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Plenary Speakers 2024
Dr. Sabine Klauke
CTO, Airbus
Sabine Klauke has been Chief Technology Officer for Airbus and Executive Vice President Engineering of the Commercial Aircraft business since 1 January 2024 and is a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. She was previously Chief Technical Officer at Airbus since 1 July 2021 and a member of the Company’s Executive Committee ever since. In this role, Dr. Klauke drives the Company’s ambition behind delivering bold and breakthrough technologies to build the future of aerospace. She leads a team of more than 13,000 employees across the globe who design, develop, certify and ensure continuing airworthiness of all Commercial Aircraft products and services.
In addition to her Airbus CTO mission, Dr. Klauke serves as: Co-Chair of the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, VP Aviation for the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), Chairwoman of the supervisory board of Airbus GmbH, and she is member of the Supervisory Board of Airbus Operations GmbH.
Previously, Dr. Klauke was Head of Engineering within Airbus Defence and Space and a member of the Division’s Executive Committee. In this capacity, she was responsible for all engineering activities within the Defence and Space division and in charge of its product and services portfolio. Prior to this position, she served as Head of Programmes Customer Services: a responsibility she held for the A330/A340 programmes since 2015.
Dr. Klauke joined Airbus in 2002, where she has held positions of increasing responsibility within manufacturing engineering, production, product development programs, development processes and change and innovation projects within the Airbus Commercial Aircraft division. Dr. Klauke holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden). From 1998 to 2002 Dr. Klauke worked at DELMIA, a brand of Dassault Systèmes, where she carried out the deployment of digital manufacturing software as well as consulting projects with customers in the automotive and the aerospace industries worldwide.
Dr. Holger Klein
Dr. Holger Klein holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management and is a trained engineer. With many years of experience from McKinsey & Company’s automotive practice and global engagement in Europe and North America, he joined the ZF Group in 2014.
After heading the integration management upon the acquisition of TRW Automotive, Dr. Klein took over the role as leader of the Car Chassis Technology division in 2017. He has been a Member of the Board of Management of the ZF Group since 2018 and led the Asia-Pacific and India regions from Shanghai, China, until the end of 2022. He also managed the business of the Car Chassis Technology and Aftermarket divisions and was responsible for group-wide production. Since January 2023 he is the Chief Executive Officer of the ZF Group and responsible for Sales, Research and Development, System House Autonomous Mobility Systems as well as the Aftermarket division.
Driven by passion for innovation, Holger Klein is dedicated to making mobility safe and sustainable. As the CEO of ZF, he knows the importance of innovation and a strong ecosystem are key to developing cutting-edge technologies that promote sustainability. From bikes to passenger cars, from small to large trucks and buses, construction machinery and even wind turbines – ZF’s expertise extends across various mobility segments.
Shunichi Inamijima
Corporate Vice President, Nissan
Mr. Shunichi Inamijima is the Corporate Vice President at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., where he currently leads the Powertrain & EV Engineering Division.
He joined Nissan in 1987 after graduated Mechanical Engineering from Keio University and dedicating approximately 23 years to advancing powertrain components and systems, including a significant period in North America. In 2010, he was appointed as General Manager of the Powertrain Engineering Division, and then he had taken on the role of Division General Manager and Alliance Global Director of the Powertrain & EV Engineering Division in 2020, where he played a crucial role in strategic initiatives with Renault. In 2022, he became Vice President and Alliance Global Vice President of the same division.
Recently, in 2024, he was further elevated to Corporate Vice President, maintaining his oversight of the Powertrain & EV Engineering Division. Since November 2022, he has also served as an outside director at VEJ Japan Co., Ltd., adding to his responsibilities within the automotive industry.
Ruiping Wang
Ruiping Wang’s extensive career includes positions such as CEO of Aurobay since 2023, Senior Vice President at Zhejiang GEELY Auto Group since 2011, General Manager of BU Powertrain at Great Wall Motor from 2005 to 2011 and Senior Technical Manager at Zhengzhou Nissan Motor from 1984 to 2001. She holds a Master’s degree in Vehicle Engineering from Concordia University, Canada, and a Bachelor’s degree in Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.
Ms. Wang is also Chairwoman of the Advanced Propulsion System (APS) at China SAE and President of the Specialist Committee on Powertrain of Passenger Car (SCP) at CSICE.
