Energy & Basic Resources

Valued experts focusing on the exploration, production, and management of energy sources and raw materials

Rahul Gopalakrishnan

Rahul Gopalakrishnan

Rahul Gopalakrishnan is the CEO of Avesta Holding in Ninove, Belgium. He leads the company in technology assessment, investor relations, and strategic expansion initiatives. Previously serving as CTO and VP, Rahul has extensive experience in lithium-ion and solid-state battery technologies and has managed several high-profile EU projects in advanced energy storage. With a PhD in Engineering Science from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, he is a recognized expert in electrochemical characterization and has contributed widely to the field through research, publications, and invited talks​

Rahul Gopalakrishnan is the CEO of Avesta Holding in Ninove, Belgium. He leads the company in technology assessment, investor relations, and strategic expansion initiatives. Previously serving as CTO and VP, Rahul has extensive experience in lithium-... Show more

Balaji Nagaraj Kumar

Balaji Nagaraj Kumar

With over a decade of experience in product management and developer platforms, I specialize in scaling open data ecosystems and enabling developer-first experiences. As a Senior Product Manager at Volvo Cars, I lead the Developer Portal and API strategy, ensuring seamless access to data while navigating compliance challenges like the EU Data Act. Passionate about API ecosystems, DX, and Open Data, and contribute to enterprise API strategies.

With over a decade of experience in product management and developer platforms, I specialize in scaling open data ecosystems and enabling developer-first experiences. As a Senior Product Manager at Volvo Cars, I lead the Developer Portal and API stra... Show more

Stefano Besseghini

Stefano Besseghini

Stefano Besseghini past President of ARERA, Italy’s independent regulatory authority for energy, networks, and environment. A physicist by training, he combines academic rigor with institutional leadership, driving innovation and efficiency in essential public services. With a career spanning research, industry, and public governance recognized as one of Europe’s most authoritative voices on regulation, sustainability, and the future of energy systems.

He is known for making complex energy and sustainability issues clear and engaging, regularly addresses international conferences, institutional events, and corporate forums, bringing authority, clarity, and vision to discussions on the future of energy, innovation, and regulation.

Stefano Besseghini past President of ARERA, Italy’s independent regulatory authority for energy, networks, and environment. A physicist by training, he combines academic rigor with institutional leadership, driving innovation and efficiency in essent... Show more

Tommy Ogden

Tommy Ogden

Tommy Ogden is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas, focused on the future of energy. With expertise in strategy, execution, and change, Activera's collaborative teams approach complex challenges with a mindset of inquiry. They tailor and custom-build solutions with a dedicated focus on measurable impact for clients.

Possessing a diverse skill set across many industries and educational pursuits, Tommy has developed business acumen through 20 years of experience working in myriad capacities, including – investment advisor, financial analyst, business analyst, management/strategy consultant, and project/program manager. He has earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). He is known for his ability to produce unique ideas for solving problems, offer an innovative perspective, and lead a team to accomplish results within assigned deadlines, having consistently provided actionable deliverables in the agility, analytics, and strategy arenas.

Tommy also holds two Master degrees in business administration – an MBA and a Master of Global Management in International Business & Consulting – and has most recently worked for two Fortune 20 companies in both the technology and energy industries. He was driven to continue his business education by a desire to (co-)found and lead his own business as an entrepreneur.

Tommy Ogden is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting, a boutique management consulting firm based in Houston, Texas, focused on the future of energy. With expertise in strategy, execution, and change, Activera's collabora... Show more

Robbie Staples

Robbie Staples

Robbie Staples has over 20 years of experience writing SQL queries and 8 years working with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) in Data Management & Analytics as well as a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in SQL 2016 Database Development. He has worked in the power, banking, transportation, healthcare, and semiconductor industries with most of his experience being in the power industry. He has his Electrical Engineering degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and Texas. He is currently employed by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative as a Senior Full Stack Software Engineer focused on automating manual processes and bringing data to the forefront of the company.

