At Upcell Alliance we proudly recognize individuals whose steadfast support, invaluable guidance, and dedication have been instrumental in our growth and success. This page celebrates our honorary members, distinguished by our Board of Directors for their exceptional contributions and the pivotal role they have played in our journey.
Bernat Illa
Awarded on April 13th, 2023 in Copenhagen
Born 1986 in Capellades (Barcelona).
I started my career at Schneider Electric linked with the IT world, but more and more I wanted to be part of the great Business World, with a big focus on Digitization and Sustainability, so this is why I was so connected with UpCell.
I am also passionate about spending time with my family & friends, either travelling, doing sport or enjoying a great glass of wine while we try to save the world.
Hoping to meet you soon and to grow together this great alliance!
I started my career at Schneider Electric linked with the IT world, but more and more I wanted to be part of the great Business World, with a big focus on Digitization and Sustainability, so this is why I was so connected with UpCell.
I am also passionate about spending time with my family & friends, either travelling, doing sport or enjoying a great glass of wine while we try to save the world.
Hoping to meet you soon and to grow together this great alliance!
Simone Dolzan
Awarded on April 13th, 2023 in Copenhagen
Head of Electrification in Comau.
Passionate & Experienced Executive with a history in complex industrial environments such as batteries, metals & ceramic industry.
Skilled in Production Management, Product Development, Profit & Loss Management, Business Strategy and Planning, Company Merger & Acquisition & Restructuring.
Passionate about rugby, skiing, books, wine and travelling.
For me «Upcell is the symbol of a better future!»
Passionate & Experienced Executive with a history in complex industrial environments such as batteries, metals & ceramic industry.
Skilled in Production Management, Product Development, Profit & Loss Management, Business Strategy and Planning, Company Merger & Acquisition & Restructuring.
Passionate about rugby, skiing, books, wine and travelling.
For me «Upcell is the symbol of a better future!»
Tomas Megia
Awarded on October 5th, 2023 in Barcelona
Tomás Megía is the leader of the OPTIMA Office for the Mobility Industry Transformation at the Catalan Government. He was born in the cute coastal village of Blanes and spent a major part of his life commuting to Barcelona becoming a great passionate about mobility. From his background in telecommunications engineering and in business management he also believes firmly in digitization, efficiency, and sustainability for a better future for his family, friends and the world. He’s been involved in other relevant public service projects such as the deployment of the information and communications systems for the Catalan Police, in private initiatives in the field of consultancy with T-systems and Cap Gemini and in new business creation as was the case of the first worldwide commercial free-float moto sharing platform COOLTRA that he is proud to have launched.
Ingrid Leiser
Awarded on April 11th, 2024 in Milano
Ingrid is an industrial engineer with a track record at Schneider Electric since 2016, initially as an application design engineer in robotics and machine control.
In 2022, she transitioned to the battery sector, joining Claude Laperiere’s team to manage the creation of Upcell Alliance, then held the position of Secretary General of
the alliance during the year of 2023. Today, she serves as a Battery Business Developer at Schneider Electric and still supports Upcell’s activities as senior counsellor.
In 2022, she transitioned to the battery sector, joining Claude Laperiere’s team to manage the creation of Upcell Alliance, then held the position of Secretary General of
the alliance during the year of 2023. Today, she serves as a Battery Business Developer at Schneider Electric and still supports Upcell’s activities as senior counsellor.
Leveraging her scientific and field expertise, she seeks to bring innovative ideas to the
table and promote debates that contribute to positive change through transparent communication and solution-oriented thinking.
Nino Guidetti
Awarded on April 11th, 2024 in Milano
With a background in engineering and project leadership in various industries, graduated in Politecnico di Milano in Electronic Engineering, Nino is the Global OEM VP at Schneider Electric, covering machinery sub-segments and applications, where he supports European countries in their growth with Schneider Electric’s industrial automation offer.
Having founded in his carrier and led a specialized integration company, focusing on MES and production traceability systems, Nino keeps a strong entrepreneur mindset, and identifies key success factors in managing and leading multicultural teams, emphasizing the importance of change management and innovation.
Marcello Colledani
Awarded on November 14th, 2024 in Paris
Marcello Colledani holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2003. In May 2007, he completed his Ph.D. in Manufacturing Technology and Production Systems at Politecnico di Milano, graduating cum laude.
