Speakers

With over 15 years of experience, Peter has focused on policy delivery within the transport sector. His expertise spans vehicle standards, access, and vehicle identification and registration. As the Director of Policy Implementation at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Peter oversees the monitoring of future trends in vehicle design and usage to understand the challenges future heavy vehicles will face. By applying this proactive understanding the NHVR seeks to ensure the regulatory framework can support these advancements, contributing to a safer and more sustainable transport landscape.

Heather is the Director of the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) function at Team Global Express, and has more than 20 years of experience in renewable energy, environment and sustainable development, strategic and business development, safety, marketing and communications in mines, energy, waste, transport, logistics and manufacturing in Australia and internationally. She is also the Chair of the Sustainability Committee at the Australian Logistics Council and a member of many other key fuels, energy, and climate change committees. Her passion for ESG is matched only by her interest in V8 cars, Harley Davidson motorbikes, and all things high-octane.

Alex is the Sector Lead for Bus and Heavy Vehicles at JET Charge, with extensive experience delivering projects in the transport sector. At JET Charge, Alex leads some of the country’s largest and most complex bus and truck fleet electrification projects with an emphasis project feasibility, de-risking complex charging infrastructure deployments and maintaining high reliability charging operations. Previously working for Keolis Downer, Alex has delivered a wide range of transport projects including asset refurbishments, new services, network reviews and fleet electrification projects.

Mark is a seasoned business leader and expert in connected vehicle technologies with over 15 years of experience championing data-led decision-making. With a background in mechanical engineering Mark finds the balance between worlds promoting innovation to drive businesses efficiency and profitability. As the Associate Vice President of Business Development at Geotab for APAC, Mark brings a unique perspective to his role, both a technologist and an engineer. Whether working with industry partners or leading Geotab’s business development initiatives, Mark is committed to driving innovation and creating a more sustainable future knowing data holds the key.

Stephen is the Technical Director for VE Motion, part of the Vibe Energy Group established in 2009. VE Motion is developing unique hybrid solutions for heavy transport including parallel Hybrid Drive prime mover and powered E-Trailer systems. Vibe Energy Group encompasses the brands ARENDS TRAILERS, specialising in innovative lightweight aluminium semi-trailer design and manufacturing, alongside VIBE ENERGY PTY LTD for grid connected generation assets owned and developed by the Group. Stephen’s 35 years in the power and heavy industrial sectors brings a unique experience in large electric drive haul trucks, electric wheeled loaders, diesel electric blast hole drills and electric rope shovels and draglines. This skillset has allowed him to understand the effects of heat, dust, vibration, and high load environments have on electrically powered equipment and power electronics to design and implement both VE Motion’s Hybrid Drive and powered E-Trailer systems.

Tim is an experienced, chartered Civil Engineer with a background in traffic, transport, and smart mobility advisory across both the public and private sectors. For the past 14 years Tim has advised and overseen projects across Australia and South-East Asia. This depth of experience has provided Tim with tangible, real-world insights into finding solutions and efficiencies in transport and mobility. As a keen advocate for future transport concepts, Tim’s role as E-mobility Solutions Manager with Volvo Group Australia sees him advising on, implementing and project managing the adoption of electric trucks into the Australian market. Tim also works closely with Government and Industry bodies to ensure the alignment of roadmaps and timeframes with policy and strategy.

SEA Electric welcomed aboard Daniel to the position of President, Asia Pacific Region, in April 2023. Daniel brings to SEA Electric a wealth of executive-level experience to his credit, following roles within the automotive industry, including bus and coach manufacturing, transport electrification, and zero emissions solutions. Having previously worked within Oceania, Southeast Asia, South America and the USA, Mr Scarpino de Castro joined SEA Electric from the position of President of Irizar USA, a multifaceted company focused on passenger transport and electromobility. He was also on the Board of Directors for Irizar Asia Pacific (Australia) since 2013, and he has earned an MBA from the Melbourne Business School.

Warren has been Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Transport Association since November 2015. In more than eight years at the helm, he has successfully grown and managed the organisation through a period of unprecedented challenges. Warren has more than 20 years of experience in leading and developing business for emerging companies, specialising in the not-for-profit sector. A certified Chartered Accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Financial Management from the University of New England. Prior to joining NatRoad he headed a peak industry council-driven, rural biosecurity operation in a highly regulated sector, and led the offshore arm of a sustainable livestock export business. Warren possesses a strong business and leadership record and a deep understanding of the road transport industry in Australia.