Robbie Staples has over 20 years of experience writing SQL queries and 8 years working with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) in Data Management & Anal... Show more

Maleek T. Adebayo

Maleek T. Adebayo

Maleek Taiwo ADEBAYO is a Mining Officer with Forte Upstream Services Limited, where he contributes to the planning and execution of solid mineral exploration programs across Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Applied Geology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geology (Solid Minerals Exploration Option) at the University of Ilorin.
He has gained extensive hands-on experience through active participation in exploration projects for gold, lithium, and barite deposits. His technical expertise spans geological mapping, core logging, geochemical sampling, structural interpretation, and GIS-based data analysis for mineral target delineation and evaluation. Maleek applies these competencies to support data-driven and sustainable resource development practices in the Nigerian mining industry.
A corporate member of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) and an active member of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), he is passionate about advancing responsible mineral exploration and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government toward the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Maleek Taiwo ADEBAYO is a Mining Officer with Forte Upstream Services Limited, where he contributes to the planning and execution of solid mineral exploration programs across Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Applied Geology fro... Show more

Muhammed Abdullahi

Muhammed Abdullahi

Muhammed Abdullahi is a doctoral researcher at the University of Montpellier, France, specializing in energy exploration and fluid migration processes within deep geological basins. His research integrates seismic interpretation, well log analysis, geochemical studies, and basin modeling to better understand subsurface energy systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geoscience and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects that bridge clean energy and subsurface geology. Abdullahi is passionate about advancing clean energy research and unlocking its subsurface potential.

Muhammed Abdullahi is a doctoral researcher at the University of Montpellier, France, specializing in energy exploration and fluid migration processes within deep geological basins. His research integrates seismic interpretation, well log analysis, g... Show more

John Nwoye

John Nwoye

I am Nwoye John Ifeanyi, a results-driven professional dedicated to driving meaningful impact through my work. With a strong foundation in Geology (BSc, Second Class Upper Division), I have developed expertise in energy research, management consulting, market research analysis, and community engagement.
As a passionate advocate for social change, I focus on promoting policy changes that benefit society. My research and presentation experience, with over 10 accepted papers at 5+ international conferences, showcases my expertise in energy, policy, and community engagement.
Professionally, I am currently working part-time as an Engineering Geologist at Jonjoe Geotechnical Consult Nigeria Limited and part-time as a Procurement/Assistant HSE Officer at Pentland Energy Limited.
I am committed to holistic community service and support, driven by my training in mental health awareness and certification as a First Aider (Red Cross). As an ALX Fellow and LEAP Africa Alumnus, I am dedicated to leadership, social impact, and empowering others.

I am Nwoye John Ifeanyi, a results-driven professional dedicated to driving meaningful impact through my work. With a strong foundation in Geology (BSc, Second Class Upper Division), I have developed expertise in energy research, management consultin... Show more

Dario Petrlić

Dario Petrlić

Experienced engineer & technical consultant with a strong background in the energy and HVAC sectors. His career spans consulting, engineering and business development across various companies and institutions for almost 19 years. Dario is a founder of Brainblockenergy LLC consultant company, where he serve as a consultant and advisor in emerging technologies, focusing on DC infrastructure, IoT, AI in HVAC, smart grids, micro-grids, and blockchain. At the forefront of developing next-generation solutions, Dario is focused to deliver comprehensive and cutting-edge strategies tailored to the clients needs. With an instinctive entrepreneurial spirit, Dario excel at stepping beyond comfort zones to drive transformative change.

Experienced engineer & technical consultant with a strong background in the energy and HVAC sectors. His career spans consulting, engineering and business development across various companies and institutions for almost 19 years. Dario is a founder o... Show more

John Gilbert

John Gilbert

I'm an Intelligence and Security professional with over 16 years of experience. I have worked in the British Army as an Intelligence Analyst, in government as a Digital Forensics Specialist, and for National Grid as a Senior Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst. My current role at NESO requires me to understand the components that make up the energy network within Great Britain and their impact on the whole system. Making sure the system as a whole is protected for malicious threats, whether physical or cyber.

I'm an Intelligence and Security professional with over 16 years of experience. I have worked in the British Army as an Intelligence Analyst, in government as a Digital Forensics Specialist, and for National Grid as a Senior Cyber Threat Intelligence... Show more

Kjell Petter Myhren

Kjell Petter Myhren

Since 2008 working at Statnett, focusing on system operation and market. Have had several positions within Statnett control rooms and development of IT-systems both for asset monitoring and market control.
Now working in Statnett R&D department. Focusing on development of IT systems and methods for Future System operations and Market.
Holds a Master degree of Science in Energy and Environment from 2007 at NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Since 2008 working at Statnett, focusing on system operation and market. Have had several positions within Statnett control rooms and development of IT-systems both for asset monitoring and market control. Now working in Statnett R&D department. Foc... Show more

Sebastian Roll

Sebastian Roll

Sebastian is a chemical engineer turned software developer. Previously working with fire simulation and probabilistic risk analysis in the Oil & Gas sector, he has transitioned into software engineering and now works as a Webstep consultant.