Her major achievements include leading the development of more than 20 powertrain products with cumulative sales of over 13 million units.
Ms. Wang has been honored with several awards, including the first prize of “China Automotive Science and Technology Progress Awards” for the development of “1.5TD+ 7DCT/H” high efficiency powertrain platform, the first prize of “China SAE Science and Technology Awards” for the development of “Leishen” intelligent hybrid platform, and the “Global New Energy Vehicles Innovative Technology” award for the development of “High Performance Drive Hybrid Platform Technology”.
Ms. Wang’s extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the automotive industry make her a key figure in advancing automotive technologies and innovations.
Participants of the closing plenary discussion
"The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Applications"
Stephan Durach
After graduating in electrical engineering at the Technical University of Karlsruhe, Stephan Durach joined BMW Group in Munich in 1998.
He started his career in software processes and methods and ran through various stations in the electronics division. In 2008 he became Head of Technology Office Palo Alto/Mountain View in USA. Back at BMW headquarters in 2011 he took over the department for Entertainment, Mobile Devices and App Centers before leading the Electronics department in the BMW product line for the luxury class. He joined the purchasing and supplier network division in 2015 leading the purchasing for Information and Communications electronics and ConnectedDrive. Also, in 2015 he extended his responsibility to the complete electric/electronic portfolio with the BMW Group. From April 2017 to September 2020 Stephan Durach was Senior Vice President Purchasing and Supplier Network Digital at BMW Group. As of 2020, he has taken the role as Senior Vice President in the Connected Company Development, creating the vision for BMW’s future digital experiences.
Stephan Durach's extensive experience in the field of digital products at BMW positions him as a key figure in the development of Software Defined Vehicles. Here, software plays a crucial role in vehicle functionality and user experience. Mr. Durach's leadership in BMW's digitalization, highlights his essential role in integrating artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies into the automotive industry, driving innovation and connectivity.
Prof. Dr. Ralf G. Herrtwich
Ralf G. Herrtwich runs automotive software development for NVIDIA in Europe. He currently focuses on artificial intelligence for autonomous vehicles and new automotive computing architectures. During his career, Prof. Herrtwich also managed the Automotive and Services Business Units of HERE Technologies and developed self-driving vehicles for Mercedes-Benz. In 2013, his team made an S-Class reenact the world’s first overland drive, covering the historic 65-miles Bertha Benz Memorial Route while operating autonomously in regular traffic conditions.
Educated as a computer scientist, Prof. Herrtwich started his career in academia at TU Berlin and UC Berkeley. He then held management positions with IBM and several telecommunication start-ups before joining Daimler in 1998 to manage its Advanced Engineering Centers on Telematics & Infotainment and, later, Driver Assistance & Chassis Systems. Since 2009, he has also served as honorary professor for vehicle information technology at the Technical University of Berlin. In recognition of his contributions to computing innovations in the car industry, he received the Fellow of the German Computer Science Society distinction in 2019.
NVIDIA is a leader in accelerated computing, providing breakthrough AI and computer graphics solutions for the automotive industry. Their Omniverse platform accelerates vehicle development, production optimization, and safety improvements. The NVIDIA DRIVE AV platform uses generative AI for vehicle automation and enhancing in-car experiences. By building software factories that continuously improve through machine learning, NVIDIA aims to enrich the user experience in connected vehicles over time.
Nikolai Ardey
Executive Director, VW Group Innovation
After finishing his Diploma in mechanical engineering and his PHD in thermodynamics at Technical University of Munich, Nikolai Ardey joined BMW powertrain development in 1998, where he gained several leading positions in combustion engine development, software development, powertrain integration and innovation and EV-powertrain. Furthermore, he expanded his scope to vehicle project management and whole vehicle development.
In 2017, Nikolai Ardey changed to AUDI as head of powertrain engineering.
Since 2020 he leads Volkswagen Group Innovation, an international research team supporting all passenger car brands of the group in regard to sustainability, mobility and digital platform innovations. As head of the IAV supervisory board, Nikolai Ardey contributes to the development of the engineering supplier business since 2020.
