Speakers 2025

Andreas Kuesters

Department Manager/Global Chief Engineer Validation

FEV

Bio

Andreas Kuesters is Department Manager and Global Chief Engineer Validation at FEV Europe GmbH. Since 2023, he has led mechanical development and validation activities for electric powertrain, transmission, and drive-line components, overseeing assembly and functional and durability testing both on test benches and in vehicles. He supports validation testing across the global FEV Group. His previous roles at FEV include department manager for electric powertrain and for transmission and drive-line development, senior program manager and product manager for commercial vehicle engines, and department manager for mechanical engine development. He began his career as a project and senior engineer in FEV’s design department.

Dr. Albert Boddien

Senior Manager R&D – Technical Formulations

SASOL International Chemicals

Bio

Albert Boddien leads the global R&D team at Technical Formulations within SASOL Chemicals, focusing on various industrial chemical markets like metalworking fluids and lube oil additives.

Before assuming the role of Senior Manager for R&D at Technical Formulations, Albert held multiple positions within SASOL, working on strategy development and innovation to enhance customer value. Throughout his career at SASOL, he dedicated significant time to Research and Development. He began his tenure at SASOL in 2011 within the process R&D group, where he was responsible for key alcohol technologies.

Prior to joining SASOL, Albert obtained a PhD in chemistry from the University of Rostock at the Leibniz-Institute for Catalysis.

Dr. Ariane Viat

Aluminium Rolling Lubrication Engineer

Constellium

Bio

Ariane Viat holds an MSc in Materials Science and a PhD in Tribology. She has been working as a lubrication engineer for Constellium (France) for 8 years. Her work is split between lab applied research on rolling lubricants and technical assistance for the production plants (France, USA, Germany). Arianeis also involved in the STLE non-ferrous council and she is an associate editor at Tribology Transactions journal.

Aurelie Grange-Chivrac

Executive Sales Account Manager

Infineum France

Bio

Aurélie Grange-Chivrac has been the Executive Account Manager since October 2022 and is based in Paris. With over 15 years of experience at Infineum, Aurélie has built a rich and diverse career spanning manufacturing, technology deployment, operational marketing and sales management. This breadth of experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of the lubricant industry and its evolving challenges.

A chemical engineer by training, Aurélie is passionate about driving sustainable innovation. In recent years, she has been deeply engaged in advancing the industry’s approach to sustainability—particularly in reducing product carbon footprints and exploring the integration of bio-based and circular materials. Her insights into these critical topics are informed by both technical expertise and a strategic market perspective.

Aurélie holds a Masters degree from IFP School and began her career as a process engineer before transitioning into roles that bridged technology and commercial strategy. Her international experience and cross-functional leadership make her a compelling voice in the conversation around sustainable transformation in the chemical and energy sectors.

Outside of work, Aurélie is a proud mother of two, an avid DIY enthusiast and a lover of theatre and musicals—interests that reflect her creativity and hands-on approach to both professional and personal life.

Dr. Axel Figge

Head of R&D Special Lubricants

Carl Bechem

Bio

Dr. Axel Figge studied chemistry and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wuppertal in 2005. After a brief period working as a development chemist at a small chemical start-up in Dortmund, he joined Carl Bechem GmbH in 2008 as a grease developer. In 2010, he took over leadership of the company’s grease R&D division. He currently serves as Head of R&D for Special Lubricants, overseeing the development of greases, industrial oils, and antifriction coatings. Dr. Figge is active in committees such as DIN and ISO and contributes to various projects within the FVA and DGMK.

Bart Zwitser

Manager, Technical Support Lubricants & Business Development / Metalworking Specialist

TotalEnergies

Bio

Bart Zwitser holds a degree in mechanical engineering and has been active in the industrial lubricants sector for over 20 years. While his expertise spans a broad range of lubrication technologies, he has developed a particular focus on metalworking fluids. His experience includes not only the application and monitoring of these fluids, but also the transfer of knowledge within organizations — through training, coaching, and the development of future specialists in this field. Today, Bart is speaking at the Lube Expo for the first time, where he will share his perspective on human resources in the metalworking industry. His session will explore how companies can safeguard technical expertise, support career development, and how TotalEnergies is putting these principles into practice.

Brian Paliotti

President

Afton Chemical Corporation

Bio

Brian Paliotti is President of Afton Chemical Corporation, a leading global provider of petroleum additives that help reduce emissions, improve fuel economy, extend equipment life, improve operator satisfaction, and lower the total cost of vehicle and equipment operation. Brian started with Afton in 2008 as the Operation Finance Director. He then moved to Senior Finance Director for NewMarket Corporation in 2011 and Vice President, Finance of NewMarket in 2013. In 2015, he became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NewMarket, leading the M&A process such as the Aditivos Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. (AMSA) acquisition in 2017. Brian was appointed president of Afton Chemical Corporation in 2023.

Brian is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School and holds an MBA from Robert Morris University and an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From 1999, Brian served in various finance roles at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, including Global Finance Director for Corporate Services and Manufacturing Strategy. In 2006, Brian joined Lenel Technologies International, a United Technologies Company serving the security software market, as COO/CFO. 

Christian Hartmann

Strategic Advisor

TAYRAŞ

Bio

Christian Hartmann is an executive with over 36 years in the waste management and lubricant industries. He currently serves as Advisor to the Board at TAYRAS,Türkiye’s leading used oil re-refinery and as a Board Member of Unitco, the largest re-refinery in Middle-East. As former CEO of BAUFELD, PURALUBE, and PURAGLOBE, he has held leadership roles, including President of GEIR and the German Used Oil Association, and Vice President of UEIL. He continues to represent GEIR in sustainability committees at ATIEL/UEIL.

Christian sits on three international boards, offering expertise in recycling, catalysts, bitumen, paraffin, digitalization, and aviation. As founder and CEO of IBC Consulting & Management, he has provided strategic and operational consulting for over 34 years. He advocates for circular economy practices and sustainability in the oil, lubricant, and recycling sectors. He is based in Istanbul.

Dr. Christine Fuchs

Laboratory Manager Europe

Master Fluid Solutions

Bio

Dr. Christine Fuchs is a seasoned leader in research and development, specializing in industrial lubricants and process fluids. As Head of Laboratory Europe at Master Fluid Solutions, she oversees multidisciplinary teams across R&D, quality control, and technical services. Previously, she served as Vice President Global R&D at FUCHS PETROLUB SE, where she spearheaded innovation initiatives and R&D on a global scale. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Fuchs is recognized for her modern leadership style and strategic approach, consistently delivering results for customers and partners in the lubricant industry. Since joining Master Fluid Solutions in January 2024, she has focused on strengthening the company’s European presence and advancing customer-driven innovation.

Dr. Christoph Kuhlmann

Managing Director

Metall-Chemie

Bio

Dr. Christoph Kuhlmann is known for transforming complex challenges into innovation opportunities. As Managing Director of the Metall-Chemie Group, he has led the company through a bold strategic shift — turning regulatory pressure and legacy dependencies into a springboard for sustainable product development. Under his leadership, MC Fine Chemicals developed high-performance, non-hazardous alternatives to TPPT, showing how creativity and application know-how can outperform long-standing industry standards.

With a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bielefeld and executive education from St. Gallen and MIT Sloan, Christoph combines scientific expertise with strategic insight. His career spans sectors from metal processing and specialty chemicals to coatings and sustainability — shaped by leadership roles at Bayer and Honeywell. He brings a collaborative mindset to innovation, encouraging others to see regulation not as a barrier, but as a driver for better solutions.

Crystal O'Halloran

Executive Director

NLGI

Bio

Crystal O’Halloran, MBA, CAE is the Executive Director of NLGI, leading the institute’s mission as the premier source of support for the lubricating grease industry worldwide. With twenty years of association management experience, Crystal focuses on executing strategic initiatives, driving membership growth and engagement as well as cultivating relationships with the Board of Directors, members, staff and partnering organizations. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University and a Master in Business Administration from Baker University.