Sebastian is passionate about improving quality and reproducibility in science and research by bridging the knowledge gap between scientists and software engineers.

Sebastian is a chemical engineer turned software developer. Previously working with fire simulation and probabilistic risk analysis in the Oil & Gas sector, he has transitioned into software engineering and now works as a Webstep consultant. Seba... Show more

Jeremiah Kofi

Jeremiah Kofi

Jeremiah Kofi is a British Multi-Cloud Solutions Architect with over 15 years of enterprise delivery experience across the UK, Europe and Asia. He holds a First Class BSc in Computer Science, is a Senior Member of IEEE, Fellow of NIPES and Professional Member of the BCS. He leads large scale cloud and CRM programmes across regulated industries including energy, telecoms, finance and government. His work spans multi-cloud architecture across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, enterprise Salesforce platforms and secure systems integration. He has led complex Salesforce, AI and cloud initiatives for Centrica British Gas, National Gas, ING Bank, Sky, KPMG and Salesforce Inc. Jeremiah serves as Global Salesforce and Front Office Solution Architect at Belron International owning architecture across multiple regions and platforms. He advises executive leadership on cloud strategy governance and digital transformation. He also leads a charitable foundation focused on digital skills and computer education for underserved communities.

Jeremiah Kofi is a British Multi-Cloud Solutions Architect with over 15 years of enterprise delivery experience across the UK, Europe and Asia. He holds a First Class BSc in Computer Science, is a Senior Member of IEEE, Fellow of NIPES and Profession... Show more

Rajendra Prasad Bandi

Rajendra Prasad Bandi

Rajendra Prasad Bandi is a distinguished Principal Engineer and internationally recognized technical expert in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), hybrid propulsion, and electrified powertrain systems. With nearly two decades of global experience across the United States, Europe, and Asia, he has led pioneering advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology and sustainable mobility solutions, contributing directly to the evolution of next-generation zero-emission transportation.
Mr. Bandi has played a critical leadership role in advancing fuel cell research from conceptual stages to commercial deployment. His technical direction has enabled the development of scalable fuel cell system architectures, high-efficiency power modules, and advanced control strategies tailored to diverse power ranges and vehicle applications. His contributions have been central to the industrialization and successful rollout of production-ready FCEV platforms across multiple global markets, accelerating the availability and adoption of clean mobility technologies.
A certified DRBFM Level 4 Expert, Mr. Bandi is widely trusted for his mastery in failure mode analysis, design robustness, and risk mitigation. He has significantly enhanced product reliability through model-based engineering, multi-domain control optimization, and systematic validation frameworks. His expertise in freeze-start durability, thermal management, and extreme-climate readiness has strengthened system performance in demanding environmental conditions, ensuring the reliability of hydrogen fuel cell systems for real-world, commercial deployment.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bandi has made influential contributions to major government-funded hydrogen and mobility initiatives in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. His work has supported national and international energy goals, advanced the state of hydrogen innovation, and enabled industry-government collaboration on high-impact clean transportation programs. He has also authored multiple patent applications and earned prestigious innovation awards for his role in advancing fuel cell commercialization and electrified propulsion technologies.
Beyond his technical achievements, Mr. Bandi is an accomplished mentor and global collaborator. He has guided cross-functional engineering teams, shaped strategic technology roadmaps, and cultivated innovation across the fields of fuel cell systems, hybrid powertrains, and power electronics. His career reflects an enduring commitment to engineering excellence, environmental sustainability, and leadership in the transition toward zero-emission mobility.

Rajendra Prasad Bandi is a distinguished Principal Engineer and internationally recognized technical expert in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), hybrid propulsion, and electrified powertrain systems. With nearly two decades of global experience acr... Show more

Joseph Tromba

Joseph Tromba

Joseph Tromba brings almost five years of experience in the energy industry and seven years of experience as an attorney. As an Enforcement attorney, he has made significant contributions to many different projects and initiatives at SERC and the ERO Enterprise.

