Mike Bassett: Engineering Director, MAHLE Powertrain

Responsible for leading engineering activities at MAHLE Powertrain in the UK. Experienced engineer with a history of directing research within automotive powertrain consultancies, focusing on both electrified (hybrid & pure EV) and conventional propulsion systems. Having in-depth understanding of powertrain efficiency, focused on hybrid and EV energy management. Strong engineering professional with a PhD in the thermodynamic modelling of engines.

Anuj Chopra: Propulsion System Integration Lead, Jaguar Land Rover

Anuj Chopra is a Chartered Engineer with over 12 years of experience in the automotive industry. His career is marked by significant contributions to several leading automotive companies, including Tata Technologies, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hero MotoCorp, and currently, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). At JLR, Anuj has held various roles, contributing to several groundbreaking projects: Ingenium Engine Family: Delivered variable valvetrain systems. High Voltage Traction Battery: Played a crucial role in the development, and testing of JLR’s first fully in-house high voltage traction battery, working across thermal, mechanical, and electrical teams. Jaguar Propulsion System Integration: Currently leading the propulsion system integration team, focusing on system engineering and electrification. Anuj is driving the implementation of road-to-rig testing, ensuring robust and efficient propulsion systems.

Davide Clerici: Research Associate, Politecnico di Torino

Davide Clerici is a research associate at Politecnico di Torino's Mechanical Department, specialising in lithium-ion battery mechanics since 2019. His work spans mechanical degradation, ageing and multi-physics battery modelling. Recently he is focusing on advanced diagnostics algorithms and innovative mechanical sensing technologies for battery management systems (BMS). He applies his academic expertise through Ecothea, an industrial spin-off focused on electric vehicle conversion, where he develops diagnostic algorithms for smart battery packs. Davide holds a PhD and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Torino and is actively engaged in both research and practical applications of battery technology.

Paul Jones: Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance

Graduating in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester Metropolitan University, Paul has worked in automotive engineering for over 35 years. Spending 12 years with Foden Trucks, in various engineering roles, eventually responsible for new vehicle design and development. Joining Bentley Motors in 2000 as Chief Programme Engineer - Continental GT, then Product Line Director and finally Director of Product Management, responsible for Bentley’s product strategy. In 2020 he joined the Northern Automotive Alliance, as Chief Executive. An IMechE member since 1996 and Fellow since 2001, Paul is a past Chair of the Institution’s Technical Strategy and Automobile Division Boards.

David Twohig: Senior Expert, McKinsey & Company

David is a 30+ year automotive industry veteran. Having led the engineering teams responsible for such breakthrough vehicles as the first-generation Nissan Qashqai, Renault ZOE and the Alpine A110, he now serves McKinsey's various clients in helping them achieve excellence in product development.

Andrew Halfpenny: Director of Technology - nCode Products, Hottinger Bruel & Kjaer UK Ltd

Dr. Halfpenny has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University College London (UCL) and a Masters’ in Civil and Structural Engineering. With over 25 years of experience in structural dynamics, vibration, fatigue and fracture, he has introduced many new technologies to the industry including: FE-based vibration fatigue analysis, crack growth simulation and accelerated vibration testing. He developed the new vibration standard for qualifying UK military helicopters, and has written publications on Fatigue, Digital Signal Processing and Structural Health Monitoring. He is a founding member of NAFEMS PSE Certification scheme and sits on the NAFEMS committee for Dynamic Testing.

Manos Polioudis: Director, Talos Technology

Manos has over a decade experience within the Electric Powertrain Development industry. Having held various engineering and management roles in companies like Arrival, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo Trucks and Semcon, has a wealth of understanding on state of the art EV PT development. Currently Manos is the CEO of Talos Technology a company that develops, designs and deploys Electric Propulsion Systems for Tier1's, OEM's and other industry customers. Trained in Six Sigma as a Black Belt and Management he believes in the optimisation of systems as whole, instead of the optimisation of individual components.

