Innovative Idea Generating Centre
Speaker Line Up Included
Dr. Simon Xu serves as the Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Optimization at General Motors' Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, where he oversees advancements in optimization tools that drive vehicle architecture development.
Dr. Xu leads a specialized team dedicated to cutting-edge optimization techniques, including parametric modeling, morphing, topology optimization, generative design, and multi-disciplinary optimization. His team’s contributions have significantly enhanced GM's virtual vehicle development processes, enabling the adoption of innovative tools and methodologies that address emerging challenges in CO2 reduction, electric vehicle (EV) architectures, advanced battery systems, and electric drive technologies. As chair of the GM Global Optimization Focus Group, Dr. Xu guides the publication of GM’s corporate guidelines on optimization processes. His achievements have earned him the prestigious Boss Kettering Award for technical innovation in both 2013 and 2016.
He holds three U.S. patents and over ten internal GM invention records. A recognized leader in the field, Dr. Xu is a member of the Global Automotive Management Council and organizes optimization sessions for the Society of Automotive Engineers’ annual meeting. He was recently promoted to the role of Technical Fellow at GM.
Simon Xu Engineering Group Manager - Vehicle Optimization, Architecture Strategy General Motors
Jose Luis Galaviz Structural Engineer - Tech Lead Stellantis - North America
José is a seasoned expert in structural product development with a strong specialization in CAE/FEA-focused programs within the U.S. market. With a robust foundation in program development, structural simulation, fatigue analysis, crashworthiness, NVH, and chassis testing, he brings a wealth of technical expertise to every project. José has a proven track record of managing projects end-to-end, from initial concept through to successful development and implementation.
Known for his outstanding communication skills, José has consistently built and led high-performing teams, effectively training technical staff, and translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights. His international experience in manufacturing and product development across Mexico, the UK, and the U.S. has further enriched his perspective, allowing him to integrate best practices and innovative approaches from diverse markets into his work. José's dedication to excellence and his cross-cultural expertise make him a valuable asset to any advanced engineering initiative.
Technical specialist for composite material and process at JLR, owner of the Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender and Discovery brands.
Involved in the field of composite for nearly 20 years of which almost 15 have been in the automotive. Has experience in working for both non-premium and premium/luxury European OEMs, specifically in the use of composite material for structural and lightweighting application.
Has led multiple successful innovation projects, including the JEC 2022 award-winning TUCANA project. More recently focus moved to EV application and sustainable/low-carbon footprint material in support to the delivery of JLR ReImagine strategy.
Responsibilities at JLR span, project portfolio ownership, technical support to Research, Engineering and Vehicle Programmes, and Composite strategy delivery at company level.
Frederic Sicard Technical Specialist composite material & process Jaguar Land Rover
OAKN is a leader in research and development coordination, excelling in both national and international R&D project initiation and execution. With extensive expertise in managing European frameworks such as Horizon 2020 (H2020), Eureka, and ERA-Net programs, OAKN bridges industries and research communities to advance cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions.
Specializing in structural durability analysis, OAKN offers a robust suite of services that includes damage assessment, fatigue life calculations, and geometric optimization. Our team is proficient in the simulation and testing of composite and hybrid structures, providing critical insights into their performance under varied conditions. Our capabilities extend to detailed examination and modeling of anisotropic materials, essential for applications requiring directional strength and rigidity. OAKN is also at the forefront of thermoplastic composites process simulations, ensuring precise and efficient manufacturing outcomes. By merging simulation expertise with practical testing, we empower industries to achieve superior product durability and performance, from initial concept through to optimized design and reliable implementation.
Venkat brings extensive expertise in developing advanced computational mechanics solutions focused on multi-scale and multi-physics aspects of composite materials to achieve next-generation lightweighting. He has led numerous high-impact projects, collaborating with industry partners, academic institutions, and U.S. National Labs to create cutting-edge computational models that optimize the design of composite components for both manufacturing efficiency and structural performance, incorporating stochastic effects through the Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) approach. These efforts have contributed to several game-changing products in GM vehicles.
Currently, Venkat serves as the Principal Investigator for a large-scale, $10.3 million multi-year project aimed at creating multi-functional advanced composite materials for structural battery enclosures. In his previous work, he developed predictive simulations for sheet metal forming, enabling 100% virtual design for high-volume manufacturing of lightweight materials.
Okan Otuz CAE/ Materials Specialist Mercedes-Benz Turk A.S.
Venkat Aitharaju Senior Researcher, Polymer Composites General Motors
Dervis Eren Unsal Product Sustainability Engineer Ford Otoson
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