Agenda

Bio

Dr. Kalpendra Rajurkar is a distinguished technology and sustainability leader with over two decades of cross-functional expertise spanning lubricants technology, tribology, and process innovation. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, he specializes in catalysis and reaction engineering, bridging deep science with industrial innovation.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), Life Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society (FICS), and member of STLE and Tribology Society of India, Dr. Rajurkar has authored 2 international patents, 26 publications, and 39 presentations at global forums. He is also a University of Cambridge–certified Business Sustainability Management professional and NEBOSH, UK–certified safety expert.

Having served with NCL, Castrol-BP, TotalEnergies, and GP Petroleums (REPSOL), he now spearheads Technology and Sustainability at Veedol Corporation Limited, where he drives innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth, guided by his vision of “Technology for Global Progress.”

Bio

Kritika Jaiswal has over 16 years of consulting and research experience in the energy sector. For the past six years, she has been working at Kline & Company in the Energy practice. During this time, Kritika has managed numerous advisory projects including global assignments with a specific focus on South Africa, Asia, Europe and Middle East regions. She has led studies related to market segmentation, competitive intelligence, company strategy, and market entry strategy. Her analytical approach and expertise in managing complex market studies, along with her deep understanding and insights across a range of key products and market drivers in the ASEAN and South Africa markets, offer invaluable energy sector intelligence in an evolving and transitioning landscape.

Prior to joining Kline, Kritika led the competitive intelligence team at Evalueserve, managing the London and India teams for 10 years. She holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Birla Institute of Management, India, and a BSc in Chemistry (Textiles) from UP Technical University, India. Kritika is based in Kline’s Abu Dhabi office and regularly represents Kline as a speaker at industry conferences and summits.

Bio

Masood Hassan Qureshi is currently working as General Manager of Operations at Technolube Dubai, a subsidiary of Petrolube, one of the leading lubricant manufacturers and marketers in the GCC region and other export countries.

Masood holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing.

He has been in the oil industry for the last 28 years, working in different leadership roles throughout his career in major global and regional companies. During these roles, he has been engaged with teams as an important member, supporting lubricant products, business growth, cultural transformations, rolling out scorecards for operational improvement, focusing on operational excellence, supply chain reliability, ESG rollouts, enhancing operational capacity and capability, and, most importantly, talent pool development through his passion for mentoring and coaching future leaders in the lubricants industry — an important need of today.

He loves to travel and meet new people to learn and share knowledge.

Bio

Dr. Arne Kätelhön is co-founder and Managing Director at Carbon Minds, the provider of the world’s most comprehensive life cycle databases for chemicals and lubricants. Companies around the world use this data not only for environmental reporting like Product Carbon Footprints, Life Cycle Assessment, and Scope 3, but also to uncover the smartest ways to cut emissions. With powerful data, expert consulting, and hands-on training, Mr. Kätelhön and his team help turn net-zero from a distant ambition into a tangible reality. Arne holds a PhD in Life Cycle Assessment and has experience from various institutions in the USA, China, Japan, Thailand and the Netherlands.

Bio

Dr. Kalpendra Rajurkar is a distinguished technology and sustainability leader with over two decades of cross-functional expertise spanning lubricants technology, tribology, and process innovation. Holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, he specializes in catalysis and reaction engineering, bridging deep science with industrial innovation.

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), Life Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society (FICS), and member of STLE and Tribology Society of India, Dr. Rajurkar has authored 2 international patents, 26 publications, and 39 presentations at global forums. He is also a University of Cambridge–certified Business Sustainability Management professional and NEBOSH, UK–certified safety expert.

Having served with NCL, Castrol-BP, TotalEnergies, and GP Petroleums (REPSOL), he now spearheads Technology and Sustainability at Veedol Corporation Limited, where he drives innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth, guided by his vision of “Technology for Global Progress.”