With a background in business management in college then primarily intellectual property law throughout law school, Joseph started his legal career as an Associate Attorney at Glynn, Mercep, and Purcell LLP (GMP) in East Setauket, New York. During his tenure at GMP, Joseph concentrated in many different types of civil litigation. His practice areas included, but were not limited to, real property litigation, commercial litigation, personal injury litigation, construction litigation, trust litigation, restrictive covenants, product liability, breach of contract, defamation, civil forfeiture, traffic violations, real estate transactions, and the drafting and execution of wills. As outside counsel, he aided and assisted in board meetings, disciplinary hearings, and depositions. Joseph received one of the Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements, which was also one of the Top 50 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements, in New York in the year 2019.

Since June 2021, Joseph has been involved in SERC’s Enforcement department where he has acted as the case manager for a number of violations involving different entities and including various CIP and O&P NERC Reliability Standards. He has had several other responsibilities as well, such as handling Procurement at SERC Reliability Corporation and hosting the official SERC Podcast, “What’s the Bright Idea with SERC”. Before Joseph’s time at SERC and in the energy industry, he previously published an article that provides an analysis of the Fair Use Doctrine in copyright law.

Joseph is a staunch advocate for leaving a positive impact, believing strongly in leaving this world better than how you found it. By extension, he is dedicated to improving both SERC and the energy industry, aiming to leave a positive impact that will continue on.

Joseph Tromba brings almost five years of experience in the energy industry and seven years of experience as an attorney. As an Enforcement attorney, he has made significant contributions to many different projects and initiatives at SERC and the ERO... Show more

Abdurrahmon Akesire

Abdurrahmon Akesire

Akesire Abdurrahmon is a dedicated and ambitious final-year student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), specializing in Applied Geophysics. With a strong passion for geophysical exploration especially in the energy and mineral exploration, he has developed expertise in integrating magnetic, gravity, radiometric and vertical electrical sounding (VES) data for subsurface analysis using software like ArcGIS, Oasis Montaj, WinResist, and most importantly, his knowledge on python in application of Data Science in various Geophysical Investigations. His academic journey has been marked by excellence in research, particularly in the application of geophysical techniques for energy and mineral exploration in Nigeria.

He has actively participated in several fieldwork, geophysical data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, enhancing his practical knowledge in the discipline. His current research focuses on evaluating iron ore deposits in Calabar, Southern Nigeria, analyses of petroleum potential in some selected areas in Ondo State (a potential green field for oil and gas) utilizing geophysical methods to support economic and industrial development. He also has a lined up research work on application of geophysical methods to analyze geothermal potential zones in some selected areas in Nigeria.

Beyond academics, he is a proactive problem solver, a leader and a keen learner, with aspirations to contribute significantly to the energy industry through innovative exploration techniques and sustainable energy management.

Akesire Abdurrahmon is a dedicated and ambitious final-year student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), specializing in Applied Geophysics. With a strong passion for geophysical exploration especially in the energy and mineral expl... Show more

Christopher Umunna

Christopher Umunna

Christopher Chukwuebuka Umunna is a recent Geology graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. His research interests lie in Data-driven Geoscience, basin analysis and tectonics. He is passionate about using geoscientific insights to solve exploration challenges across underexplored basins in West Africa and is currently developing a project on the Dahomey Basin's petroleum potential through regional and conjugate margin comparisons.

Christopher Chukwuebuka Umunna is a recent Geology graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. His research interests lie in Data-driven Geoscience, basin analysis and tectonics. He is passionate about using geoscientific in... Show more