In 2008–2009, Dr. Colledani was a visiting professor at the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity (LMP) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), maintaining close collaborations with MIT, since then.
Prof. Colledani is a Research Associate at the Institute of Industrial Technology and Automation of the National Research Council (ITIA-CNR) and an active member of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturing Association (APRA) and the Board of Directors of APRA-Europe. At Politecnico di Milano, where he is a full professor, he coordinates different projects including the European projects BATTwin and rEUman.
In 2008–2009, Dr. Colledani was a visiting professor at the Laboratory for Manufacturing and Productivity (LMP) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), maintaining close collaborations with MIT, since then.
Prof. Colledani is a Research Associate at the Institute of Industrial Technology and Automation of the National Research Council (ITIA-CNR) and an active member of the Automotive Parts Remanufacturing Association (APRA) and the Board of Directors of APRA-Europe. At Politecnico di Milano, where he is a full professor, he coordinates different projects including the European projects BATTwin and rEUman.
RICHARD BOUVERET
Awarded on June 26th, 2025 in Barcelona
Richard Bouveret has been the CEO & Chairman of e-Mobility and Smart Grid activities at Blue Solutions, a subsidiary of the Bolloré Group, since September 2022. A connoisseur of vehicles and their life cycles, an expert in mechanics, and a specialist in cutting-edge technologies, he is interested in all the innovations that this sector of activity encompasses. His mission in Blue Solutions is to turn this forerunner in solid-state batteries and electric buses into a leader in these markets and future technologies. Graduated from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Nancy engineering school, Richard has spent the last thirty years at Valeo, and then at ZF Group, leading their development strategies, overseeing their commercial transformations, and guiding their merger and acquisition policies. His diverse experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the automotive sector, as well as an in-depth knowledge of its main markets: Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
TYLER BOURNS
Awarded on October 24th, 2025 in Reno
Tyler Bourns is the Chief Marketing Officer of Dragonfly Energy, maker of Battle Born Batteries®. A leader in lithium battery marketing, Tyler helped build Battle Born into one of the most trusted premium LiFePO4 brands in off-grid power, and played a key role in guiding Dragonfly Energy into the public markets.
A founding board member of the Nevada Battery Coalition, Tyler is also part of the RVIA Emerging Leaders Coalition and was named to RV Pro’s 40 Under 40. His background includes more than a decade of content-driven brand building, and his creative leadership continues to drive market awareness across RV, marine, trucking, industrial and energy storage sectors.
Focused on strategic storytelling and industry education, Tyler brings a hands-on approach that connects technical innovation with end-user value—helping accelerate lithium adoption across multiple segments of the mobile and stationary energy market.
DOMINIQUE LIGEOiS
Awarded on April 8th, 2026 in Lisbon
Dominique Ligeois is Chief Technology Officer at FAAM, the Seri Industrial group company that manufactures lithium-ion cells, modules and batteries. In this role, he leads development, construction, process engineering and project management for Teverola 2, FAAM’s 8 GWh gigafactory under construction in Italy. Dominique has worked in lithium cell and battery design since 1995 and has directed and built several highly industrialised production lines in different countries, mainly the United States, France and Sweden. Upcell awarded him the Honorary Member award in recognition of his commitment to prioritising European suppliers in the development of FAAM’s projects.
Gregory Fourgeaud
Awarded on October 1st, 2026 in Västerås
Gregory Fourgeaud is Head of New Energy – Hydrogen, Batteries Production and Flow Batteries at Georg Fischer (+GF+), a global leader in flow solutions, where he leads energy transition projects from early concept and engineering through to execution. With a French engineering academic background from ESTP and a Master of Science from London South Bank University, Gregory has built a career spanning civil engineering, military and defence, nuclear, transportation, hydrogen and battery technologies.
Over his career, he has held executive and commercial positions at ENGIE and served as Business Development Director for Export Markets at Equans, part of the Bouygues Group. This combination of industrial and commercial experience has made him a natural bridge between companies and markets, a role he has taken on with real commitment as an Upcell Ambassador.
Since joining the alliance, Gregory has been actively involved in opening-up the UK market and bringing new stakeholders into the European battery ecosystem, a dedication that Upcell recognises with this Honorary Membership.
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