Agenda 2026

Bio

Rich is the Managing Director of TriboTonic Ltd, which he founded over seven years ago to provide instrument sales, servicing, and technical support to tribology and petroleum companies across Europe. Prior to this, he spent 16 years at PCS Instruments in roles spanning sales, marketing, and business development.

TriboTonic represents and supports PCS Instruments, Falex Tribology, Flucon, and Metaspec test specimens throughout Europe. Holding a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, Rich brings a strong engineering and mathematical background to his work. He also serves the industry in advisory capacities on various boards and standards committees, is an active ASTM member (chairing D02.L0.12 on Tribology Tests for Electric Vehicle Lubricants), and has served on the Advisory Board of Lubricant Expo Europe since its inception in 2022.

Bio

Claudia joined Afton Chemical in 2021, taking responsibility for managing the Axle, Manual Transmission and Off-road business in the EMEAI region, transitioning to Passenger Car Motor Oil at the end of 2025.

Claudia gained her undergraduate degrees in Marketing Management and Commercial Law from the University of South Africa. She has leveraged this commercial background to work with global stakeholders to develop and implement business strategies and implement product technologies to meet customers’ evolving needs.

Bio

Rich is the Managing Director of TriboTonic Ltd, which he founded over seven years ago to provide instrument sales, servicing, and technical support to tribology and petroleum companies across Europe. Prior to this, he spent 16 years at PCS Instruments in roles spanning sales, marketing, and business development.

TriboTonic represents and supports PCS Instruments, Falex Tribology, Flucon, and Metaspec test specimens throughout Europe. Holding a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London, Rich brings a strong engineering and mathematical background to his work. He also serves the industry in advisory capacities on various boards and standards committees, is an active ASTM member (chairing D02.L0.12 on Tribology Tests for Electric Vehicle Lubricants), and has served on the Advisory Board of Lubricant Expo Europe since its inception in 2022.

Bio

Amir Kadiric is Professor of Tribology and Surface Mechanics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is a member of the Tribology research group and the Director of the SKF University Technology Centre for Tribology at Imperial College.

He obtained his MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering followed by a PhD in Tribology from Imperial College in 2005. He subsequently took a post at SKF’s Engineering and Research Centre in the Netherlands where he worked on rolling bearing research, before returning to Imperial.

Prof Kadiric’s primary research areas are surface damage mechanisms in mechanical systems, including rolling contact fatigue, scuffing, fretting and hydrogen effects; reliability and efficiency of electric vehicle drivetrains; high speed tribology, and contact mechanics. He has strong links with industry and his research is applicable to a wide range of engineering systems including wind turbines, electric vehicles and aerospace applications.

Bio

Tim Naundorf is Global Product Development Lead for Transmax and Castrol ON at Castrol. He specializes in EV Driveline and Transmission fluids, with a strong focus on translating advanced additive chemistry into market-ready solutions.

He has successfully led global development programs, including EV fluid technologies now deployed in production vehicles, and plays a key role in ensuring product continuity under supply constraints through alternative formulation strategies.

Combining deep expertise in additive chemistry with strong portfolio and stakeholder management, Tim works at the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability—shaping future-ready lubrication solutions for evolving mobility platforms.

Bio

Gareth Brown is a strategic technology manager for Lubrizol, based in Hazelwood, UK. He is responsible for strategic technology development for driveline, producing roadmaps, fundamental knowledge, tools, and pre-platform formulations for future driveline and thermal management solutions.

Gareth joined Lubrizol as research chemist in 2002, moving to driveline in 2006, supporting automatic transmission and off-highway additives. From 2009, leading global manual transmission fluid technology development, which included developing new platforms, products and fundamental knowledge. He was additionally responsible for driveline technology deployment in China and Korea 2014-2018.

Prior to joining Lubrizol, Gareth received an M.Chem, and D.Phil. in Chemistry from the University of Oxford.

Bio

Greg Miiller has worked around the globe for the transportation industry over the past 28 years. With both scientific and advanced business degrees, his R&D career has progressed to the Vice President of New Business and Engineering for the Savant Group. Part of that experience was enhancing the cost savings through design, process improvement and lean production methodology.  

Greg has been co-awarded eighteen patents for designs on testing equipment and authored many technical papers. He is currently the 2nd vice chair of ASTM D02 and actively serves as an officer with Standards Development Organizations such as Energy Institute, the Coordinating European Council and the Society of Automotive Engineers. In 2019 Greg formed the Global Lubricants Test Standards Team that provides a communication link between specification setting organizations, standards development organizations and trade organizations from around the world. 

His background in quality assurance, “5S” and “5Y”, risk analysis, ISO 90001/17025 and customer satisfaction narratives have been instrumental in his growth as a company entrepreneur. Greg is the founder of four other companies within the United States. 

Bio

Mr. Bhupinder Singh, a highly accomplished and widely respected figure in the global lubricants and base oil industry.

Mr. Singh brings over 30 years of international experience in lubricants, and base oils across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. He has held senior leadership roles with globally recognized organizations including Castrol, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), Universal Lubricants, Duckhams Oils and most recently, Bluechemgroup, where he serves as Global Director, driving strategic expansion and commercial excellence across the globe.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Mr. Singh is the Founder and Owner of the largest online group of lubricants and base oil professionals, LUBRICANT SPECIALISTS LinkedIn group with over 35,000 members worldwide. This platform serves as a key hub for industry professionals to share insights, network, and stay ahead of market trends.

