With the help of industry associations and knowledge partners, we are creating industry-relevant, free-to-attend webinars for automotive aftermarket professionals around the world.
Collision Repair Series: Insights on Productivity Through People
Michel A. Malik Group Publisher & CEO, Body Shop News International
Robert Snook Conference Moderator, IBIS – The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium
Graham Threlfall Global Key Account Manager – Vehicle Refinishes, AkzoNobel
Nithul Lakshman Business Head, PAL Auto Garage
22 June 2020, 2 pm (GST) Changes in consumer attitudes & purchasing habits due to COVID-19 – How does this affect the aftermarket?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect markets all over the world, it is important for brands to keep a pulse on consumers during this outbreak, and anticipate their behavior after the crisis. In the midst of it all, GfK conducted a study to help brands and businesses understand the impact of the pandemic on their consumers, and how to identify opportunities and mitigate risks during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.
Prachi Satoskar from GfK Middle East and Africa will:
Present findings of consumer habit market survey
Link the consumer habits to the aftermarket industry
Discuss the effects of the changing consumer habits on the automotive industry
15 July 2020, 2 pm (GST) Post-Pandemic: What's next for the collision repair industry?
Our panellists will discuss:
The global collision repair industry and whether there is a crisis within it
COVID-19 is an obstacle but can it also present an opportunity?
What are the roles of leaders in this industry during this time and how can they lead effectively?
A new normal – what would this look like for the collision/repair industry
How can bodyshops in the GCC prepare for the future?
Panellists:
Robert Snook from International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) will moderate this session
Michel Malik from BodyShop News International
Yousef Abu Alaish from Arabian Automobile Co. Nissan & Infiniti
Pierre Ara Keusseyan from Polimar Establishment
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28 July 2020, 2 pm (GST) The EV Future – A need for new skills in the automotive industry
As the motor industry currently undergoes the greatest technological changes of the past 100 years, the ACES technologies (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified & Shared) are demanding new skill-sets and standards to ensure the safety of both the technicians working on the products and the customers who are using them. With their partners, the Institute of the Motor Industry has developed a set of standards known as Techsafe standards.
Steve Nash from The Institute from the Motor Industry (IMI) and Tom Denton from Automotive Technology will discuss all of this as well as the existing standards relating to the different forms of EV’s; from mild-hybrids to full plug-in hybrids, and of course full EV’s. Khaled Alwassia from Tiqani Management Consultancy will bring the conversation to the Middle East markets and how prepared the markets are in transitioning to the future EV phase. Is the region ready to handle repairs/maintenance for EV cars and what is the status of the talent located in the region?
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11 Aug 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Indian automotive industry – Pandemic impact
Discussing the current situation of India’s automotive and aftermarket industry amidst the current pandemic, its impact, and on how one of the world’s auto industry giants is coping up with this new normal. Our speakers will share their insights on how the automotive component industry in India is shaping up as the economy unlocks while also addressing the obstacles and opportunities brought by COVID-19 in the country.
Our speakers are:
Vinnie Mehta, Director General, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA)
Rama Shankar Pandey,Managing Director, Hella India Lighting Ltd.
25 Aug 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Commercial Vehicle Industry – Overcoming the COVID-19 Crisis
In partnership with Knowledge Partner – Frost & Sullivan.
The webinar will begin with an overview of the global & regional macro-economics to help the audience understand the current business backdrop. Our panellists will then discuss the impact on manufacturers and the global and regional commercial vehicle industry. Both points of discussion will also touch upon the forecast for the market. Lastly, our experts will examine new business opportunities in the form of trends and disruptive transformation that is taking place in the commercial vehicle space.