Bio

Mohammed Babatin is the Technical Business Lead at Skyper Chemics™, driving commercial results through a rare and powerful combination of deep Lubricant Engineering knowledge and Market Strategy. A technical authority with expertise spanning Hydrocarbon Processing, Base Oils, Formulation, and Applications, he also maintains a deep interest in refining techniques and recycling processes of used oils to maximize their value in new applications. He serves as the definitive authority, translating complex engineering solutions into enhanced plant reliability. Mohammed actively spearheads business development by providing critical market intelligence and forging strategic industrial partnerships, ensuring the continuous innovation and profitable expansion of the company’s specialty product portfolios in the region.

Bio

Mr. Nikhil Agarwal is a dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 25 years of extensive experience within Fortune 500 organizations. An accomplished engineer, Mr. Agarwal holds dual MBA degrees in Marketing & Sales from the University of Houston, Texas, and in Energy Management from the Indian Institute of Management.

Leveraging his profound industry knowledge, robust educational foundation, and sharp commercial acumen, Mr. Agarwal founded Globestar Energy FZE. Under his stewardship, Globestar has emerged as a highly regarded entity in the base oil trade, successfully operating across multiple regions including MENA, Far East Asia, India, and Africa. The company is distinguished for its expertise in trading all grades of base oils and petrochemicals.

Prior to establishing Globestar, Mr. Agarwal held senior sales and marketing positions at leading companies such as Elf Lubricants, TotalEnergies, Reliance Industries Ltd. His diverse background reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in the energy sector, making him a valuable asset in the base oil industry.

Bio

Antwan brings over 25 years of diverse leadership experience in manufacturing, spanning the converting, food, and oil & gas sectors. For the past seven years, he has led Yanbu United Company for Trading and Industry (YUNIGREEN) as Chief Executive Officer, steering the company to become the Middle East’s foremost producer of re-refined base oil. Antwan’s expertise lies in advanced re-refining technologies, sustainable industrial practices, and the development of circular solutions within the lubricants industry.

Bio

Khaled Seif is a seasoned marketing professional with over 18 years of experience in the Lubricants industry, currently leading Lubricants Marketing for Middle East, Egypt and Central Asia based in the UAE, Khaled’s career spans over various strategic and delivery roles, such as Global Distribution Strategy Manager in the UK, Consumer Marketing and Brand Manager in Egypt, and more.

His achievements includes pioneering innovative marketing campaigns, introducing industry-first products and services as well as forging strategic partnerships. Khaled combines his extensive experience with the passion for innovations to consistency disrupt industry norms, exceed customer expectations and deliver exceptional business growth.

Bio

Michelle David is a senior leader in strategy and project execution at ZF, one of the world’s largest technology companies in mobility and industrial solutions. Her career spans both global corporations and fast-moving innovation ecosystems. She began at Microsoft Deutschland, working closely with Europe’s startup community, and now drives business transformation for ZF across the IMEA region.

Known for her ability to translate complex strategy into tangible results, Michelle has led initiatives that align vision with execution while navigating diverse markets and stakeholders. Her background in politics, public administration, and commerce gives her a unique interdisciplinary lens on leadership, technology, and the future of industry.

A member of the new generation of global managers, Michelle is recognized for her sharp strategic insight, international perspective, and ability to shape conversations on innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth.

Bio

Eng. Kamal Eldin Hussein, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, is a distinguished leader with over 35 years of expertise in the lubricants industry. Renowned for his strategic vision and operational mastery, he has built a career defined by sustained business growth, market innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

His portfolio of achievements spans market development, the execution of long-term growth strategies, and the implementation of sustainable operational frameworks. He is also credited with successfully launching OEM business operations, significantly expanding market reach and diversifying the company’s service offerings. Recognized for his ability to inspire high-performing teams, Eng. Hussein fosters a culture of discipline, accountability, and shared purpose.

As General Manager of APSCO International, he continues to shape the company’s trajectory, driving regional expansion, forging strategic partnerships, and aligning operations with the highest global performance standards to secure lasting industry leadership.

Bio

Rami Sahawneh is a seasoned automotive executive with over two decades of experience spanning OEM and importer operations across the Middle East and North America. Known for driving strategic growth, he led and achieved double digit expansion in the lubricants and batteries sector. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer centric solutions.

