridge innovation with industrial implementation, accelerating the use of high-performance polymers in electrified transportation platforms.

Rich Byczek is a global engineering authority on battery safety, compliance, and performance validation, serving as Global Chief Engineer, Batteries at Intertek. With decades of experience in energy storage testing, certification, and regulatory strategy, Rich supports manufacturers in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of battery standards for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

At Intertek, Rich leads global technical strategy for battery testing and certification programs, helping OEMs and suppliers validate lithium-ion battery cells, modules, and packs against international safety, transport, and performance requirements. His work spans UN 38.3, UL, IEC, SAE, and other regional and global standards — ensuring products meet stringent criteria for electrical safety, thermal stability, abuse tolerance, and lifecycle durability.

Rich’s expertise includes thermal runaway evaluation, abuse testing protocols, failure analysis, and system-level risk mitigation. He works closely with engineering and compliance teams to identify potential design vulnerabilities early in development, accelerating time to market while strengthening product safety and reliability.

With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and emerging requirements for EV batteries and stationary energy storage systems, Rich plays a critical role in aligning innovation with compliance. His leadership helps organizations anticipate evolving global regulations, integrate robust validation strategies, and build confidence in next-generation battery technologies.

Pontus Nilsson is a technology leader advancing high-pressure processing solutions for next-generation battery manufacturing as Director of Battery Processing Systems AME at Quintus Technologies. With extensive experience in advanced manufacturing systems and industrial process optimization, Pontus focuses on enabling more efficient, reliable, and scalable production of lithium-ion battery components.

At Quintus Technologies, Pontus leads the development and deployment of high-pressure processing (HPP) and densification technologies tailored for battery applications, including electrode fabrication, solid-state battery components, and structural parts. His work supports improvements in material uniformity, energy density, and mechanical integrity — addressing key challenges in next-generation battery performance and manufacturability.

Pontus collaborates closely with OEMs, cell manufacturers, and research institutions to integrate high-pressure processing into battery production lines, helping reduce defects, enhance material properties, and optimize throughput. His expertise spans system integration, process validation, and industrial scaling, ensuring that emerging battery technologies can transition from lab-scale innovation to full-scale production.

Ryan Ward is an engineering leader driving advanced fastening and joining solutions for electrified mobility as Head of Engineering at Arnold Fastening Systems. With extensive experience in mechanical design, product development, and application engineering, Ryan leads the technical strategy behind fastening technologies that support the structural integrity and safety of next-generation EV battery systems.

At Arnold Fastening Systems, Ryan oversees the development of high-performance fasteners and engineered joining solutions tailored for battery enclosures, module assemblies, busbar connections, and lightweight multi-material structures. His work focuses on addressing key challenges in battery integration — including vibration resistance, electrical isolation, thermal expansion management, and crash performance — while enabling efficient, high-volume manufacturing.

Ryan’s expertise spans joint design optimization, torque and clamp load validation, multi-material compatibility, and system-level durability testing. He collaborates closely with OEM and Tier 1 engineering teams to ensure fastening strategies align with evolving cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis architectures, supporting both mechanical robustness and serviceability requirements.

By combining engineering rigor with practical manufacturability insight, Ryan contributes to fastening solutions that enhance battery safety, structural performance, and long-term reliability in high-voltage platforms.

Maria Tzedaki, Ph.D., is a materials innovation leader advancing lightweight solutions for electrified mobility as Product Development Manager for Transportation, Industry and Defense at Constellium. With deep expertise in aluminum alloys, product engineering, and application development, Maria works at the forefront of designing next-generation structural and enclosure materials for EV battery systems and high-performance transportation platforms.

At Constellium, Maria leads the development of advanced aluminum solutions tailored to the evolving needs of electric vehicles — from battery enclosures and crash management systems to thermal interfaces and lightweight structural components. Her work supports OEMs in achieving improved energy efficiency, enhanced crashworthiness, and optimized thermal performance, all while meeting stringent sustainability and circularity targets.

Drawing on her Ph.D.-level research background and extensive experience in metallurgy and materials processing, Maria bridges fundamental materials science with real-world industrial application. She collaborates closely with engineering teams to address key challenges in battery pack integration, including structural integrity under thermal load, fire resistance strategies, and manufacturability at scale.

Her expertise spans alloy design, forming technologies, corrosion performance, and lifecycle analysis — enabling transportation systems that are not only lighter and safer, but also more sustainable across the value chain.

Dr. Jack Franklin has worked for Constellium for 15 years and in the aluminum industry for over 20. After earning his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania he spent 5 years at Constellium’s world renowned research center C-TEC. While there he managed the development and industrialization of multiple new aluminum products which are currently seeing service on armor ground combat vehicles. He also supported the growth of Constellium’s automotive business in North America.

For the past 10 years, Jack has worked as a Customer Application Engineer within Constellium’s Transportation and Industry division. Continuing to support the production and usage of armor alloys, he also supports customers throughout markets who use Constellium’s general plate, coil, mold, and marine materials. A recent focus has been in both residual and automotive energy storage systems including battery box protection, prismatic and cylindrical cases, and highly conductive material for bus bar electrical interconnects.

Esther Thomas is an entrepreneur and technology leader advancing sustainable battery innovation as Co-Founder and CEO of Colare. With a strong background in energy storage, commercialization, and strategic leadership, Esther is focused on accelerating the development of next-generation battery solutions that improve performance, safety, and sustainability across electrified transportation and energy systems.