Renowned for his thought leadership, Mr. Singh is a regular chairman and keynote speaker at prestigious international forums such as ICIS, UEIL, Petrosil AMEA and BOLAT. His expertise spans international business development and strategic partnerships, making him a sought-after voice in the lubricants ecosystem.

Bio

Maritza Leitão da Rocha is a Senior Product Development Technician with over 15 years’ experience in the Lubricant sector as product research and development. Holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Namibia, Certification in Principles and Technology of Lubrication Engineering LE-A 151 by SAIT and Post- Graduation in renewable energy management from the European University. Combines a solid foundation in formulation chemistry with a sharp commercial mindset, developing lubricant products that meet  technical benchmarks while delivering measurable value for both customers and business alike. Fluent in English and Portuguese.

Her work is driven by a single conviction: that technical excellence and commercial impact are not competing priorities, but rather the two pillars of products that truly endure.

Bio

Wajahat Haider is the Executive Director at General Petroleum FZE, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global business strategy. With a strong background in strategic planning, business development, and international market expansion, he oversees growth initiatives that strengthen the company’s footprint across diverse regions.

Mr. Haider brings deep expertise in analyzing raw material trends and market dynamics, enabling him to craft forward-looking strategies that respond to global shifts. He is also actively involved in developing innovative marketing strategies, broadening GP’s product portfolio, and aligning offerings with the rapidly evolving technologies of the automobile industry.

Earlier in his career, he successfully grew GP’s lubricant business in Pakistan, establishing it as a trusted market leader, with products blended at Shell’s state-of-the-art facilities to ensure compliance with international standards. His career journey also includes ventures in the steel sector in South Africa and advanced studies in Service Management and Design at the University of Warwick, UK.

Today, Mr. Haider continues to drive GP’s global expansion, including spearheading the company’s entry into the North American market, with a focus on long-term growth, innovation, and building strong distributor relationships.

Bio

Ali Faisal Alawieh is a dynamic and results-driven General Manager with over 20 years of international leadership experience in the lubricants, automotive, and industrial sectors. He leads the overall operations of Petrovöll GmbH and Gulf Continental Oil & Grease Factory, overseeing manufacturing and production, sales and marketing, supply chain, business development, and international commercial operations.

His leadership combines operational excellence with strategic commercial vision, ensuring manufacturing efficiency, product quality, operational performance, and the successful development of competitive international brands. Throughout his career, Ali has successfully expanded business across the GCC, MENA, Africa, CIS, Asia, and North America, building strong partnerships with distributors and strategic business partners in more than 80 countries.

Recognized for driving business transformation and sustainable growth, he has a proven track record of optimizing manufacturing and commercial performance, leading high-performing multicultural teams, and delivering long-term value through strategic planning, innovation, and customer-centric leadership.

Bio

Trevor has 9 years as a consultant, writer and podcaster on Lubricants matters, focusing on new chemistry, new opportunities and M&A.

He spent 18 years with Shell at the Lubricants/supplier interface, responsible for Lubricants component & formulation quality, and HSE. He also managed the Lubricants Quality System, taking it into the big data world covering all Lubricant products, formulations, components, QC tests, technical and HSE data.

His PhD and post-doctoral studies were highly relevant to the development of GTL and metallocene PAOs.

A volunteer basketball coach for 30 years, Trevor is proud of the 9 internationals he introduced to the game. In 4 years coaching elite youth basketball in England, he took one team to the National Final Fours.

Trevor owns around 3% of his hometown football club, Workington AFC, is a cancer survivor and almost set up his own railway company in the 1990s.

Bio

Umesh Amarnani is the Managing Director of Adipro International Corporation and Co-Founder of Adipro Chemicals, as well as the Founder of Pacegate Energy & Resources Ltd. (PEARL).

Based in Oxford, United Kingdom, he brings over two decades of experience in the specialty chemicals and lubricant additives industry, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic global growth.

Under his leadership, Adipro Chemicals has expanded its footprint across key markets including the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, Africa and India. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s capabilities in additives manufacturing, blending, and formulation technologies.

He has been instrumental in establishing one of Africa’s first lubricant additives and production chemicals manufacturing facilities in Ilupeju, Lagos, along with the Adipro Africa Technology Center (AATC)—an ISO 17025-certified testing facility. In addition, he has led the development of the Adipro Global Technology Centre (AGTC) in India, alongside significant investments in global approvals and certifications to strengthen product credibility and market access.

He also oversees Pacegate Energy & Resources Ltd., which operates Africa’s largest steel drum manufacturing plant, supporting the region’s industrial and energy supply chain.

Bio

Marco is an experienced lubricants and additives specialist with 24 years in the global industry, spanning technical, commercial and strategic leadership roles. After moving to Infineum from academia, he held positions across additive development, formulation and base stock programmes, and led product development and customer deployment teams in both Europe and Asia. His experience also includes global market management, where he was responsible for product portfolio strategy, pricing and budget accountability, and contributed to major investment decisions. Marco has deep expertise in additive and lubricant development across automotive and marine applications, from concept evaluation and testing through to launch and profitability management. He has represented the industry through CEC and ATC associations for 18 years, presented at international conferences, and delivered training for customers and OEMs. Since April 2025, he has worked as an independent consultant, providing market intelligence, strategic advice and technical guidance across the lubricants and chemicals sectors.

Bio

 Roger brings over 25 years of experience in the transportation lubricant industry, with a distinguished career defined by innovation, leadership, and global business development.

Since joining BRB International in 2001, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a lubricant trading firm into one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers and suppliers of lube oil additives. Roger began his professional journey as a chemist at Unilever, where he worked for eight years before transitioning to BRB. At BRB, he assumed a global leadership role, overseeing international operations and driving strategic growth in the lube oil additives and specialty chemicals sectors.