Rami has overseen multi market business development, led technical training programs, and optimized dealer profitability through tailored product strategies. With a background in public administration and extensive technical training in lubricants and batteries, he brings a unique blend of leadership, market insight, and hands on expertise. Previously based in Dubai and now in Jordan, Rami continues to champion high performance standards and forward thinking approaches in the automotive aftermarket and petroleum applications.

Bio

Shoaib Jawaid is a highly experienced professional business leader with 20 years of experience and a diverse background in the Automotive, Energy, Mobility, FMCG, and EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) sectors. He has worked with global organizations in South Asia and the Middle East, bringing a strong techno-commercial expertise to his role as Group Chief Strategy Officer at Petromin Corporation.

Shoaib possesses a wide range of skills and expertise, including Business Development and Strategy, Corporate Development and Growth Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Planning and Budgeting, Financial Feasibility Studies, Financial and Commercial Due Diligence, Partnerships and Business Alliances, Business Start-ups, post-M&A Transformation and Integration, Sales and Marketing, Contract Negotiation, Manufacturing, Operations Management, International Business, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management, QMS-EMS-OHSAS Auditing, and ‘end to end’ Supply Chain Management.

In the field of sustainability, Shoaib has successfully led projects, including the implementation of an Environmental Management System in the production and manufacturing industry and Smart and Sustainable Mobility and Alternate Energy Solutions.

Shoaib’s Educational Research and Development project focused on the comprehensive study of the Hydrogen Economy. This encompassed various aspects such as Hydrogen Extraction Technology, Renewable Energy Applications, Zero-emissions Mobility, and the Storage and Transportation of Hydrogen for Mobility and Advanced Applications.

He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Business Management, Marketing, and Finance from top tier Engineering and Business schools. Additionally, Shoaib is a certified Business and Innovation Strategist and Social Sector Leader from Ivy League Universities. Shoaib is also successfully completed Wharton Chief Strategy Officer Program.

Bio

Rafe Britton is a Lubrication Engineer with 14 years of oil industry experience, split evenly between drilling operations and maintenance and downstream lubricants engineering.  During his 12 years at ExxonMobil, Rafe worked across some of the largest, most complex capex projects in the ExxonMobil portfolio, including PNG-LNG and Gorgon-Jansz.  He then transitioned into the finished lubricants business, helping industrial customers across the APAC region improve machine reliability.  

In 2020 Rafe started the Lubrication Explained YouTube channel, seeking to help provide freely available, high-quality information about lubricants technology, create a community of learning for the industry and connect a wide array of experts.  The channel has since expanded into a podcast (Lubrication Experts), an online training business (Lubrication Explained Pro) and led to multiple speaking engagements at industry events.

Rafe now works as an independent consultant across all parts of the lubricants value chain. This includes working with base oil and additive suppliers, lubricants blenders, marketers & distributors, as well as end-users. 

Bio

Andrew Bryan is a Mechanical Engineer, certified Reliability Engineer, and certified Machinery Lubrication Engineer (MLE) with over 15 years of international experience in asset management and reliability across the mining, metals, and aviation industries. With more than a decade leading lubrication management in heavy industries, he has developed and executed world-class programs in lubrication strategy, oil analysis, contamination control, and condition-based monitoring. His initiatives have consistently improved equipment reliability, reduced unplanned downtime, and extended asset life in demanding operational environments.

Beyond lubrication, Andrew’s expertise spans reliability engineering, preventive and predictive maintenance, nondestructive testing, and the delivery of Greenfield and Brownfield projects. As a Project Management Professional (PMP), he has successfully led multidisciplinary teams, aligning technical programs with business objectives to maximize safety, performance, and value. Combining hands-on technical depth with superintendent-level leadership, Andrew is recognized for driving sustainable reliability and asset integrity outcomes in complex, high-demand industries.

Bio

Charles du Bois is a Mechanical Engineer with over 40 years of international experience in lubrication technology, technical sales, and business development across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. His career spans a wide range of industries, including mining, cement, steel, automotive, energy, and food & beverage.

