Optimization/Architecture Strategy at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, MI. He is responsible for innovations in the vehicle architecture development process, tools, and strategies. Simon is acknowledged as an expert in advanced optimization techniques such as parametric modeling, morphing, topology optimization, and multi-disciplinary optimization. Through his team’s effort and influence, GM’s virtual vehicle development has been continuously improved by the implementation of new tools and processes with benefits in vehicle performance, mass, cost, and fuel economy. Simon has played a major role in GM’s advanced technology programs, which developed new electric and hybrid vehicle concepts. Other key contributions include techniques to determine the optimal use of alternative lightweight materials and optimization methods to support new additive manufacturing processes for future vehicle programs. Simon chairs the GM Global Optimization Focus Group and approves the publications of GM corporate guidelines on optimization processes. In 2013 and 2016, Simon received the Boss Kettering Award, GM’s highest honor for technical achievement in innovation. Simon has one patent, one patent-pending, and numerous internal GM Records of Invention. He is also a member of the Global Automotive Management Council.

Jose Luis Galaviz holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering in Mexico, 1994 and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico in 1998. He began his career in product development & design of pressure vessels. He has worked previously as a CAE Product Development Engineer with a vast experience of more than 15 years in truck frame durability fatigue and safety impact simulation for Ram and Jeep Truck programs as well as prior experience on CFRP manufacturing and design. He currently takes the role of Structural Technical Lead in the RAM/Jeep Truck Frames for testing and advanced developments spearheading the Lightweighting initiatives for structural truck frames. He has participated in several Conferences and Seminars in Lightweighting and he is technically interested in vehicle structure Durability, NVH, and Safety simulation and testing utilizing CAE, DFSS, and other technical tools primarily for the development and application of new materials and processes for the lightweighting of the Truck Frame structures.

Mechatronic Engineering Degree, Master's Degree in Automotive Engineering and Innovation, MBA in Finance, and PhD in Advanced High Strain Steels in progress.

18 years of experience in the Auto Industry (Stellantis and Ford) where the majority of the time is dedicated to Product Development and Body Engineering.      

Since 2018 member of the SAE board in Brazil and chairperson of SAE Brasil Carbody.

Neeshel Dullabh is a competent and vivacious professional with more than ten years of experience in design engineering, product development, process planning, and manufacturing in the automotive business. He possesses strong analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as extensive knowledge of structural components, including chassis, suspension, and Body-In-White, as evidenced by significant engineering projects.

Svetlana Yelchaninova is Director Commercial Sustainability at Alcoa. She keeps track of sustainability-related market trends and customer requirements through the entire Aluminium value chain, develops product development strategy for Alcoa’s Sustana™ line of low-carbon products, runs the program to raise awareness of Alcoa-developed break-through technologies, including Elysis™ and Astraea™, and contributes to Alcoa climate change strategy and policies.
Svetlana also represents Alcoa in various climate-related task forces at regional and global Aluminium associations.
Svetlana joined Alcoa in 2017, as a global marketing manager for aluminium value-added products, coming from ferrous industry. She holds an MBA from ESADE Business School (Spain) and Master in IT degree from Dnipro State University (Ukraine).

Amit Ranjan is an industry expert with over 15 years of experience in automotive propulsion systems focusing on emission reduction technologies spanning from Selective Catalytic Reductions for Diesel engines to electric propulsion in battery electric vehicles.

In previous roles, Amit led the systems engineering of Ultra-high efficiency Single Module exhaust after-treatment systems for the global engine leader Cummins Inc. His contribution to the technology has enabled diesel vehicle makers Daimler, Paccar, DAF trucks & Stellantis to meet EPA emissions targets. Amit played a notable role in the propulsion system development of STLA Large BEV architecture of Stellantis enabling premium European brands Alfa Romeo & Maserati & iconic American brands Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep to achieve industry-leading range, efficiency, and charging speeds.

In his current role, Amit is leading the engineering development of battery manufacturing technologies for the distinguished EV startup Canoo. Amit comes with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Outside of Canoo, he is contributing to the legislation & policy development by United States congressmen as a constituent voice & a technology expert in the battery safety area.