Our speakers for this session are:
Abdullah Bahattin Topcu, Managing Director Middle East & Africa, Ford Middle East & Africa
Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, Head – International Operations, Ashok Leyland Ltd
Joerg Mommertz, Sr. Vice President, Head of Sales Area – Middle East, Africa & Latin America, MAN Truck & Bus
Subhash Joshi, Vice President - Mobility & Regional Head Middle East, Frost & Sullivan
Knowledge Partner
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08 Sep 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Transforming your business – Optimisation & efficiency
This session brings in experts to shed light on how our audience can transform their business during these challenging times. With a focus on optimisation and efficiency, the webinar will address topics such as inventory optimisation, how to efficiently price your products in a price-sensitive era, and introduce service-based solutions that are quickly becoming a product of choice across the industry. We will also hear about how the supply chain/logistics industry is adapting to the changes brought about by the pandemic. What steps can companies take to ensure their shipments are arriving on time and how to efficiently manage the entire logistics process.
Our panelists include:
Alan Whaley, Founder & Chairman, AMENA Professional
Tony Abouzolof, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Syncron
Faisal Abdulla, Senior Manager – General Cargo, Commercial , DP World
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22 Sep 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Growing preference for used cars in UAE & Saudi Arabia
Learn why used car prices are plummeting but used car sales are increasing, how the latest segment of female drivers adds additional demand to the used car market in the KSA, which channels are customers preferring to make their purchases – online vs. offline and lastly, the trends, drivers and challenges shaping the used car ecosystem in the KSA and UAE markets.
Our panelists include:
Tarek Kabrit, CEO and Co-founder, Seez
Craig Stevens, CEO, Dubicars.com
Vishal Pandey, Director, Glasgow Consulting Group
In partnership with
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19 Oct 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Collision repair series: Insights on insurance relations
COVID-19 is driving a new economy – the low touch economy, but what exactly is this and how will it change insurance claim processes moving forward? The context of this panel discussion is implementation. It is a webinar for insurers, body shops and anyone else who wants to learn how these two entities will have to work together in the low touch economy. It will provide them immediate takeaways and actions so they can get started straight after the session, implementing the changes within 6 months.
Panellists:
Robert Snook, Conference Moderator, International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS)
Michel Malik, CEO and Group Publisher, BodyShop News International
Frederik Bisbjerg, Executive Director - Digitalization, Daman National Health Insurance Company
Jihad Faitrouni, CEO, Aman Insurance
In partnership with
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24 Nov 2020, 2 pm (GST)
Digitalization of the Middle East's Automotive Industry
Curious about the difference between digitization and digitalization? Understanding this is quite important for the future of the ME automotive industry. Watch the webinar to gain expert insights on:
The industry's shift in the last 3 - 5 years
How the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital systems
Business models available and examples of this shift
Challenges faced on-ground in terms of system integrations, implementing training's for staff
Future outlook
Panellists:
Alan Whaley, Founder & Chairman @ AMENA
Dr. Julia Saini, Associate Partner & Vice President, Mobility Practice @ Frost & Sullivan
Jamie Frame, Operations Director @ Sensus Automotive
This panel discussion features four experts who share their experiences and challenges in setting up manufacturing businesses in the UAE; how these businesses have developed over the years and where they see the future of manufacturing headed in this country. The panel will also speak about specific automotive manufacturing projects undertaken in UAE. To wrap up the discussion, our experts will highlight eight aftermarket components which have the potential to be manufactured in the UAE, as well as share research on manufacturing in the wider GCC with relevant case studies.
Panellists:
Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Al Dobowi
Samir Chaturvedi, CEO, KIZAD
Khaled AlMarzooqi, Director of Commercial Activities, KIZAD
Subhash Joshi, Vice President - Mobility & Regional Head Middle East, Frost & Sullivan
16 Feb 2021, 2 pm (GST) Collision Repair Series: Insights on Productivity Through People
The 3rd webinar of the Collision Repair Series focuses on the people working in the bodyshop from a local, regional and international perspective. Our expert panellists from the bodyshop industry will discuss why we need our people to be involved in our gap analysis, the importance of knowing your people and how to bring the best from them, and more insights on productivity through people.