Jonathan is Product Program Manager for Zero Emission Vehicles at PACCAR Australia. Jonathan has over 2 decades experience in the automotive industry working in sales, aftersales, business development, product planning and program management roles. After joining PACCAR in 2016, Jonathan was in a business development role at PACCAR Parts prior to taking on responsibility for zero emission vehicles for the Kenworth and DAF brands. Jonathan is currently working with PACCAR’s global teams and partners to develop PACCAR Australia’s alternative fuel roadmap for the next decade and beyond.

For more than 80 years, BOC has provided gases and expertise that have contributed to advances in industry and everyday life. Chris, Business Development Manager for Clean Hydrogen at BOC South Pacific, and Board Member of the Australian Hydrogen Council Board, will present on BOC’s hydrogen refuelling capabilities. BOC has invested in hydrogen refuelling systems locally and internationally, and Chris will share BOC’s key learnings and how to move forward in that sector.

As a marketer and science communicator, Ben has more than two decades of experience marketing leading-edge high-technology businesses. His experience includes defence industry, biotech, medical diagnostics, advanced manufacturing and renewable energy. Ben has also been instrumental in the development and promotion of several government-funded defence industry and manufacturing programs. As Marketing & Communications Manager at Energys, Ben plays a leading role in the development of the company’s product development and positioning across hydrogen refueling and fuel cell products for both land and marine-based applications.

John is the Managing Director of Hyzon Australia. He is responsible for the Australian and New Zealand operations. John has over twenty years of global experience working in the United States, China, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia in operational, business development, investment, and sustainability roles. He has previously worked as Chief Investment Officer for a multinational industrial conglomerate with operations in water and wastewater treatment, marine construction, infrastructure, and diversified portfolio investment. John has also served as Director and Managing Director for Australian companies specialising in private equity, strategic new business creation, and health care. He has an MBA from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Melbourne.

Richard has over 30 years’ experience in the global auto business across sales, marketing, supply planning and product planning disciplines. He has worked across the Australian and New Zealand markets as well South East Asia. He was the Vice-President of Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries from 2014 to 2018 and currently sits on the Truck Industry Council. Prior to Hino, he was Sales Director at Mercedes-Benz Australia and more recently as President & CEO of Nissan Motors Australia. During his time at Nissan, he was a prominent voice in seeking Government progress and policy in the area of Low and Zero Emission drivetrain options.

Dan is a Technical Specialist with EV FireSafe. He has been described as having an ‘encyclopedic knowledge of EVs’ by the world’s leading expert in the EV battery fire space. Dan supports EV FireSafe’s research with a combination of skilled knowledge & practical experimentation, including being involved in electric vehicle product & crash testing. Prior to joining EV FireSafe, Dan was a career firefighter and vehicle mechanic.

Naomi is the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds inaugural CEO. Previously, Naomi was the Executive Director of the TrackSAFE Foundation- an Australian rail industry not-for-profit, that addresses suicide on the rail network and the resultant trauma caused to train drivers and other frontline staff. It is this experience that Naomi draws upon in leading Healthy Heads, to strengthen and grow the organisation and work to improve mental health in the trucking and logistics industry. Naomi has spent her career to date honing her passion for working nationally to unite industries behind significant causes such as health and wellbeing, providing individuals and organisations with the resources they need to face challenges head-on, creating cultures of care and support. Naomi holds a Bachelor and Masters from Monash University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Hadi is an Associate Professor and the Major Discipline Coordinator for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Swinburne University of Technology. In 2023, Hadi was recognised in the Stanford University Top 2% most-cited scientists list (single year impact). As the Lead for Supply Chain Decarbonisation Initiative at Swinburne, the program delivers industry and government end-to-end bespoke solutions to decarbonise supply chains, including emission and economic modelling, fleet optimisation and data analytics. Over his career, Hadi has delivered several projects for both public and private clients in the area supply chain optimisation and digital transformation.

Bill is a highly experienced automotive management professional with extensive heavy vehicle experience spanning General Manager, Director, and President roles at Foton Mobility Distribution, SEA Electric, Hino Australia, Peugeot, Nissan, and Kia.

Mark is a pioneer in making Australian trucks and freight more sustainable. His career includes time in the car and truck industry, government sustainability programs, and more than 15 years as an expert advisor reducing transport emissions. He founded MOV3MENT to make this real, providing advice to truck OEMs, fleets, fuel and energy companies, and all levels of government. He’s motivated by a passion for anything with wheels and speeding up clean energy in transport.

Nathan has qualifications in Automotive Electrical and Industrial Engineering, and is the General Manager of Revora, Eurocold’s futures business supporting refrigerated trucking fleets to move to a zero-emission future with all sizes of rigid refrigerated electric trucks. Nathan’s experience spans management, board, director, and consulting roles across transport and automotive businesses including MOV3MENT Consulting, Tesla, Caterpillar, Jaguar and Aston Martin.