Dr. Dirk Drees

CEO

Falex Tribology

Bio

Dirk is a Metallurgical and Materials Engineer (Catholic University Leuven) with a PhD in tribocorrosion. After bridging academia and industry through collaborations with Atlas Copco and Bekaert, he co-founded Falex Tribology in 1999. As CEO since 2002, he scaled it from zero to a €1M+ testing powerhouse, running 1,000+ tailored tests annually. Falex isn’t just a lab—it’s a problem-solving partner for industry, co-developing testing strategies that address real-world material challenges. From failure analysis to performance validation, Dirk’s team delivers insight where off-the-shelf testing falls short. Falex plays a key role in EU-funded collaborations, helping translate research into sustainable, high-impact innovations. Dirk’s expertise in wear, corrosion, lubrication, and friction turns complex materials science into confident, actionable answers—boosting reliability, reducing waste, and supporting cleaner technologies. 

Dr. Dixit Parmar

Sustainability Manager

Lubrizol

Bio

Dixit has 10+ years’ experience in the Chemical Industry and currently serves as a Sustainability Manager at Lubrizol, directly reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer and acting as the primary global contact for all business units. His responsibilities include overseeing product-level sustainability by supporting the development of corporate-level strategies and ensuring their integration within business units. Dixit leads initiatives in Sustainable Solutions andmanages Lubrizol’s Life Cycle Assessments program to ensure in continue to meet the current and future needs. Additionally, he collaborates closely with the innovation team and business units to ensure the credibility of sustainability claims and to generate value for Lubrizol’s product designs.

Elisa Swanson-Parbäck

Business Development Director – Sustainable Lubricants

Perstorp

Bio

Elisa Swanson-Parbäck is responsible for Perstorp’ s business development in sustainable Engineered Fluids and Synthetic Lubricants. Since joining the company in 2018, Mrs. Swanson-Parbäck has been active in various market segments also leading digital transformation initiatives cross the company. Her current focus is on Perstorp’ s sustainability agenda and the transformative journey the lubricants industry is on to reach net zero.

Prior to Perstorp, Mrs. Swanson-Parbäck has over 12 years’ experience from senior marketing roles at Axis Communications, a market leader in network video solutions. Ms. Swanson-Parbäck holds both a master’s degree in economics and business administration and a master’s degree in work- and organizational psychology from Lund University, Sweden.

Emir Çetin

Global Packaging Manager

TotalEnergies

Bio

Emir CETIN is Global Packaging Manager at TotalEnergies Lubrifiants, where he leads worldwide packaging strategies and artwork development for lubricants. With over 10 years of experience across manufacturing, supply chain, and marketing functions, Emir focuses on optimizing packaging solutions through innovative projects that enhance performance, promote sustainability, and ensure global consistency. Prior to joining the global team in France, he held operational roles in TotalEnergies’ industrial sites. Emir is a Chemical Engineer and has a passion for circular economy projects, cross-functional collaboration, and digital transformation in packaging.

Dr. Erik Willett

President

Functional Products

Bio

Dr. Erik Willett serves as the President of Functional Products Inc., a lubricant additive company specializing in polymer-based technology, located in the USA. He holds a Doctorate in Polymer Science from the University of Akron and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut.

Functional Products Inc. serves customers around the world by supplying additives, designing formulations, and training customer’s technical/sales/marketing teams so they can succeed in our rapidly changing global market. Functional is distributed locally in Europe via LUMAR who provides local inventory, exceptional service, and the ability to coordinate high-level R&D with the Functional team.

Dr. Willett’s achievements from these efforts include receiving the prestigious PCC Gonsalves Memorial Award, NLGI Author Award for Development, Award for Educational Excellence, and the NLGI Fellows Award. His work continues to find cost-effective ways for polymer additives to meet the rising technical and sustainability needs of our industry.

Dr. Eva-Maria Mautner

Head of Application Engineering

Klüber Lubrication

Bio

Dr.-Ing. Eva-Maria Mautner is leading the Application Engineering department within Business Development at Klüber Lubrication München GmbH & Co. KG. She studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Munich, before she started in 2012 as Research Associate at Gear Research Center (FZG) of Technical University Munich. There, she earned her doctorate in mechanical engineering focusing on the load-carrying capacity of worm gears before joining Klüber in 2018 as an Application Engineer for gear systems. With deep expertise in tribology and lubrication, she advanced to Head of Bearing Lubrication in 2022 and assumed her current leadership role in March 2024. Dr. Mautner now drives the strategic development of technical customer support, bridging innovation and engineering excellence to deliver cutting-edge lubrication solutions and ensure optimal collaboration with sales and clients.

Dr. Florian König

Head of Tribology

RWTH Aachen University

Bio

Dr.-Ing. Florian König studied mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University       and received his doctorate in 2020. Since 2021, he has been responsible for the Tribology Division at the Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering (MSE) at RWTH Aachen University. His work focusses on machine elements in drivetrains, with particular emphasis on digitalization and sustainability. He received the Schaeffler Innovation Award and the RWTH Innovation Award for his research in Tribology.

François Tournesac

CEO Impleon & EMEA OCP Community

Impleon

Bio

CEO & co-founder of Impleon and head of the Open Compute Project foundation for France François Tournesac has more than 25 years of experience in computer computing, storage and networking. As a co-founder of Impleon, he developed a methodology to specify a liquid-cooled solution with heat reuse capability. He launched the Data Center Optimization Program for Waste Heat Reuse and Decarbonization to begin the transition to cooling infrastructure by building ecosystems. 

An engineer by training, François Tournesac holds an Executive MBA from HEC with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Babson College. In line with his social values, François was certified in 2021 as an agricultural arborist with a BPREA from ESA Angers.

Dr. Gabriela Macías

Senior Researcher

LEITAT

Bio

Gabriela Macías Benalcazar earned a PhD in Engineering and Applied Sciences from the University of Barcelona in 2022.

She previously obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry of Materials from the same university.

Gabriela began her professional career in 2016 as a Quality Technician at Sincrofarm S.L. From 2017 to 2022, she worked as an R&D Researcher at RIMSA Metal Technology S.A. in the Friction Department.

In this role, she managed national and international projects, developed new products for friction systems, and oversaw industrialisation processes, gaining extensive experience in the tribology of friction systems.

In 2022, she joined Leitat, where she is currently a Senior Researcher in the area of Surface Chemistry, focusing on industrial lubricants and fluids.

Gabriella Twining

Global Editor Base Oils

Argus Media

Bio

Gabriella is responsible for editing, product development and strategy, and coverage for the Global Base Oils report. Gabriella is an experienced commodity analyst having previously covered the biomass markets at Argus and Maritime industry at IHS Markit. Gabriella is an industry professional and began her career in ship management at CMA CGM.

Gema Del Olmo

R+D director

FUCHS LUBRICANTES

Bio

With a degree in Chemical Sciences, Gema began her career at FUCHS in 1997 as a cutting fluids specialist. Later, she became the development supervisor of product categories related to the metal processing: cutting, forming, and rolling, ensuring that the developed products were in line with market needs and the latest technologies, always respecting legislative developments. Since 2017, she has been the director of the laboratory of the Spanish subsidiary and has been part of the management committee for 5 years.

James Moorhouse

Director

ABN Resource

Bio

James Moorhouse is Director and Founder of ABN Resource, a global executive search firm for the lubricants, additives, and base oils sector. He leads an international recruitment business with teams and operations in Europe and the USA hiring executive leadership, sales leadership and technical leadership positions. 

Jérôme Valade

Head of Base Oil Purchase, Supply & Sales

TotalEnergies

Bio

After initial experience as a mechanical engineer in OEM automotive, Jerome joined TotalEnergies and has accumulated 15 years of expertise within the lubricant industry, spanning roles in R&D, product development, business origination, and sales. 

His career has been marked by consistent engagement with the company’s customers and end-users.

Currently, he leads the TotalEnergies Base Oil Purchase, Supply & Sales team, focusing on ensuring a global, reliable, sustainable, and competitive supply to lubricant plants, partners, and customers.

With an analytical mindset, he navigates challenges with strategic thinking and agility, emphasizing hands-on problem-solving while keeping a long-term vision and fostering resilient partnerships.

Since 2024, Jerome has also contributed actively to the circular economy through the integration of TECOIL into TotalEnergies. He coordinates the sourcing of Used Lubricant Oils across Europe and oversees the sales of Re-Refined Base Oils.