Panellists:
Robert Snook, Conference Moderator, International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS)
Michel Malik, CEO and Group Publisher, BodyShop News International
Graham Threlfall, Global Key Account Manager – Vehicle Refinishes, AkzoNobel
Nithul Lakshman, Business Head, PAL Auto Garage
In partnership with
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24 March 2021, 2 pm (GST) Tire Focus: A Sustainable and Safe Evolution
The webinar will be looking at the tire industry with a specific focus on safety, sustainability and efficiency. The speakers will be addressing new technologies for automated driving and telematics, driver assistance systems for safer mobility, tire monitoring technology for better safety and tire safety from a road safety perspective. The audience will be able to hear from industry-leading companies like Michelin and Continental as well as an expert in the industry from Frost & Sullivan.
Panellists:
Vitali Bielski, Associate Director at Frost & Sullivan
Thomas Edelmann, Managing Director at RoadSafetyUAE
Naser Shashaa, Middle East Cluster Commercial Director at MICHELIN
Juan Uruburu Alonso, Head of Sales Consumer and Truck Tires at Continental Tires Middle East
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25 May 2021 Automechanika Network - Hybrid edition
Let’s Talk Business: Adaptation & Innovation During COVID-19
The 15th edition of the Automechanika Network event was hosted in a hybrid format where guests attended the live event physically and online through our digital platform!
At this hybrid networking event, we will talk with some of the big players in the regional Middle East market about how their business was impacted by, adapted to and ultimately is surviving during the COVID-19 pandemic. What challenges were faced by these companies? How did they initially adapt to them? How is the situation currently after almost one and a half years and what is the way forward? Hear from top management at Hella Middle East, Al Masaood Automobiles, Glasgow Consulting Group, ZF Middle East and NGK Spark Plug Middle East.
Panellists:
Dr. Nima Mehrdadi, Regional Managing Director Middle East & Africa at Hella Middle East FZE/ LLC
Harmeet Singh, Aftersales Director at Al Masaood Automobiles
Vishal Pandey, Partner - Automotive & Mobility Practice at Glasgow Consulting Group
Tufan Baysal, Director Aftermarket, Middle East, Africa, Eurasia at NGK SPARK PLUG MIDDLE EAST FZE
Dr. Alexander Khaled Sabbah, Head of EEMEA – Domain Services, Managing Director at ZF Middle East FZE
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29 June 2021, 2 pm GST
Collision Repair Series: Insights on What the Data Trends Are Showing
In our 4th Collision Repair Webinar Series, we will examine the data trends from the automotive aftermarket, collision repair, and insurance market. Diving deep into the data from Glasgow Consulting, one of Automechanika Dubai’s key knowledge partners, our panel of experts in the bodyshop industry will discuss and analyse these data trends to understand and forecast the direction of the collision repair industry and how we can adapt to the market changes in the region.
Panellists:
Michel A. Malik, Group Publisher & CEO at BodyShop News International
Robert Snook, Conference Moderator at IBIS
Vishal Pandey, Partner – Automotive & Mobility Practice atGlasgow Consulting Group
Stephen Louis, Key Account Manager – Refinish Systems (GCC Countries) atAxalta Coating Systems
Yousef Abu Alaish, General Manager – Aftersales atArabian Automobile Co. Nissan & Infiniti
This webinar will examine and analyse how the automotive franchising concept works in the MEA region. Vitali Bielski, Associate Director at Frost & Sullivan will present a global overview of the franchising concept along with a few regional case studies. Cenk Yukselen, Bosch Car Service Concept Manager at Robert Bosch Middle East will provide first-hand insights into how their franchise concept started, developed, evolved and what the next steps are for the future.
Key topics in discussion:
Global overview of automotive aftermarket and service franchises and regional success stories
Key parameters and considerations for franchise investments
Types of franchise models: Advantages and disadvantages
Cenk Yukselen, Bosch Car Service Concept Manager, Robert Bosch Middle East FZE
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29 September 2021, 2pm GST
Automechanika Network: The Path Ahead for Fleet Management
The 16th edition of the Automechanika Dubai Network focuses on the future of fleet management. This hybrid webinar will examine the top emerging trends in fleet management and will analyse how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed fleet management in many different ways. Organisations globally are adopting innovative business models, re-evaluate their fleet management processes and programmes.