Under his leadership, BRB evolved into a globally recognized name for high-quality, non-homologated additives, including viscosity modifiers, driveline, and engine oil additives. His oversight extended across the full spectrum of production management for lube oil additives and specialty chemicals, driving consistent quality and innovation. He currently serves as a board member of the Dutch Lubricant Association.

Bio

 Piotr attained his PhD in Chemical Technology from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland in 2005 and his PhD in Management and Quality Sciences from the University of Lodz, Poland in 2022.

Since 2006, he has been employed by LOTOS Oil (since 2023 by ORLEN Oil after acquisition), where he worked in the areas of automotive lubricant’s technology, development, technical support and market analysis. His current role is manager of Amber Base GR II base oils commercialization project.

Since 2009, Piotr has been active member of various ATIEL’s  (The Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry )committees, including continuous membership in Quality Management Systems Committee (QMS) from Committee’s early days back in January 2013. Since 2020 he is a member of BoD being also QMS committee sponsor.

He is also chairman of Technical Subcommittee No. 3 on Lubricants of TC 222 on Petroleum Products and Similar Products of Biological and Synthetic Origin of the Polish Committee for Standardisation (PKN).

Bio

Modestino is a chemical engineer with a PhD in tribology and materials science. His career started as a researcher at SKF, before he moved to TotalEnergies as an R&D project leader on heavy-duty and Marine engine lubricants – Expertise in engine oil formulation and adequation with engine requirements. He has several years of experience in low-carbon energy for mobility applications, emissions and formulation in internal combustion engines.

Bio

Konstantin Melnichuk is a Vice President within the Energy Practice of Kline + Company, based out of Kline’s London office. He leads the market research division covering the Energy sector at Kline, managing an international team focused on the lubricants value chain and energy specialty markets.

He has over 15 years of experience in management consulting, specializing in areas such as new market entry, marketing strategy, market size and segmentation, competitive intelligence and commercial due diligence.

He has a specialist degree in Physics from Lomonosov Moscow State University and FT MBA from Manchester Business School.

Bio

Ceyhan Çağlar Çapanoğlu, MSc, is a Senior Chemical Engineer and Director of R&D, Technical Support & Project with over 15 years of experience in the lubricants & grease, petrochemical, industrial, automotive, and defense industries.

She specializes in product development, technical project leadership, OEM approvals, and industrial innovation management. Throughout her career at Koçak Petrol/Speedol, she has led the development of more than 1,000 product formulations, including automotive, industrial, aviationand defense sectors lubricants & special products. She also established and managed one of Türkiye’s Ministry-approved R&D Center, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and nationally funded innovation projects.

Her expertise includes lubricant & special products formulations, tailor-made projects for engine producers, technical support & education to customers regulatory compliance, technical commercialization, and cross-functional leadership. She has contrubuted to major national projects, including Türkiye’s first domestic UAV engine’s lubricants & coolant development, and actively represents her company at international exhibitions and technical congresses.

Bio

Laura Batlle Boix holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona (UB) and a Master in Circular Economy (Tools and Strategies for Industrial Innovation) from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).

Her professional career began in 2015 where she was involved in the coordination and implementation of a European project (Horizon 2020) at the University of Verona, within the department of chemistry and environmental engineering.

She initiated her career at Leitat in 2017, where she is developing her professional career as a Principal Researcher. Working within the Surface Chemistry Unit, leading the department of Advanced Industrial Fluids.

She is currently involved in the preparation, negotiation, implementation and management of European, national and industrial R&D projects on the formulation of lubricants and industrial fluids, tribological properties and revaluation of products to move towards the transition to a Circular Economy.

Bio

Yana Wilkinson is a Vice President at Kline and Company and co-leads Kline’s Energy Practice globally. Based in London, Yana Wilkinson brings 20 years of experience in management consulting and market intelligence, of which 15 have been spent at Kline. As the global strategy lead, she focuses on the entire lubricants value chain. This includes energy specialties and a broad range of automotive and industrial end users, as well as emerging applications in digital infrastructure. Her aim is to help clients see further and act smarter.

In her role at Kline, Yana has managed numerous global assignments for leading industry players, focusing on strategy development, business growth and market entry, opportunity identification, M&A support, and industry intelligence.

Yana holds an MBA from the Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and a Masters in International Relations from Kiev National University, Ukraine.

Bio

Laura Batlle Boix holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona (UB) and a Master in Circular Economy (Tools and Strategies for Industrial Innovation) from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC).

Her professional career began in 2015 where she was involved in the coordination and implementation of a European project (Horizon 2020) at the University of Verona, within the department of chemistry and environmental engineering.

She initiated her career at Leitat in 2017, where she is developing her professional career as a Principal Researcher. Working within the Surface Chemistry Unit, leading the department of Advanced Industrial Fluids.

She is currently involved in the preparation, negotiation, implementation and management of European, national and industrial R&D projects on the formulation of lubricants and industrial fluids, tribological properties and revaluation of products to move towards the transition to a Circular Economy.

Bio

Melissa Quinn is an Expert Industrial Products at Castrol Germany with 20+ years’ experience in the lubricants industry. She has been on the NLGI BOD since 2024. After studying Chemistry at the University of Sydney, she started in the lubricants industry as a Grease Chemist. Throughout her career, Melissa’s focus has been on mining and industrial lubricants working in a variety of roles including product development, technical sales and product management. After joining bp Australia in 2018, she moved to the UK to work on developing high performance greases. Melissa is now located in Germany as a global grease specialist supporting the technology strategy and providing technical expertise.

