The following list presents a group of remarkable individuals standing at the forefront of automotive and e-mobility innovation. These visionaries, driven by a shared commitment to transform the way we move, are shaping the future of mobility and the automotive industry. Join us in celebrating these thought leaders who are steering the automotive industry debate but also accelerating the transition to a world where mobility is synonymous with environmental responsibility and innovation. Return to the main list here.
Ludovic Basset – Head of EU Affairs, General Motors
With a solid 15-year tenure in Brussels’ political and automotive sectors, has transitioned from advocating for the motorcycle industry with ACEM to guiding GM EU Affiars through a significant phase of growth and transition. His work at ACEM involved shaping sustainability strategies and engaging in public affairs to support the motorcycle sector at the EU level. In his new role at GM, Ludovic utilizes his background in law, international relations, and European affairs to address the policy and regulatory challenges facing the automotive sector’s shift to electric vehicles. He has been recognised as Top Public Affairs Voice on LinkedIn and is a key figure to follow in the automotive and electromobility discussion.
Álvaro de la Cruz – Head of Communication at FIGIEFA
Álvaro brings extensive experience from his previous roles in political and institutional communication. His journey includes impactful positions at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies and leading marketing for EIT Digital’s ‘Digital Cities’ Action line. Álvaro is the host of “Auto-Motives,” FIGIEFA’s podcast series. This initiative aims to shed light on critical issues within the European and international automotive industry, with a special focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the independent parts and maintenance sector.
Diogo Pinto – Policy Director at Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I
Diogo Pinto serves as the Policy Director at the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I, bringing his vast experience from previous roles within the European Parliament and other notable organizations. At FIA Region I, he focuses on policy areas critical to automotive mobility and innovation, leveraging his expertise to influence European automotive policies effectively. Pinto’s background in International Relations and Politics of the European Union, combined with his extensive experience in public affairs and advocacy, positions him as a key player in shaping the future of automotive mobility in Europe.
Sigrid de Vries – Director General at ACEA
With a comprehensive background in several key EU industrial sectors, including automotive manufacturers and suppliers as well as construction equipment, Sigrid de Vries brings a wealth of experience in steering industries through periods of rapid change. Before her tenure at ACEA, she served as Secretary General of the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and led the Association of the European Construction Equipment Industry (CECE), in addition to managing external relations and communications at CNH Industrial. Her prior experience also includes a stint as ACEA’s Director of Communications and Public Relations from 2006 to 2012. A journalism graduate from the Netherlands, de Vries has an extensive journalistic background, having reported for a leading financial newspaper in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Berlin.
Felipe Rodríguez – Heavy Duty Vehicle Program Director at The International Council on Clean Transportation
Felipe Rodríguez currently serves as the Director for the Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program and Deputy Managing Director for ICCT Europe, focusing on mitigating the environmental impacts of transport through the advancement of both conventional and electric vehicle technologies. His prior experience spans industry and academia, where he researched pollutant formation in combustion engines and the effectiveness of emission control systems. Rodríguez’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, a Master’s in Automotive Engineering from RWTH Aachen, and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Universidad de los Andes. His extensive research and leadership in developing cleaner transportation technologies make him a key figure to follow for those interested in the latest advancements in heavy-duty vehicle emissions reduction and sustainable mobility solutions.
Philippe Vangeel – Secretary General at AVERE
Philippe Vangeel brings a dynamic and practical approach to the e-mobility sector, leveraging his vast experience to foster growth and visibility across the entire value chain. His leadership has significantly increased AVERE’s membership and established it as a leading expert in e-mobility in Europe. His dedication to connecting and promoting dialogue among stakeholders in the e-mobility sector underscores his commitment to not only advancing technological innovation but also ensuring sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions for the future. Fluent in multiple languages and passionate about new technologies and the potential of electrical vehicles, Vangeel is a key figure to follow for insights into the evolving landscape of e-mobility and its impact on future transportation.
Nicolas Erb – EU Affairs Director at ALSTOM
Nicolas has a rich background in political science and a career marked by significant contributions to research projects. His previous roles include contributing to the Railway European Technology Platform ERRAC as part of UNIFE – the European Rail Industry. His work, which spans across regulatory issues, transport policy, trade policy, and funding & financing, makes him a pivotal contact for those looking to stay informed on the latest developments and trends in the field. He is also Chair of the Vehicles & Equipment Industries Committee at UITP the International Association of Public Transport.
Fabrice Stassin – Secretary General at BEPA
His background includes over 16 years at Umicore, where he focused on electromobility projects and government affairs, contributing to the development of clean energy technologies. As an advisor on industrial technologies for the European Commission, Fabrice has been involved in the strategic direction of research and innovation in Europe, particularly in energy materials. His current position at BEPA places him at the forefront of the European battery industry’s evolution, where his experience and leadership are expected to influence the transition towards clean energy and mobility. Following and connecting with him offers insights into the ongoing developments in the battery and clean energy sectors.
Julia Hildermeier – Senior Associate EU Programme at The Regulatory Assistance Project
Julia Hildermeier brings a strong background in electric transportation, policy analysis, and strategic development. Her role involves overseeing electric transportation projects from inception to publication and outreach, enhancing the team’s strategy, and expanding network partnerships. Previously, she contributed her expertise to Transport & Environment, advocating for sustainable e-mobility policies in Europe. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Hildermeier’s academic pursuits have deeply informed her professional contributions, particularly in exploring the integration of electrified transport within decarbonized power markets. Following and connecting with her provides valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of electric mobility in Europe.
Jayson Dong – Senior Manager, Public Policy – EU at ChargePoint
A seasoned professional in public policy and regulatory advisory. His journey has included roles at APCO Worldwide as a Senior Consultant, at Iberdrola as an EU Regulatory Advisor, and at AVERE, where Jayson advanced the interests of electromobility as both a Policy Manager and Officer. Further enriching his expertise, Jayson has engaged with the LSE Alumni Association Belgium as an Events Officer, and has also served as a Policy Advisor at the Smart Energy Demand Coalition. Following and connecting with Jayson offers insights into the evolving landscape of EU public policy, particularly in the realm of sustainable transport and electromobility.
Stefan Deix – Director of EUCAR
Stefan Deix brings a comprehensive background in research and development within the automotive sector to his role as Director of EUCAR, the European Council of Automotive R&D. His journey began with a physics degree from the University of Vienna, leading to significant positions at CLEPA, where he was pivotal in shaping EU collaborative research efforts, and at AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, focusing on transport infrastructure and safety. At EUCAR, Stefan Deix champions precompetitive collaborative research across Europe, driving innovation for clean, safe, and efficient mobility. His expertise and leadership in R&D are instrumental in advancing automotive innovation, leveraging his experience to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of automotive technology and policy.