Join us at the Automechanika Dubai Network to learn from experts at Frost & Sullivan, Daimler, and Caltex on what the future holds for the fleet management sector. Key topics in discussion include:
• How can you improve your fleet efficiency? A lubrication perspective
• Why should fleet owners invest in telematics?
• What lessons can fleet managers learn from the connected vehicles industry?
• What are the new opportunities in the truck connectivity market?
• Insights into global best practices … and more
27 October 2021, 2 pm (GST)
New Paradigms in Automotive Retail: Shifting from Traditional Approach to Product as a Service (PaaS)
The automotive retail industry is undergoing a massive transformation as more and more consumers are opting for the “Product as a Service” (PaaS) model and are abandoning the traditional Purchase / Break-fix model. Recent industry reports indicate that the PaaS business model will become the dominant business model in automotive in the next few years and OEMs and Dealers must re-define their relationship and find innovative solutions to optimise the current business model in preparation for the future. Industry experts believe that the two models will run in parallel for many years and therefore it is imperative to work on both simultaneously.
Join our industry experts at the webinar and learn more about:
Effective tools for online collaboration between OEMs and Dealers / Distributors
Best practices in Retail Inventory Management
The dynamic shift from break-fix model to PaaS
The role of IoT, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in automotive retail … and much more
Our panelists include:
Tony Abouzolof, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Syncron
Mohammed Aqel, General Manager, Central Trading Company LLC
27 November 2021, 2 pm (GST)
Collision Repair Series: Insights on making virtual training a reality
The 5th webinar in the Automechanika Dubai Collision Repair Webinar Series focuses on different aspects of training. Our panel of experts will analyse where are we with training today and where could we be with virtual training tomorrow. With the evolving technology in the training processes and solutions, the webinar will share insights on how you can manage the changes in the way you do business.
Some of the key topics in focus at the webinar include:
What are the key changes in the training world in the last 20 months?
How to develop skills that will be needed in the future?
New technology in vehicles: How to stay updated?
Is technical training enough or should it be a balance of commercial and management training too?
What are the key strategies for transitioning into a virtual or hybrid training model?
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Sponsored by:
11 Oct 2022, 10 am (GST)
Automechanika Dubai Network on Safety
Safety has always been a vital factor for many decision-making stakeholders in the automotive industry. Governments, car manufacturers, and the aftermarket all contribute to the development of standards and best practices to guarantee safety in all areas of transportation, manufacturing, and servicing.
At the Automechanika Dubai Network on Safety, the speakers discussed the current landscape of the automotive industry and also shared their insights into market trends and how emerging technologies such as electric and autonomous vehicles may impact safety in the future.
Some key topics in the discussion include:
Reviewing global and regional mobility trends such as connected, autonomous, shared, and electric mobility, as well as their potential positive and negative effects on safety.
Implications of the regional mobility industry and recommendations
Governance and Regulation - Infrastructure and existing safety standards
Emerging technology - Data and Analytics
Solutions for Smart Mobility
Workshop safety – stakeholders, risks and best practices
Host & Speakers
AMENA
Alan Whaley, Founder & Chairman
With over 32 years of experience in high output sales and performance management within the automotive sector, Alan has first-hand knowledge and experience, from the trenches doing sales to C suite decisions at OEMs, Importers, and Consultancies. Today, he is dedicated to raising industry standards through thought leadership and knowledge sharing through advisory, keynotes, and as Chairman of AMENA Automotive Association.
Ashok Leyland Ltd
Arijit Dutta Chowdhury, Head – International Operations
Arijit started his career in Ashok Leyland as country manager of Bangladesh and was responsible for developing a strong footprint there. Since then, he has extensively worked on several projects across Africa and lead the business development function for International Operations from 2006.
Ford Middle East & Africa
Abdullah Bahattin Topcu, Managing Director Middle East & Africa
Bahattin joined Ford Trucks Turkey in 2006. He served as Regional Manager for N. Africa & Eastern Europe, expanding operations Morocco, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece & Algeria. After his tenure as Head of Marketing for all Ford Trucks markets, he was appointed Managing Director for MEA.
