FISITA Team

Chris Mason joined FISITA as Chief Executive Officer in August 2014, continuing a successful career now totalling 39 years’ experience working within the automotive industry. 

Chris has overseen the extensive modernisation of FISITA, transforming the organisation into a leading platform for global knowledge exchange, facilitating co-operation and engagement amongst FISITA’s membership and the automotive and mobility systems industry. 

Most recently Chris has repositioned the organisation as the FISITA International Connected Community, enabling a new era of member engagement via the transition to online workstream activity and delivery of one significant in-person event within each two-year cycle, aligning with member expectation in the post-covid era. 

Prior to joining FISITA, Chris spent 14 years with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the UK’s premier automotive trade association, and served as a member of the senior management team for 12 of these years. 

During this time he became recognised as an expert within the UK automotive community and received recognition and awards from the industry for his work. 

Chris is a Fellow and non-executive director of the Institute of the Motor Industry and regularly contributes to international discussions and thought leadership pieces on the continued transition of the automotive and mobility industry. 

Martin Kahl is Chief Technology Officer at FISITA, leveraging 25 years’ experience in automotive business intelligence. Martin spent 12 years at AutomotiveWorld.com where he was Editor-in-Chief, and 13 years in automotive and mobility consulting, working with a diverse range of clients from mobility start-ups to Tier 1s and major global automakers, via software and hardware suppliers, law firms, trade associations and lobby groups. 

As an independent consultant, Martin was the lead writer on the Argo.AI Voluntary Safety Self-Assessment for NHTSA, and co-authored publications on battery recycling, autonomous drive systems, next-generation mobility, and manufacturing technology. He also created Ride: The Urban Mobility Podcast, a professional podcast about the business of getting around, featuring senior experts from across the wide spectrum of new and future mobility. Martin has been a FISITA Associate since 2020 and was appointed CTO in 2024.  

Julie Geraud joined FISITA in February 2024 as Chief Engagement Officer where she oversees the membership, operational and commercial elements and focuses on building engagement within the FISITA community. Julie has been in client-facing roles for more than 20 years across multiple fields.

Before becoming a part of the FISITA team, Julie spent eight years nurturing the members and partners at the Association of British Insurers, five years building the Data & Marketing Association membership and seven years working in media intelligence. Julie established several DEI programmes in her roles and volunteers with multiple charities alongside her certified therapy dog.   

Daniele Ventriglia is an engineer with more than two decades of development experience, they are now Head of Technical at FISITA. Since early childhood they were attracted to any mechanical device, taking them apart most of the time, after studying aeronautics they started a career as mechanical designer in the Italian  automotive industry, working for various companies in what was then named FIAT group.

Prior to working at FISITA, they were responsible for leading international fuel development teams in the automotive and aerospace fields. In their free time, they can be found around sailboats, tinkering with devices, or reading yet another paper on data science, AI or any other new and interesting technology.  

Emma Georgiades is currently Head of Events at FISITA. She was inspired to pursue a career in event management after organising her high school social events. Prior to working at FISITA, she worked at a global automotive business publication, where she was responsible for their global conferences and webinars. She also has many years’ experience working in professional membership organisations in both their events and membership departments. In her free time, she can be found going on walking adventures with her dog, reading or shopping!  

Isabella Hammond, originally from New Zealand, is the PR and Communications Manager at FISITA. With experience in various roles across both the public and private sectors, she has an extensive background in communications, media, and marketing. At FISITA, Isabella manages both external and internal communications, including social media and press relations. 

She holds a Master of Communication with Distinction and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington. Isabella enjoys travelling, volunteering at animal rescues, shopping, and is a passionate foodie. 

Kerry McDiarmid, Head of Sales at FISITA, brings over 25 years of diverse sales and customer service expertise. Her journey, spanning various industries and continents, showcases adaptability and a commitment to excellence. Beginning as a wedding coordinator, she developed strong client relations and event management skills before embracing unconventional roles like an Elf in Lapland, demonstrating creativity and adaptability.

Kerry’s extensive global travel enriches her perspective, aiding her in navigating diverse markets with ease. At FISITA, she leads with strategic vision, leveraging her experience to drive growth and innovation. Kerry values family time alongside her professional pursuits, finding fulfilment in both exploration and cherished moments at home.  

Jonathan Priestley is FISITA’s Digital Manager and plays a key role in shaping and maintaining FISITA’s dynamic online presence while overseeing various digital initiatives. Drawing from over a decade of experience in media services, Jonathan brings a wealth of expertise to his position.

Prior to joining FISITA, he led a successful creative agency, specialising in front-end web development and digital design. Outside of work Jonathan enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children, travelling and developing skills away from his desk through property renovation. 

David joined FISITA in 2016 and his current role is that of Head of Finance. Prior to FISITA David was employed in various finance and compliance roles within the marketing and communications field.  

Amy Ferguson currently works as the Business Support Administrator at FISITA. With a diverse background spanning human resources, customer service, event management, and other sectors, her main priorities have always been in streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and providing comprehensive team support. Beyond her professional endeavours, Amy is deeply committed to volunteering for several mental health charities, she is pursuing a psychology degree, driven by her passion for mental health advocacy. Amy enjoys outdoor activities, particularly exploring the countryside with her two canine companions.   

With a passion for business development and unmatched experience in the automotive industry, Scott Craig is Founder and President of SBC Advisors LLC – providing strategic counsel to mobility startups on navigating the global automotive jungle.  

He has more than 35 years of experience, serving in executive leadership roles including Vice President, Americas for Innoviz Technologies; and Global Head of Business Development for Onsemi and Infineon Technologies. Over three decades, Scott has developed unique expertise in visioning and business development, customer engagement and relationship building, and strategic sales. Having began his career at AC Rochester, he also worked for Kelsey Hayes (now ZF), Framatome Connectors, and Japan Aviation Electronics.  

A significant contributor to the automotive market at large, he has also been an active member of Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) since1992; served on the Industry Leadership Coalition; and the executive organising committee for The Vehicle Automation Symposium.