Bio

Dr. Vladimir Totolin is currently working as a R&D Project Manager at Freudenberg Group (Weinheim, Germany). He leads highly interdisciplinary projects addressing a wide range of issues regarding surface/interface mechanisms of specialty lubricants with various materials and coatings relevant for industrial applications. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States) in 2010. His research focuses on advanced lubrication for energy efficiency, coatings, surface & interface phenomena relevant for tribology. He has published 2 books and over 20 peer-reviewed journal papers, and several conference proceedings. He is also serving as an Independent Expert for the European Commission, assisting in research and innovation assignments including evaluation of proposals falling within the Horizon 2020 & Horizon Europe Programs. He has held multiple R&D positions in the United States, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, and Germany.

Bio

Andre is a hands-on entrepreneur with deep technical expertise and a proven leadership track record. He currently focuses on developing AI-driven applications that simplify everyday work. He bridges the gap between technical execution and strategic vision. He also advises companies on implementing AI and data-first strategies, helping them stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

With a background spanning the chemical and AgTech industries across Europe, the USA, and Asia, Andre brings a global perspective to every challenge. Whether working with startups or large corporations, Andre’s expertise in technology and business, combined with significant venture capital experience, makes him a valuable partner in driving innovation and growth.

Bio

Dr. Lucia Pisarova is an internationally recognized expert in tribology and innovative lubricant design, with over 17 years of R&D leadership at AC2T research GmbH. A Marie Curie alumna and PhD graduate of the Vienna University of Technology, she specializes in bridging the gap between computational modelling and high-end analytics to provide crucial insights for sustainable lubricants and highly demanding applications.

Dr. Pisarova currently manages a multi-scale computational modelling team dedicated to driving the digital transformation towards time- and cost-effective R&D for high-performing, safe and sustainable lubricant design. The integration of generative AI, predictive QSAR/QSPR, MD and rMD models for molecular-level up to application-specific FEM modelling, and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments (LCSA) enables industry to future-proof against the complex ever-changing requirements of REACH, Ecolabel, SSbD, and ESPR frameworks.

Bio

Paola Pastorelli is a Research Associate at Sasol International Chemicals specialising in technical formulations for metalworking and lubricants. She coordinates innovation initiatives for target markets, collaborates with business teams, and works with customers to develop tailored solutions and guide new product design.

Paola joined Sasol in 2005 as a Technical Customer Support Specialist in the cosmetics and detergents sectors. In 2009, she became Regional Manager of R&D Applications & Customer Support, leading application development for Sasol Italy’s products across multiple market segments. Since 2015, she has served as Technical Platform Leader for Metalworking and Lubricants.

She holds a master’s degree in industrial chemistry from the University of Milan and previously worked as a Junior Researcher at the National Research Council of Italy.

Bio

Dr. Pritesh Patel is currently Global Technology Manager at Chevron Oronite, where he directs global technology and product development focused on automotive engine oils, viscosity modifiers, small engines, and driveline additives for lubricants. With over 18 years of leadership in the lubrication and specialty chemicals sector, he has directed technology & product development, commercialization of innovative additive and lubricants, leading diverse global teams of scientists, specialists and engineers to deliver cutting-edge solutions. He has additional experience in Specialty Chemicals business development, sales & operations (S&OP) management for base oils, and planning functions.  He holds a Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science & Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and undergraduate in Chemical Engineering with several patents and publications in diverse fields. Dr. Patel spearheads the application of AI and intelligent systems in R&D, driving the development of advanced lubricant formulations and additive technologies.

Bio

Peter Schick, based in Stuttgart-Möhringen, BW, Germany is currently managing the Fluid Release System (FRS) at Daimler Truck AG, bringing experience from previous roles at Daimler Truck AG and Daimler AG for over 25 years. Peter Schick has studied Mechanical Engineering at the Hochschule Esslingen and is responsible for Engine Oil Development at Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Busses, chair of the ACEA (The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) Heavy Duty Taskforce Lubricants as well as vice-chair of CEC (The Coordinating European Council).

Bio

Frank Wolter is a Validation Engineer at FEV Europe, where he has been contributing his expertise for over 19 years. He specializes in testing and validation of electric propulsion systems, with a strong focus on electric machines, power electronics, and complete electric drivetrains.

Throughout his career, Mr. Wolter has developed in-depth expertise in ensuring performance, reliability, and durability of advanced electrified systems. In addition, he brings extensive experience in Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) engineering for electric drive components, both at component level and at full vehicle level.

He has been actively involved in numerous development and validation projects, supporting the industrialization and quality assurance of next-generation electric mobility solutions.

Bio

Mr. Mattern was awarded a master degree in mechanical engineering in 1995 from the University of Suedwestfalen in Germany and currently obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) International Sales at Ferdinand Porsche University, Vienna, Austria. After several years in the design department of Gustav Wiegard Maschinenfabrik, Germany, he moved to TSI inc. a US based Laser Company and became the European Sales Manager for laser based length and speed measurement. In 2000 Mr. Mattern moved to Shell Lubricants and had a senior role for global OEM relationship in the Steel Sector and later on he was leading the global marketing activities including strategy, training and roll out of initiatives for the Global Steel Sector at Shell International. After several further roles in business development for greases at Shell Mr. Mattern moved to Hansen & Rosenthal in Hamburg, Germany where he developed and implemented a strategy for the global roll out of the SRS Lubricants business. In 2016 Mr. Mattern joined Quaker Chemical B.V. (today QuakerHoughton) to lead their global Grease Business Unit including strategy and business development.

