The Upcell Ambassadors Initiative brings together a network of experienced industry professionals who serve as local champions for Upcell across key global markets.
Leveraging their regional expertise, industry knowledge, and professional networks, our ambassadors help strengthen relationships, foster collaboration, and support Upcell’s continued international growth.
Meet the individuals who represent Upcell around the world and contribute to expanding our global community.
FRANCISCO CARRANZA
CSO - SMAPPEE
A lifelong car enthusiast, Francisco Carranza has dedicated his career to accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to electrification.
Entrepreneur, engineer, and ecosystem builder, he has spent more than 20 years launching ventures and driving innovation across the automotive, battery, and energy sectors. As one of the early pioneers of Europe’s electric mobility ecosystem, he has helped shape the convergence of transportation and energy—from pioneering vehicle-to-grid solutions at Nissan to contributing to the development of Europe’s battery industry through ACC and Basquevolt. Throughout his career, he has consistently operated at the forefront of technological transformation.
Today, as Chief Sales Officer at Smappee, Francisco is focused on unlocking the full potential of electrification and creating lasting societal impact by connecting mobility, energy, and entrepreneurship.
GREGORY FOURGEAUD
Head of New Energy Hydrogen - Batteries Production - Flow Batteries - GEORG FISCHER
Gregory currently leads the New Energy division for Georg Fischer (+GF+), a global leader in flow solutions with approximately 13,300 employees worldwide.
In his role, he works across the full value chain of the energy transition, supporting projects from early-stage concept and FEED activities through to project execution and beyond.
Gregory brings extensive expertise, having worked across a broad spectrum of industries including civil engineering, defence, nuclear, transportation, and battery technology.
His distinguished career spans various executive management and commercial roles within ENGIE, a prominent French multinational specializing in low-carbon energy and services. Prior to joining +GF+, he held the position of Business Development Director for the export market at Equans, part of the Bouygues Group.
He holds a Master of Science degree from London South Bank University, complementing his French academic background in civil engineering.
EKIN OBER
Senior Capital Markets Professional - DELOITTE
Ekin Ober is a senior capital markets professional specializing in critical infrastructure and materials. She currently supports complex, capital-intensive mandates at Deloitte’s Strategy, Risk & Transactions practice through execution strategy, valuation-informed analysis, and governance frameworks that improve delivery outcomes for projects deemed critical by the Canadian government.
Previously, Ekin led Corporate Initiatives at Kinterra Capital, driving value creation across the firm and its portfolio through strategic growth initiatives, forging joint ventures, and optimizing deal structures, offtake agreements, land strategies, and public funding opportunities. Prior to that, Ekin was the CEO of Aethos Labs, an AI company where she spearheaded the development of solutions that accelerate project development and investment decisions in the renewable energy supply chain. She’s also advised infrastructure and mining companies, bringing deep expertise from her earlier roles as an investment banker executing multimillion-dollar deals across the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and as a securities lawyer representing infrastructure and mining companies in complex regulatory matters.
She holds a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.
SEUNG-PYO
PE/VC Advisory Lawyer - ESPÉE & LANCÉE
Seung-Pyo Hong, is an international lawyer and strategic advisor specializing in international law, public policy, technology diplomacy, and cross-border cooperation. He works with public and private sector stakeholders to advance international partnerships, regulatory initiatives, and innovation-driven collaboration between Korea and global institutions.
Drawing on experience spanning legal practice, government engagement, and international affairs, SeungPyo advises organizations on navigating complex geopolitical, regulatory, and strategic challenges. A former naval officer, he brings a global perspective shaped by extensive work across Europe and Asia.
SeungPyo holds a Master of Laws in International Investment Law from the University of Cambridge and a Ph.D. in International Investment Law from Seoul National University.
KI-WOOK JUNG
Associated Partner - MHP
Kiwook Jung is an Associated Partner at MHP, where he advises global clients on digital transformation, innovation, and operational strategy across the automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. With international experience spanning mobility, battery technology, and industrial ecosystems, he helps organizations drive sustainable growth and navigate complex business challenges.
Before joining MHP, Kiwook held leadership roles at Northvolt, focusing on business strategy, digitalization, and ecosystem development. He is known for bridging business and technology perspectives and enabling organizations to turn emerging opportunities into measurable business outcomes.
Kiwook holds degrees from New York University and Pohang University of Science and Technology.
KEVIN SHARON
Business Development Manager - GROTEK CO LTD.
Kevin Sharon is a business development and industrial technology professional specializing in battery manufacturing, energy storage, and advanced industrial ecosystems. He works with global technology and manufacturing companies to support market entry, strategic partnerships, and business growth across India and other emerging markets.
With experience spanning battery production, industrial equipment, and international business development, Kevin helps organizations navigate complex manufacturing landscapes and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. He is particularly passionate about the future of battery technologies, energy storage systems, and the evolving global supply chain.
Kevin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Jeppiaar Engineering College, providing him with a strong technical foundation that complements his commercial and strategic expertise.