Dubicars.com
Craig Stevens, CEO
Craig has been part of successful Boards and Executive teams that have helped the car sales industry in UK, Europe and China navigate through digital transformation, recessions and now a pandemic. He is currently based in the UAE & focuses on supporting the industry by leveraging data, technology and insights.
DP World
Faisal Abdulla, Senior Manager – General Cargo, Commercial
Faisal Qassim is responsible for spearheading the core commercial functions such as General Cargo, Mina Rashid and Mina Hamriya. Prior to joining the Commercial Department in 2018, Faisal handled the key responsibility of Senior Manager,
General Cargo Operation handled key Bulk, Break-bulk, RO RO and General Cargo.
Daman National Health Insurance Company
Frederik Bisbjerg, Executive Director - Digitalization
Frederik is a highly respected international business developer with expertise in digital transformation and business model innovation. At his current role at Daman National Health Insurance Company, one of the largest insurers in the GCC countries, he oversees the company’s digital transformation initiatives, building a ‘digital-first’ flexible and resilient insurance company.
Aman Insurance
Jihad Faitrouni, CEO
Jihad started his career in 1990 in ARUNCO (a part of MIG) and became an advisor for Ministry of Economy - Lebanon from 1995 to 1997. He was then GM for Unlimited Insurance Services (UIS). In 2001, he was appointed as CEO of Aman Takaful Insurance - Lebanon. After this he moved to UAE as GM for Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance (AMAN) where he worked on a special assignment of establishing Kuwait Boubyan Insurance (Boubyan Bank). He was later assigned as an advisor in the Ministry of Finance UAE and in 2013 he moved back to Dubai Islamic Insurance & Reinsurance (AMAN) Dubai as a CEO for the company.
MAN Truck & Bus
Joerg Mommertz, Sr. Vice President, Head of Sales Area – Middle East, Africa & Latin America
In 1996, Joerg was appointed as Director, Aftersales and later as Director, Sales at MAN Truck & Bus Belgium. Since then he has held various international positions managing many European & CIS countries. Currently as Head of Sales Area MEA&LA, he is responsible for 72 markets in 4 continents.
Ipsos Strategy3
Karthik Ramamurthy, Director General
Karthik has over two decades of experience in business development, client relationship & project management. He is a specialist in emerging markets and has deep expertise in charting out growth strategies for clients across verticals. He has been a speaker at various regional and global industry forums and his views have been featured in both national/international media. He holds an MBA from HEC School of Management, Paris and a Master’s in Technology from IIT, Delhi.
Tiqani Management Consultancy
Khaled Alwassia, Trainer
Khaled has been active in the automotive industry since 1983 starting with a BMW Technician apprenticeship in Germany. He established the BMW Training Centre in Saudi Arabia and led multiple team members to win regional, and place in the top three in international Skill Competitions. Khaled established an IMI approved Apprenticeship program in Saudi Arabia for BMW and Jaguar Land Rover technicians. Since 2016, he represents Tiqani in Saudi Arabia and conducts Management and Customer facing training & coaching sessions in the Middle East.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Khalid AlMarzooqi, Director of Commercial Activities
In his current role with KIZAD since 2018, Khalid oversees KIZAD’s real estate division, Polymers Park, the business development section and the international business section. His remit includes creating and developing sales channels, strengthening the presence of SMEs in the zone, managing mega industrial projects and enhancing relations with government agencies.
africon GmbH
Marc Zander, Managing Partner & CEO
With more than 20 years of experience with living, working and doing business with Africa in international organisations such as the MAN Group and Wincor Nixdorf, Marc developed a strong understanding for this market. His belief in the continent’s potential, the increasing interest of companies who are hesitant but willing to enter business relations with Africa, as well as his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start africon Ltd., a German based consulting company with sole focus on the African continent.
BodyShop News International
Michel Malik, Group Publisher & CEO
Michel has been involved in the collision repair industry for the last 30 years. He is the CEO of BodyShop News International, the company that produces the global BodyShop News collision repair magazines. Michel is a recognised speaker at various automotive conferences, symposiums and seminars all over the world including IBIS, NACE, Automechanika, AMR and more.