Kayalvizhi Rajagopal

Kayalvizhi Rajagopal

Kayalvizhi Rajagopal is a Distributed Embedded Systems Expert with over 10 years of expertise in designing and developing distributed embedded systems. She has a proven track record in architecting robust software solutions, developing low-level device drivers, and implementing custom bootloaders, with a strong focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
Kayalvizhi holds a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from San Jose State University (2016-2017) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications from PSG College of Technology (2008-2012).
Currently serving as a Staff Software Development Engineer at Tesla Inc. (2023-present), she is the distributed embedded software lead and architect for Tesla's Megapack (BESS) controller and Megapack IO controller. She has architected and led the development of real-time embedded control software for Tesla's Megapack grid-scale energy storage, managing energy dispatch, thermal regulation, fault detection, and intra-pack coordination. She designed scalable, modular firmware frameworks for distributed operation across hundreds of Megapack units, ensuring high availability and seamless integration with site controllers and grid interfaces.
Previously at Tesla, as Senior Software Development Engineer (2020-2023), she led the distributed embedded software architecture and development for Tesla's mobile Supercharger system, integrating Megapack 1 energy storage with Supercharger hardware to create deployable, high-power EV charging units. As Software Development Engineer (2018-2020), she led the design and development of over-the-air (OTA) update architecture for the V3 Supercharger network, supporting 250kW peak charging across a global fleet.
During her internship at Tesla (2017), she designed and implemented a broadcast firmware update mechanism over CAN using UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services) broadcast mode for Tesla Energy products, which reduced total firmware update time from 90 minutes to under 5 minutes, a 95% improvement in deployment efficiency.
At Caterpillar R&D (2012-2015), she developed a real-time embedded software application for the engine control module's (ECU) datalink platform and developed software modules for CAN-based smart sensors and actuators' communication with ECUs.
Her technical skills include C, C++, Python, Rust, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN/J1939, Ethernet (TCP/UDP), embedded system design, distributed embedded system design & architecture, and embedded debugging.

Kayalvizhi Rajagopal is a Distributed Embedded Systems Expert with over 10 years of expertise in designing and developing distributed embedded systems. She has a proven track record in architecting robust software solutions, developing low-level devi... Show more

Chris Knox

Chris Knox

Chris Knox is a leader, consultant and speaker with award-winning success developing organizational learning programs, managing departments, teams, budgets, and projects. His skills include leading strategic business and operational imperative through the integration of people, process and technology; and building relationships with stakeholders and employees across all levels of an organization.

Chris employs a deep strategic insight and holistic approach to business planning, process innovation, organizational development, program/project management and sustainable operational excellence. His expertise also includes developing metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that demonstrate program effectiveness. Chris is Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certified; and expert with MS Office applications and process improvement tools. Chris is a seasoned communicator, facilitator and coach.

Industry experience includes: Energy/Utilities, Security (Cyber/Physical), Manufacturing, Sales, Healthcare, Military/Government, Management Consulting, Real Estate and Music.

Chris Knox is a leader, consultant and speaker with award-winning success developing organizational learning programs, managing departments, teams, budgets, and projects. His skills include leading strategic business and operational imperative throug... Show more

Ann Lovcik

Ann Lovcik

Ann is the Foodservice Energy Efficiency Consultant for CenterPoint Energy in Minnesota. She has been with CenterPoint Energy since 2003, working with commercial foodservice operators, dealers, distributors, consultants, and manufacturer’s representatives, promoting energy efficient, natural gas foodservice equipment. Ann also manages the Foodservice Learning Center in Minneapolis, conducting equipment training and overseeing demonstrations and seminars held by industry members. In her spare time, Ann enjoys time with family, photography and the outdoors.

Ann currently serves on the national leadership team of the Energy Solutions Center, Blue Flame Alliance (BFA) consortium and serves on the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation Board; has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern College; is a Certified Foodservice Professional (CFSP) and is current on her ServSafe Certification.

Ann is the Foodservice Energy Efficiency Consultant for CenterPoint Energy in Minnesota. She has been with CenterPoint Energy since 2003, working with commercial foodservice operators, dealers, distributors, consultants, and manufacturer’s represent... Show more

Sahil Shah

Sahil Shah

With a Master's in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan, my journey has led me to NextEra Energy Resources, where I harness renewable energy solutions. Our team's focus is on modeling Solar and Battery resources trends to drive sustainable practices forward.

Competent in AutoCAD and possessing a certification in SolidWorks, I am equipped to tackle the technical challenges of the energy sector. My role involves leveraging technoeconomic analysis to optimize energy projects, contributing to the goal of a cleaner, greener future.

With a Master's in Energy Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan, my journey has led me to NextEra Energy Resources, where I harness renewable energy solutions. Our team's focus is on modeling Solar and Battery resources trends to drive ... Show more

Rui Li

Rui Li

Dr. Li is a researcher in AI and sustainable energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2019). Combining academic rigor with industry innovation, Dr. Li spent two years advancing AI research at Huawei and Tencent (2019–2021), then led electrolyzer R&D at HORIZON (2021–2024). He now directs EcoFlow's AI department, focusing on AI-driven clean energy innovations.