After beginning his career in the Netherlands with Hitma BV and Kalteren BV, Charles went on to hold senior technical and managerial roles at Tribol GmbH in Germany, Chemserve Systems in South Africa, BP, and Puma Energy International. Throughout his career, he has led product development, ensured quality assurance across lubricant and grease portfolios, and delivered global training programs for sales and technical teams.

In 2025, Charles founded 5R Tribology, a consultancy specializing in lubrication solutions and operational optimization. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and is an active member of STLE, SAIT, and ELGI.

Bio

Ahmed Galal is a Senior Supply Chain & Logistics Manager with extensive experience in the lubricants, base oils, and petrochemicals sector across the Middle East and Africa. He specializes in international trade, export operations, customs compliance, and end-to-end supply chain optimization.

With a strong operational background, Ahmed has managed complex cross-border logistics projects, improved equipment reliability through effective lubrication strategies, and supported cost efficiency and operational excellence across industrial supply chains. He is also actively engaged in discussions around sustainability, efficiency, and best practices in modern supply chain and lubrication management.

Bio

Greg Livingstone is Chief Innovation Officer for Fluitec. He has three decades of industrial lubrication experience focused on how lubricants degrade and how to mitigate the risks associated with oil failure. He’s developed oil analysis tests, filtration technologies, solubility enhancers and other technologies used to increase the life and performance of industrial lubricants. He has volunteered in multiple industry organizations, such as STLE, ICML, and ASTM. Along his journey, he’s published almost 100 papers on these subjects and has helped hundreds of clients in over 50 countries. He recently published a book called “Turbomachinery Cholesterol: The Story of Varnish”.

Bio

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

Bill O’Ryan is Director of the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Certification Programs at the American Petroleum Institute (API).  He has worked in the transportation lubricants industry for over 30 years and joined the American Petroleum Institute (API) in 2022.  His background includes additive package development, engine, and driveline testing.  Bill has oversight responsibility for the Aftermarket Audit Program (AMAP), an annual program in which thousands of engine oil and DEF samples are purchased in the marketplace around the globe and tested to ensure conformance with required specifications.

Bio

Prashant Bhatt is a future-focused leader in lubricants technology with over 25 years of global experience shaping high-performance solutions for an evolving energy, mobility, and industrial landscape. As Head of Lubricants Technology at ENOC, Dubai, he drives innovation by seamlessly integrating product development, product performance, quality assurance, and commercial strategy into a single, cohesive technology vision. He is recognized as one of the few technologists in the industry with the rare ability to lead the entire lubricant lifecycle—from formulation and engine testing to field trials, OEM engagement, and real-world performance validation—across automotive, industrial, and marine applications. Prashant has successfully managed some of the industry’s most complex and diverse lubricant portfolios, delivering scalable, future-ready solutions across multiple geographies. His work consistently bridges deep technical rigor with commercial impact, enabling sustainable growth and operational excellence. Passionate about building high-performing teams and anticipating industry transformation, Prashant continues to influence the future of lubricant technology through innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

Bio

As an expert in Global Project Engineering, Kimeu David has extensive experience managing and optimizing multimillion-dollar asset portfolios across Europe (Germany, Austria, France) and the Middle East. Today, he bridges his deep technical foundation with strategic business principles at Nathan Digital, where he solves the most pressing operational hurdle facing modern enterprises – AI Integration.

Kimeu’s mission centers on the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence into existing enterprise workflows. He specializes in designing custom machine learning solutions, predictive analytics tools, and intelligent workflows that empower companies to anticipate risk, automate efficiency, enhance cross-functional collaboration and improve CRM services.

By combining his background in Mechanical and International Project Engineering with the latest in AI innovation, Kimeu provides a clear roadmap and the digital solutions for organizations looking to scale through technology. His approach ensures that digital transformation enhances (rather than replaces) working systems, maintaining technical rigor while unlocking significant competitive advantages.

Bio

Vanda Franco is a Portuguese female working in Qatar since 2017 within the Condition Monitoring Services field – Lubricants and Machines.

She is a Chemist, with a Master ‘s Degree in Biology & Marine Resources and a Post-Graduation in Laboratory Management. She has 20 years of experience in the field, and her theoretical training is complemented with the essential practical experience at Industrial and Laboratory level in different areas in STEM including Marine Chemistry, Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical, Energy and Oil & Gas industries.