Polimar Establishment
Pierre Ara Keusseyan, Operations Manager
Pierre started his career with Polimar eight years ago where he is now the Operations Manager of the group. As Polimar is diversified on many levels within the collision industry, he has built experience on many fronts within the bodyshop industry which has enabled him to build a great understanding with a diverse perspective; running actual bodyshops, managing a technical trading and training business and even manufacturing and producing consumables for the industry.
GfK Middle East and Africa
Prachi Satoskar, Sr. Business Group Manager - MENAP
Prachi is a market research professional, with an overall experience of 15+ years in various domains of marketing. She has been working with GfK for the past 10+ years, and is responsible for developing the Automotive business in the MENAP Region.
She has supported multiple Multinational clients in the Automotive Business to effectively leverage GfK’s data for their Go-To-Market strategies.
Hella India Lighting Ltd.
Rama Shankar Pandey, Managing Director
One of India's youngest professional CEOs of any listed companies at the age of 33, he is currently Managing Director of Hella India Lighting, a company awarded by CII as most innovative Indian enterprise in its category. Rama Shankar is also EC member at ACMA (Auto Component Manufacturers Association of India), Chairman of ACMA Aftermarket Committee, Governing Council Member at ASDC, and an Ex GC Member of TiE Chandigarh.
International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS)
Robert Snook, Conference Moderator
A genuine collision industry fan with 35 years of experience including senior management, Director and business owner level roles in corporate and private companies. Today, Robert is a global speaker and conference moderator for IBIS as well as and CEO of MG Cannon, a multi-award winning MSO bodyshop group in the UK and Business Success Global, the collision industry business coaching, training and mentoring business.
Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
Samir Chaturvedi, CEO
Samir oversees KIZAD’s portfolio of assets, activities, operations and growth strategy. He brings over 35 years’ experience working with global organisations in the fields of logistics, shipping, supply chain management, automotive, infrastructure and real estate development.
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
Steve Nash, CEO
Steve has worked in the Motor Industry, on both the retail and manufacturer sides, since graduating in 1977. Steve joined BMW UK in 1986 and was a Director of the company from 1997 to 2012, including a period as Group Aftersales Director, looking after the Rover and Land Rover brands as well. Steve was Chairman of the IMI for five years, before becoming President in November 2009. In 2013 he joined the IMI as Chief Executive Officer. In addition to his IMI duties Steve is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the industry charity BEN.
Frost & Sullivan
Subhash Joshi, Vice President - Mobility & Regional Head - Middle East
Subhash is a thought leader, futurist and a strategist with over 15 years of experience in following his passion of contributing to the mobility industry. In his current role, Subhash works on futuristic scenarios and forecasts in understanding how mobility will operate. He works closely with clients to help them understand the impact of these changing scenarios and mega trends on their businesses.
Al Dobowi
Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman
In 1976, Surender Singh Kandhari came to Dubai to grow the family business and formed the Al Dobowi Group. The group today is the leading management services provider in the UAE and has grown to have over 2000 employees and have a significant presence in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ghana, Europe and Canada. He has attended the G20 Interfaith Summit held in the Gold Coast Australia in 2014 and in Malaysia in 2015 as a delegate of the UAE Government to promote Interfaith Harmony & Tolerance.
Seez
Tarek Kabrit, CEO and Co-founder
Prior to launching Seez - an AI-driven, data-first automotive platform - Tarek was Director of Strategy and Business Development at Yahsat, the aerospace arm of Mubadala. During his 20-year international career he worked in strategy consulting, investment banking, and venture capital at Booz Allen and Deutsche Bank, among others.
Automotive Technology
Tom Denton, Owner & Author
Tom has worked in the Motor Industry, since joining the REME in 1975. He then ran his own business from 1981 in service and repair, specialising in complex diagnostics. Tom has worked as an automotive lecturer, an academic for the Open University and started an eLearning business in 1998. Tom was eLearning manager at the IMI for three years, before running his consultancy business from 2016. To date he has published over thirty automotive textbooks.
