Movers & Shakers: BioMADE, OrbitMI, ThinkLabs, and Others Announce New Appointments

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BioMADE has named Dr. Jill Zullo as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). A pioneer in biotechnology commercialization, Zullo brings nearly three decades of experience to BioMADE, where she will lead the business execution of the company’s pilot plant network, strategic partnerships, bioeconomic development, external affairs, and business operations. Zullo previously held senior roles at Cargill, including Interim President & CEO of NatureWorks and Global Managing Director, BioIntermediates at Cargill Bioindustrial. She was instrumental in the development and commercialization of sustainable biotechnologies, such as Ingeo polylactic acid (PLA) and renewable 1,4 butanediol (QIRATM). Her extensive background in scaling innovative solutions is expected to accelerate BioMADE’s impact in the bioindustrial sector.

OrbitMI, a leader in maritime intelligence and analytics, announced the appointment of Tobias Constien as Director of Product Management. Constien joins OrbitMI from zero44, where he advanced digital initiatives focused on decarbonization. In his new role, he will drive product strategy and innovation to modernize maritime operations and contribute to the company’s goals of digitalization and sustainability. OrbitMI’s cloud-based SaaS platform provides maritime organizations with data-driven decision-making tools, including maritime intelligence, sustainability compliance, and performance management solutions.

ThinkLabs, a startup specializing in AI-driven electric grid planning and operations, has expanded its senior leadership team with five new appointments. The new team members will be pivotal in driving the company’s growth in AI and grid management sectors:

  • Neal Vali has been appointed Chief Technology Officer, where he will lead ThinkLabs’ technology strategy across AI/ML development, data engineering, and technology operations. Vali brings over two decades of experience in digital transformation, previously serving as Head of Data and ML Engineering at GE Vernova.
  • Gang Zheng joins as Director of Research and Development. Zheng has extensive experience in autonomous grid orchestration and software development, having led key projects at GE and Powertech Labs.
  • Chaitanya Baone has been named Head of Product. Baone, with over 12 years of experience in power and energy management, will lead product management efforts aligned with ThinkLabs’ vision and market needs.
  • Surendranath (Suren) Vallabhajosyula assumes the role of Head of Machine Learning & Data Engineering, bringing 27 years of technical experience to oversee ThinkLabs’ machine learning platform and multi-cloud applications.
  • Vimali Pathmanathan has been appointed Head of Finance, where she will lead financial strategy and operations. Pathmanathan’s background includes key finance roles at GE Vernova and Opus One Solutions.

Zevtron, a provider of smart EV charging solutions, has named Bob Stojanovic as Board Advisor. Stojanovic, who currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer for DG Matrix, brings over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, with expertise in E-Mobility, microgrids, and solar energy. Previously, he led ABB’s E-Mobility commercial efforts, generating over $150 million in annual revenue.

CLEVR announced the appointment of Tim Claes as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2024. Claes succeeds Jeroen Hanekamp, who will join the Supervisory Board. With over 25 years of experience in the ICT sector, Claes previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at 9altitudes, where he drove significant growth across European markets. At CLEVR, Claes will lead the company’s efforts in digital transformation, focusing on manufacturing optimization and low-code technology solutions.

Rockwell Automation has named Emmanuel Guilhamon as Vice President, Sustainability. Guilhamon will lead Rockwell’s global sustainability strategy, focusing on sustainable customers, a sustainable company, and sustainable communities. He will oversee the corporate sustainability team and align the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments with its global operations.

V2X announced that Sarita Malakar has been appointed Corporate Secretary and Sustainability Officer. Malakar, who currently serves as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, will take on the additional responsibilities of ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of the Board of Directors while advancing V2X’s sustainability initiatives. V2X integrates AI and machine learning to enhance mission readiness and optimize resource management across national security, defense, and civilian markets.


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