Vanda is also the author of chapter 15. “From Portugal to Qatar – Exploring different careers in STEM” in the book “Empowering Women in STEM – Personal Stories and Career Journeys from Around the World”.

Constantly learning keeps her motivated both personally and professionally.

Bio

Ahmed Moataz is the Regional Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey at UE Systems Inc., USA. He holds an academic foundation in Mechanical Engineering (BSc) and Business Administration (MBA) and is a

certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP).

Additionally, Ahmed is highly certified in Airborne/Structure-Borne Ultrasound (ISO Categories I, II, III), Vibration Analysis (ISO Category II), and ASNT Level

II, as well as being an Asset Reliability Practitioner (ARP) ISO CAT I. With over 14 years of expertise in condition monitoring and reliability, he has delivered more than 590 case studies, training sessions, and workshops on ultrasound technology across a diverse range of industries throughout the Middle East.

Bio

Throughout his career, Sebastian has always had a close connection to the chemical and petrochemical industry. Leveraging this expertise, Sebastian is now CEO and managing partner of the Lübeck-based machine manufacturing company Greif-Velox in Germany. Greif-Velox is a market leader in the field of machines and systems for bulk solids bagging and liquid filling.

Bio

Rafe Britton is a Lubrication Engineer with 14 years of oil industry experience, split evenly between drilling operations and maintenance and downstream lubricants engineering.  During his 12 years at ExxonMobil, Rafe worked across some of the largest, most complex capex projects in the ExxonMobil portfolio, including PNG-LNG and Gorgon-Jansz.  He then transitioned into the finished lubricants business, helping industrial customers across the APAC region improve machine reliability.  

In 2020 Rafe started the Lubrication Explained YouTube channel, seeking to help provide freely available, high-quality information about lubricants technology, create a community of learning for the industry and connect a wide array of experts.  The channel has since expanded into a podcast (Lubrication Experts), an online training business (Lubrication Explained Pro) and led to multiple speaking engagements at industry events.

Rafe now works as an independent consultant across all parts of the lubricants value chain. This includes working with base oil and additive suppliers, lubricants blenders, marketers & distributors, as well as end-users. 

Bio

Greg Livingstone is Chief Innovation Officer for Fluitec. He has three decades of industrial lubrication experience focused on how lubricants degrade and how to mitigate the risks associated with oil failure. He’s developed oil analysis tests, filtration technologies, solubility enhancers and other technologies used to increase the life and performance of industrial lubricants. He has volunteered in multiple industry organizations, such as STLE, ICML, and ASTM. Along his journey, he’s published almost 100 papers on these subjects and has helped hundreds of clients in over 50 countries. He recently published a book called “Turbomachinery Cholesterol: The Story of Varnish”.

Bio

Ayaz Ahmed is a Machinery Engineering Manager with over 16 years of experience in rotating equipment reliability, lubrication engineering, and condition monitoring across petrochemical, fertilizer, gasification, and combined-cycle power plants. He currently leads the Machinery and Condition Monitoring teams at the world’s largest IGCC facility (JIGPC – Saudi Aramco, ACWA Power & Air Products JV), where he established plant-wide vibration and lube-oil programs from the ground up.

Ayaz specializes in lubrication system design reviews, lube oil contamination control, fluid condition assessment, and troubleshooting chronic reliability issues, and LO system design defects. His experience spans gas turbines, large compressors, and critical pumps, across complex industrial assets.

He is certified as a Machine Lubricant Analyst Level II (ICML), CAT-III Vibration Analyst, and CMRP, and blends deep technical expertise with strong leadership and diagnostic skills to enhance machinery reliability and extend equipment life.