Johan Larsson

Manager, Lubrication Management Team, One Nordic

SKF Sverige

Bio

Johan Larsson is the Manager of Lubrication Management for the Industrial Market Organization in the Nordic Region at SKF, where he has been a dedicated employee since 1996. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Luleå University of Technology.

Throughout his tenure at SKF, Johan has held various key positions, including Project Manager, Global Product Manager for Hydrostatic Bearings, and Engineering Manager in New Zealand. His enthusiasm and resilience have enabled him to seamlessly blend technical expertise with business acumen, driving the development of innovative solutions and new business opportunities both locally and globally.

In his current role, Johan focuses on building a robust business that supports industrial customers in Lubrication Management to ensure reliable rotation. His team is responsible for conducting audits, implementing lubrication management strategies, developing software tools, and providing comprehensive training in lubrication management.

Joris van der List

Technology Manager

Q8Oils

Bio

Joris van der List is the Technology Manager at Q8Oils, leading the technology department and overseeing the global management of lubricants across the energy, metalworking fluids (MWF), automotive, and general industry sectors. With an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Twente and over 20 years of experience in the lubricants industry, Joris has a strong background in product development, innovation management, and sustainability. As the global lead on sustainability at Q8Oils, Joris plays a key role in driving industry progress, serving as a member of the ATIEL & UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee, chairing the Sustainability Downstream Workgroup, and sitting on the board of VSN, the Dutch Lubricants Association.

Dr. Jose Pereira

Director – Client Advisory Services

Frost & Sullivan

Bio

Dr. Jose Pereira has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years with professional experiences spanning academia, industry and strategic growth advisory across the Mobility sector.  He has an automotive powertrain technology & innovation background, experienced in working with R&D consortia as well as strategic product/technology development and corporate planning expertise from working at Jaguar Land Rover for almost 10 years.

He has been with Frost & Sullivan for 5 years and supports the Automotive & Transportation Group’s Mobility group as a Director of Client Advisory Services, managing global teams to deliver strategic projects that support clients with their growth ambitions, with particular emphasis on the impact of technology and regulation on future industry disruption and new value creation.

Joshua Park

CEO

Chemical Engineering Partners

Bio

Joshua Park is the CEO and President of Chemical Engineering Partners (“CEP”) a company dedicated to bringing the best re-refining technology to countries around the world. Joshua has been recognised at various events in countries around the world as one of the foremost experts on re-refining technology.

With over 17 years of experience in designing, building and troubleshooting re-refineries, Joshua has maintained a reputation of industry excellence and knowledge. He has been contacted by re-refining companies both using CEP technology and those using other technologies for high level technical know-how and problem solving. His expertise also includes process training, operation troubleshooting, process optimization and debottlenecking.

Since joining CEP in 2007, Joshua has been involved if not directly managed all CEP projects, including the LWART re-refinery in Brazil, the largest group II producing re-refinery in South America. In 2015 Joshua was named as President and CEO of Chemical Engineering Partners.

Dr. Kathleen Havelka

Senior Vice President, Research, Development & Applications

Advancion Corporation

Bio

Dr. Kathleen O’Leary Havelka is an R&D executive with over 30 years in the specialty chemical industry. She is currently Senior Vice President of Research, Development, and Applications (RD&A) at Advancion Corporation, where she leads innovation and portfolio management to drive business growth. 

Previously, Havelka was Senior Director of R&D and Quality Control at Fuchs Lubricants, overseeing the development of novel lubricants and greases. She also led R&D at Elevance Renewable Sciences, focusing on the creation of biobased additives. Over 18 years at Lubrizol, she advanced from bench chemist to senior management, guiding global teams in the development of innovative products.

A dedicated mentor and sustainability advocate, Havelka is an American Chemical Society Fellow and Program Vice Chair for the STLE Environmentally Friendly Fluids Technical Committee. She holds 18 U.S. patents, 100+ global filings, co-edited three books,

and authored over 15 peer-reviewed articles.

Havelka earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Ksenija Topolovec Miklozic

Director

POWERTRIB

Bio

Dr. Ksenija Topolovec Miklozic is Co-Founder and Director of POWERTRIB Limited, a tribology consultancy and testing company established in 2008 in Oxford, UK. With over 25 years of experience in academia and industry—including Lubrizol and Infineum—she brings deep expertise in tribological testing and lubricant development. A PhD graduate from the Tribology Group at Imperial College London, she leads POWERTRIB’s development of innovative methodologies that meet and exceed OEM standards. The company’s state-of-the-art laboratory in Crete, Greece, is built around net-zero goals and is equipped for high-precision measurement, data control, and sustainability. Under her leadership, POWERTRIB integrates rigorous quality management (ISO 9001 & 14001 certified) with advanced digital data processing and traceability—delivering reliable, reproducible results. Ksenija champions tribology excellence through robust testing, meticulous analysis, and strategic insight, supporting customers in formulating high-performance lubricants. Her work bridges scientific innovation with operational precision, creating value in today’s digital, efficiency-driven landscape.

Laura Batlle

Principal Researcher

LEITAT

Bio

Laura Batlle Boix holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona (UB) and a Master in Circular Economy (Tools and Strategies for Industrial Innovation) from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). 

Her professional career began in 2015 where she was involved in the coordination and implementation of a European project (Horizon 2020) at the University of Verona, within the department of chemistry and environmental engineering. 

She initiated her career at Leitat in 2017, where she is developing her professional career as a Principal Researcher. Working within the Surface Chemistry Unit, leading the department of Lubricants and Industrial fluids. 

She is currently involved in the preparation, negotiation, implementation and management of European, national and industrial R&D projects on the formulation of lubricants and industrial fluids, tribological properties and revaluation of products to move towards the transition to a Circular Economy.

Leonard Kieckebusch

Project Leader Transmission- and E-Fluid Development

Shell Global Solutions

Bio

Leonard Kieckebusch holds an MChem in Chemistry with Industrial Experience from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, graduating with First Class Honours in 2017. During his studies, he completed an internship at Shell Global Solutions (Deutschland) GmbH in Hamburg, working in the Transmission Oil Team at the Shell Technology Center.

He began his professional career at Shell Global Solutions in August 2017 as Project Leader for Transmission Fluid Development, responsible for R&D activities related to manual transmission fluids and axle oils for European automotive OEMs. Since March 2022, he has served as Project Leader for E-Fluid Development at Shell Global Solutions in Hamburg, leading development projects for dedicated e-fluids for heavy-duty and passenger car applications, as well as Formula E race cars.

Dr. Liwen Wei

President & CTO

Novitas Chem Solutions

Bio

Liwen is President and CTO of Novitas Chem Solutions, LLC. He holds a master’s degree from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from MIT. With nearly 40 years in the lubricant industry, his experience spans research, technical sales, and consulting. He began his career with postdoctoral work at Exxon, followed by roles in Mobil’s additive group and its central research SBO group as a staff chemist. In the early 1990s, he transitioned into technical sales, and in 2006, founded Novitas to serve clients in chemical manufacturing, lubricant and grease formulation, and end-use applications. Since 2015, Novitas has expanded into specialty additive and synthetic base oil sales. While preform thickeners are known in the art, their application has remained limited. Through dedicated R&D, Novitas has pioneered preform compositions that enable the majority of grease types to be produced more easily and flexibly and be made better than with traditional in-situ methods.

Manuel Zürcher

Specialist Sustainable Lubricants

Schaeffler

Bio

As an Advance Development Engineer at Schaeffler, Manuel Zuercher is part of the sustainability team and is responsible for lubricants. He deals intensively with the associated regulations and methodology. But is also responsible for the introduction of new sustainable products and product developments.

Mr. Zürcher started in work in the field of tribology and lubrication with his Bachelorthesis “Carbon dioxide as Viscosity index improver in ionic liquids”. From this point on, he remained loyal to the field and worked on the topic of white etching cracks in his master’s and doctoral thesis.

After his time at the University of Erlangen, Nuremberg, he worked as a lubricating grease developer at a lubricant company for several years and then moved into sales for a short time as international sales manager. During that time, he already dealt with the topic sustainability which led to his current position at Schaeffler.

