GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY INNOVATION CHALLEGE
OUR LEADERSHIP
Leadership Team
Driving Innovation Through Experience
Behind every startup GAMIC supports is a team of leaders committed to advancing mobility on a global scale. Our leadership team brings decades of expertise from across the automotive, technology, and investment sectors. Their collective experience, networks, and mentorship provide the foundation for helping startups turn bold ideas into viable, market-ready solutions.
Alan Amici
President, DeMaioribus & Associates, LLC
Alan Amici is a veteran automotive leader with senior roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, TE Connectivity, and the Center for Automotive Research. Now President of DeMaioribus & Associates, he advises on product development, supply chain strategy, and technology trends. At GAMIC, he connects startups with OEMs and investors to speed adoption.
Alan Amici
President, DeMaioribus & Associates, LLC
Alan Amici is recognized as a leader in automotive innovation, electrification, and product development. He has held senior leadership roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, where he directed product development initiatives, and at TE Connectivity, where he served as Vice President and CTO of the Transportation Segment, shaping innovation and advancing global mobility initiatives.
Today, as President of DeMaioribus & Associates, Alan advises companies worldwide on technology strategy, electrification, supply chains, and new product development. At GAMIC, he draws on this breadth of experience to mentor startups—helping founders refine business strategies, validate technical roadmaps, and connect with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and investors.
His role bridges entrepreneurial agility with industry scale, ensuring emerging companies can deliver on their vision with both credibility and commercial readiness. Alan’s passion for innovation, combined with his proven track record in global automotive leadership, makes him a vital resource to GAMIC and to the startups shaping the future of mobility.
Dr. Arthur Barbut
Founder, Art of Startup
Dr. Arthur Barbut is a leader in innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and economic development. With a doctorate focused on social capital in innovation ecosystems, he has supported hundreds of startups, creating jobs and regional impact. At GAMIC, Arthur helps founders access networks, mentorship, and resources to accelerate global commercialization.
Dr. Arthur Barbut
Founder, Art of Startup
Dr. Arthur Barbut is a leader in entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and economic development, combining academic expertise with hands-on experience supporting startups. Holding a doctorate focused on the role of social capital in innovation ecosystems, his research demonstrated how strong networks unlock access to resources, accelerate growth, and increase startup success.
Over the past 15 years, Arthur has designed and managed innovation programs that have supported more than 300 startups, created over 1,500 jobs, and generated more than $50 million in regional economic impact. His work bridges research and practice, making him a trusted partner for founders navigating the path from idea to scale.
At GAMIC, Arthur draws on both his academic background and ecosystem-building achievements to mentor mobility startups. He guides founders in refining strategies, strengthening networks, and accessing global markets. Known for his ability to connect vision with execution, Arthur ensures that emerging companies gain the mentorship, visibility, and resources needed to succeed in highly competitive industries. His commitment to entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and sustainability continues to shape his leadership and contributions to the startup ecosystem.
Steve Bollas
Quality Engineering Consultant
Steve Bollas is a veteran quality engineering consultant with decades of experience helping OEMs and suppliers deliver reliable, compliant, and scalable products. At GAMIC, Steve mentors startups on engineering standards and manufacturing readiness, ensuring their innovations meet the expectations of global automotive customers and investors.
Steve Bollas
Quality Engineering Consultant
With a career spanning decades in automotive quality engineering, Steve Bollas has built a reputation for helping organizations deliver safe, reliable, and compliant products to global markets. He has worked extensively with OEMs and suppliers to design and implement quality systems, reduce defects, and achieve international regulatory standards.
His consulting practice blends deep technical knowledge with process leadership, making him a trusted advisor to companies navigating product development and commercialization.
At GAMIC, Steve plays a critical role in mentoring early-stage mobility startups, guiding founders through the complex requirements of engineering validation, certification, and manufacturing readiness. His mentorship reduces risk, builds investor confidence, and ensures startups can align with the quality expectations of global automotive partners.
By combining technical expertise with a focus on scalability, Steve helps innovators strengthen their path from lab to production, ensuring groundbreaking ideas are not only feasible but also viable in the marketplace.
Vic Havele
President, CAEtech Ventures
Vic Havele is President of CAEtech Ventures, advancing innovation in electrification, connected vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. With decades of leadership in automotive engineering and entrepreneurship, Vic mentors startups to refine strategies, secure partnerships, and scale technologies that drive the future of mobility.