Since 2020 Mr. Mattern held the position of Global Market Manager Steel Industry at Carl BECHEM Germany, leads their global sales and business development activities in selected key countries globally.

Bio

Crystal O’Halloran, MBA, CAE is the Executive Director of NLGI, leading the institute’s mission as the premier source of support for the lubricating grease industry worldwide. With twenty years of association management experience, Crystal focuses on executing strategic initiatives, driving membership growth and engagement as well as cultivating relationships with the Board of Directors, members, staff and partnering organizations. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University and a Master in Business Administration from Baker University.

Bio

Melissa Quinn is an Expert Industrial Products at Castrol Germany with 20+ years’ experience in the lubricants industry. She has been on the NLGI BOD since 2024. After studying Chemistry at the University of Sydney, she started in the lubricants industry as a Grease Chemist. Throughout her career, Melissa’s focus has been on mining and industrial lubricants working in a variety of roles including product development, technical sales and product management. After joining bp Australia in 2018, she moved to the UK to work on developing high performance greases. Melissa is now located in Germany as a global grease specialist supporting the technology strategy and providing technical expertise.

Bio

Dr. Erik Willett serves as the President of Functional Products Inc., a lubricant additive company specializing in polymer-based technology, located in the USA. He holds a Doctorate in Polymer Science from the University of Akron and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut.

Functional Products Inc. serves customers around the world by supplying additives, designing formulations, and training customer’s technical/sales/marketing teams so they can succeed in our rapidly changing global market. Functional is distributed locally in Europe via LUMAR who provides local inventory, exceptional service, and the ability to coordinate high-level R&D with the Functional team.

Dr. Willett’s achievements from these efforts include receiving the prestigious PCC Gonsalves Memorial Award, NLGI Author Award for Development, Award for Educational Excellence, and the NLGI Fellows Award. His work continues to find cost-effective ways for polymer additives to meet the rising technical and sustainability needs of our industry.

Bio

Mr. Wayne Mackwood is the Global Head of Detergent and Grease Technology with LANXESS’  Lubricant Additives Business, managing the Application Technology center and team in Toronto, Canada.  He is currently President of the NLGI (2024-2026) and has served on the NLGI Board since 2012. He has degrees in Materials Engineering Science with a post-grad study in Tribology. Wayne is a globally recognized expert in the grease and lubricant industry, particularly on Calcium Sulfonate Complex Grease. For over 30 years he has been directly involved in the research and development of grease for use in a range of applications, creating more than 200 formulations and since 2013 he has also been responsible for LANXESS’ detergent technology. He has been active in the local Toronto STLE for 30 years and served as a director on the STLE national board from 2008 to 2011.   

Bio

Trevor has 9 years as a consultant, writer and podcaster on Lubricants matters, focusing on new chemistry, new opportunities and M&A.

He spent 18 years with Shell at the Lubricants/supplier interface, responsible for Lubricants component & formulation quality, and HSE. He also managed the Lubricants Quality System, taking it into the big data world covering all Lubricant products, formulations, components, QC tests, technical and HSE data.

His PhD and post-doctoral studies were highly relevant to the development of GTL and metallocene PAOs.

A volunteer basketball coach for 30 years, Trevor is proud of the 9 internationals he introduced to the game. In 4 years coaching elite youth basketball in England, he took one team to the National Final Fours.

Trevor owns around 3% of his hometown football club, Workington AFC, is a cancer survivor and almost set up his own railway company in the 1990s.

Bio

Douwina Bosscher, PhD, is a senior technical leader with extensive expertise in innovation, R&D, sustainability and corporate responsibility, intellectual assets management and intellectual property, product safety, regulatory affairs, and quality management.

She currently serves as Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation at Oleon, where she drives strategic innovation and technology development. In parallel, she holds the role of Managing Director of Oleon S.A.S. in France.

Her career spans global leadership roles across EMEA, the USA, and APAC, having strong international experience in managing technical teams. Prior to joining Oleon, she was R&D Director for Oil & Seeds EMEA at Cargill and held different corporate roles in Cargill where she contributed to innovation strategies across multiple food, nutrition and industrial segments.

She also held roles in DSM in The Netherlands and Switzerland, strengthening her expertise in functional foods innovation during the early stages of her career. Douwina is recognized for building high-performance innovation pipelines and fostering strong customer partnerships to deliver new products and solutions.

Her engagement extends to policy and research, including participation in discussions with the European Commission on future research investments.

Bio

Trevor has 9 years as a consultant, writer and podcaster on Lubricants matters, focusing on new chemistry, new opportunities and M&A.

He spent 18 years with Shell at the Lubricants/supplier interface, responsible for Lubricants component & formulation quality, and HSE. He also managed the Lubricants Quality System, taking it into the big data world covering all Lubricant products, formulations, components, QC tests, technical and HSE data.

His PhD and post-doctoral studies were highly relevant to the development of GTL and metallocene PAOs.

A volunteer basketball coach for 30 years, Trevor is proud of the 9 internationals he introduced to the game. In 4 years coaching elite youth basketball in England, he took one team to the National Final Fours.

Trevor owns around 3% of his hometown football club, Workington AFC, is a cancer survivor and almost set up his own railway company in the 1990s.

Bio

Douwina Bosscher, PhD, is a senior technical leader with extensive expertise in innovation, R&D, sustainability and corporate responsibility, intellectual assets management and intellectual property, product safety, regulatory affairs, and quality management.

She currently serves as Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation at Oleon, where she drives strategic innovation and technology development. In parallel, she holds the role of Managing Director of Oleon S.A.S. in France.