Bio

Dr. Gareth Fish is a Senior Technical Fellow at Lubrizol. BSc(Hons) Chemistry and PhD Tribology from Imperial College, London. He has more than 38 years lubricant industry experience. Internationally recognized, multiple (x21) award-winning author of 98 technical papers (8 best paper Awards). He has taught more than 100 classes on tribology and lubricating greases. Member of the NLGI Board of Directors and chair of the NLGI Basic Grease Course. 2020 recipient of the NLGI Award for (lifetime) Achievement. NLGI Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist (CLGS), Chartered Scientist, STLE Fellow (2022) and Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS). Active in ASTM (Vice Chair of the Lubricating Grease Committee) and SAE. Previously worked at UK Ministry of Defence and GKN Automotive in UK and USA.

Bio

Bio

Bhupinder Singh is the Global Director for Lubricants & Base Oils Business Development at BluechemGROUP, Germany. With over 30 years of experience across the lubricants, additives, and base oils value chain, he has led strategic growth initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, CIS, and Asia. His expertise spans Turnarounds, licensing, toll blending, brand strategy, and international market development for leading brands.

Bhupinder previously held senior leadership roles with Castrol (BP), BAPCO, and Duckhams, and is the founder of Lubricant Specialists—a global LinkedIn community of over 35,000 professionals. A frequent speaker at ICIS, Argus, and Lubricant Expo Europe, he is widely recognized for his insights on market dynamics, sustainability, and emerging business models in the global lubricants sector.

Bio

Bio

Erik Sudheimer is the Chief Executive Officer of SCT Chemicals FZE, a Dubai-based leader in high-performance lubricant additives and specialty chemical solutions. He brings extensive international experience in driving business growth, operational excellence, and market development across the automotive and industrial sectors.

Under his leadership, SCT Chemicals has strengthened its global presence, delivering innovative, high-quality products that meet the evolving technical and regulatory requirements of diverse markets. Erik is committed to advancing industry standards, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting sustainable growth within the global lubricants sector.

Bio

Bio

Amit Dhiman is the Country Manager (Lubricants) for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and currently leading the international business across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

With over 15 years of experience in the oil & gas and energy industry, Amit has played a key role in BPCL’s global growth initiatives, focusing on market expansion and strategic collaborations in emerging markets including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Before his international assignment, Amit worked in Corporate Strategy, Digital Transformation, and New Business Initiatives at BPCL, contributing to high-impact projects that enhanced the company’s innovation and competitiveness.

An MBA in Marketing & Finance from Symbiosis International University, Amit believes in building collaborations that bridge Asia, the GCC, and Africa, driving both economic growth and sustainable progress.

Bio

Neha Gupta is a key driving force behind Regal Group’s growth and strategic direction. As Director, she leads the operations of a diversified UAE-based conglomerate with a strong and expanding global presence. Under her leadership, Regal Group now operates four successful companies in the UAE and has recently expanded its footprint into the UK market.

With a background in strategic management, business development, and market expansion, Neha Gupta has been widely recognized for her leadership approach focused on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Her ability to build strong industry partnerships and steer organizational transformation has positioned Regal Group as a rising leader in the Petrochemical and manufacturing sectors.

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

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

Dr. Gareth Fish is a Senior Technical Fellow at Lubrizol. BSc(Hons) Chemistry and PhD Tribology from Imperial College, London. He has more than 38 years lubricant industry experience. Internationally recognized, multiple (x21) award-winning author of 98 technical papers (8 best paper Awards). He has taught more than 100 classes on tribology and lubricating greases. Member of the NLGI Board of Directors and chair of the NLGI Basic Grease Course. 2020 recipient of the NLGI Award for (lifetime) Achievement. NLGI Certified Lubricating Grease Specialist (CLGS), Chartered Scientist, STLE Fellow (2022) and Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS). Active in ASTM (Vice Chair of the Lubricating Grease Committee) and SAE. Previously worked at UK Ministry of Defence and GKN Automotive in UK and USA.

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

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

Bhupinder Singh is the Global Director for Lubricants & Base Oils Business Development at BluechemGROUP, Germany. With over 30 years of experience across the lubricants, additives, and base oils value chain, he has led strategic growth initiatives across the Middle East, Africa, CIS, and Asia. His expertise spans Turnarounds, licensing, toll blending, brand strategy, and international market development for leading brands.