Ben Boutcher-West: Chief Digital Officer, Connected Kerb

Ben Boutcher-West's mission is to enable access to all by applying design thinking and technology to transport and infrastructure. He is passionate about system engineering and the application of data and technology to resolve user problems within great products. An EV and Autonomous vehicle expert, with a degree in Design Engineering from Brunel and 14 years industry experience across global corporates and SME’s, Ben brings technical knowledge, commercial acumen, industry insight and passion for sustainable city technology to develop future products and services in cities worldwide. When not traveling, Ben continues to mentor students with Imperial and the RCA and is very active in the start-up transport and mobility ecosystem.

Milen Patel: Software Engineer, Lotus Cars

Milen Patel is currently working as a software engineer at Lotus Cars. He started with the company in 2022 as a software engineering graduate and quickly progressed to a charging expert working on the Lotus Evija Hypercar. Milen has led numerous test trips, homologation events and supported a number of press activities. He graduated from the University of Nottingham with a 1st class Hons in Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Milen has lways been a fond viewer of motorsport and has a keen interest in the automotive world, having been active within the karting, Greenpower and Formula Student communities, as well as the occasional track day here and there.

Lisa Bingley: Operations Director, MIRA Technology Institute

Lisa Bingley is the Operations Director at the MIRA Technology Institute (MTI). She played a pivotal role in the initial development and build phase of the training organisation. Lisa is responsible for the overall management of MTI, fostering connections between partners and industry. With a background as a Chartered Engineer and nearly two decades at HORIBA MIRA, she brings extensive experience in managing large engineering programs bringing academia and Industry together. Lisa is also an active member with the Institute of Apprentices and Technical Qualifications (IfATE), Chair of the IMechE Automobile Division Board and is dedicated to supporting professional development and promoting engineering among young people.

Sulabh Dhingra: Technical Specialist, Control System Test Methodology, Jaguar Land Rover

Ben Walsh: Deputy Director - Faraday Battery Challenge, Innovate UK

Yahya Alvar: Head of Business Development, UKBIC

Tim Munn: Managing Director, Marine Zero

Tim founded Marine Zero in 2021 to help accelerate the transition of the maritime industry to a cleaner future. He also co-founded Marine2o Group, a hydrogen infrastructure startup based in London. Tim is Chair of the National Maritime UK Marine Hydrogen and Future Fuels Working Group and Vice Chair of the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs). Previously, Tim worked for the global technology leader ABB as an engineer for their Motion business, and as head of UK Sales and Marketing for their Marine and Ports business. Tim is passionate about maritime sustainability and has a substantial network of contacts within the maritime and ports sector. He is a proud tech geek experienced in home automation systems, and speaks fluent Portuguese.

Yashraj Tripathy: Head of Product, About:Energy

Yashraj has held engineering and technical leadership roles at Rolls-Royce and Warwick Manufacturing Group, specialising in battery research & consulting, and product development for aerospace and automotive applications. In recognition of his achievements, he was appointed as an Honorary Associate Professor at Warwick University. He also obtained a PhD from Warwick and a 1st Class B.E. (Honours) degree from BITS, Pilani, India.

Yashraj will lead our product portfolio, collaborating across various areas of the business and with the team. His role will expand to include delivery, customer success, and the development of future products and strategies in line with our long-term vision.

Hailing from the coastal plains of Eastern India, Yashraj firmly believes that progress in batteries is a crucial step towards achieving global net zero ambitions. He advocates for the democratisation of battery development, making it accessible to all, including new SMEs, large OEMs, and companies from the global south.

Lydia Amarquaye: Education and Skills Policy Lead, Institution of Mechanical Engineers

As Professional Development and Education Policy Advisor, Lydia is positioned within the Institution to provide oversight of the full education journey of an engineer. From developing policy positions on primary, secondary, and technical qualifications to providing insight for graduate schemes and professional registration, Lydia ensures there is coherent messaging from policy through to membership activities.

Lydia works with key stakeholders outside IMechE to identify gaps in the education landscape for both increasing those choosing to become engineers and equipping engineers to have the right skills for a successful career. She also works with the Education and Skills strategy Board to develop the education and skills strategy for the Institution.