Dr. Li is a researcher in AI and sustainable energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2019). Combining academic rigor with industry innovation, Dr. Li spent two years advancing AI research at Huawei and Tencent (20... Show more

Andrea Bornaccioni

Andrea Bornaccioni

Tech Lead in Data Science with a background in Aeronautical Engineering, leading a Predictive Machine Learning team at Enel Global Services. Expert in predictive models for forecasting, risk assessment, and optimized operations. Committed to a sustainable energy future.

Tech Lead in Data Science with a background in Aeronautical Engineering, leading a Predictive Machine Learning team at Enel Global Services. Expert in predictive models for forecasting, risk assessment, and optimized operations. Committed to a sustai... Show more

Laurent Wauters-Herlyn

Laurent Wauters-Herlyn

Laurent Wauters-Herlyn studierte Maschinenbau mit dem Schwerpunkt Verfahrenstechnik an der RWTH Aachen und Universidad de Sevilla. Derzeit ist er als Head of Strategy & Innovation bei der Westfalen AG tätig, wo er sich insbesondere mit der Entwicklung und dem Management von Projekten im Bereich der Wasserstoffinfrastruktur, Gaseabfüllung, Gaseproduktion, Automatisierung, Digitalisierung und KI in der Produktion beschäftigt.

Laurent Wauters-Herlyn studierte Maschinenbau mit dem Schwerpunkt Verfahrenstechnik an der RWTH Aachen und Universidad de Sevilla. Derzeit ist er als Head of Strategy & Innovation bei der Westfalen AG tätig, wo er sich insbesondere mit der Entwicklun... Show more

Francis Barassi

Francis Barassi

Francis Barassi was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 1967. His formative years in Tucson, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, profoundly influenced his curiosity and interest in various cultures and global perspectives. This early exposure to a melting pot of cultures sparked a lifelong passion for exploring and understanding different societies. Growing up, he displayed a keen interest in technology and business, interests that would later become the cornerstone of his successful career.

In 2003, Francis joined Convergys Corporation as the Director for LATAM North. In this role, he managed the sales team and established the regional headquarters in Northern Latin America. His leadership and strategic initiatives led to significant sales growth and the profitable build-out of the regional headquarters. This position allowed him to showcase his ability to drive regional business expansion and cement his reputation as a capable leader in the corporate world.

Barassi's career took another significant step in December 2003 when he joined Edocs, Inc. as the Director of Latin American Sales and Operations. At Edocs, he was instrumental in opening the Latin American market, generating a robust pipeline of prospects, and closing substantial contracts within his first year. His success at Edocs demonstrated his knack for penetrating new markets and driving growth, further establishing his credentials as a strategic and effective business leader.

In 2005, Francis joined Oracle Corporation, where he initially served as the Regional Director for LACA—Self-Service. He managed the integration of Doc's self-service products into the Siebel sales organization, achieving notable sales growth. Subsequently, he served as the Applications Sales Director for the Communications Global Business Unit (CGBU), where he achieved record sales and managed the most significant single license sale in CGBU history. From 2011 to 2017, he held various vice president roles at Oracle, including founding TOA Technologies' Latin America business. His leadership led to significant revenue growth, and after Oracle acquired TOA Technologies, he managed Oracle's field service business for Latin America and the Caribbean, achieving substantial growth in ACV bookings and expanding into new verticals.

In 2017, Francis became the Vice President for Southern Europe at ClickSoftware. His efforts in reorganizing Click's sales and account management organization in Southern Europe were met with notable success, including signing new logos and managing key accounts. His strategic vision and leadership played a crucial role in driving the company's growth and solidifying its market presence in Southern Europe.

In 2020, Barassi joined OverIT USA, Inc. as the Vice President for North America. He was instrumental in expanding OverIT's presence in the region by recruiting and onboarding a seasoned sales team and closing significant deals within the first few months. His strategic approach and leadership skills facilitated OverIT's rapid growth and success in the North American market.

The following year, in 2021, Francis took on the role of Vice President for North American Energy, Utilities, and Resources at IFS North America. He successfully integrated the Clevest sales team into IFS, achieving impressive annual growth and securing strategic wins at significant utility companies. His contributions significantly bolstered IFS's presence in the market, showcasing his ability to lead and drive substantial business growth.

Currently, Francis serves as the Vice President of Enterprise Software North America at Hitachi Energy. In this role, he leverages his extensive experience in enterprise software and energy solutions to drive growth and innovation. His leadership and strategic vision continue to advance Hitachi Energy's market position in North America, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to steer companies toward sustained success.