Bhupinder previously held senior leadership roles with Castrol (BP), BAPCO, and Duckhams, and is the founder of Lubricant Specialists—a global LinkedIn community of over 35,000 professionals. A frequent speaker at ICIS, Argus, and Lubricant Expo Europe, he is widely recognized for his insights on market dynamics, sustainability, and emerging business models in the global lubricants sector.

Bio

Mikael Kruse is a product manager for industrial greases at Axel Christiernsson, a company manufacturing lubricating greases using a private label business model. He has more than 29 years of experience from the grease industry and started working at AXEL in 1995 after studying chemical engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. As a chemical analyst he was involved in failure analysis, QC control and extended product testing before moving on to become a grease development engineer between 1997 – 2013. Mikael has worked in his current position since 2013 and is nowadays occupied with maintaining and developing the range of industrial greases, technical support, and lubrication education. 

Mikael is currently a board member of the ELGI (European Lubricating Grease Institute).

Mikael is 53 years old and lives in the rural outskirts of Gothenburg in Sweden. He is married and has a 16-year-old daughter. Mikael enjoys traveling, visiting nice restaurants and meet new and old friends. Music is very important and even though not playing the electric bass guitar in a band anymore he consumes music all the time.

Bio

Matt Kriech is the President of Biosynthetic Technologies. Dr. Kriech also supports Heritage Research Group and The Heritage Group in the evaluation of potential new projects and investments.

Prior to his current role, he led the transition team for The Heritage Group and worked for Asphalt Materials Inc. in developing predictive economic models. He has also served as General Manager of PIZO and Supply Chain Manager, Tolling Manager, and Business Excellence leader for Monument Chemical. Matt received his B.A. from Wabash College in 2000 and his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 2005, where he studied protein-lipid interactions using non-linear optical spectroscopy. Prior to returning to Indiana, he worked for ATK as a “Rocket Scientist” in Utah, helping to test and develop state-of-the-art rocket propellants. 

Bio

Güney Devrim İldiri is a senior energy executive and consultant with over 25 years of international leadership experience across Türkiye, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He currently serves as General Manager for Türkiye and Central Asia at Nynas AB, a specialty chemicals company recognized for its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, where he oversees downstream operations and regional strategy. With extensive experience across the energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors, he leads initiatives focused on strategy, transformation, and sustainable growth. Devrim also serves on the Advisory Board of Bilgi University and lectures at Galatasaray University and Koç University, focusing on energy politics, planning, and transition. Combining academic depth with hands-on industry experience, he brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise, helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of the global energy and lubricants industry while turning sustainability ambitions into actionable business strategies.

Bio

Guo Harn (Marc) currently holds a strategic management position in Argus where he steers global editorial priorities, methodology, and strategy, and works closely with key industry stakeholders to secure and maintain indexation in base oils. With more than 8 years of industry experience, Marc has proven experience in energy price analytics and has been featured as a thought leader across numerous industry media. 

Bio

Damien Duhamel is Managing Partner of Eurogroup Consulting’s international business, with over 25 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and regional leaders. He specializes in growth strategies across automotive, mobility, and industrial markets, with strong expertise in the lubricants sector in the Middle East and Asia.

A recognized thought leader, Damien has been featured by Bloomberg, BBC, CNN, AFP, and the Wall Street Journal. He frequently speaks at global forums on market transformation, competitive strategy, and sustainability.

Damien holds an MBA from Chicago Booth and a Master’s in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University.

Bio

Mr. Marwan Ramadan is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil products sector, including lubricants, base oil, bitumen, marine, and trading. He has held senior roles at Multinationals such as Shell and TotalEnergies and currently serves as Director of Strategy and business Development at Rock Petroleum . With a strong track record of leadership across the EMEA region, Mr. Ramadan is known for his strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and results-driven approach. He is also an active speaker and participant in industry exhibitions across the region. 

Bio

Guo Harn (Marc) currently holds a strategic management position in Argus where he steers global editorial priorities, methodology, and strategy, and works closely with key industry stakeholders to secure and maintain indexation in base oils. With more than 8 years of industry experience, Marc has proven experience in energy price analytics and has been featured as a thought leader across numerous industry media. 