Marcelo Murad

Global Base Oil Director

LWART

Bio

Marcelo Murad graduated in Electrical Engineering from Unesp (Universidade Estadual Paulista) and holds a master’s degree from Unicamp (Universidade Estadual de Campinas).

With over 20 years of experience at Grupo Lwart, Marcelo has built a successful career, delivering significant results and holding leadership positions in several areas, including Engineering, Projects, Planning, Maintenance, Supplies, and Procurement, as well as Collection and Logistics.

In January 2023, he assumed the position of Director of Base Oil at Lwart Soluções Ambientais (Lwart Environmental Solutions), where he continues to drive the company’s growth.

Marco Digioia

President

ATIEL

Bio

Marco was appointed as President of ATIEL the Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry in 2018. A Brussels-based transport industry expert, Marco has 20 years’ experience of positioning and lobbying in Brussels on behalf of transport organizations.  

Prior to his appointment, Digioia was director for Government Affairs at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe and member of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum. 

Prior to that, he worked for several road hauliers associations at the national and European level and was also transport expert representing businesses at the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). 

He holds a Master’s Degree in Law with a Specialization in European Affairs, International Relations and Diplomacy. 

Mark Wheeler

Group Sustainability Manager

Axel International

Bio

Mark is an Applied Chemistry graduate with over 30 years of experience within the lubricating grease industry.

Since starting as an Assistant Development Grease Technologist with Castrol International in 1993, Mark has continued to develop and apply his knowledge of lubricating grease across many areas of the value chain from product development and technical support to procurement, product management and technical sales.

Following the best part of 20 years with Castrol & BP, Mark joined the Commercial Team of AXEL Christiernsson International A.B. in 2013 to support their future growth strategy and, more recently, sustainability led initiatives.

Throughout his career Mark has actively sought to share his knowledge and experience through a range of learning & development platforms that include AXELs Grease Genius ^TM Program, on-line webinars and the delivery of presentations at Industry conferences worldwide.

Since 2023 Mark has also been Chairing the Product Carbon Footprint Task Force within the ELGI Sustainability Technical Consortium.

Mathias Werner

Senior Director of Product Management

NobleAI

Bio

Mathias Werner is Sr. Director, Product Management at NobleAI, where he helps global companies accelerate innovation and product development with Science-Based AI. He has extensive experience leading product strategy and agile teams in AI/ML-powered SaaS, including roles at Citrine Informatics and Josef Gartner. Mathias holds an MBA from Hult International Business School and a Postgraduate Diploma in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from Columbia University.

Mattia Adani

President

UEIL

Bio

Mattia Adani is the President of UEIL – the European Union of the Lubricants Industry, the body representing at the European level the interests of the European lubricants industry.

He began his professional career at McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm.

Subsequently, he was a member of the Council of Experts and then a Director at the Italian Ministry of Economy, where he worked on the regulation and privatization of SOEs in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He was then Executive Director and Member of the Board at the InterAmerican Development Bank in Washington, DC.

Mattia holds several positions within Italian Industry Association Confindustria. From 2016 to 2018 he was Senior Advisor in the cabinet of the Italian Ministry of Industry, advising on industrial policy and foreign investments attraction.

Mattia holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, a degree in Production Engineering from the Ecole Centrale Paris, France, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, United States. He is a member of Italy’s Order of Merit.

Dr. Matthew Kriech

CEO

Biosynthetic

Bio

Matt Kriech is the President of Biosynthetic Technologies. Dr. Kriech also supports Heritage Research Group and The Heritage Group in the evaluation of potential new projects and investments.

Prior to his current role, he led the transition team for The Heritage Group and worked for Asphalt Materials Inc. in developing predictive economic models. He has also served as General Manager of PIZO and Supply Chain Manager, Tolling Manager, and Business Excellence leader for Monument Chemical. Matt received his B.A. from Wabash College in 2000 and his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 2005, where he studied protein-lipid interactions using non-linear optical spectroscopy. Prior to returning to Indiana, he worked for ATK as a “Rocket Scientist” in Utah, helping to test and develop state-of-the-art rocket propellants. 

Mehdi Fathi-Najafi

Independent Senior Advisor

Nynas

Bio

Mehdi Fathi-Najafi earned a M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and then a Licentiate degree in Chemical Engineering Design from Chalmers University of Technology of Gothenburg in Sweden. 

Mehdi has about 30 years of experience in senior positions within the global oil and grease industry and is the recipient of the Clarence E. Earle Memorial Award. He has also received several Best Paper Awards in the field of lubricating greases.

Mehdi has two patents, and the third one is pending. Moreover, he is responsible for numerous articles published in a dozen publications covering a variety of specialist areas, including Filtration, Base oils, Lubricating Greases, Applied Rheology and Tribology. 

Mehdi joined Nynas in Oct 2008 and worked until Feb 2024, when he started his own consultancy company (Mefa Lube AB). His last position at Nynas AB was Chief specialist within the Lube & Grease department. Since Feb. 2024, Mehdi has been supporting Nynas global business, as independent senior advisor.

Melissa Quinn

Expert Industrial Products – Grease

Castrol

Bio

Melissa Quinn is an Expert Industrial Products at Castrol Germany with 20+ years’ experience in the lubricants industry. She has been on the NLGI BOD since 2024. After studying Chemistry at the University of Sydney, she started in the lubricants industry as a Grease Chemist. Throughout her career, Melissa’s focus has been on mining and industrial lubricants working in a variety of roles including product development, technical sales and product management. After joining bp Australia in 2018, she moved to the UK to work on developing high performance greases. Melissa is now located in Germany as a global grease specialist supporting the technology strategy and providing technical expertise.

Merle Reimers

Group Lead Lubricating Films and Boundary Layers

RWTH Aachen University

Bio

Merle Reimers, M. Sc. RWTH, studied mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University and is working since January 2023 as a research assistant in the Tribology Division at the Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering (MSE) at RWTH Aachen University. In her research she focuses on interactions between EP/AW additives and corrosion inhibitors in oil lubricated rolling bearings. Since November 2023 Ms. Reimers is leading the Group Lubricating Films and Boundary Layers within the Tribology Division at MSE.

Michael Holloway

President

5th Order Industry

Bio

Michael D. Holloway is President of 5th Order Industry which provides training, failure analysis, and designed experiments. He has 40 years’ experience in industry starting with research and product development for Olin Chemical and WR Grace, Rohm & Haas, GE Plastics, and reliability engineering and analysis for NCH, ALS, and SGS. He is a subject matter expert in failure analysis, reliability engineering, and designed experiments for science and engineering. He holds 16 professional certifications, a patent, a MS Polymer Engineering, BS Chemistry, BA Philosophy, authored 12 books, contributed to several others, cited in over 1000 manuscripts and several hundred master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.

Michael Sandler

Technical Director

Next Lubricants

Bio

Michael Sandler has over 20 years of experience in the lubricant industry, primarily concentrating on the development of lubricants for gas, refrigeration and air compressors. Originally from Canada, Michael Sandler began his career in specialty lubricant in the United States. In 2018 he joined Next Lubricants in the Netherlands as the Technical Director and co-owner. 

Michael Sandler has presented multiple papers at industry conferences including STLE, Chillventa, Refrigera and the Industrial Refrigeration Network conference.

Michael Seemann

OEM Relation Manager

Evonik

Bio

Michael graduated as a chemical engineer at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Germany. He started his career at GM Opel International Technical Development Center, Germany in 1996 as material engineer for coolants.

In 2000 he became development engineer for functional fluids & engine oil. Since 2009 he focused on engine oil development and fuels. He was one major contributor to the initial GM dexos engine oil specifications. In 2013 he joined the oil additive experts at Evonik as Technical Service Manager. Since 2016 his focus is on OEM and Industry relation work.

He has over 28 years of experience in automotive fluids and lubricants, including participation in industry working groups like ATC-PTS and the extended ACEA task forces.

Mike McCabe

Consultant

MDM Insight

Bio

Mike has over 30 years of experience in the lubricants industry, with a career spanning lubricant development, product line management, business management, and marketing.

After graduating with a degree in Physics from Reading University, he began his career at Castrol. In 1997, he joined Lubrizol, where he led the European passenger car engine oil additive business through the development and launch of the first low SAPS lubricants.

