During the 'Activities and Updates by APRA Europe' session, three scheduled slots will feature different speakers. The details of these slots are provided below.
 
14:30-14:40
Title: Activities and Update by APRA Europe Speaker: Peter Bartel Company: APRA Europe
14:40-15:10
Title: Remanufacturing Legal Update: IP Issues  Speaker: Dr. Johannes Graf Ballestrem, Dr. Stephan Reisner Company: Osborne Clarke
15:10-15:30
Title: Smart Disassembly for a Sustainable Future: Insights from APRA’s Working Group Automation in Disassembly  Speaker: Marc-André Weismueller Company: RWTH Aachen University

Activities and Update by APRA Europe

Dr. Johannes Graf Ballestrem is a patent litigator with a strong focus on technology involving mechanics, electronics, information technology and ‘access to data’ claims. He has outstanding experience in litigation concerning printer consumables, automotive supplies, remanufacturing and software implemented inventions and has particularly deep experience in the automotive and energy sector. He also regularly advises in M&A transactions, licensing and product liability.

Partner

Director Circular Economy Solutions

Alexander Prinssen has 25 years of experience in the Automotive industry and currently is Chief Sales Officer of Adevinta Automotive Benelux, covering the platforms Marktplaats and 2dehands/2ememain.  Before joining eBay Classifieds Group (currently known as Adevinta) in 2018 he used to work for other companies in the automotive industry, LeasePlan, General Electric and Athlon Car Lease International in various senior management roles, both in domestic and international markets.

CSO Automotive

Managing Director

I’m Kai Falke, an industrial engineer with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and nearly a decade of experience in the automotive supply chain industry.
I joined SONIMA around nine years ago and have since taken on a variety of roles. I started in project management, later moved into key account management, and took responsibility for tender management and several remanufacturing (Reman) projects. In 2023, I stepped into the role of interim head of our Reman division, where I focused on optimizing processes and aligning operations with customer needs.
Since 2024, I’ve been responsible for sales and project management across the SONIMA Group. My focus is on developing customer-oriented strategies, driving cross-functional collaboration, and continuously improving our value chain.

Head of Sales and Project Management

Rematec Exhibition Manager

John has over 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics Industry with responsibilities for  transport  capacity utilisation,  Sales,  Management  and Strategy for the Automotive Industry including the transformation to new mobility and Electric Vehicles.  John held European and Global responsibilities including a 5 year’s spend in the Middle East, and has a degree in Automotive Engineering and a Masters in Transport & Logistics Management from the Tilburg University.

Head of Automotive

Sales Director France Benelux

Sustainable Lightweight Technologies Group Manager

I recently joined Scintam Engineering as CEO to take company through its next growth phase. Scintam is a start-up with massive growth potential in the industrial maintenance and remanufacturing industries. Its initial focus is a product to unlock seized fasteners in gas turbines (jet engines and gas electricity generation to the layman), and a product to unlock seized turbochargers in batches. I have 28 years of experience both in venture capital fund management and in managing early stage companies in a variety of industries. My last role was managing a high-speed electrical compressor company focused on supplying the hydrogen fuel cell markets in automotive and aerospace. My venture capital fund management experience was at Midven Limited, now part of Future Capital and managing the technology investments of CLS Holdings, a listed property company. After completing a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge, I started my business career managing the establishment of a new stockbroker in London.

Sam Oudshoorn is the Technical Director of ATR Remote. In his role, he is constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance remote support for clients. Sam specializes in transforming invisible processes into visible insights through data analysis. Recognizing the limitations of working without physical presence, he fosters a resourceful approach to interpreting available data creatively and effectively. 
Sam firmly believes that diagnosing issues should be a collaborative effort, conducted alongside the technician on-site with the vehicle. This philosophy is encapsulated in ATR Remote's slogan, "Where you stop, we start," which emphasizes the partnership between the company and its customers. His dedication to improving remote assistance not only enhances client experiences but also drives advancements in technology and data utilization. 
With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in remote services, Sam Oudshoorn stands at the forefront of transforming how technical support is delivered in the automotive industry. His leadership encourages his team to explore new possibilities, ensuring that ATR Remote remains a trusted resource for clients who rely on effective remote diagnostics and support.

Technical director

Thomas Dobat is an experienced Project and Business Development Manager specializing in process management and digitization. Currently working at ISMO BTS GmbH, he has been instrumental in shaping and executing strategic service portfolios for process management and digitization projects.
Previously, Thomas worked as a Project Manager at ISMO GmbH, where he contributed to various process management initiatives and developed solutions for business process optimization. His expertise also extends to teaching, having held a teaching position at OTH Amberg-Weiden in the Digital Business Master's program, focusing on Agile Project and Process Management, as well as Business Process Management (BPM) and process modeling.
Thomas also has significant experience as a Process Consultant for SAP Business ByDesign, where he managed and supported SAP implementations, led cross-functional process optimizations, and implemented global engineering change order processes.