Her career spans global leadership roles across EMEA, the USA, and APAC, having strong international experience in managing technical teams. Prior to joining Oleon, she was R&D Director for Oil & Seeds EMEA at Cargill and held different corporate roles in Cargill where she contributed to innovation strategies across multiple food, nutrition and industrial segments.

She also held roles in DSM in The Netherlands and Switzerland, strengthening her expertise in functional foods innovation during the early stages of her career. Douwina is recognized for building high-performance innovation pipelines and fostering strong customer partnerships to deliver new products and solutions.

Her engagement extends to policy and research, including participation in discussions with the European Commission on future research investments.

Bio

In his current role as Head of Sustainability, Kevin is accountable for leading Infineum’s corporate sustainability team in defining the strategies and actions necessary to achieve Infineum’s ESG ambitions. This effort focuses largely on corporate decarbonization and supporting related customer needs, but also on employee and community social issues.

Kevin has over 35 years of experience in the fuels and lubricants industry, including his time with Infineum since its formation in 1999. He started his career with Shell and has since enjoyed a variety of technology, commercial and business development roles in the US, UK and Singapore. Kevin has been in his current role for almost 5 years, drawing on his past technical and commercial experience to help guide Infineum and the additives industry towards a more sustainable, lower carbon future.

Bio

Rachel Bradley is a sustainability leader focused on turning sustainability into commercial value and competitive advantage. At Castrol, she built the sustainability team and PATH360 strategy, helping embed efficiency, circularity and lower-carbon solutions at the heart of Castrol’s brand. Under her leadership, Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions are ahead of target, and sustainability has become an increasingly important driver of customer engagement and business growth. She also led the development of Castrol’s differentiated MoreCircular portfolio, which is now supporting customer wins in the US, Turkey, Australia, Germany and the UK.

Before joining Castrol, Rachel led sustainability for B&Q, the UK’s largest home improvement retailer. She began her career in the paper industry, specialising in product development and environmental management — technical foundations that continue to shape her practical, commercially grounded approach to sustainability today.

Bio

Kiera Wareing is a Senior Development Chemist specialising in lubricant and cleaning technologies for the manufacturing industry. Her work focuses on product development, formulation chemistry, and advancing lower-impact solutions across industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids.

She completed a degree apprenticeship alongside her industry experience, graduating with First Class Honours from the University of Bradford. In 2024, she was named a finalist for Young Manufacturer of the Year in recognition of her contribution to manufacturing and innovation.

Kiera is particularly passionate about improving environmental performance within industrial chemistry and currently works on developing biodegradable and biosurfactant-based technologies for the lubricants market.

Bio

Dr. Pushkar Deshpande is a Global R&I Project Leader and Senior Scientist – Lubricant Formulation at Syensqo, where he leads the development and commercialization of sustainable lubrication solutions for metalworking applications. He also provides technical support for Lubricants and Metalworking Fluid additives across EMEA, helping customers address complex performance and process challenges. With expertise in tribology, lubricant formulation, and metal processing operations including wire drawing, hot rolling, and cold rolling, he focuses on advancing high-performance and sustainable lubrication technologies. Prior to joining Syensqo, Dr. Deshpande held research and development positions at Aperam, Texas A&M University, Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology), Imperial College London, and École Centrale de Lyon. His work has focused on tribochemistry and wear mechanisms across diverse applications, including internal combustion engines, mechanical watches, and orthopedic implants, bridging fundamental research and industrial innovation in tribology and lubrication.

Bio

Anthony Houlé is a Metalworking Fluids Specialist with a strong foundation in organic chemistry and more than 20 years of experience in industrial lubrication.

He began his career at Renault, where he developed laboratory capabilities and managed cutting and cleaning fluids in production environments.

He later joined FUCHS, progressing to Product Manager and subsequently Market Manager for the automotive industry. In these roles, he led the development of machining product ranges, supported sales strategy, and coordinated international OEM and Tier-1 activities.

Since joining TotalEnergies Lubricants in 2022, Anthony has led the global development of cutting fluids, served as the technical referent for European affiliates, and coordinated cross-functional teams across R&D, sales, and field operations.

His profile combines scientific expertise, operational experience, and an international perspective to deliver high-performance, compliant, and sustainable solutions.

Bio

Dr. Kathleen O’Leary Havelka is an R&D executive with over 30 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research, Development & Applications at Advancion Corporation, where she leads innovation and portfolio strategy to drive growth.

Previously, she was Senior Director of R&D and Quality Control at FUCHS Lubricants, leading development of advanced lubricants and greases, and earlier headed R&D at Elevance Renewable Sciences, focusing on biobased additives. She spent over 18 years at Lubrizol, advancing from bench chemist to senior leadership while guiding global innovation teams.

Dr. Havelka is a member of the 2026 Class of the National Academy of Engineering, an STLE Fellow, and an ACS Fellow. She holds 25 patents, has co-edited three books, and authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University.

Bio

Kiera Wareing is a Senior Development Chemist specialising in lubricant and cleaning technologies for the manufacturing industry. Her work focuses on product development, formulation chemistry, and advancing lower-impact solutions across industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids.

She completed a degree apprenticeship alongside her industry experience, graduating with First Class Honours from the University of Bradford. In 2024, she was named a finalist for Young Manufacturer of the Year in recognition of her contribution to manufacturing and innovation.

Kiera is particularly passionate about improving environmental performance within industrial chemistry and currently works on developing biodegradable and biosurfactant-based technologies for the lubricants market.