Anthony is the CEO and Co-Founder of NewVolt Infrastructure. NewVolt’s mission is to fast track Australia’s transition to zero emission heavy vehicles. NewVolt is developing a national network of shared use truck charging hubs, powered by renewable energy, along Australia’s major freight corridors and at critical industrial precincts. Prior to co-founding NewVolt, Anthony was an experienced lawyer with expertise in renewable energy, infrastructure and project finance. Anthony has worked in the private and public sectors in Australia and across the Asia Pacific. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Bachelor of Economics and Executive Masters of Public Administration. Anthony grew up in a highway town in Queensland. Anthony now lives with his family in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Alisha has been with NTI for almost 15 years, and held her current position as National Product Manager for Heavy Motor for the last 7 years. Her expertise stems from more than 20 years’ experience in motor insurance, including 15 years in the heavy motor and transport space. Whilst at NTI Alisha has been instrumental in leading the development of new insurance products – from policy wording and premium, through to digital integration and launch to market. Alisha holds a Masters of Insurance and Risk through Deakin University.

Gavin is the General Manager of Strategy and Delivery at Transport Certification Australia. He has over two decades of experience working on technology and regulatory reforms in the Australian transport sector. Gavin is widely recognised globally through his work with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and as the President of the International Forum for Heavy Vehicle Transport & Technology. Gavin holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and an Honours Degree in Economics.

Matthew is the Engineering Manager for Dana Australia, overseeing their Engineering and Quality teams. Matthew has degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and International Automotive Engineering, has been published and presented research at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress, and has 15 years of experience in engineering and management with OEMs in the Automotive, Motorsport, Rail and Military Vehicle sectors.

Paul is the CEO of All Purpose Transport (APT) which has over 400 workers, including 290 contractor owner drivers. APT serves blue-chip clients like IKEA, Rheem, Castrol and Cotton-On. With APT since 1988, he has held senior leadership roles since 2002. APT pioneered Queensland’s first electric truck for home deliveries, navigating challenges in maintenance, charging, and driver training related to the introduction of new technology. They now operate 14 electric vehicles in Brisbane, cutting carbon emissions by over 32 tonnes of CO2 monthly. Paul is also a board member and outgoing President of the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA).

Alexandra has been working in the electric vehicle industry in Australia since 2019. Currently, she is leading the IKEA 100% by 2025 zero emission delivery strategy in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to this, she worked at the Electric Vehicle Council advising government, the EV sector, and the broader sustainability sector on electric vehicle policy, with a focus on commercial fleets and heavy vehicles.

Daniel is currently the Technical Manager at Ark Energy, responsible for the future fuels technical team. He is a Mechanical Engineer and holds a Masters from QUT that focused on battery technology. He has experience in delivering complex low-carbon infrastructure projects, from concept through to commissioning. Previously, Daniel has been an advisor to the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre, sitting on the steering committee. He is a member of “ME-093 Hydrogen Australian Standards”.

Adele leads advocacy and the transition to zero emission vehicles for HVIA, who represent and advance the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles and their components, equipment and technology. Her background includes working in federal politics and peak membership bodies across a range of industries, and she has a PhD in Australian politics.

Richard, the 2022 Australian Teacher Trainer of the Year, is renowned for his innovative approaches in educational training. Since 2021, he has been the Teacher Level 2 of the CIT Electric Vehicle program, spearheading the design and development of training solutions for electric vehicle technicians. Under his leadership, the program launched Australia’s first Certificate III in Electric Vehicle Technology apprenticeship, currently being delivered nationally using the latest in delivery techniques and world class learning resources to ensure Technicians have the skills and knowledge for now and into the future.

Sam is the Head of Policy for NatRoad, Australia’s largest industry association of trucking operators. He has extensive experience in public policy and government relations, including supporting the representation of regional communities in Federal Parliament. Sam is experienced in transport policy and leads decarbonisation policy and project work for NatRoad, which has included the release of a road freight decarbonisation industry white paper. He previously co-authored a policy report on electric trucks. Sam has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning and is a member of the Planning Institute of Australia.

Ryan joined Hiringa Energy in 2019 as Head of New Business, his responsibilities cover; business development, strategy, government affairs and communications. Over the last 5 years he’s been working closely with businesses across New Zealand & Australia who are looking to decarbonise their operations using green hydrogen, helping them to identify where hydrogen fits in their mix of decarbonisation options, ranging from trucks to textiles. Ryan’s career spans over 20 years of engineering consultancy principally in the energy and technology sector, including over a decade in various general management roles throughout Australasia.