Project and Business Development Manager for Process Management and Digitisation at ISMO BTS GmbH

Head of New Business Development - Remanufacturing

Dr. Kevin Boissie is a Senior Expert in Obsolescence Engineering at Valeo, specializing in developing innovative repair and circularity strategies for electronic systems. As a key figure in the field, he addresses the challenges posed by increasingly complex and non-repairable electronic products, working to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
At Valeo, he leads research and testing on advanced techniques to recover and reintegrate critical electronic components, ensuring their functional reliability. His work covers a wide range of applications, including mobility batteries, windshield cameras, and automotive displays. These products, often considered non-repairable, are successfully restored each week by repair operators in Nevers.
In addition to his role at Valeo, Dr. Boissie serves as Vice President of the Institute Francophone de l'Obsolescence and Board member of the International Institute of Obsolescence Management, advocating for sustainable electronic design and circular economy principles. 
With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Dr. Boissie demonstrates that even highly integrated electronics can be efficiently repaired and reused, contributing to a more resource-efficient and resilient industrial ecosystem.

Sustainable development project manager

Dr. Stephan Reisner is a patent litigator and advises national and international companies and groups on intellectual property law. He focuses on patent law, employee invention law, and trade secret protection. He also supports clients in drafting and negotiating IPcontracts as well as in the technical advice on product liability cases. He is primarily active in the automotive and energy sector. Part of his advice focuses on the assessment of manufacturing and distribution of spare parts or daily consumer goods and of remanufacturing of products under patent law. Furthermore, he advises on protection of data and software under copyright and patent law.

Counsel

Jörg Drees, Managing Director and Co-Founder, iFAKT GmbH
Education: Mechanical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Université de Bordeaux, and Esslingen University of Applied Sciences Professional Experience: Began career at Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA), Stuttgart, focusing on digital mapping of product and production development and simulation of value chains. Worked as a graduate student in an interdisciplinary team planning smart production systems. iFAKT GmbH: Co-founded iFAKT GmbH, leading numerous consulting projects in the automotive, aviation, supplier, mechanical, and plant engineering industries. Spearheaded the development and market scaling of POLARIS, iFAKT's proprietary solution. Established the Research and Technology Department in 2021, focusing on applied research and publicly funded projects in Industry 4.0, circular economy, corporate resilience, and production optimization. Continuously integrating new technologies, functionalities, and approaches into iFAKT's software solutions. Personal Statement: Passionate about leveraging data and algorithms to enhance decision-making processes and drive innovation in production and value chain optimization.

Managing Director and Co-Founder, HO Research and Technology

Global Category Strategy Lead E-Mobility & Transmissions

Sustainable Manufacturing

After starting my career in the wine and glass industry, I dedicated 25 years to AW Europe, which later merged with AISIN. I began with 4 years in purchasing before becoming logistics manager for OEM aftersales. Since 2009, I have also been responsible for Remanufacturing. I took over the entire Mons plant, recognized as a "Factory of the Future" and carbon neutral. In addition to my initial responsibilities, the site includes an electronics factory and a depot, where we centralized Aftermarket activities in 2022, which I am also responsible for.
My main role is to develop this activity, particularly by providing solutions to independent garages and repairers for automatic transmissions. My goal is to strengthen our organization by offering innovative and sustainable solutions, while maintaining our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Director of Belgian Operations and Aftermarket

Stijn Vervoort
Advocate for Sustainable Mobility & Manager, Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability
Stijn believes sustainable mobility should be accessible to all. This belief is the foundation of his published research ‘Route 2030’, where he outlines the ‘Route to 0 emissions’ and explores how the automotive industry can seize opportunities in the evolving business climate.
Currently, Stijn brings together European industry leaders at the Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability (FAAS), where he has been appointed by the board to promote sustainable practices across the entire mobility value chain.
Remanufacturing is a key element in the ongoing conversation about automotive sustainability. Under Stijn’s management, the Forum hosts a dedicated working group focused on expanding the use of remanufactured components. He is a strong believer in the pivotal role that remanufacturing will play in the future of the automotive aftermarket.
Outside of his work at the Forum, Stijn is an avid traveller and vintage car enthusiast, often combining both passions as he journeys across Europe in his remanufactured van.

