Speaker Spotlight: Interview with Christelle Chretien from Syensqo
Monday, 8 July 2024
Ahead of Lubricant Expo this September in Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, we took some time to chat with one of our expert speakers; Christelle Chretien. As Global Lubricant Technical Leader & North America/Latin America Lab Manager for Syensqo, Christelle is the perfect addition to the speaker line-up, providing expert insight into lubricant technology.
With this in mind we took the opportunity to find out more from Christelle before taking the stage on 18th September. Read our interview below:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role as Global Lubricant R&D Leader
& Lab Manager within Syensqo? What are the highlights of your career?
I have worked in the industry for 19 years, including 14 years specifically in the lubricant sector.
As a Lab Manager and a Technical Project Leader at Syensqo, I leverage a broad spectrum of
skills. My responsibilities include managing a team of scientists, seeking out new customers,
understanding their requirements to kick-start projects, and steering these projects on an
international level. The facets of my role that I find most rewarding are team management and product
development. I take great pleasure in mentoring my team, exploring ways we can collectively
enhance our contribution to both our company and the broader industry. Equally, I am
passionate about incorporating customer feedback and industry trends into our innovation
projects, ensuring our product development is both relevant and forward-thinking.
A standout moment in my career was being entrusted by Syensqo to spearhead the
development of the lubricant division from the ground up. This opportunity allowed me to
establish a lab, assemble a dedicated team, and engage in customer acquisition, laying the
foundation for a robust pipeline of projects.
You are a speaker in the session on improving range and energy efficiency of EVs
through lubricant technology. What will attendees learn from your presentation
and why is it important that they attend?
The key takeaways from this presentation will include a comprehensive overview of the evolving
technical requirements for fluids in electric vehicles and how these are driving the development
of new technologies, particularly those focusing on ashless and sulfur-free formulations.
Participants will gain insights into the latest advancements addressing the unique technical
needs of electric vehicle transmissions. This knowledge will equip them with potential strategies
for developing next-generation lubricants for electric drive units. Additionally, for those who
specialize in areas outside of electric vehicles, the presentation will offer innovative ideas on
components that enhance durability and corrosion resistance.
What technologies do you think will see significant industry investment over the
next few years? Where do you think the R&D opportunities are for the lubricant
sector?
We are currently in the midst of a major transformation within the lubricant and automotive
sectors, primarily driven by the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs). This shift is compelling us
to innovate and reevaluate our understanding of lubrication, especially since EV lubricants are
exposed to unique electrical and magnetic fields. This era presents numerous opportunities to pioneer new technologies and reconsider existing ones that may now offer viable solutions. At Syensqo, we are exploring the potential of phosphorus-based technologies, such as phosphate esters, amine phosphates, phosphites, and phosphonates. These technologies are promising for EV lubricants due to their diverse benefits, including anti-wear properties, extreme pressure resistance, corrosion protection, and thermal
stability. Consequently, we are actively investing in these areas. The challenges presented by electrification and the unfamiliar territory of EVs are fertile ground for research and development. These challenges not only spur the creation of innovative technologies but also necessitate the development of testing methods that accurately replicate electric drive unit (EDU) conditions, opening up new avenues for advancement in the field.
What are you most looking forward to at Lubricant Expo Europe?
Attending this conference presents an invaluable opportunity for me to gain insights into the
European market, especially concerning the latest industry trends in sustainability and electric
mobility. It will be fascinating to observe how these trends are being incorporated into the global
market landscape. Furthermore, this event offers a prime occasion to engage with customers and re-establish connections within my European network. The significance of in-person interactions cannot be
overstated, and I am enthusiastic about the Lubricant Expo team’s efforts in organizing what
promises to be an outstanding event for all participants.
Christelle Chretien will be speaking on Day 2 as part of Improving Range and Energy Efficiency of EVs Through Lubricant Technology section, you can find the full agenda here!
To join us this September and be part of the world’s largest Lubricant Conference & Expo, register here for free!