Vic Havele
President, CAEtech Ventures
Vic Havele brings a unique blend of engineering expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and strategic vision to his role as President of CAEtech Ventures. His career spans decades of leadership in automotive and technology industries, where he has helped organizations commercialize new technologies, grow operations, and build strong investor relationships.
At CAEtech Ventures, Vic focuses on ventures that are redefining mobility through electrification, connected systems, and advanced manufacturing. His work with startups combines technical mentorship with business strategy, ensuring that founders can deliver both innovative products and sustainable growth.
At GAMIC, Vic provides both high-level leadership and hands-on support, guiding founders as they refine their business models, strengthen their value propositions, and connect with industry stakeholders. Widely respected for his ability to balance technical detail with market realities, Vic ensures that GAMIC startups are positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
His contributions underscore GAMIC’s role as a global platform for scaling mobility innovation.
John Jennings
Propulsion Technology Business Development, IAV
John Jennings leads the North American Propulsion Technology Business Development at IAV, advancing fully electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrain technology solutions. With extensive experience in engineering, IP, and commercialization, he mentors GAMIC startups on product development, technical readiness, and industry adoption, helping founders bridge engineering excellence with real-world market impact.
John Jennings
Propulsion Technology Business Development, IAV
John Jennings leads the North American Propulsion Technology Business Development at IAV, where he advances fully electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrain initiatives that are shaping the next generation of mobility.
With a career rooted in engineering leadership, John has overseen product development programs that integrate cutting-edge technology with real-world performance requirements. His expertise includes managing intellectual property portfolios, accelerating commercialization, and collaborating with OEMs and suppliers on technology integration.
At GAMIC, John brings this same blend of technical rigor and business acumen to startups. He mentors founders on refining their technical strategies, validating readiness levels, and ensuring innovations align with customer and investor expectations. His ability to translate complex engineering into clear business value makes him a powerful ally for emerging companies. John’s contributions highlight GAMIC’s mission to empower startups with both engineering credibility and commercial pathways, ensuring their technologies move successfully from prototype to global markets.
Kellie Lindsay
Innovation Strategist
Kellie Lindsay is an innovation strategist and technology connector with deep automotive and industrial expertise. Through High Potential Products, she supports startups and corporations with technical scouting, go‑to‑market strategy, and marketing‑led business development. She previously led strategic partnerships at Autotech Ventures and holds engineering and MBA degrees.
Kellie Lindsay
Innovation Strategist
Kellie Lindsay is an innovation strategist and technology connector with deep experience across automotive, manufacturing, and industrial technology. Through her consultancy, High Potential Products, she helps corporations and startups translate technical insight into commercial traction through structured scouting, go‑to‑market strategy, and marketing‑led business development. Previously, Kellie led strategic partnerships at Autotech Ventures and held leadership roles at Thirdware Labs, ON Semiconductor, and Ricardo, working across AI/ML, connectivity, ADAS, electrification, and digital transformation. She is the former President of the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation. Kellie holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering (UW) and an MBA (UD‑Mercy).
Colin McKillop
CEO, Towne Group, LLC
Colin McKillop is the CEO of Towne Group LLC, a consultant and strategist in AI, Industry 4.0, and innovation. With global experience in the automotive and energy sectors, he helps enterprises, SME, and GAMIC startups commercialize and scale growth. Colin has a background in engineering and an MBA in operations.
Colin McKillop
CEO, Towne Group, LLC
Colin McKillop is the Chief Executive Officer of Towne Group LLC, a consulting firm specializing in artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 transformation, lean manufacturing, and innovation strategy across the global automotive and energy sectors. With degrees in chemistry from Dalhousie University, materials engineering from McMaster University, and an MBA in finance and operations from Schulich School of Business at York University, Colin brings two decades of executive and consulting experience to organizations navigating transformation, market expansion, and competitiveness.
Recognized for his expertise in engineering, operational excellence, and innovation ecosystems, Colin has advised institutions, multinationals, and global startups. His work focuses on helping organizations shorten commercialization cycles, unlock new growth opportunities, implement sound intellectual property protection, and build resilient strategies in the face of disruptive technological change. He is particularly adept at connecting emerging technology ventures with first customers, strategic partners, global markets, angel investors, venture capitalists, and corporate venture capitalists.