Manager

Aftermarket Project and Product Director

Julian Große Erdmann (*1994) has been a research associate at Fraunhofer IPA since 2020, focusing on the Circular Economy and resource-efficient optimization in production. He focuses on business field development in remanufacturing, optimizing business and production processes, strategy development, and business case creation.

Research Associate

Europe Sales Manager

Department of Mechanical Engineering Politecnico

I graduated in law in Florence (2009), and since 2018, I am (also) a research fellow in industrial engineering at the University of Florence: with the role of IP Promoter, I deal with the valorisation of IP rights of the University of Florence and technology transfer. In 2021 I founded my own law firm. I hold a PhD in Intellectual Property and Competition at the University of Pavia, discussing a dissertation on the commercial exploitation of the right to image. Since 2017, I have been a member of AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property), and during the years 2021-2022, I founded and co-chaired the Italian Group of Young Associates of AIPPI.
I speak Italian and English.

IP Promoter

Amaury Desombre, a 56-year-old French national, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from ISAE-SUPMECA, a Master's degree in Nuclear Physics, and an MBA from La Sorbonne-Paris.
His professional journey has been marked by a comprehensive career in the aftermarket sector of industrial equipment, automotive, and trucks.
In 2000, Amaury joined Valeo, where he initially served as a Product Manager responsible for Reman Starters and Alternators.
He ascended through various roles in Valeo IAM and OES and contributed to the creation of the "Valeo Service Smart Mobility" startup where he was in charge of Valeo Ineez EV charging solutions.
He was appointed in 2024 as the Valeo Group Reman-Repair Director. In this role, he launched the Reman 2.0 program, which is dedicated to the remanufacturing of electronics and high-voltage parts. 
This initiative aligns with Valeo's 4R strategic commitment to the circular economy.
Additionally, Amaury serves as the Vice President of Mobilians-Reman, the French organization dedicated to promoting remanufacturing industry on the French market.

Valeo Group Reman-Repair Director

President & CEO

Professor

Group Director Mobility

Mark Phillips is a seasoned automotive aftermarket journalist and video host with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. As the founding editor of Aftermarket Intel, Mark has become a trusted figure within the global automotive community. He frequently attends and reports from trade shows such as Automechanika, Autopromotec, Taipei AMPA/AutoTronics, AAPEX and SEMA, and of course, Rematec. A Northwood University-certified Automotive Aftermarket Professional, Mark produces informative videos, curating engaging content and interviews key business figures. He remains dedicated to sharing cutting-edge developments in the automotive world with his audience.

Automotive Video Host & Editor

iRM eCommerce Shanghai

Engagement Manger

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Matthias Karl Scharrer (*1983) is a dedicated professional in the field of e-mobility and electrical engineering. Since 2024, he has been working as the TechLead for E-Mobility at AVL DiTEST in Graz, Austria. Prior to this, Matthias served as a Lead Researcher at the VIRTUAL VEHICLE Research Center his primary research focus being on battery and power electronics simulation and optimization, which are crucial for the development of sustainable e-mobility solutions.
Matthias's academic journey began at Graz University of Technology, where he received his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2021. During his doctoral studies, he was involved with the VIRTUAL VEHICLE Research Center, progressing from Researcher to Senior Researcher.
Matthias' work in these areas has been valuable in advancing measurement, testing, and diagnostic technology in e-mobility. His contributions help drive innovation and improve the reliability of electric vehicle technologies, using predictive health assessment and monitoring systems.

TechLead E-Mobility

Europe Strategy Director

Marc-André Weismüller is a research assistant at the Machine Tool Laboratory (WZL) and part of the Robotics Group at the Chair of Machine Tools. His research focuses on developing automation technologies for circular economy, particularly in the context of remanufacturing and recycling. As part of his doctoral studies, he explores new robotic solutions that enable efficient and flexible dismantling of end-of-life products. His work includes the development of advanced gripping and handling techniques to enhance adaptability in automated disassembly processes. Through his research, he aims to optimise recovering resources and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.

Research Assistant

With over 25 years of global leadership experience in General Management, Business Development, Marketing, and Sales, Bart has a deep understanding of the Automotive Aftermarket. Having worked with industry leaders like Rockwool, Varta, eXponentia, Johnson Controls, and Clarios, he brings extensive expertise—particularly in automotive batteries.
Bart has successfully led cross-border teams and built strong partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the U.S., excelling in multicultural environments. In 2022, he founded Axa Novi B.V. to help Automotive Aftermarket players develop winning business strategies, optimize marketing and sales, and turn market insights into tangible, long-term growth opportunities.
Axa Novi has delivered valuable insights and strategic support to governmental organizations, automotive parts manufacturers, and distributors. With a strong international network of business partners, Axa Novi excels at handling complex projects that demand local expertise and a deep understanding of diverse business cultures.
With a results-driven mindset and a passion for execution, Axa Novi is committed to delivering actionable solutions that make a real impact.

