Automechanika Academy Agenda

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary – General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Synopsis: Understand the role of regulatory frameworks and conformity standards in protecting consumers, enhancing trust, and raising industry benchmarks.

Ashwin Radhakrishnan, Assistant Manager Conformity Programs, SGS

 Synopsis: Understand the role of regulatory frameworks and conformity standards in protecting consumers, enhancing trust, and raising industry benchmarks.

Sameer Parab, Senior Manager / Sector Lead, Automotive & Mobility, Aranca

Synopsis: Learn how automakers and aftermarket players are building synergies to expand service offerings, improve customer experience, and unlock new revenue streams.

Moderator: Sebastian Kempf, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

Panelists:

• Talib Khushnood, Director International Business, Petromin Corporation (All Makes Autoparts FZE)
• Maxim Svyato, Senior Consultant, Automotive Industry

Synopsis: Gain insights into how suppliers are adapting to shifting consumer needs, electrification, and digital transformation in the aftermarket.

Moderator: Subhashree Ramarathnam, Associate Director - Mobility Practice, Frost & Sullivan

Panelists:

• Asad Badami, Managing Director, A-MAP Group
• Waqas Muhammad Shahid, Head of Sales and Marketing – MEA, Niterra Middle East FZE
• Rajkumar Venkatapathy, Country Business Director - Automotive Aftermarket, Central Motors & Equipment LLC, (A member of Al Fahim Group)

Synopsis: Explore how digitalisation, electrification, and evolving regulations are reshaping the global independent aftermarket and what strategies regional players can adopt to stay competitive and connected.

Frank Schlehuber, Senior Consultant Market Affairs, CLEPA

Synopsis: Explore how resilient supply chains are reshaping the automotive aftermarket through strategies that mitigate disruptions, boost agility, and drive competitiveness.

• Neeraj Gupta, Head of Operations & Commercial- Road Freight MEA, DHL Global Forwarding
• Richard Hall, Director Middle East/Asia Pacific, Transport Overseas Group

Synopsis: Discover how urban growth and changing mobility patterns are creating demand for fast, accessible, and high-quality aftermarket services.

Vitali Bielski, Founder & Managing Director, Intelia Nova

Synopsis: Learn how automotive businesses can go beyond repairs by using digital content and community engagement to build stronger brand identity, customer loyalty, and long-term growth.

Fahad Ali, Founder and Managing Director, Broomstick Creative

Synopsis: Unpack how remanufacturing is driving circular economy practices and helping the industry meet global sustainability targets.

Moderator: Raj Kumar Prasad, Head of Sustainability – Middle East & Africa, BSI

Panelists:

• Ali Al-Ganzory, Chairman, Khepri Lubes United GreenTech
• Mohamed Jabir, Director – Operations, Dubatt Battery Recycling LLC
• Emad Mousa, Managing Director, Markets & Corporate Services, JP Partners Trading Enterprises Middle East

Synopsis: Explore the latest advancements in tyre technologies, safety standards, and consumer demand shaping the regional tyre aftermarket.

Manish Rathor, Head- Aftermarket Technical and Product Surveillance, Middle East & Africa, Giti Tire (M.E.A) FZCO

Synopsis: Identify growth segments in specialty tyres, from construction to agriculture, and the innovations fueling their regional adoption.

Moataz Hassan, Head of Sales & Marketing, Middle East - Specialty Tires, Continental Middle East DMCC

Synopsis: Examine evolving battery technologies and their role in electrification, aftermarket services, and sustainable energy solutions.

Moderator: Sameer Parab, Senior Manager / Sector Lead, Automotive & Mobility, Aranca

Panelists:

• Theres Gosztonyi, Vice President Aftermarket EMEA, Clarios
• Jim Bevan, Senior Director Transportation Products, EnerSys
• Indeevar Govardhanagiri, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Batteries, International Business, Amara Raja Energy & Mobility

Synopsis: Learn how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing battery monitoring, predictive maintenance, and lifecycle optimization.

Dr. Mahdi Shahbakhti, Professor of Engineering, Automotive AI, University of Alberta

Synopsis: Understand how OEMs are aligning their aftermarket strategies to meet the challenges and opportunities of EV adoption.

Moderator: Sushovan Bej, Global eMobility Manager, PwC Middle East

Panelists:

• Rakesh Kher, CEO - Aftermarket and Group CSO, Uno Minda Limited
• Julia Bissani, Brand Manager – Electric Commercial Vehicle, United Diesel – Al Rostamani Group

Synopsis: Discover how AI integration and strategic partnerships with insurers are reshaping business models and driving aftermarket growth.

Frederik Bisbjerg, Managing Director, NewCo / GAIP

Synopsis: Analyze the opportunities and barriers for independent aftermarket players embracing digital platforms, e-commerce, and connectivity.

Steven Pickering, General Manager, BuyParts24

Synopsis: Discuss how autonomous mobility will disrupt supply chains, service models, and the aftermarket ecosystem.

Vishnu Suresh, Senior Manager, Kearney

Synopsis: This session explores strategies and technologies that tire manufacturers can adopt to reduce environmental impact across their plants—from energy efficiency and emissions control to waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable production practices.

Jacob Peled, Founder & Executive Chairman, Pelmar Engineering Int. Ltd.