Beyond Towne Group, Colin contributes to the broader innovation landscape by advising on mobility and energy transition initiatives, as well as supporting entrepreneurship programs that strengthen founder development and market access. Colin is driven by a mission to architect growth, empower innovators, and build legacy institutions. With more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, technology, and business growth, he is recognized for building organizations that thrive in complexity and deliver measurable impact. Colin worked with global corporations such as Spencer/Butcher Group, ShawCor Ltd., Lear Corporation, Woodbridge Group, Johnson Electric, Cooper Standard, Dayco Products, and Magna International.
Dennis Nash
President, Market Results Ventures; Co-Founder, GAMIC
Dennis Nash is President of Market Results Ventures, where he advises companies on marketing, growth, and commercialization. With decades of entrepreneurial and consulting experience, Dennis has guided organizations across industries to sharpen messaging, build effective strategies, and accelerate growth. He is also Co-Founder of GAMIC.
Dennis Nash
President, Market Results Ventures; Co-Founder, GAMIC
Dennis Nash is President of Market Results Ventures, where he specializes in helping organizations refine their messaging, develop growth strategies, and accelerate market adoption. His consulting work spans multiple industries, from automotive to emerging technologies, and emphasizes business development, commercialization, and investment readiness.
Over several decades, Dennis has earned a reputation for helping companies turn strong ideas into successful ventures through practical strategy and clear communication. His expertise includes guiding executives on brand positioning, designing effective go-to-market strategies, and preparing for investor engagement.
In addition to his consulting career, Dennis co-founded the Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge (GAMIC), a platform that connects startups with industry leaders, OEMs, and investors. At GAMIC, he continues to mentor founders on pitch development, business storytelling, and growth strategy, ensuring that emerging mobility companies have both the technology and the business case to succeed.
By combining his entrepreneurial background with extensive consulting experience, Dennis provides startups with the clarity and confidence needed to scale. His leadership reflects a belief that innovation flourishes when paired with disciplined strategy and strong communication.
Steve Polakowski
Managing Director, P&P Enterprises
Steve Polakowski is Managing Director of P&P Enterprises and has over 35 years of experience in the automotive and mobility industry, including leadership at Magna International and ESG Automotive. At GAMIC, he mentors startups on commercialization and market expansion, helping founders build networks and prepare technologies for global adoption.
Steve Polakowski
Managing Director, P&P Enterprises
Steve Polakowski is an experienced executive and advisor with more than 35 years in the automotive and mobility industries. He is Managing Director of P&P Enterprises, where he supports organizations with strategy, product development, and growth initiatives. Previously, Steve served as President of ESG Automotive, where he led North American operations for the global engineering services provider specializing in embedded electrical and electronics, IT systems, and software solutions. His leadership oversaw projects in eMobility, connectivity, ADAS, automated driving, and full-vehicle E/E system development.
Prior to ESG, Steve held numerous roles at Magna International, focusing on advanced interiors and exteriors, electrical systems engineering, and embedded product development. He directed global teams with responsibility for system optimization and integrated electronics, guiding programs from advanced concept through production. This combination of corporate leadership and technical expertise gives him a broad perspective on what it takes to commercialize innovations in highly competitive markets.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and an MBA from Wayne State University. He is an active member of SAE International and serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Oakland University.
At GAMIC, Steve mentors startups on commercialization, partnership-building, and market readiness. His guidance helps founders anticipate challenges, attract investors and industry partners, and position their technologies for successful adoption in the global mobility ecosystem.
Milton Roye
Director of Executive Recruiting, Management Business Solutions
Milton Roye, with degrees from MIT and Harvard Business School, brings deep engineering, business, and ecosystem leadership to the GAMIC network. At Management Business Solutions he leads executive recruiting. Previously, he held senior executive roles at GM/Delphi, Tata Components, and WICOR. Milton ensures strategic and financial strength for GAMIC.
Milton Roye
Director of Executive Recruiting, Management Business Solutions
Milton Roye brings a rare combination of technical grounding, corporate leadership, and ecosystem-building experience to his work supporting mobility startups. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Today, he serves as Director of Executive Recruiting at Management Business Solutions, where he advises on high-level talent strategies across engineering, leadership, and technology functions. Over his wide-ranging career, Milton has served in executive leadership at major firms including GM / Delphi, Tata Automotive Components (India), and the WICOR Group (Switzerland). His roles have spanned business growth, strategic planning, change management, and commercializing emerging technologies.