In 2010, Mike relocated to China to lead Lubrizol’s Asia marketing group and in 2016 he became the Senior Director of Global Marketing. In 2021, he moved to Valvoline as the EMEA Marketing Director where he gained in-depth knowledge of the automotive aftermarket.

Since April 2024, Mike has been working as a consultant, advising clients globally on a range of marketing, brand, and product line projects. He holds an MBA from Nottingham University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Milind Phadke

VP, Energy Practice

Kline + Company

Bio

Milind Phadke has been with Kline and Company for almost 20 years, the last seven of which as Vice President within the Energy practice. Milind is based in Kline’s India office and is responsible for the company’s syndicated market research reports in the areas of finished lubricants, lubricant basestocks, lubricant additives, process oils, and waxes. He has directed or conducted complex market analysis, competitive benchmarking, merger and acquisition assistance and technical assignments in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. 

Milind has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumentation Engineering from Marathwada University. 

Dr. Mirko Plettenberg

Head of Verification, Validation & Reliability

AVL

Bio

Dr. Plettenberg is a distinguished mechanical engineer with a PhD from RWTH Aachen University, specializing in Product Verification & Validation. From 2008 to 2013, Dr. Plettenberg served as a Research Assistant at the Institute for Combustion Engines, focusing on tribological measurement studies. Since 2019, Dr. Plettenberg has been the Head of Verification, Validation & Reliability at AVL List GmbH, leading global efforts in vehicle and powertrain development, including Internal Combustion Engines, Transmissions, E-Axles, Hybrids, Fuel Cells, and Battery Systems. Previously, Dr. Plettenberg held various leadership roles at FEV Europe GmbH, including Manager Mechanical Development (Testing & Simulation) and Project Manager.

Dr. Plettenberg’s technical expertise encompasses Verification & Validation for vehicle and powertrain components, elements and systems, reliability analysis, model-based validation, special measurement techniques, as well as vehicle and powertrain integration, including thermal management & HVAC. His extensive industry experience and academic background underscores his expertise in mechanical and automotive engineering.

Dr. Modestino De Feo

Senior Lubricant Technologist

Aramco Fuel Research Center

Bio

Modestino is a chemical engineer with a PhD in tribology and materials science. His career began as a researcher at SKF, after which he joined TotalEnergies as an R&D project leader focusing on heavy-duty and marine engine lubricants. He has expertise in engine oil formulation and its adequation with engine requirements. Modestino also has several years of experience in low-carbon energy for mobility applications, emissions, and formulation in internal combustion engines.

Dr. Nick Garabedian

CEO

datin

Bio

Nick Garabedian is the CEO of a newly founded software startup dedicated to accelerating the discovery and commercialization of innovative engineering products. After earning his PhD in nano- and materials tribology, Nick turned his focus to applying AI techniques to the complex systems challenges the field addresses. Recognizing that AI’s full potential in tribology depends on operating at scale, he founded his company to build the infrastructure needed to make that scale possible.

Partho Choudhury

President & CEO

Lyde Supplía

Bio

Partho is a seasoned technology and data leader with 14+ years of global experience spanning Data Science, Cloud, and Product Strategy.

As the driving force behind Supplia by Lyde, he is revolutionising Europe’s fragmented supply chain landscape with an AI-powered SaaS platform that automates planning, distribution, and compliance across complex, multilingual operations.

Partho’s expertise bridges strategic intelligence with human-centric leadership, enabling digital

transformation across FinTech, AgroTech, and AI-driven industries. A French resident of Indian origin, he holds multiple master’s degrees from Harvard, France, and India, and has earned prestigious accolades including the Enabling Technology Leadership Award and Pinnacle Award.

Passionate about mentoring and digital empowerment, Partho blends deep technical acumen with a servant-leadership mindset to inspire change, build high-impact teams, and deliver enterprise-scale innovation with measurable outcomes.

Patrick Bell

Managing Director / Industrial Sales Director Central Europe

Castrol

Bio

Patrick Bell brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the automotive, industrial, and lubricants sectors. At Castrol, he has successfully driven national and international sales initiatives, from global business development to managing large-scale sales teams across the DACH region.

With proven expertise in building complex sales structures, developing sustainable growth strategies, and managing global key accounts, Patrick is known for his customer-centric approach, leadership of international teams, and deep market insights.

As a board member of the German Lubricants Association (VSI) and Advisory Board member of the Lubricant Expo, he plays an active role in driving innovation and shaping the future of the lubricants industry through long-term partnerships and strategic initiatives.

Perry Peters

CEO

Matrix Specialty Lubricants

Bio

After his graduation as a Marine Engineer in 1986 Perry started his career directly in the lubricants industry. During the first 16 years he has been account manager at Shell, Business Development Manager at Castrol, Business Development Director at Petro Canada and founded 20 years ago Matrix Specialty Lubricants where he until today is active as the Technical Director and CEO.

Currently Perry also is a co-chairman of the Foodgrade Lubricants Working group of the ELGI. Perry is a real Pioneer, he loves developing new opportunities, markets and products.

Dr. Peter Berlet

Senior Coordinator Business Development

IAVF

Bio

After studying mechanical engineering, specialising in tribology at the University of Magdeburg and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing BAM Berlin Peter started his career in 1992 as an engine test engineer at the IAVF, Institute for Applied Wear Research in Karlsruhe. He wrote his doctoral thesis as an external PhD student at the University of Karlsruhe, now KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Since 1998, as a manager engine testing, chief engineer and manager research he was responsible for various collaborative research projects with OEMs and Tier 1s in the automotive and lubricant industry, which focussed on new surface, coating and lubricant technologies as well as sustainable drive concepts.

In 2024, he joined the business development team at IAVF.

Petra Matzat

Managing Director Lubricants

Shell Deutschland

Bio

Petra Matzat has been Managing Director Lubricants of Shell Deutschland GmbH since November 1, 2023, and is accountable for the direct business of Shell Lubricants Solution in Germany.

Petra Matzat, born in 1982, married and mother of two, studied international business at the ESB Reutlingen and the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid. She began her Shell career in Hamburg in 2006 and has since held various national and international managing positions. Among other roles, she was Business Manager Bitumen for Switzerland, Austria and Italy as well as Sales Manager Commercial Road Transport for euroShell Deutschland. Lastly, she was Senior Strategy Advisor for Lubricants and Mobility, being responsible, amongst other projects, for the development of Shell’s global E-Mobility strategy. Since 2023 she is working with her team to further drive and accelerate Shell’s transformation in Lubricants business and in Germany as a partner for decarbonization and pacesetter of the energy transition.

Pierre-Yves Teyssier

Regional Product Line Manager Automotive Engine Oils, Viscosity Modifiers, Small Engines

Chevron Oronite

Bio

Pierre-Yves Teyssier is the Regional Product Line Manager at Chevron Oronite, overseeing Automotive, Small Engines, and Viscosity Modifiers products. He has 15 years of experience with Chevron Oronite, having held roles in product development, technical support, and sales. His career includes three years in Dubai, where he managed the Chevron Oronite Sales office for the Middle East.

He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from ESPCI Paris and a Master’s in Petroleum Products & Engines from the French Petroleum Institute (IFP-School) in Rueil-Malmaison, France.

Dr. Piotr Niemiec

ATIEL BoD member/Sponsor of ATIEL’s QMS Committee

Orlen Oil

Bio

Piotr attained his PhD in Chemical Technology from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland in 2005 and his PhD in Management and Quality Sciences from the University of Lodz, Poland in 2022.

Since 2006, he has been employed by LOTOS Oil (since 2023 by ORLEN Oil after acquisition), where he worked in the areas of automotive lubricant’s technology, development, technical support and market analysis. His current role is Coordinator in Orlen Oil’s technology dept.  

Since 2009, Piotr has been active member of various ATIEL’s technical committees, including continuous membership in Quality Management Systems Committee (QMS) from Committee’s early days back in January 2013.  Since 2020 he is a member of BoD being also QMS committee sponsor.

He is also vice-chairman of Technical Subcommittee No. 3 on Lubricants of TC 222 on Petroleum Products and Similar Products of Biological and Synthetic Origin of the Polish Committee for Standardisation (PKN).