In her role as Professional Development Advisor, Lydia works with the Membership, Accreditation and Professional Development Team to bring engineering counsel for decision making.

Lydia’s engineering journey started with the EDT’s Headstart programme, followed by a Year in Industry Placement at Delphi Diesel Systems (now known as BorgWarner). After completing an MEng in Mechanical Engineering at Brunel University, Lydia returned to Delphi, a Commercial Vehicle common rail fuel system manufacturer, as part of their graduate programme. Lydia completed placements within the Production, Control and Logistics Team, Manufacturing, Validation, and later became senior engineer within the Product Development Team. She also became a Chartered Engineer whilst at Delphi.

Lydia was an active volunteer for the Institution, firstly on the Manufacturing Industries Division Board, where she was part of a team to pioneer the Apprentice Automation Challenge. Lydia was also a member of the Young Members’ Board, becoming Chair in 2017.

Benjamin Silverstone: Associate Professor; Director of WMG Skills Centre, University of Warwick

Dr Benjamin Silverstone holds an MSc in Management and a PhD in Engineering as well as a professional teaching qualification. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Ben has worked in education for almost 20 years and has held various teaching and management positions in Colleges and Universities. At present Ben is the Head of the WMG Skills Centre which oversees the development and delivery of courses that are not part of degree programmes. His role places him as a thought leader in the space of future skills and he is regularly engaged with government bodies in establishing the evolution of skills in the UK. Ben is a founder of, and leads, the National Electrification Skills Framework as part of a coalition of leading UK institutions and industrial partners. As part of this work he also chairs the national forum on Electrification Skills. In addition to his leadership roles Ben has also published in a wide range of media on the topics of skills and human interaction with technology. Early in his career Ben spent a total of 15 years with the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard earning several commendations.

Danson Joseph: Managing Director, Danecca

Danson worked in mining and minerals in South Africa, followed by National Grid, Jaguar Land Rover (leading the IPACE battery development) before starting Danecca to engineer, test and manufacture battery systems using industry leading methods and techniques.

Derryth Young: Engineering Manager, Green Lithium

Derryth Young is a mechanical engineer and currently engineering manager for Green Lithium. Derryth has spent the last two decades working in project development and engineering management in the mining and minerals processing sector internationally. Derryth has experience across the sector covering base metals, precious metals and more recently, battery minerals and battery chemicals, and has worked in client, consultant and contractor roles developing projects from concept, through financing and into construction.

Brian Cooper: Chief Engineer - Propulsion and Thermal, HVS

Monica Marinescu: Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, IONETIC, and Associate Professor,, Imperial College London

As an Associate Professor at Imperial, Dr. Marinescu is recognised worldwide for her expertise in battery technology, development, and innovation. As Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer to IONETIC, she ensures IONETIC's solutions remain at the forefront of battery performance, delivering the needs of customers.

Paul Brada: Thermal Engineer, EXOES

Martin is a simulation engineer at Exoes, a French company specialising in advanced cooling solutions for batteries. He has more than 5 years of experience in thermal and fluid simulations in various domains, mainly in the automotive industry and has already worked in four different countries. Recently, Martin has developed a passion for battery electric vehicles and simulating batteries.

Maximilian Manns: Mechanical Design Engineer, Protean Electric

Maximilian Manss is a performance focused design engineer with experience in the high-end cycling, aerospace and automotive industries.

Dr Robert Burrell: Head of EV and Battery Research, Project Blue

Senior Analyst at Project Blue covering the battery supply chain in depth to develop forward looking narratives for battery demand, supply and the overarching geopolitical landscape.

Extensive technical experience within the lithium-ion battery space having previously achieved a PhD in Chemistry, with a focus on battery degradation during operation and storage.

James Eaton: CEO and Co-Founder, IONETIC

Working as a consultant to leading automotive OEMs on battery pack development, James founded IONETIC to change the way batteries are brought to market. As CEO, he oversees all technical functions, and has built a world-class team ensuring IONETIC delivers and scales for its customers worldwide.