Business Owner & Managing Director

CDE Manager

Secretary General Remanufacture Committee of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CPRA)

President of the Remanufacturing at Mobilians

I am the Director of Remanufacturing & Customer Service Operations at FPT Industrial SPA. With over two decades of experience in the industry, I have honed my expertise in remanufacturing and aftermarket solutions.
I hold an aerospace engineering degree and an MBA in Marketing, Sales, and Service, obtained in 2005.
My career began in 1999, since then, I have held various positions that have enriched my knowledge and skills. I am fluent in Italian, English, French, and Portuguese, which has enabled me to work effectively in international environments.
Since November 2020, I have been globally responsible for Customer Service and remanufacturing operations at FPT Industrial. My role involves managing the Garchizy Plant operations, overseeing as well core stock management for production planning, and supporting both captive and non-captive dealers with reman order and parts management. 
In parallel, I also manage parts support for dealers and OEMs, focusing on improving performance through KPIs and developing ICT system enhancements. My experience also includes leading the small and medium engine platform and customer management service group for non-captive customers, where I worked on improving customer satisfaction and coordinating global solutions and services.

Head of Remanufacturing & Customer Service Operations

Marc Goldschmidt Senior Vice President, Rolls-Royce Power Systems
Marc Goldschmidt is a seasoned leader in the power systems industry, specializing in operational excellence, supply chain transformation, and sustainable remanufacturing solutions. With a strong background in engineering background and extensive global experience, he has sucessfully high impact initiatives that enhance efficiency, digitalization, and customer value.
Throughout his career, Marc has been instrumental in driving global operational excellence, including the rollout of the mtu Production System to improve manufacturing performance while establishing a culture of continuous improvement. He spearheaded the transformation of the Bergen Engines factory in Norway, optimizing layout, value streams, and efficiency in strong collaboration with all employees and stakeholders. Additionally, he played a key role in advancing global spare parts management by establishing a digital network between hubs and local sales partners—improving availability while reducing inventory. Most recently, he led the development of the Reman Center in Aiken, SC, strengthening overhaul and maintenance services for U.S. customers.
Marc is passionate about leveraging innovation, lean and digital solutions to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and long-term value for customers. His leadership style is visionary and result-driven, combining strategic thinking with operational excellence through team empowerment and development.

Senior Vice President Remanufacturing and Overhaul+ Technologies

Product Marketing & DFS

Dr. Daniel Christof is a Partner based in Stuttgart, co-leading McKinsey’s Automotive Aftermarket and Automotive Supplier practice in Europe. With a focus on strategy design and execution, business development, organizational advancements, and performance turnarounds, Daniel serves clients in the automotive, machinery, and high-tech sectors. His notable McKinsey experience includes developing corporate and business unit strategies for automotive suppliers, optimizing strategic portfolios, performing multi-functional benchmarking, and driving sales transformations. He has also led digital growth initiatives and managed M&A transactions and mergers.
Daniel's academic background is distinguished by a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Hohenheim and Aarhus School of Business, where he was valedictorian. He also holds a Finance Master from Trinity College in Dublin, graduating with distinction, and a PhD from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, awarded summa cum laude.
Before joining McKinsey, Daniel served as Head of Corporate Development and Chief Strategy Officer at TRUMPF Group, a leading high-tech company in machine tools and laser technology. His career also includes roles at Bosch, Daimler, KPMG, and Lazard, providing him with a broad and deep expertise in his field.

Leader Automotive Aftermarket Practice in Europe

Markus Wagner (M), Innovation-Lead at Circular Economy Solutions GmbH (C-ECO), Germany. 
Markus Wagner has a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from University of Karlsruhe. He looks back to more than 20 years of experience in different positions in logistics, IT and marketing in the international automotive industry. Since 15 years, he is developing business-processes and IT-systems for industrial remanufacturing and used-parts management. In his current assignment, Markus leads and contributes to international research projects innovating on implementation of circular economy business models. With this background, he also consults companies on implementing circular business-models and contributes to standardization in ISO and DIN.