Rafe Britton

Technical Specialist

Lubrication Expert

Bio

Rafe Britton is a Lubrication Engineer with 14 years of oil industry experience, split evenly between drilling operations and maintenance and downstream lubricants engineering.

During his 12 years at ExxonMobil, he worked across some of the largest, most complex capex projects in the ExxonMobil portfolio. He then transitioned into the finished lubricants business, helping industrial customers across the APAC region improve machine reliability.

In 2020 Rafe started the Lubrication Explained YouTube channel, seeking to help provide freely available, high-quality information about lubricants technology, create a community of learning for the lubricants industry, and connect a wide array of experts with each other.

The channel has since expanded into a podcast, an online training business and led to multiple speaking engagements at industry events.

Rafe now works as an independent consultant across all parts of the lubricants value chain, including working with base oil and additive suppliers, lubricants blenders, marketers & distributors, as well as end-users.

Dr. Rai Singh Notay

Senior Tribology Research Engineer

Lubrizol

Bio

Dr. Rai Notay earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds, specializing in engine tribology. His career began at Millers Oils, where he played a key role in developing low friction lubricants.

Currently, as a Senior Tribology Research Engineer at Lubrizol in the UK, Rai conducts advanced tribology research in industrial lubricants and powertrain technology to enhance efficiency and durability. He is especially passionate about e-Tribology, addressing tribological challenges in electric vehicles, and soft contact tribology. As a Chartered Engineer, Rai maintains high professional standards and serves as the STLE TLT Technical Editor, contributing to the dissemination of cutting-edge tribology and lubrication research. Through active collaborations with UK universities, he strengthens Lubrizol’s commitment to innovation and knowledge exchange, ensuring the company remains at the industry’s forefront.

Dr. Ramin Rahmani

Senior Lecturer

Loughborough University

Bio

Dr Ramin Rahmani is a Senior Lecturer in Tribology and Dynamics in Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. With a background in mechanical engineering and a PhD in tribology, his research focuses on friction, wear, and lubrication in mechanical systems, particularly in automotive and powertrain applications. Dr Rahmani’s main research interests are in increasing energy efficiency and component durability with particular focus on powertrain systems used in transport sector. His research encompasses a multiphysics and multiscale approach towards the engineering problems including gear and bearing lubrication and dynamics, lubricant-surface performance optimisation, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) assessment in conventional and electrified propulsion systems.

Raul Fernandes

Lubrication and Reliability Engineer

Interlub

Bio

Mechanical engineer with a master’s degree in tribology and more than 15 years of expertise in asset reliability and industrial maintenance. Certified by the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) as an MLT II, FPL and MLE, Raul combines deep technical knowledge with practical field experience. He has authored a peer-reviewed paper published by Elsevier, contributing to the advancement of tribological studies. Throughout his career in Interlub Group, Raul has focused on using specialized lubrication to achieve consistent results in reducing environmental impact across many industrial sectors such as steel, mining and food. He is passionate about sharing knowledge in lubrication and tribology and today publishes articles for the Interlub blog and ICML’s The Lube Room magazine.

Dr. Riccardo Pedriali

Supply Chain & Sustainability Manager

A&A Fratelli Parodi

Bio

Dr. Riccardo Pedriali is the Supply Chain & Sustainability Manager of A&A Fratelli Parodi, leading company of the APG group.

Sustainability has been one of the core values of A&A Fratelli Parodi SpA, the company has always been manufactured base for Bio-Lubricant through the valorisation of internal by-products and according to the principles of the circular economy (APG process). 

Dr. Riccardo Pedriali is the Project leader of all the Sustainability projects for decarbonization for APG business according to Carbon Footprint (ISO 14067) LCA (ISO 14040) VER projects (ISO 14064, part 2) and he is member of the European Sustainability Committee of UEIL.

A&A Fratelli Parodi is leading the Life Biolube European Project for Decarbonisation and Circular Economy.

Robert Outram

Vice President Consulting, Chemicals, Materials & Nutrition

Markets & Markets

Bio

Robert joins Markets & Markets to head up the European and Rest of World (ROW) Chemicals and Materials business. A chemistry graduate by background, Robert spent five years working in laboratories producing pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals before transitioning into consulting. He brings over 20 years of consulting experience in the chemicals sector, covering a wide portfolio of products and working with all the leading petrochemical and specialty companies in the industry.

He began his consulting career at Frost & Sullivan, where he pioneered one of the first major market reports on the biofuels and biomaterials market. Starting as a junior analyst, he authored multiple reports on fuels, fuel additives, lubricants, and plastics before rising to lead the research and consulting team. His work in renewable fuels and petrochemicals led to engagements with oil companies, investment banks, governments, and commissions, and resulted in keynote speaking opportunities alongside prominent figures such as Al Gore.

Robert later joined Business Research Group, where he led the IAL Polyurethane and IRL Paints & Coatings brands. During his tenure, he helped transition the business from print to a database-driven model and played a key role in expanding its consulting services. He worked closely with major players in the polyurethane and coatings industries in an advisory capacity.

He returned to Frost & Sullivan in a senior role as Vice President of Consulting Europe for Chemicals & Materials, where he led numerous projects with Shell in the fuels and lubricants space. These projects covered topics such as biofuels market outlook and strategy, biolubricants and biofluids voice-of-customer analysis, GTL competitor sustainability communication benchmarking, and re-refined base oil (RRBO) strategic opportunity analysis. Additionally, Robert has supported major chemical companies with total addressable market (TAM) expansions, new market entry strategies, go-to-market planning, technology scouting—including decarbonisation strategies—as well as M&A scouting and due diligence.

Roger Dohmen

Head of Lube Oil Additives & Chemicals, Specialty Chemicals

BRB International

Bio

Roger brings over 25 years of experience in the transportation lubricant industry, with a distinguished career defined by innovation, leadership, and global business development. Since joining BRB International in 2001, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a lubricant trading firm into one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers and suppliers of lube oil additives.

Roger began his professional journey as a chemist at Unilever, where he worked for eight years before transitioning to BRB. At BRB, he assumed a global leadership role, overseeing international operations and driving strategic growth in the lube oil additives and specialty chemicals sectors.

Under his leadership, BRB evolved into a globally recognized name for high-quality, non-homologated additives, including viscosity modifiers, driveline, and engine oil additives. His oversight extended across the full spectrum of production management for lube oil additives and specialty chemicals, driving consistent quality and innovation. He currently serves as a board member of the Dutch Lubricant Association.

Roland van Liere

Commercial Manager

LBC Tank Terminals

Bio

Roland van Liere is Commercial Manager at LBC Tank Terminals, based in Antwerp, an increasingly strategic hub for base oil logistics in Europe. He holds a master’s degree in international business, which underpins his global perspective and strategic approach to commercial development. With a strong track record in commercial strategy and client engagement, Roland plays a key role in driving growth and innovation across LBC’s terminal operations. He works closely with executive leadership to align commercial initiatives with evolving market demands. Roland is known for his ability to build long-term partnerships, navigate complex storage requests, and deliver value-driven solutions for his customers. At LBC Antwerp, he contributes to positioning the terminal as a central player in the base oil market, supporting sustainable and efficient logistics for global customers. Roland brings to the conference a forward-looking perspective on terminal operations, commercial optimization, and the future of liquid bulk logistics.

Rolf Luther

Senior Expert

FUCHS

Bio

Rolf Luther holds a Diploma in Physics (Dipl.-Phys.) from TU Clausthal in Germany. He has been with FUCHS LUBRICANTS GERMANY GmbH in Mannheim since 1991, serving in various roles over the years. From 2004 to 2023, he was Head of Advanced Development, and since 2023, he has continued his work at FUCHS as a Senior Expert.

Outside of his role at FUCHS, Rolf Luther is actively involved in the wider tribology and lubricants community. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the German Tribological Society (GfT) and is the Convenor of the CEN Working Group on Bio-Lubricants.

Sabrina Craciun

Director, Business Development, Energy

Kline + Company

Bio

Sabrina Craciun is a Senior Business Development Manager  within the Energy Practice of Kline’s Management Consulting group, based in London. She has over 12 years of experience in business development with 28 countries globally ,in such areas as new market entry, marketing and growth strategy and market size & segmentation, product development, business development.

