Nine leading figures from across the international mobility industry have been recognised for their contribution to engineering, technology and the future of mobility at the 2026 FISITA Academy of Technical Leadership.
Seoul, Republic of Korea, 9 November 2026 – FISITA has welcomed nine distinguished technology leaders into its Academy of Technical Leadership, recognising their achievements and contribution to advancing the technology of mobility.
The 2026 inductees were recognised during a special ceremony at the FISITA World Mobility Summit in Seoul.
The FISITA Academy of Technical Leadership was established to recognise outstanding achievers from across the international automotive and mobility systems engineering sector. Inductees are selected on merit, reflecting the impact of their work on mobility and society, alongside their contribution to FISITA’s strategy and technical activities.
Chris Mason, CEO of FISITA, said:
“The Academy of Technical Leadership is about recognising people who are making a meaningful difference through technology, engineering and leadership.
“This year’s inductees represent an extraordinary breadth of expertise, from battery systems and vehicle safety to digitalisation, propulsion, software and advanced engineering. Just as importantly, they share a commitment to collaboration and to advancing the technology of mobility for the benefit of society.
“It is a privilege to recognise their achievements and welcome them to the FISITA Academy.”
The FISITA Academy of Technical Leadership Class of 2026
François Michon
Global Head of Strategic Programs & Industry Expertise, A2MAC1
François Michon was recognised for his contribution to automotive engineering intelligence and his work connecting complex engineering data with practical insight and innovation.
A highly engaged member of the FISITA Industry & Technical Committee, François has also played an influential role in the development of FISITA’s Expert Group initiative and wider technical engagement programme.
Céline Vallaude
Expertise Director, UTAC Group, and President, Euro NCAP
Céline Vallaude was recognised for her contribution to vehicle engineering and safety, bringing together technical expertise, testing, regulation and the deployment of safety technology.
As President of Euro NCAP, she is helping advance its mission to improve vehicle safety for occupants and other road users. Her appointment as the organisation’s first female President also represents an important milestone in a career built around engineering expertise and the continuous improvement of vehicle safety.
Dr Jeonghun Seo
Head of Battery System Design & Development, Hyundai Motor Company
Dr Jeonghun Seo was recognised for his work in battery engineering and the development of safe, sustainable and affordable battery technologies for future electrified vehicles.
As Chair of the FISITA Battery Technology Expert Group, he has brought together an international group of specialists to collaborate on key battery technology challenges, helping develop technical knowledge and thought leadership for the wider mobility sector.
Olivier Coppin
VP Innovation, Brembo
Olivier Coppin was recognised for his leadership in automotive innovation and his work exploring the evolving role of braking and chassis technologies within increasingly electrified and software-driven vehicles.
His work integrating braking technology, electronics and software closely aligns with FISITA’s focus on the technology of mobility, complemented by his active contribution to the FISITA Expert Group initiative.
Hirofumi Inoue
President, Advanced R&D and Engineering Company, Toyota Motor Company
Hirofumi Inoue was recognised for his contribution to vehicle engineering, including chassis systems, braking and advanced control technologies, and for his leadership in the research and development of future vehicle technologies.
An influential member of the FISITA Industry & Technical Committee, he contributes significant technical insight and experience to FISITA’s international activities.
Laurent Di Valentin
CAE Senior Expert, Stellantis
Laurent Di Valentin was recognised for his work advancing automotive engineering through computer-aided engineering, virtual simulation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
As Chair of the FISITA Digitalisation Expert Group, Laurent has provided leadership to an international network of technical specialists and overseen work exploring some of the most important areas of digital transformation in mobility engineering.
Pierpaolo Antonioli
Chief Technology Officer, Dumarey Group
Pierpaolo Antonioli was recognised for a career spanning advanced propulsion engineering and the development of cleaner mobility technologies.
His extensive experience includes senior engineering roles across the automotive industry, and today, as CTO of Dumarey Group and CEO of Dumarey Automotive Italia, he leads work on advanced propulsion systems and technologies supporting the energy transition.
Dr Mircea Gradu
Chair, FISITA Corporate Board, and Vice President, Vehicle Engineering, Karma Automotive
Dr Mircea Gradu was recognised for an international automotive engineering career spanning powertrain development, vehicle engineering, quality and technical leadership.
A longstanding contributor to FISITA, he became Chair of the FISITA Corporate Board in January 2026 following many years of Board service. He also continues his engineering leadership as Vice President, Vehicle Engineering at Karma Automotive.
Fabien Dumont
Chief Technology Officer, Autoliv
Fabien Dumont was recognised for his contribution to advancing mobility safety through engineering and technology.
Having joined Autoliv in 1998, he has held senior roles across operations and engineering and became Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer in 2024. Today, he leads the company’s technology development, supporting the advancement of safety for vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users.
Recognising technical leadership across the mobility industry
The Academy of Technical Leadership provides FISITA recognition and status for leading technology experts whose careers and contributions reflect excellence in the technology of mobility.
The Academy also creates an ongoing connection between recognised technical leaders and FISITA’s international activities, bringing together experience and expertise that can help inform future technical collaboration, thought leadership and industry dialogue.
The 2026 Academy of Technical Leadership ceremony formed part of the FISITA World Mobility Summit in Seoul, which brings together senior technology leaders from across the global mobility industry to explore the challenges, opportunities and technologies shaping the future of mobility.
About FISITA
FISITA is the global alliance advancing the technology of mobility.
For more than 70 years, FISITA has brought together mobility industry leaders, engineers and technology specialists from around the world, enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing across the international mobility ecosystem.
Through its global membership, FISITA provides a trusted, pre-competitive environment in which organisations and experts can collaborate on shared technological and strategic priorities, exchange expertise and help address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mobility.
FISITA facilitates technical and strategic activity, thought leadership and international engagement across its Alliance, connecting industry and engineering expertise to advance mobility for the benefit of industry, people and planet.
Through a combination of digital engagement, technical initiatives and international events, FISITA supports collaboration across the mobility sector and promotes excellence in engineering, innovation and the technology of mobility.
For more information, visit fisita.com or email FISITA’s Director of Communications: f.williamson@fisita.com