Keynote speakers

Ioannis Kitsopanidis received his Degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 1998. Subsequently he moved to the USA and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he received his Master's Degree in 2000 and PhD in 2004 focusing on engine combustion chemistry and soot formation using laser diagnostics. In 2004 he joined the Toyota F1 team in Cologne in Germany, taking various roles in engine research and development as well as track application. In 2010 he moved to Italy and Maranello to be part of Scuderia Ferrari and in 2015 he took the role of Head of Engine Development Engineering of the Ferrari F1 team. Since 2021 he is occupying the role of Engine Performance and Emissions Development Manager in Ferrari GT. In 2020 he received the Degree of Executive MBA from Bologna Business School sponsored by Ferrari.

Alberto Vassallo (born in Acqui Terme - Italy, 1976) is Senior Manager, Advanced Engineering at Dumarey Automotive Italia SpA (established in 2020) - formerly part of General Motors Global Propulsion Systems. Alberto joined General Motors in 2005 as Base Engine Development Engineer, and – during a 15-years-long career that included an International 3-years assignment in Detroit at GM R&D – has covered roles of increasing responsibility in the fields of Thermodynamics and Combustion. Starting in 2014, he has been promoted GM Global Technical Specialist, Diesel Combustion Systems and Combustion COE Chair and, more recently, Technical Specialist for Combustion at PUNCH Torino. He is co-author of more than 90 technical papers and articles in the field of SI & CI Combustion, Fuels, Emissions, Efficiency and Engine Engineering in general. Alberto is also co-author of 44 patents issued in Europe, USA and China. He holds a Master’s Degree in ‘Mechanical Engineering’ and a PhD in ‘Energy Engineering’ from Politecnico di Torino, and a Master in ‘Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering’ from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Education

2003 / Mechanical engineering, Engineering department Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Professional Career

2003 – 2006 / Ferrari Spa, Italy, Driveability application engineer
2006 – 2009 / Ferrari Spa, Italy, Senior powertrain application leader
2009 – 2011 / Ferrari Spa, Italy, Senior engine design engineer
2011 – 2013 / McLaren automotive, United Kingdom, Principal engineer powertrain controls
2013 – 2016 / McLaren automotive, United Kingdom, Head of Powertrain controls
2016 – 2019 / McLaren automotive, United Kingdom, Head of Powertrain and powertrain system
2019 – 2021 / Automobili Lamborghini, Italy, Head of Powertrain, electrification and controls (EA)
2021 – Present / Automobili Lamborghini, Italy, Head of Vehicle motion and energy management (EM)