Syncron UK Limited
Tony Abouzolof, Co-Founder & Managing Director
Tony has more than 30 years' experience in the development and implementation of global supply chain planning solutions. Over the years, he has enabled many leading organisations, such as BAE Systems, Al Futtaim and Nissan to formulate global supply chain strategies and lead successful implementations of large-scale supply chain solutions with a global scope.
Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA)
Vinnie Mehta, Director General
An Electrical Engineer from IIT-BHU, with an MBA from FMS, University of Delhi and a Masters in International Trade from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). Vinnie has been actively involved in promotion, growth and development of the auto component industry in India. Prior to joining ACMA, he headed the Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology (MAIT), the apex body of the IT hardware Industry in India.
Glasgow Consulting Group
Vishal Pandey, Market Growth Advisor & Director
Vishal is a Dubai based Market Entry & Insights advisor who has lived and worked in the UK, India and across the Middle East. Previously as a research lead with Deloitte Consulting’s Dubai offices, he was part of a team responsible for strategy and operations assignments across the Middle East and North Africa region. Vishal has been involved in over 750 research + market entry engagements mostly across MENA and South Asia region in his career spanning 18 years across a diverse set of industries. He is a leading MENA focused Market Entry & Go-To-Market Strategy Specialist.
Aranca
Vishal Sanghavi, Senior Manager – Business Research & Advisory
Vishal leads the automotive practice at Aranca. A thought leader with over 13 years of consulting experience in the automotive industry, he is a passionate mobility futurist. Vishal’s team at Aranca are constantly monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the auto industry globally and guiding industry leaders with actionable intel to navigate through this unprecedent crisis.
Arabian Automobile Co. Nissan & Infiniti
Yousef Abu Alaish, General Manager - Aftersales
Yousef has 18 years of solid experience in the automotive aftersales business in UAE. In his current role, he is responsible for Dubai and the northern emirates territory; managing 11 branches, 1000 employees and 1000 customers per day.
Frost & Sullivan
Dr. Julia Saini, Associate Partner & Vice President - Mobility Practice
Joining F&S in 2001 as co-founder of the European Automotive & Transportation Practice, Dr. Julia has led the European Mobility consulting business and was Global Head for Automotive Retail and Aftersales. Her expertise includes eCommerce, digitization & new business models in retail and aftersales.
Sensus Automotive Solutions
Jamie Frame, Operations Director
An expert in automotive digital solutions & dealer management software, Jamie's experience spans 20+ years - working in the automotive industry & 10 years with leading dealerships in the ME region. Today, he heads the business operations & dealer management department at Sensus.
PAL Auto Garage
Nithul Lakshman, Business Head
Having started in the automotive industry at the age of 18, Nithul Lakshman has worked his way up from ground zero to the Business Head of PAL Auto Garage. With over 15 years of experience of working with vehicle repairs that are insured with top-notch providers in the market, Nithul has a very in-depth knowledge in the collision repair industry.
AkzoNobel
Graham Threlfall, Global Key Account Manager – Vehicle Refinishes
A well-respected automotive industry professional with over 30 years of experience with a specialisation in the body repair industry. With a vast experience gained working with bodyshop groups, vehicle manufacturers, insurance companies, and leading automotive organisations.
Frost & Sullivan
Vitali Bielski, Associate Director
Vitali Bielski has been tracking the automotive industry in Europe and MENA for around 11 years. He is responsible for leading and executing consulting projects across multiple sub-sectors of the automotive industry including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles within both OE and aftermarket channels as well as distribution and retail networks. He provides a deep understanding of the dynamic mobility industry and the growing aftermarket opportunities in the Middle East. With over a decade of combined management consulting and vehicle manufacturer experience (commercial finance team of a leading global OEM), he fully understands the needs of automotive companies and potential for their growth.
RoadSafetyUAE
Thomas Edelmann, Managing Director
Thomas Edelmann is the managing director of Road Safety UAE. The company has a vision of being able to contribute to reducing the number of road traffic fatalities, injuries and accidents in the UAE. Their mission is to raise the UAE’s traffic participants’ awareness for proper conduct on our roads, on a broadly communicated and permanent basis.