Plenary Speakers 2023
Arnd Franz
After studying business administration, Arnd Franz started his career in 1992 with Deutsche Industrie‐Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Frankfurt am Main, initially in Group Controlling and then as Commercial Director of several subsidiaries. He was then Commercial Director with TEV GmbH, Erlensee and Director Finance with Magna Seating Systems Europe GmbH, Lohr am Main. Franz, who was born in Stuttgart, joined MAHLE Tennex North America Inc., Murfreesboro (USA) as Managing Director in 2001. In subsequent years, he held various positions at the Stuttgart headquarters of the MAHLE Group: he was Director Controlling of MAHLE Filtersysteme GmbH from 2004, Member of the MAHLE Management Committee responsible for Aftermarket from 2006 and Member of the MAHLE Management Board responsible for Sales and Application Engineering and Aftermarket from 2013 to 2019 before becoming CEO of LKQ Europe.
Arnd Franz is committed to clean, safe, affordable mobility. He supports fair competition between the best technologies for a carbon-neutral future mobility. In his current role as MAHLE CEO he has launched a new strategy for the technology group. MAHLE 2030+ comprises three strategy fields: electrification, thermal management and efficient internal combustion engines that can run on hydrogen and other non-fossil fuels, such as e-fuels. Applying all available technologies is the fastest way to climate neutrality.
Gürcan Karakas
M. Gürcan Karakaş was born in Antalya in 1965 and grew up in Germany. In 1988 he graduated from Middle East Technical University (METU) with a degree in mechanical engineering. In the same year he joined Aselsan in Ankara. In 1990 he started his career at Bosch. In 2002 he joined the executive board and in 2004 he was promoted to CEO of Bosch Türkiye. In 2007 he took over the management of global sales and the Bosch Car Service network at the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division in Karlsruhe. In 2011, he took over the management of marketing and sales and automotive strategies at Bosch headquarters. In 2013 he returned to active operational business and became a member of the Board of Directors of the Electrical Drives division with global responsibilities with a focus on the NAFTA and Asia markets. After a long and successful career at Bosch, on September 1, 2018, he took over responsibility as CEO of the Turkish mobility technology and ecosystem provider Togg.
Atsushi Ogawa
As COO of the Advanced Research Center of Excellence and Managing Officer at Honda R&D, Atsushi Ogawa leads the organization dedicated to a variety of projects aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, zero fatal traffic accidents, and the creation of a new mobility world. After being engaged in aerodynamics development for Honda Jet, F1, Indy, and passenger cars, as well as automobile platform development, and holding positions in thermal management, acceleration performance, and vehicle dynamics, Atsushi Ogawa was appointed to his current COO position in 2020.
Honda R&D Co., Ltd. plays a vital role in technical development of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (commonly called Honda), a Japanese automobile manufacture.
In the area of environmental sustainability, we are striving to achieve a sustainable society through the development of solid-state batteries, fuel cells, and initiatives to promote resource circulation, among other efforts. We are also working on intelligent driving technology, autonomous drive, and a secure and safe communication network for vehicles to achieve zero traffic collision fatalities. Moreover, we are challenging new areas of mobility, such as eVTOL, robotics, and micro-mobility, based on the concept of expanding people's potential in life and experiencing the joy that comes with technological innovation.
Honda will continue taking on challenges to share joys and excitement with customers and communities around the world to strive to become a company society wants to exist.
Honda is aiming for “carbon neutrality” and “zero traffic collisions” and is also working on “challenges in new areas.” Honda’s own core technologies such as combustion, electrification, control, and robotics are indispensable to achieving these. Leveraging these strengths, we will serve people worldwide with “the joy of expanding their life’s potential” in new mobility areas such as reusable small rocket, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), and avatar robots.
Dr. Frederik Zohm
MAN Truck & Bus SE
MAN Truck & Bus is one of Europe's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and transport solution providers, with an annual revenue of more than 11 billion € (2022). The company's product portfolio includes trucks, buses/coaches, vans and diesel and gas engines along with services related to passenger and cargo transport. MAN Truck & Bus is a company of TRATON SE and employs approximately 33,000 people worldwide.
Participants of the closing plenary discussion on the topic
"Sustainable Transport under ESG Perspective"
Matthias Jurytko
Dr. Matthias Jurytko is CEO of the cellcentric GmbH & Co. KG. Prior to his current position, Dr. Jurytko was Head of the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant. He has a background in business engineering and studied at the Karlsruher Institute for Technology (KIT). He obtained his PhD at the University of Hohenheim.