Bio

Dr. Pushkar Deshpande is a Global R&I Project Leader and Senior Scientist – Lubricant Formulation at Syensqo, where he leads the development and commercialization of sustainable lubrication solutions for metalworking applications. He also provides technical support for Lubricants and Metalworking Fluid additives across EMEA, helping customers address complex performance and process challenges. With expertise in tribology, lubricant formulation, and metal processing operations including wire drawing, hot rolling, and cold rolling, he focuses on advancing high-performance and sustainable lubrication technologies. Prior to joining Syensqo, Dr. Deshpande held research and development positions at Aperam, Texas A&M University, Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology), Imperial College London, and École Centrale de Lyon. His work has focused on tribochemistry and wear mechanisms across diverse applications, including internal combustion engines, mechanical watches, and orthopedic implants, bridging fundamental research and industrial innovation in tribology and lubrication.

Bio

Anthony Houlé is a Metalworking Fluids Specialist with a strong foundation in organic chemistry and more than 20 years of experience in industrial lubrication.

He began his career at Renault, where he developed laboratory capabilities and managed cutting and cleaning fluids in production environments.

He later joined FUCHS, progressing to Product Manager and subsequently Market Manager for the automotive industry. In these roles, he led the development of machining product ranges, supported sales strategy, and coordinated international OEM and Tier-1 activities.

Since joining TotalEnergies Lubricants in 2022, Anthony has led the global development of cutting fluids, served as the technical referent for European affiliates, and coordinated cross-functional teams across R&D, sales, and field operations.

His profile combines scientific expertise, operational experience, and an international perspective to deliver high-performance, compliant, and sustainable solutions.

Bio

Modestino is a chemical engineer with a PhD in tribology and materials science. His career started as a researcher at SKF, before he moved to TotalEnergies as an R&D project leader on heavy-duty and Marine engine lubricants – Expertise in engine oil formulation and adequation with engine requirements. He has several years of experience in low-carbon energy for mobility applications, emissions and formulation in internal combustion engines.

Bio

Michele started his career in the lubricant sector more than 20 years ago, going through companies like Total and Petronas, where he held several commercial positions like Sales Manager, Head of Industrial Lubricants Sales, both locally and regionally.

Backed by his strong business expertise, in 2018 he was appointed Commercial Director at Itelyum Regeneration (formerly Viscolube), where he took on responsibility as Executive Manager Global, responsible for three Business Units – Lubricant Re-refined Base Oils, Gasoil and Bitumen – reporting directly to CEO of Itelyum.

Aside, he is actively involved in works relevant to some Trade Associations, notably within the Italian UNEM (Unione Energie per la Mobilità, formerly Unione Petrolifera); the Italian GAIL (Gruppo Aziende Industriali della Lubrificazione), one of the product groups of FEDERCHIMICA – AISPEC (Associazione Nazionale delle Imprese di Chimica Fine) and the European UEIL (Union of the European Lubricants Industry), participating to the European Lubricants Statistics Committee.

Since more than one year, he was appointed co-shepherd of the CMWG (Circular Material Working Group – formerly RRBO Working Group) of the ATIEL/UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee (JSC), where he’s been representing GEIR, with the aim to support RRBO’s development in the industry.

Bio

After initial experience as a mechanical engineer in OEM automotive, Jerome joined TotalEnergies and has accumulated 15 years of expertise within the lubricant industry, spanning roles in R&D, product development, business origination, and sales. 

His career has been marked by consistent engagement with the company’s customers and end-users.

Currently, he leads the TotalEnergies Base Oil Purchase, Supply & Sales team, focusing on ensuring a global, reliable, sustainable, and competitive supply to lubricant plants, partners, and customers.

With an analytical mindset, he navigates challenges with strategic thinking and agility, emphasizing hands-on problem-solving while keeping a long-term vision and fostering resilient partnerships.

Since 2024, Jerome has also contributed actively to the circular economy through the integration of TECOIL into TotalEnergies. He coordinates the sourcing of Used Lubricant Oils across Europe and oversees the sales of Re-Refined Base Oils.

Bio

Detlef Müller is an experienced OEM Approvals Manager at Shell, bringing more than 28 years of expertise in lubricants, industrial applications, and B2B environments. He holds a Master of Science / Dipl.-Ing. degree from RWTH Aachen University and has held a wide range of technical and commercial roles across his career, including coaching and capability development.

Detlef specializes in collaborating with OEMs and industry stakeholders across sectors such as general manufacturing, metals, mining, and power generation. His current focus includes driving product development and approvals in areas such as hydraulics, environmentally acceptable lubricants, fire-resistant fluids, and turbine and circulating oils.

With a strong emphasis on cross-industry collaboration, Detlef is passionate about translating diverse stakeholder insights—from OEMs, academia, and industry bodies—into innovative, sustainable product solutions.

Bio

Dr. Vladimir Totolin is currently working as a R&D Project Manager at Freudenberg Group (Weinheim, Germany). He leads highly interdisciplinary projects addressing a wide range of issues regarding surface/interface mechanisms of specialty lubricants with various materials and coatings relevant for industrial applications. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States) in 2010. His research focuses on advanced lubrication for energy efficiency, coatings, surface & interface phenomena relevant for tribology. He has published 2 books and over 20 peer-reviewed journal papers, and several conference proceedings. He is also serving as an Independent Expert for the European Commission, assisting in research and innovation assignments including evaluation of proposals falling within the Horizon 2020 & Horizon Europe Programs. He has held multiple R&D positions in the United States, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, and Germany.