Alongside this corporate track, Milton has been deeply involved in nonprofit and innovation networks: he co-founded and chaired the MIT Enterprise Forum Great Lakes, served on MIT’s Board of Trustees and advisory committees, and contributed to regional entrepreneurial and educational boards.
In GAMIC, Milton applies this breadth to ensure the program’s fiscal health, strategic alignment, and integration with Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His unique perspective helps position GAMIC as not only a competition platform but a sustainable, deeply networked innovation engine for mobility startups.
David Stout
Former President of TEMIC (Automotive Electronics Subsidiary of Daimler-Benz); Principal, David B. Stout Associates; Co-Founder, GAMIC
David Stout is a seasoned automotive leader with experience as President of TEMIC, a Daimler-Benz subsidiary; Vice President of WABCO for North and South America; and Principal of David B. Stout Associates Consulting. A former SAE International Board Member and current Detroit Section Chair, he is also Co-Founder of GAMIC.
David Stout
Former President of TEMIC (Automotive Electronics Subsidiary of Daimler-Benz); Principal, David B. Stout Associates; Co-Founder, GAMIC
David Stout’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to technology and business development. At Corning, he advanced optical communications and electronic products through roles in production, technology development, and product management in New York, North Carolina, and Germany. He later served as President of TEMIC, an automotive electronics subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, where he expanded the company’s presence with North American OEMs through innovative technologies. As Vice President of WABCO Braking Systems, he led business growth across both North and South America.
Today, as Principal of David B. Stout Associates, David provides consulting expertise to mobility and manufacturing companies, helping them translate innovative concepts into production-ready systems. Beyond his corporate and consulting career, he has contributed significantly to advancing industry standards as a member of SAE International’s Board of Directors. He continues his involvement with SAE as current Detroit Section Chair, a member of the Commercial Vehicle Executive Council, and of the organization’s executive nominating committee.
In addition, David co-founded GAMIC, helping shape the program’s vision and framework. At GAMIC, he shares his knowledge of supplier dynamics, quality systems, and engineering rigor with startups, ensuring they are equipped to meet industry expectations and investor confidence. David’s combined corporate, governance, and entrepreneurial experience positions him as a trusted resource to GAMIC and a catalyst for innovation in the global mobility ecosystem.
Chris Van Dan Elzen
Founder and CEO, ADAS Collective
Chris Van Dan Elzen is Founder and CEO of ADAS Collective, an automotive technology company accelerating development of advanced driver-assistance systems. A former executive at Magna International and Veoneer, he brings more than 25 years of experience in vehicle safety and automation. At GAMIC, Chris mentors startups advancing mobility innovation and autonomous technology solutions.
Chris Van Dan Elzen
Founder and CEO, ADAS Collective
Chris Van Dan Elzen is Founder and CEO of ADAS Collective, a company focused on developing and integrating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that enhance vehicle safety, automation, and reliability. With more than 25 years of leadership in the automotive technology sector, Chris has built a career bridging engineering innovation and commercial execution.
Before founding ADAS Collective, Chris served as Executive Vice President at Veoneer, a global leader in automotive electronics and software for ADAS and autonomous driving. There, he led the development and launch of next-generation radar, vision, and safety systems used by major OEMs worldwide. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at Magna International, where he oversaw business development and strategic technology programs within the vehicle safety and electronics divisions. His experience spans engineering, operations, and corporate strategy across North America, Europe, and Asia.
At GAMIC, Chris leverages his deep industry knowledge to mentor startups advancing mobility and autonomous technologies. He guides founders in aligning technical development with market requirements, establishing strategic partnerships, and navigating the path from prototype to commercial deployment. His approach emphasizes practical innovation and the importance of safety and scalability in mobility solutions.
Chris holds degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration, combining a technical foundation with strategic business leadership. He is recognized for his ability to connect emerging technologies with real-world applications and for his commitment to fostering collaboration across the mobility ecosystem. His work at GAMIC reinforces the organization’s mission to accelerate innovation and bring transformative mobility solutions to market.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Mobility
Interested in learning more about the leaders behind GAMIC or exploring opportunities to become part of our leadership team? Get in touch with us to start the conversation.