Dr. Jurytko joined the former Mercedes-Benz AG in 1990. After various stations in Stuttgart, Kassel, South Africa and Rastatt, he took over the controlling and accounting department at Mercedes-Benz Engines in Mannheim from 2001, before taking over responsibility for controlling of the Powertrain Division Daimler Trucks in 2006. In 2009, Dr. Jurytko moved to Gaggenau and became Head of Product Areas incl. torque converters, cutting and shaping technology, equipment and tool construction as well as international logistics. In 2011, he was given responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz Gaggenau plant.
Dr. Peter Laier
generation of mobility. ZF allows vehicles to see, think and act. In the four technology domains of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety,
Automated Driving, and Electric Mobility, ZF offers comprehensive product and software solutions for established vehicle manufacturers and newly emerging transport and mobility service providers. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate and enhancing safe mobility. With some 165,000 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €43.8 billion in fiscal 2022. The company operates 168 production locations in 32 countries. For further information please visit: www.zf.com
Dr. Gerrit Marx
Gerrit Marx has more than 20 years of experience in roles of increasing importance in different locations around the world and in a variety of industrial segments, with a specific in-depth focus on automotive industries. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (“Diplom Ingenieur”) and an MBA (“Diplom Kaufmann”) from RWTH Aachen University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Cologne University.From 1999 to 2007, Mr Marx worked at the global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, focusing on operational improvement programmes in the automotive and aerospace industries in Europe, Brazil, and Japan.He joined Daimler AG in 2007 to head the global controlling function for vehicle and powertrain component projects, as well as market-entry / mergers and acquisitions for three truck brands in North America, Europe, and Asia. This led him to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Daimler Trucks China in 2009 and subsequently, President of Skoda China with Volkswagen AG, overseeing imports and joint venture business relations in both roles.In 2012 Mr Marx joined the European leadership team of Bain Capital as a member of their portfolio group, driving and leading transformational change programs. This role also encompassed due diligence and merger and acquisition activities, with specific focus on automotive and industrial assets, and also included interim roles such as Chief Executive Officer of Wittur Group, a global Tier-1 supplier to the elevator industry.Gerrit Marx joined CNH Industrial in January 2019 as President of Commercial and Specialty Vehicles.Since the spin-off of Iveco Group from CNH Industrial on 1st January 2022, Mr Marx has served as Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Company After studying business administration, Arnd Franz started his career in 1992 with Deutsche Industrie‐Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Frankfurt am Main, initially in Group Controlling and then as Commercial Director of several subsidiaries. He was then Commercial Director with TEV GmbH, Erlensee and Director Finance with Magna Seating Systems Europe GmbH, Lohr am Main. Franz, who was born in Stuttgart, joined MAHLE Tennex North America Inc., Murfreesboro (USA) as Managing Director in 2001. In subsequent years, he held various positions at the Stuttgart headquarters of the MAHLE Group: he was Director Controlling of MAHLE Filtersysteme GmbH from 2004, Member of the MAHLE Management Committee responsible for Aftermarket from 2006 and Member of the MAHLE Management Board responsible for Sales and Application Engineering and Aftermarket from 2013 to 2019 before becoming CEO of LKQ Europe.
Arnd Franz is committed to clean, safe, affordable mobility. He supports fair competition between the best technologies for a carbon-neutral future mobility. In his current role as MAHLE CEO he has launched a new strategy for the technology group. MAHLE 2030+ comprises three strategy fields: electrification, thermal management and efficient internal combustion engines that can run on hydrogen and other non-fossil fuels, such as e-fuels. Applying all available technologies is the fastest way to climate neutrality.
Plenary Speakers 2022
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Opening Plenary Session 2022
Hans Schep General Manager, Ford Pro, Europe
Kai-Uwe Wollenhaupt, President SVOLT Europe and Vice President SVOLT Energy Technology
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Closing Plenary Session 2022
Axel Gern, Senior Vice President of Engineering und Managing Director of Torc Europe GmbH
Gerrit Marx, Chief Executive Officer of IVECO Group
Plenary Speakers 2021
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Opening Plenary Session 2021
Markus Duesmann, Chairman of the Board of Management and Board of Management Member for Product Lines at AUDI AG
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Hartung, Member of the Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH
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Closing Plenary Session 2021
Prof. Dr. Ralf G. Herrtwich, Senior Director Automotive Software NVIDIA, Berlin
Dr. Byung-Ki Ahn, Senior Vice President der Electric Powertrain BU, Hyundai MOBIS, Korea