Bio

Dr. Leon Maser earned his PhD in Chemistry in October 2019 and subsequently worked for two years as a postdoctoral researcher in academia. He then transitioned to applied research as a developer and researcher, focusing on organic electrolytes for redox flow batteries. In 2023, he joined ADDINOL, where he started out in environmentally acceptable lubricants. Since 2025, he has been serving as Head of R&D at ADDINOL, leading innovation and development in sustainable lubricant technologies.

His work bridges fundamental research and industrial application, with a strong emphasis on advancing environmentally responsible solutions in the field of lubrication.

Bio

Dr. Stoldt earned a diploma in Biology, specialising in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, in 1991, followed by a doctorate in Microbiology from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU Düsseldorf). After completing a postdoctoral position in Immunology, he became Head of Molecular Vascular Biology at the Institute of Hemostasis and Transfusion Medicine at University Hospital Düsseldorf, where his research focused on environmental toxicology and thrombotic disorders.

Since 2016, he has served as Head of Clinical Applied Microbiology within the Clinic for General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery at University Hospital Düsseldorf. His current research focuses on cross-resistance between biocides and antibiotics, as well as microbial-driven tumorigenesis.

In 2012, he founded Dr. Stoldt BiSafe, a consultancy specialising in industrial and applied microbiology. Working primarily with customers in the lubricant industry, his areas of expertise include research and development, microbial degradation, destruction and control, particularly in the context of global warming, as well as issues relating to biostability and biological sustainability. He is also a frequent lecturer on these topics.

Bio

Marco Bellini is CEO and President of Bellini S.p.A., a family-owned company and leader in the production of metalworking lubricants and fluids.

Holding a master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, he began his career as a researcher, forging from the outset a vision strongly oriented toward innovation. As CEO, he has led Bellini through a significant expansion phase, focusing on safer, higher-performing, and more sustainable products. Since the early 2000s, he has championed the development of bio-lubricants and low-environmental impact industrial solutions, anticipating the needs of an evolving market.

Active in Confindustria, where he contributes to strategic initiatives on innovation and sustainability in the manufacturing sector, Marco Bellini is now recognized in Lombardy’s industrial landscape as an authoritative voice in the transition toward sustainable production models and responsible economic development.

Bio

Wilhelm Rehbein is a graduated chemical engineer with more than 37 years of experience in developing and formulating industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids. He started his career in the lubricant industry in 1988 in the R&D department of a medium sized lubricant manufacturer in Germany. In 2011 he joined Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH which has been integrated into LANXESS Deutschland GmbH in 2015. Today he works as a Senior Manager Application Technology at LANXESS in Mannheim, Germany. He is in charge of the development of guideline formulations and additive packages for metalworking applications, provides metalworking related technical support for customers and participates in several research projects.

Bio

Dr. Kathleen O’Leary Havelka is an R&D executive with over 30 years of experience in the specialty chemicals industry. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research, Development & Applications at Advancion Corporation, where she leads innovation and portfolio strategy to drive growth.

Previously, she was Senior Director of R&D and Quality Control at FUCHS Lubricants, leading development of advanced lubricants and greases, and earlier headed R&D at Elevance Renewable Sciences, focusing on biobased additives. She spent over 18 years at Lubrizol, advancing from bench chemist to senior leadership while guiding global innovation teams.

Dr. Havelka is a member of the 2026 Class of the National Academy of Engineering, an STLE Fellow, and an ACS Fellow. She holds 25 patents, has co-edited three books, and authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University.

Bio

Dr. Stoldt earned a diploma in Biology, specialising in Microbiology and Molecular Biology, in 1991, followed by a doctorate in Microbiology from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU Düsseldorf). After completing a postdoctoral position in Immunology, he became Head of Molecular Vascular Biology at the Institute of Hemostasis and Transfusion Medicine at University Hospital Düsseldorf, where his research focused on environmental toxicology and thrombotic disorders.

Since 2016, he has served as Head of Clinical Applied Microbiology within the Clinic for General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery at University Hospital Düsseldorf. His current research focuses on cross-resistance between biocides and antibiotics, as well as microbial-driven tumorigenesis.

In 2012, he founded Dr. Stoldt BiSafe, a consultancy specialising in industrial and applied microbiology. Working primarily with customers in the lubricant industry, his areas of expertise include research and development, microbial degradation, destruction and control, particularly in the context of global warming, as well as issues relating to biostability and biological sustainability. He is also a frequent lecturer on these topics.

Bio

Marco Bellini is CEO and President of Bellini S.p.A., a family-owned company and leader in the production of metalworking lubricants and fluids.

Holding a master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, he began his career as a researcher, forging from the outset a vision strongly oriented toward innovation. As CEO, he has led Bellini through a significant expansion phase, focusing on safer, higher-performing, and more sustainable products. Since the early 2000s, he has championed the development of bio-lubricants and low-environmental impact industrial solutions, anticipating the needs of an evolving market.

Active in Confindustria, where he contributes to strategic initiatives on innovation and sustainability in the manufacturing sector, Marco Bellini is now recognized in Lombardy’s industrial landscape as an authoritative voice in the transition toward sustainable production models and responsible economic development.

Bio

Wilhelm Rehbein is a graduated chemical engineer with more than 37 years of experience in developing and formulating industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids. He started his career in the lubricant industry in 1988 in the R&D department of a medium sized lubricant manufacturer in Germany. In 2011 he joined Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH which has been integrated into LANXESS Deutschland GmbH in 2015. Today he works as a Senior Manager Application Technology at LANXESS in Mannheim, Germany. He is in charge of the development of guideline formulations and additive packages for metalworking applications, provides metalworking related technical support for customers and participates in several research projects.