Innovation Lead

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry

Dr.-Ing Daniel C. F. Koehler is a German business engineer and holds a doctorate degree in engineering. Since 2021, he is head of the research and development department of the business unit Truck and Trailer Components of the BPW Bergische Achsen KG. For today, he has more than 10 years of experience in higher technical management positions, e.g., he was 7 years in charge of the Remanufacturing business of Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH. For more than 15 years, Dr. Koehler is involved in the Remanufacturing business as well as the automotive indus try. Since 2017, he also has the honour to be the elected Chairman of the international non-profit association Automotive Parts Remanufactures Association Europe AISBL (APRA Europe). While he is regularly invited for holding speeches and presentations with a focus on technical manage ment, business development, and evolution, Dr. Koehler also irregularly publishes expert articles.

Chairman APRA Europe

Executive Director

Tomasz Bęben, SDCM President of the Board
An experienced lawyer and manager. A graduate of the Faculty of Law and Administration at Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. As of 2023 the President of the Association of Spare Parts Distributors and Producers (SDCM) – the only organisation in Poland representing the interests of spare parts distributors and suppliers, as well as independent repair workshops, active on the lobbying stage both on the European and national level. A current Board Member of European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and Board Member of International Federation of Automotive Aftermarket Distributors (FIGIEFA). Attorney at law at the District Chamber of Legal Advisors in Warsaw. He gained his legal experience in the area of industrial property law, copyright and personal rights at renowned law firms both in Cracow and Warsaw. For several years involved in the automotive sector affairs. Supports activities promoting the development of the Polish automotive sector. Participates in the governmental and parliamentary works on the drafts of the most important legal acts concerning the automotive. Represents the interests of member companies locally, as well as internationally, appearing before European Union bodies.

President of the Board

My name is Bertram Klee and I am the managing partner of ISP - Innovative Surface Processing GmbH.
After more than 20 years of sales experience in the surface technology industry, I founded ISP - Innovative Surface Processing GmbH in 2022, which brought together a group of entrepreneurial specialists in the fields of blasting technology, vibratory finishing technology, laser cleaning and industrial parts cleaning to provide users of these versatile surface treatment processes with dedicated support based on their many years of extensive experience.
We are based in Bad Staffelstein in Upper Franconia, Germany, and operate worldwide as a German mechanical engineering company and system provider in surface technology. We support our customers with a large network of national and regional representatives and ensure that our process solutions are used reliably by being close to our customers.
With us, you have an experienced, honest, reliable, innovative, proven and friendly partner at your side, who implements the potential of the previously described processes in economic processes and breaks new ground together with you.
Give us the opportunity to convince you of our know-how, visit us in our extensively equipped demonstration centre and let us find the optimal solution for your application together.

Fernand Weiland  30 years in management positions with Bendix Automotive, Lucas Automotive, Magneti Marelli Automotive and TRW Automotive.
Fernand Weiland , honorary member and founder APRA ( Automotive Parts Remanufacturer Assoc.)  European Division in 1989, serving as the division’s first chairman for more than 20 years. Between 1990 and 2010 he organised a considerable number of APRA forums, workshops and exhibitions across Europe.
A co-founder of the biennial ReMaTec remanufacturing exhibitions in Amsterdam, Fernand Weiland has written numerous articles for the ReMaTecNews magazine as well as editing five books about automotive remanufacturing in Europe. He was also instrumental in setting up APRA’s  established Asia-Pacific Division. In 2019 Fernand was honoured with the prestigious Best Reman Ambassador Award presented by Rematec Amsterdam. Fernand is currently editor and Director of FJW Consulting.

Founder of the APRA European Division and co-founder of the biennial Rematec remanufacturing exhibitions in Amsterdam.

Group Manager

Michael Lieder is a business developer and works in Scania R&D. He earned his PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2017 with focus on simulation modelling of circular manufacturing systems. He has 12 years of experience in the area of circular economy comprising research, development of advanced analytics tools, roadmap development and formulation of circular business strategies for manufacturing companies. Michael likes to work at the intersection of business model, product design and supply chain.

Business Developer Circular Economy

Peter Bartel has more than 30 years of experience in remanufacturing and circular economy. Since 2009 he is a member of the APRA Europe board where he has served as chairman. Besides he is part of the FAAS board (Forum on Automotive Aftermarket Sustainability). Since 2016 he is Head of Marketing at Circular Economy Solutions GmbH.

Head of Marketing

Product manager Remanufacturing

COO ACtronics Group

New Business Development

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Based in Brussels, Director since January 2017. The aim of the Council is to grow remanufacturing in Europe to sales of €100 billion by 2030. He participates in the World Economic Forum, WBCSD, UNEP and is a member of the EU Ecodesign Forum and EU Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. "Pleasing to see that both the 'Clean Industrial Deal' and 'Competition Compass' highlight the need for increased remanufacturing in Europe".

Director of the European Remanufacturing Council.

Academic Council

Tenair

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