At Colare, Esther leads the company’s vision and growth strategy, driving the development of advanced technologies aimed at addressing critical challenges in battery manufacturing, lifecycle efficiency, and material utilization. Her work centers on enabling more scalable and environmentally responsible battery ecosystems through innovative approaches to materials, system integration, and circularity.

Esther collaborates with industry partners, researchers, and manufacturers to bridge emerging battery technologies with real-world deployment needs. Her leadership spans technology commercialization, cross-functional product development, and market strategy, helping position advanced energy solutions for adoption in rapidly evolving EV and energy storage markets.

With a focus on sustainable innovation and long-term industry impact, Esther is committed to supporting the transition toward cleaner, more efficient electrification technologies and resilient supply chains.

Chase Allen is a machine learning and simulation specialist advancing AI-driven engineering for electrified systems as Machine Learning Application Engineer at Neural Concept. With expertise in artificial intelligence, data-driven modeling, and engineering optimization, Chase works at the forefront of applying machine learning to accelerate the design and performance of next-generation battery and mobility technologies.

At Neural Concept, Chase supports the deployment of AI-powered engineering workflows that enable manufacturers to dramatically reduce development cycles for battery systems, thermal management architectures, and high-performance vehicle components. His work focuses on integrating machine learning models with simulation and CAD environments to optimize parameters such as thermal efficiency, structural performance, airflow, and energy density.

Chase collaborates closely with OEMs and engineering teams to implement generative AI and predictive modeling tools that enhance product development speed while improving design accuracy and manufacturability. His expertise spans neural networks, engineering simulation acceleration, and data-centric optimization strategies for complex multi-physics environments.

By bridging advanced AI technologies with practical engineering applications, Chase contributes to a new generation of intelligent product development processes that enable faster innovation and more efficient electrified mobility systems.

Michael Micakovic is a battery materials specialist advancing polyurethane technologies for electrified mobility as Global Polyurethane Battery Application Engineer at Huntsman. With expertise in advanced polymer applications and EV battery integration, Michael works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to develop material solutions that enhance battery safety, thermal performance, and manufacturability.

At Huntsman, Michael supports the development and implementation of polyurethane-based systems engineered for battery pack and module applications, including thermal interface materials, encapsulants, structural foams, adhesives, and protective coatings. His work focuses on addressing critical industry challenges such as thermal runaway mitigation, vibration resistance, lightweighting, and long-term durability in high-voltage battery environments.

Michael collaborates across engineering, R&D, and manufacturing teams to optimize material selection and application processes for evolving battery architectures, including cell-to-pack and structural battery designs. His expertise spans application validation, materials processing, and system-level integration, helping customers achieve improved thermal management and production efficiency without compromising safety or reliability.

By combining technical application knowledge with a deep understanding of polyurethane chemistry, Michael contributes to scalable material solutions that support the next generation of high-performance energy storage systems.

Dr. Jack Franklin has worked for Constellium for 15 years and in the aluminum industry for over 20. After earning his Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania he spent 5 years at Constellium’s world renowned research center C-TEC. While there he managed the development and industrialization of multiple new aluminum products which are currently seeing service on armor ground combat vehicles. He also supported the growth of Constellium’s automotive business in North America.

For the past 10 years, Jack has worked as a Customer Application Engineer within Constellium’s Transportation and Industry division. Continuing to support the production and usage of armor alloys, he also supports customers throughout markets who use Constellium’s general plate, coil, mold, and marine materials. A recent focus has been in both residual and automotive energy storage systems including battery box protection, prismatic and cylindrical cases, and highly conductive material for bus bar electrical interconnects.

Esther Thomas is an entrepreneur and technology leader advancing sustainable battery innovation as Co-Founder and CEO of Colare. With a strong background in energy storage, commercialization, and strategic leadership, Esther is focused on accelerating the development of next-generation battery solutions that improve performance, safety, and sustainability across electrified transportation and energy systems.

At Colare, Esther leads the company’s vision and growth strategy, driving the development of advanced technologies aimed at addressing critical challenges in battery manufacturing, lifecycle efficiency, and material utilization. Her work centers on enabling more scalable and environmentally responsible battery ecosystems through innovative approaches to materials, system integration, and circularity.

Esther collaborates with industry partners, researchers, and manufacturers to bridge emerging battery technologies with real-world deployment needs. Her leadership spans technology commercialization, cross-functional product development, and market strategy, helping position advanced energy solutions for adoption in rapidly evolving EV and energy storage markets.

With a focus on sustainable innovation and long-term industry impact, Esther is committed to supporting the transition toward cleaner, more efficient electrification technologies and resilient supply chains.

Chase Allen is a machine learning and simulation specialist advancing AI-driven engineering for electrified systems as Machine Learning Application Engineer at Neural Concept. With expertise in artificial intelligence, data-driven modeling, and engineering optimization, Chase works at the forefront of applying machine learning to accelerate the design and performance of next-generation battery and mobility technologies.

At Neural Concept, Chase supports the deployment of AI-powered engineering workflows that enable manufacturers to dramatically reduce development cycles for battery systems, thermal management architectures, and high-performance vehicle components. His work focuses on integrating machine learning models with simulation and CAD environments to optimize parameters such as thermal efficiency, structural performance, airflow, and energy density.

Chase collaborates closely with OEMs and engineering teams to implement generative AI and predictive modeling tools that enhance product development speed while improving design accuracy and manufacturability. His expertise spans neural networks, engineering simulation acceleration, and data-centric optimization strategies for complex multi-physics environments.

By bridging advanced AI technologies with practical engineering applications, Chase contributes to a new generation of intelligent product development processes that enable faster innovation and more efficient electrified mobility systems.