Nemanja started his “Australian” engineering career over 20 years ago and has been actively involved in the transport industry. His journey started with Hendrickson Australia where he spent 4 years as Design Engineer, working on local design, development and testing. Then he moved to the “truck” side and joined IVECO Trucks Australia, working as Special Vehicle Application Engineer. He joined SAF-Holland Australia 15 years ago. During this time he relocated to the Parent company in Germany for 3.5 years, working as Product Development Manager. He was involved in the implementation of advanced technologies, such as telematics and electrification of trailer axles. In 2019, Nemanja returned to SAF-Holland Australia as the Product & Engineering Manager.

Simon is a highly experienced Head of Sales with a proven track record in the electrical industry. With expertise in the Renewable, Utility, Industrial and Mining verticals, Simon specialises in organising sales structures and implementing go-to-market strategies to drive business growth. His responsibilities include Medium Voltage Switchgear and Protection, power SCADA, Electric Vehicle Charging, Building Management and Security Systems, and Low Voltage Products. Before joining Siemens, Simon worked at Schneider Electric where he held several key positions. In his roles as General Manager Sales and Global Commercial Manager Recloser Solutions, he was responsible for the development and long-term profitability of Schneider Electric’s Energy Projects Division. In addition to his extensive experience and expertise in the electrical industry, Simon is known for his passion for technology and his vision-driven approach to leadership. He is a strategic and critical thinker who is able to identify opportunities for growth and develop effective go-to-market strategies to capitalize on them.

Melissa is a policy and strategy specialist with experience across many public sector roles, most recently including freight policy and strategy at Freight Victoria, policy management at Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, and heavy vehicle productivity and safety management at the National Transport Commission. She has a deep understanding of the heavy vehicle regulatory landscape at all levels, and the important role of government policy in enabling productivity and safety improvements.

Dylan is based in Melbourne, Australia. Dylan’s electrical engineering background, energy industry experience and passion for helping build EV Charging Solutions for Fleets brings valuable expertise to electric fleet owners in Australia and New Zealand.

With over 20 years’ in the truck industry Daniel brings a high level of market knowledge and awareness from his experience in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail areas of the Australian Truck market. His career in the truck industry began at a retail level with Volvo Truck & Bus Sydney dealership from 1995 – 2002. He first joined Hino Motor Sales Australia back in 2006 as the Strategic Sales Co-Ordinator before climbing the ranks as Product Planning Co-ordinator then Product Planning Manager. Daniel has been the Manager of Product Strategy for Hino Trucks and Buses in Australia since 2014. His role incorporates the critical business functions of all product planning and strategies for all Hino vehicles in Australia. Daniel leads a team of engineering, product development and vehicle homologation personnel, and ensures the Hino products for the Australian market meet the ever-changing specification trends and market requirements.

Ian is the First Assistant Secretary Net Zero, within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts. Ian brings more than thirty years experience in climate change, energy and sustainability policy, as well as working across government, public service, consulting and the not-for-profit sector – including most recently heading up program delivery for Climateworks. Established in late 2022, the Net Zero Unit will identify how the infrastructure portfolio can work across government and with industry to help achieve net zero and improve the resilience of our transport networks and supply chains in the face of increasing extreme weather events. It will further help advance the Government’s emissions commitments by connecting government agencies, industry and climate experts to translate the latest research into action, while ensuring climate expertise is embedded into policies and investments.

Gareth leads Zenobe’s business in Australia and New Zealand, building on the growth and success of Zenobe in the UK and Europe. He is a former Management Consultant and Strategy expert in the energy and water utility sectors and has had a focus on grid-edge technologies, both through his consulting engagements and through Zenobe’s work within the transport and energy sectors. Gareth is excited about making a positive change in the industries we work in and facilitating rapid transformation through the use of proven technology, strong expertise and Zenobe’s access to capital.

Adam is an experienced and accomplished mechanical engineer embedded in Australia’s heavy vehicle transport industry. He is a passionate trucking and transport enthusiast who understands trucks, the regulations they operate under, and the stakeholders that influence the transport industry at all levels. His employment history is broad and spans engineering, product development, research, policy, vehicle dynamics, road safety, regulations, and compliance.