MICHELIN
Naser Shashaa, Middle East Cluster Commercial Director
Naser Shashaa received his Master Degree in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah - UAE in 2003, after completing his undergraduate studies in Cyprus. He joined the Michelin Group in April 2010 and since then has assumed various roles within sales and marketing such as Market Intelligence, Pricing, and Business Segment and most recently since 2015, as TYREPLUS Franchise Manager for the Gulf region. Since January 2018, Naser Shashaa has been Commercial Director for Middle East Cluster in Michelin Africa, India and Middle East Region.
Continental Tires Middle East
Juan Uruburu Alonso, Head of Sales Consumer and Truck Tires
Juan Uruburu Alonso, Spanish, holds a double university degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration from Universidad Politécnica of Madrid. He started his career at Shell Royal Dutch Co. in General Operations area. After 7 years at WABCO as OE Product Sales Manager, he joined Continental in 2005 as Customer Service Manager for Iberia. In 2008 he became Head of Truck Tires Sales in Spain. 8 years later he moved to the Middle East as Head of Sales of Truck Tires and from January 2021 is the Head of Sales in the region adding Consumer tires under his responsibility. Lives in Dubai with his wife and their three kids. During his free time Juan loves stay with the family, Cycling and Running.
Frost & Sullivan
Sarwant Saini, Managing Partner
Sarwant brings with him over two decades of experience in strategic consulting and advisory to Fortune 1000 companies. He is the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) Region Leader and Global Practice leader of the Automotive & Transportation and Aerospace & Defence team.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
Ruta Aisthorpe, Head of International and Events
Ruta ensures that the SMMT has an effective international programme of activities to promote the UK automotive sector’s strengths and position the UK as a great place for automotive investment. She currently helps UK automotive companies build trade links abroad.
Hella Middle East FZE/ LLC
Nima Mehrdadi, Regional Managing Director - Middle East & Africa
Nima is responsible for the Hella Business in Middle East & Africa supplying Hella lighting and electronic spare parts, parts from joint venture partnership with TMD, Hella Pagid Break System as well as Hella Gutmann Workshop Equipment. Has more than 20 Years of experience in Automotive and Industrial Sector.
Al Masaood Automobiles
Harmeet Singh, Aftersales Director
Harmeet is a seasoned automotive professional with over 24 years of experience. He has worked in the Automotive & Lubricants sectors in India and GCC. His strong work ethics and extensive industry experience have been instrumental at increasing sales, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Glasgow Consulting Group
Vishal Pandey, Automotive & Mobility Practice
Vishal is a leading MENA focused Market Entry & Go-To-Market Strategy Specialist. He has been involved in over 100 Automotive, Mobility and Logistics related research & market entry engagements. He has worked across the value chain with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and tier one suppliers.
NGK SPARK PLUG MIDDLE EAST FZE
Tufan Baysal, Director Aftermarket of Middle East, Africa, & Eurasia
Tufan has over a decade experience in B2B and fast consumer product lines with Henkel. He joined NGK Spark Plugs GmbH in 2014 as the GM of the South East Europe region for Aftermarket. He has relocated to Dubai in 2019 after being promoted to Director of Aftermarket for Middle East & Africa region.
ZF Middle East FZE
Dr. Alexander Khaled Sabbah, Head of EEMEA – Domain Services, Managing Director
Dr. Sabbah studied mechanical engineer at the Technical University in Munich. After obtaining a PhD in Controls Engineering in 1999, he worked in several managerial positions in Germany. Since 2004 he has been working in the U.A.E. in various sales and management functions.
Axalta Coating Systems
Stephen Louis, Key Account Manager – Refinish Systems (GCC Countries)
With 43 yrs of experience, Stephen is currently managing Axalta Premium Brands across GCC prior to which he was running bodyshops in KSA, Kuwait & UAE. Earlier he spent 9 yrs at Ford & Rover dealerships & 20 yrs in senior management roles across UK & Ireland serving the Bodyshop Industry.