Bio

Mr. Sudip Shyam, Global Head Base Oils in Mocoh Group since late 2020, has been instrumental in setting up and profitably leading a global team and base oils trading slate.

With a career span of over 30-years in the downstream oil industry, Sudip has extensive experience in Setting up Business Units, Recruitment, General Management, International Trading, Marketing & Business Development in the petroleum industry (Base Oils Trading, Automotive / Industrial / Specialty Lubricants).

Sudip had been instrumental in creating & running a global base oils trading slate during his GP Global Group years while also leading its finished Lubricants Business.  His past work experiences include Heading Base Oils Trading Desk at Optima Energy SA, Geneva, Switzerland; earlier, he also headed Lubricants Business for CONOIL Plc, Nigeria, and prior also worked with Valvoline, TOTAL, CASTROL and GULF OIL in India.

In addition to his proven track record across his career span, he is an effective communicator who has spoken in various events and conferences by ICIS, ARGUS Media, Global Lubricants Week et al, to name a few.

Bio

Shailendra Gokhale is Managing Partner at Rosefield DAA International Consultancy LLP. Rosefield is a consultancy specialised in Lubricants and Circular Economy.  

Shailendra is a globally recognized expert in the Energy and Lubricants sector. Having worked with renowned companies like Lubrizol, Castrol India and BP UK, he started his consultancy in the Lubricants sector. He has been a consultant to various Energy majors across the globe. He is also an external advisor to BCG. He has been working closely with NITI Aayog, India’s policy maker in the field of Circular Economy since November 2021. Shailendra is a Mechanical Engineer.

Bio

After his graduation as a Marine Engineer in 1986 Perry started his career directly in the lubricants industry. During the first 16 years he has been account manager at Shell, Business Development Manager at Castrol, Business Development Director at Petro Canada and founded 20 years ago Matrix Specialty Lubricants where he untill today is active as the Technical Director and CEO.

Currently Perry also is a co-chairman of the Foodgrade Lubricants Working group of the ELGI.

Perry is a real Pioneer, he loves to developing new opportunities, markets and products.

Bio

Mohammed Ashraf is the Group CEO of Aerosol International based in Dubai, a leading multi-brand distributor of lubricants across the aviation, marine, and industrialsectors in the Middle East, CAS & Africa Region. With over 30+ years of International experience at Shell and ExxonMobil, he has held senior leadership roles in global sales, strategic accounts, and technology licensing. Under his leadership, Aerosol has expanded its portfolio and strengthened its footprint in key markets like India , Saudi Arabia and Canada. He is also the founder of a new venture specializing in aviation Rotables and Consumables, reflecting his vision for innovation and customer-centric growth.

Ashraf is passionate about building strategic partnerships and driving sustainable success across industries and markets. Through his Vision, Ashraf is on his way to create new ways of working where multiple brands and sectors can co- exist under a single roof providing impeccable customer service experience.

Bio

Monish Advani is an MBA graduate from one of UAE’s top institutes. He has been in the Middle East lubricants and additives industry for three decades. Monish started his career at BP / Castrol and progressed in management positions within Supply Chain, Special Projects, Regional Sales including B2B Sales Head for Middle East and B2B Country head role for Saudi Arabia. In the additives industry, he has been with Afton Chemical since 2012, managing a team covering Middle East sales and more recently CIS as well.

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies and has been working in the fuel and lubricant additives marketplace for over 100 years. Afton’s solutions include additives for Driveline, Engine Oils, Performance and Refinery Fuels, and Industrial applications.

Bio

Capt. Ankit Tanna is the General Manager of Petrogulf Marine, leading the company’s global marine lubricants business with a strong blend of seafaring experience and commercial insight in MEA & Asia regions. 

A former vessel master, he brings first-hand understanding of ship operations to deliver solutions that improve reliability, performance, and efficiency at sea.

Under his leadership, Petrogulf Marine has strengthened its market presence, expanded distribution networks, and enhanced technical support for shipowners and operators worldwide. Known for his practical mindset and strategic vision, Capt. Tanna continues to drive Petrogulf Marine’s mission of delivering trusted, high-performance lubrication solutions across the global maritime industry.