Romesh studied mechanical engineering at the University of Melbourne, upon completion of his degree he joined IVECO Trucks Australia as a graduate engineer in 2000. He worked in various areas of the business from product planning, sales and marketing to truck production and engineering. Romesh then joined DaimlerChrysler taking on the role of Product Engineer for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles where he held several key engineering and management roles. In his next step he moved across to Isuzu Australia to take on the role of Product Development Manager where he was responsible for liaison works with Isuzu Motors Japan as well as local design, development and testing, giving him valuable insight into this high-volume segment. In 2016 Romesh re-joined Daimler Truck. He has held various roles within the business from Head of Product for Mitsubishi-FUSO through to being Head of Vehicle Homologation, Regulatory Affairs and Future Mobility for all three Daimler brands. In a recent move he has now taken on the role of Head of Regulatory Affairs and Emerging Mobility Sales which sees him continuing his journey within the industry focused specifically on future vehicle strategy for Daimler Truck. Future perspective is a key focus for Daimler Truck where efficiency, advanced technologies and the transition to zero emission vehicles is crucial in supporting Australia’s future freight task.

Michael has decades of experience in the automotive and mining learning and development spaces where he has developed skills in mentoring, regulation, and training in a range of complex environments including on shop or trade floor, and at corporate and community levels including in remote indigenous communities. Michael plays a key role in aligning efforts within and across industries to improve system responsiveness, build stakeholder confidence, and drive high-quality outcomes for the Vocational Education and Training sector for the benefit of learners, businesses, and governments.

Helen spearheads Climateworks’ transport program, collaborating with government and industry partners to chart a unified course towards zero-emission transport. As the program lead, her recent report, “Delivering Freight Decarbonisation,” underscores the pivotal role of freight decarbonization in achieving Australia’s climate objectives and offers actionable steps for emissions reduction. Helen brings a robust background in sustainable transport, holding leadership positions in government, consulting, and not-for-profits, alongside research roles. With extensive experience in the Victorian Department of Transport and as the Head of Innovation and Strategy at CoDesign Studio, she has showcased her expertise in cities, transport, and innovation through public speaking engagements. Helen, equipped with a Master of Environment and a Bachelor of Public Policy and Management from the University of Melbourne, is currently pursuing a doctorate in sustainable transport and system change at RMIT.

David is the manager of the B2B Fuels & Lubricants business unit for Chevron Australia Downstream, which operates the Caltex brand. He leads a national team of business consultants and technical specialists. Prior to his current role, David oversaw the company’s east coast retail network, directing a team responsible for more than 130 service station sites across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. David came to the fuel industry via Puma Energy. He was part of the core leadership team during the company’s acquisition by Chevron in 2020 and subsequently helped steer the national rebranding and transition of the Puma service station network to Caltex. He has a Bachelor of Business Degree from Federation University and is completing his EMBA at Queensland University of Technology. Married with one son and two stepchildren, David is active in several sports including boxing and running.

Bianca is leading first-principles reform across transport modes to optimise the safety, productivity and sustainability of the freight system in NSW. This has included delivery of the Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy and Independent Review of the Ports and Maritime Administration Act and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy. Bianca is currently leading the NSW Freight Policy Reform Program to deliver a comprehensive strategic reform agenda and action plan to optimise freight transport in NSW. Bianca has a Masters degree in public policy and over 25 years public service experience, with a focus on economic development, across the Australian, Victorian and now NSW Governments.

Susie is a member of the federal Climate Change Authority, the independent statutory agency responsible for advising the Australian Government on climate change policy and emissions reduction targets. Susie was a member of the Australian expert panel examining low-cost abatement (King Report, 2020), the IGU’s group of experts on methane emissions, the IPCC taskforce meeting on fugitive emissions, the Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting guidelines for industry, the multinational leadership group for industry transition meetings, and the corporate emissions reduction transparency reporting reference panel. Susie is the Chief Executive of the AIGN – a leading forum for discussion on climate change, providing information in considering national and international policy and the role industry can play in the urgent transition to net zero emissions. Susie is passionate about science and its role in healthy, vibrant economies. She is active with the Australian Cooperative Research Centres as a Director, previously with CRC CARE and currently with FEnEX, which is creating a living laboratory to implement decarbonisation energy pathways.

Emma is the Director EV FireSafe. Together with her team, she provides data-driven learnings that enhance the safety of civilian & military emergency responders managing incidents involving electric vehicles, with a focus on those occurring at EV charging hubs. Prior to establishing EV FireSafe, Emma was an operational firefighter, and an early EV charging & electrification specialist.

Mathew is the Training Institute Manager at CMV Truck and Bus. He is a qualified heavy vehicle technician, and holds a diploma in automotive business management. He has extensive expertise in a wide range of heavy equipment roles, encompassing parts and service, sales & marketing, business strategy, people management, project management and plan implementation. His work history includes stints at JCB, Scania, and Velocity Vehicle Group.