She is focusing on finished lubricants value chain across international markets. Prior to joining Kline, Sabrina worked for 9 years in Bucharest, Romania for P&G, CDI International Transport and Square One Relocation from London across all transportation value chain. 

Over the past 4 years she has been working closely with base oils and finished lubricant producers from Europe and Americas helping them better understand the challenges that the industry has been facing and seeing where the next opportunity lays and how they can adapt in this emerging market.

For 9 years she worked in the transportation industry in Romania covering supply chain (passenger transportation, road freight, sea freight and air freight ) with 28 countries globally. 

Managed the P&L of one of the biggest passenger transportation companies in Romania and was responsible for supervising the operational cost of the fleet in order to maintain high profit margins. Oil collection and supply of oil was included as part of the fleet maintenance for over 300 HDMO’s.

Sarah Hüttner

Category Manager, Food Grade Lubricants

Setral

Bio

Sarah Hüttner completed her training as a chemical laboratory technician, followed by further training to become an industrial master in the chemical industry. Thanks to her many years of experience working as a product developer in the research and development department, she has extensive knowledge of lubricant formulation, particularly in the context of the food industry. She is working for Setral Chemie GmbH in the product management since October 2020. Sarah Hüttner has held an additional position as a category manager in the food industry for several years. Her work focuses on trainings for national and international distributors or new empolyees on tribology and high-performance lubrication, while also keeping up to date with the latest trends in the food industry. She coordinates and participates in the R&D projects of her company.

Sebastian Pohl

CEO

Greif-Velox

Bio

Throughout his career, Sebastian has always had a close connection to the chemical and petrochemical industry. Leveraging this expertise, Sebastian is now CEO and managing partner of the Lübeck-based machine manufacturing company Greif-Velox in Germany. Greif-Velox is a market leader in the field of machines and systems for bulk solids bagging and liquid filling.

Dr. Sergio Gusman

Commercial Director

Q8Oils Italia

Bio

Sergio has been Commercial Director of Q8Oils Italia since January 2022 and is in charge of the Sales, Marketing, Product Management and Customer Service for Italia, Iberia, Greece (Engine Oils & Metalworking) and for Poland, Romania, Bulgaria (Metalworking).

He graduated in Industrial Chemistry at University of Turin (Italy) and began his career in R&D of metalworking fluids. Later on he moved to a Product Manager position and gained significant experience covering Business Development & Commercial Director positions at important chemicals and logistics companies.

Sergio is part of the Board of Directors at Q8Oils Italia and of the Steering Committee of the BIO LIFE Lubricants Project.

Simon Johns

Managing editor of Lube Report

Lubes'n'Greases

Bio

Simon joined Lubes’n’Greases in 2017 as the managing editor of the EMEA magazine. He has since taken on coverage of electric vehicles and sustainability, as well as producing the Lubes’n’Greases podcast and now heads up the weekly news. Before Lubes’n’Greases, he was managing editor of an upstream trade publication in Istanbul for seven years. In the distant past, he was a professional musician.

Dr. Simon Quinn

Applications Development Manager

PCS Instruments

Bio

Primary expertise as a professional engineer (CEng, FIMechE) with an extensive track record of building deep, long lasting, collaborative relationships to solve difficult engineering challenges. Have utilised 30 years of structural integrity and engineering experience to deliver hundreds of innovation projects at the industry/science interface, on complex engineering problems involving materials and structures, including tribology.

Previously linked external partners to the science/research base at the industry/academia interface, facilitating knowledge exchange and generating impact at the Universities of Bristol (Bristol Composites Institute (BCI)), Liverpool (The Innovatory) and Southampton (Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) and Rifi (Engineering consultancy unit). Sustained track record of winning significant levels of funding (multi £M) in a wide range of technical fields, including multi-disciplinary projects.

Currently working at PCS Instruments in an applications development role.

Dr. Stefanie Deuser

Head of Product Stewardship Performance Chemicals

BASF

Bio

After finishing her PhD in the department of tumor immunology at the Imperial College in London, Steffi joined BASF in 2012 as a regulatory toxicologist. Having gained profound expertise particularly in the European chemical legislation REACH, she then moved on to several corporate functions in the area of product safety and advocacy. Steering BASF’s contribution to the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), she was heavily involved in SAICM (the United Nation’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management) to strengthen sound chemicals management globally. In 2018, she supported the foundation of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW), a non-for-Profit organization established by players of the plastic value chain with the aim to end plastic pollution and facilitate a circular plastics economy. In 2020, she took over the Project Management Office in BASF handling the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability to advocate for the continuation of a science- and risk-based assessment of chemicals. As of April 2023, she resumed her current role as Head of Product Stewardship for Performance Chemicals serving BASF’s plastic additives, oilfield, mining, process catalysts and Fuels and Lubes business segments.

Dr. Stephan Baumgärtel

Managing Director

Verband Schmierstoff-Industrie

Bio

Dr. Stephan Baumgärtel is an experienced Managing Director with a distinguished career in the lubricants industry.

Since 2010, Stephan has led the Association of the German Lubricant Industry (VSI), facilitating communication between members, authorities, and policymakers, and organizing seminars and training courses on HSE and technical aspects. With a strong background in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management, regulatory affairs, and technical sustainability, Stephan has a proven track record of leading technical groups and advancing industry standards.

Prior to this role, Stephan served as Group Leader for Industrial Lubricants at VSI from 2005 to 2009, focusing on HSE issues, classification, and risk assessment, and contributing to standardization efforts. From 1996 to 2004, Stephan was a Technical Advisor at Mobil Oil (ExxonMobil), leading metalworking and industrial oil development projects and serving as an OEM contact across Europe.

Stephan holds a PhD and a Diploma in Chemistry from the University of Frankfurt, Germany.

Dr. Steven Brennan

CEO and Co-founder

Foresight

Bio

Dr Steven Brennan is the CEO and Co-founder of Foresight, a SaaS company helping businesses monitor and adapt to chemical policy changes using AI. With over a decade of experience in regulatory compliance, Steven has held leadership roles across consulting, aerospace, and industrial sectors—including as REACH Lead at Rolls-Royce Aerospace and Head of Chemicals at TSG Consulting.

He is currently a co-opted member of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) at the European Chemicals Agency, contributing to the assessment of authorisation dossiers under REACH. Steven’s expertise spans analysis of alternatives, chemical substitution strategies, and strategic foresight for emerging regulation.

At Foresight, he leads the development of automation tools that accelerate policy surveillance and risk response across complex supply chains. His unique blend of technical depth and policy fluency makes him a trusted voice in the evolution of chemical stewardship.

Su Mi Beack

Head of Product Management, Transportation Additive

LANXESS

Bio

Su Mi Beack is the Head of Product Management for the Transportation Additive Segment within the Lubricant Additive Business Unit at LANXESS. With over 12 years of experience in the chemical industry, Su Mi excels in product management and is dedicated to driving growth and innovation. Su Mi holds an MBA at McGill University, Canada and a member of the Women in Grease Committee and the Marketing Committee at NLGI.

Tara Loosmore

R&D Chemist, Engine Oil Global Development

Afton Chemical

Bio

Tara is an R&D Chemist at Afton Chemical based just outside London in Bracknell, UK. She joined Afton in 2022 and is currently part of the Heavy Duty Engine Oil R&D team. Tara completed her MChem in Chemistry at the University of York.

As part of her current role, Tara collaborates with technical and commercial teams to develop products for Heavy Duty Diesel and Hydrogen applications. She is passionate about utilising strong technical understanding to provide effective solutions.

Terry Dicken

Chairman

ELGI

Bio

Terry Dicken is a Chartered chemist and holds a BSc (Hons) degree in applied chemistry and an MSc in Instrumental chemical analysis. He has worked in the lubricants industry for almost 50 years in research and development, technical services & marketing and technology transfer.

Currently, he is Managing Director of Global Lubricants Ltd, a speciality lubricants company he founded in the UK in 1997, but also works as an independent consultant for several companies on REACH compliance, product development and plant construction.

He has published many papers on lubrication and is a regular speaker at international conferences.

Terry has been Chairman of ELGI (European Lubricating Grease Institute) since 1998 and is also Chairman of the Institute of Energy’s cutting fluids test methods panel, STC5, a role he has fulfilled since the early 80s, and he established and was first Chairman of ASTM – M committee for aviation greases.