Outside of his professional life, Francis Barassi resides in Key Biscayne, FL, with his spouse, Clara Romero. Balancing his demanding career, he enjoys a fulfilling personal life, finding time to engage in activities that bring him joy and relaxation. His ability to maintain this balance underscores his dedication to both his well-being and his professional responsibilities.

Francis Barassi was born in Tucson, Arizona, on January 11, 1967. His formative years in Tucson, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, profoundly influenced his curiosity and interest in various cultures and global perspectives. This early ex... Show more

Andreas Proesch

Andreas Proesch

Andreas is an Industrial AI/ML specialist, focusing on the digital transition of energy & manufacturing industries. He works at the intersection of digitalization and physical industries, helping industrial companies (energy, manufacturing, renewables, etc.) digitalize and accelerate their technological transformation. He is also a startup advisor and technology consultant

Andreas is an Industrial AI/ML specialist, focusing on the digital transition of energy & manufacturing industries. He works at the intersection of digitalization and physical industries, helping industrial companies (energy, manufacturing, renewable... Show more

Paul Fjelrad

Paul Fjelrad

Paul Fjelrad is the Chief Architect for Zuhlke UK. He has a vast breadth of knowledge and experience across the different architecture domains as well as across different industry sectors, particularly government, finance and energy. His skills and wealth of experience have led to him playing pivotal roles in nationally important programmes, including the Smart-meter Implementation Programme, the ONS Data-Access programme, and most recently contributing to establishing the Modernising Energy Data programme. Paul is the author of “The Struggle Continues” (Troubador, 2020), a contributor to several publications with his “Living With PTSD” articles, and a Mental Health First Aider.

Paul Fjelrad is the Chief Architect for Zuhlke UK. He has a vast breadth of knowledge and experience across the different architecture domains as well as across different industry sectors, particularly government, finance and energy. His skills and w... Show more

Ifeanyi Christwin

Ifeanyi Christwin

I'm an engineer turned entrepreneur. My passion for electrical engineering and thermodynamic, led me to the fields of renewable energy, economics, and data science.

Founder & CEO of Switch Electric Ltd, a company developing web3 metering infrastructure and a platform for tokenizing distributed energy resources on our electricity grids.
Web3 developer, Machine learning engineer, protocol developer at IoTeX

My goal is to help improve the lives of people across the African continent by reducing the cost of living via access to affordable energy.

I'm an engineer turned entrepreneur. My passion for electrical engineering and thermodynamic, led me to the fields of renewable energy, economics, and data science. Founder & CEO of Switch Electric Ltd, a company developing web3 metering infrastr... Show more

Ranjit Desai

Ranjit Desai

As a lead Researcher and Analyst, Ranjit is supporting efforts at NREL's Center for Integrated Mobility Systems (CIMS) as a part of the Sustainable Transportation Integration Group where he is researching Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure. He supports the Federal Fleet team and U.S. DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and works on EV charging infrastructure analysis projects, along with a variety of interdisciplinary, integrated modeling and analysis transportation-related projects involving techno-economic analysis, financial modeling, technology adoption, and system dynamics. He has also developed models to analyze how the consumer heterogeneities, uncertainties, and technological progress impact the adoption of electric vehicles.

As a lead Researcher and Analyst, Ranjit is supporting efforts at NREL's Center for Integrated Mobility Systems (CIMS) as a part of the Sustainable Transportation Integration Group where he is researching Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure... Show more

Chris Terrell

Chris Terrell

Chris Terrell is the Co-founder and CEO of Wexus Technologies Inc. He has successfully brought climate impact technologies to market with enterprise companies across the US and globally with "virtual power plants" that make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase utility grid reliability, and reduce environmental impacts and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Prior to founding Wexus Technologies, Chris was a Strategic Energy Manager at EnerNOC, the world leader in demand response and smart grid technologies. He managed the comprehensive delivery of SaaS IoT products with advanced metering technology to save energy and money and make the utility grid more efficient.

Chris has worked extensively with farmers across the Western U.S. to help them save money, lower risk, reach operational goals, and optimize energy and water usage. As a trained architect, Chris also has extensive experience in green
building design and construction, as well as extensive leadership and management experience as a prior U.S. Army officer and military veteran.

Chris Terrell is the Co-founder and CEO of Wexus Technologies Inc. He has successfully brought climate impact technologies to market with enterprise companies across the US and globally with "virtual power plants" that make energy generation and dist... Show more

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