Thomas Roussay

Product Marketing Expert – Metalworking

CONDAT

Bio

Thomas has been working as a Product Marketing Expert for Condat’s metalworking market and has been involved in the lubricant industry since 2018. With a master’s degree in chemical engineering and an MBA in international business and marketing, he brings a strong technical and commercial background to the role.

His responsibilities include aligning Condat’s product offering with market evolutions, such as regulatory changes, customer-specific requirements, and the environmental challenges of metalworking operations. He has led projects focused on delivering sustainable solutions that reduce customers’ carbon footprints through product innovation and process optimisation. With an analytical mindset and strong listening skills, Thomas is well-equipped to anticipate customer needs and co-develop sustainable, high-performance solutions.

Sebastian Deuster

Research Associate

RWTH Aachen University

Bio

Sebastian Deuster studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Aachen and finished with a master’s degree. Since 2018 he is part of the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems at RWTH University as a research associate. His main research activity is to state out the performance abilities of biobased hydraulic fluids. Since 2023 Head of Sustainable Lubricants Committee (SLC). This is a working group consisting of fluid/additive manufacturers and OEMs to find solutions to further develop sustainable lubricants.

Til Landwehrmann

CEO & Founder

FoxInsights

Bio

Til Landwehrmann is the founder and CEO of Munich-based FoxInsights GmbH, the No.1 European-based provider of AI-powered remote tank monitoring and data-driven supply-chain optimization for the lubricants and energy sectors. Since January 2025 FoxInsights has been part of the Banyan Software family, accelerating the company’s international expansion, especially into North America and Asia. Before launching FoxInsights, Til Landwehrmann directed global digital-transformation and IoT programs, including major projects at EnBW, and initiated the cross-industry EEBus initiative to ensure interoperability among connected energy systems. He studied business administration at the University of Bayreuth and completed executive-management programs at ESCP Business School. A serial entrepreneur for more than twenty years, he scales global B2B SaaS models, forges strategic partnerships across Europe, Asia, and North America, and drives the digital transformation of traditional industries. Under his leadership, FoxInsights delivers actionable real-time insights that cut costs, reduce emissions, and enhance supply security for industrial clients worldwide every single day.

Dr. Tim Naundorf

Product Development – Driveline & EV Transmission Fluids

Castrol

Bio

Dr. Tim Naundorf is Lead Technologist for Driveline and EV-Fluids at Castrol Germany GmbH, overseeing transmission fluid development for electric, hybrid, and combustion vehicles since December 2023. He manages additive screening projects to optimise friction and wear, coordinates testing from lab to field, and works with partners across the supply chain.

Previously, Dr. Naundorf was Business Development Manager at Metall-Chemie Fine Chemicals GmbH in Hamburg, focusing on research and sustainable AW/EP additives. He is a trained and licensed pharmacist with a PhD in Chemistry, specializing in corrosion inhibitors for lubricants. He has experience in various areas and has contributed to innovation within the automotive industry.

Trevor Gauntlett

Principal Consultant

Trevor Gauntlett Consulting

Bio

Trevor has been consulting and commentating on Lubricants matters since 2016. He consults mainly with chemicals companies, existing component suppliers (additives and base oils) and startups, offering market analysis and identifying opportunities for market entries and expansion in lubricants. 

He began writing for Lubes’n’Greases EMEA in 2017 and has written regularly for several industry magazines since. He began podcasting on lubricants business matters in 2020. He is a regular conference speaker and on the advisory board for two conference series.

Trevor spent 18 years with Shell at the Lubricants/supplier interface, responsible for Lubricants component & formulation quality and regulatory HSE (e.g. REACH, the Biocides Directive, TSCA and OEM compliance). He also managed Shell’s Lubricants Quality System, taking it into the world of “big data,” covering thousands of products, formulations, components, QC tests, technical and HSE data. He provided the formulation and quality data packs for two divestments (Shell Metalworking Europe to Quaker Houghton in 2011 and the Cassida brands to Fuchs in 2012).

Over 12 years spanning academic research, working for the British chemicals company ICI & his early years at Shell he utilised big science (synchrotron radiation) to elucidate chemical structures, mainly of petrochemical and electro-catalysts under operating conditions. 

His PhD and post-doctoral studies of petrochemical catalysts were highly relevant to the development of Lubricants base fluids (GTL and metallocene PAO) in the 21^st century. 

Valentina Serra-Holm

Vice President

Perstorp

Bio

Valentina is a driven and strategic professional, with over twenty years’ experience in the oil and lubricant industry, boasting several senior technical and commercial roles.

She is passionate about building bridges between the technical and the commercial sides of businesses, and creating solution-based business approaches.

Valentina is the Vice President for Engineered Fluids at Perstorp, a world leader in sustainable building blocks for polyol esters. In her role Valentina holds the global responsibility for the lubricant industry segment.

Valentina also serves as President of UEIL (the Union of the European Lubricants Industry), an association which represents the interests of the lubricants industry in Europe, with a special focus on SMEs and independent companies that produce lubricants and metal processing fluids essential for the automotive and industrial sectors.

She is the author of numerous technical publications, patents, and international presentations in the field of specialty oils and lubricants.

Dr. Vladimir Totolin

Project Manager – Chemistry, Surfaces & Energy

Freudenberg Group

Bio

Dr. Vladimir Totolin is currently working as a R&D Project Manager at Freudenberg Group (Weinheim, Germany). He leads highly interdisciplinary projects addressing a wide range of issues regarding surface/interface mechanisms of specialty lubricants with various materials and coatings relevant for industrial applications. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States) in 2010. His research focuses on advanced lubrication for energy efficiency, coatings, surface & interface phenomena relevant for tribology. He has published 2 books and over 20 peer-reviewed journal papers, and several conference proceedings. He is also serving as an Independent Expert for the European Commission, assisting in research and innovation assignments including evaluation of proposals falling within the Horizon 2020 & Horizon Europe Programs. He has held multiple R&D positions in the United States, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, and Germany. 

Wayne Mackwood

Global Head of Detergent and Grease Technology

LANXESS

Bio

Mr. Wayne Mackwood is the Global Head of Detergent and Grease Technology with  LANXESS’  Lubricant Additives Business, managing the Application Technology center and team in Toronto, Canada.  He is currently President of the NLGI (2024-2026) and has served on the NLGI Board since 2012. He has degrees in Materials Engineering Science with a post-grad study in Tribology. Wayne is a globally recognized expert in the grease and lubricant industry, particularly on Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease. For over 30 years he has been directly involved in the research and development of grease for use in a range of applications, creating more than 200 formulations and since 2013 he has also been responsible for LANXESS’ detergent technology. He has been active in the local Toronto STLE for 30 years and served as a director on the STLE national board from 2008 to 2011.

Wojciech Majka

CEO

Ecol

Bio

Wojciech Majka is the President of the Board and Managing Director at Ecol Sp. z o.o., based in Rybnik. He is a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, where he specialised in Diagnostics and Exploitation of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery at the Institute of Power Engineering and Turbomachinery. He also holds an Executive MBA from the Warsaw-Illinois program, jointly run by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Warsaw.

Wojciech is a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) and is a Certified Tribology and Lubrication Specialist. In addition, he holds the title of Machinery Lubrication Engineer, certified by the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML), where he also serves as a member of the Board of Directors. As a consultant and trainer, he specialises in oil diagnostics, lubrication management, and maintenance, and is the author of numerous publications and technical papers.

Ecol, the company he leads, specialises in lubrication engineering and the cleaning of industrial installations using hydrodynamic and chemical technologies. It offers a full range of lubrication services, supported by advanced oil diagnostics. Ecol has an international presence through its two foreign divisions: Ecol Industrial s.r.o. in the Czech Republic and Ecol North America, LLC in the United States.

Yana Wilkinson

Global Lead and VP, Energy Practice

Kline + Company

Bio

Based in London, and with 20 years of experience in management consulting and market intelligence, Yana Wilkinson is the global lead and VP of Kline’s Energy practice. Her focus is on the entire lubricants value chain and end-use applications. This includes energy specialties, alongside a broad range of automotive and industrial end-use applications. Her aim is to help clients see further and act smarter.