Inforum's 20th Mobility Breakfast 2024

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7:30-9:30 a.m., October 10, Detroit Marriott

Inforum's 20th Mobility Breakfast 2024

Join us for the milestone 20th edition of Inforum’s breakfast highlighting automotive, electrification, and mobility, where tradition meets innovation! The event celebrates the industry and the women in it, bringing together hundreds of attendees eager to hear insightful discussions led by innovative leaders, forge new connections, and celebrate the work transforming our future.

From talent development challenges to the influence of generative AI, to weighing geo-political tensions, to the EV expansion, and more, every aspect of the mobility industry is evolving. Please join us for an engaging discussion about how women are positioned to lead through complex times. Hear from accomplished industry leaders to better understand the mindset and skillset necessary to drive change and empower team members during this historic industry shift.

Panelist

Jen Brace, Chief Futurist, Ford

In this role, Jen leads discussions on long-term thinking, planning and strategic development. By researching demographic shifts, identifying market outliers and developing data driven scenarios for the future, she challenges her colleagues to think through a broad range of possible narratives before settling on a plan of action. Throughout her 20 year career with Ford  she has launched multiple versions of SYNC in vehicle technology, led user experience research projects on autonomous vehicles and drove innovation in mobility from Greenfield Labs in Palo Alto, California.  Jen currently resides in Plymouth, Michigan with her husband, son, and English Bulldog.  She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan.

Marinela Ciresta, president of Interiors in North America, Forvia

Marinela Cirstea has served as the President of Interiors in North America for FORVIA, a role she has held since January 2024. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the divisions strategy and operations in the regional market. Marinela joined FORVIA in 2012 as an Engineering Controlling Director in Méru, France. Her accomplishments include coordinating the redesign of the Ram 1500 and Jeep Compass that led to $1 billion in lifetime sales from Stellantis. Previously, she held key roles at Schneider Electric.

Denise Gray, Corporate Board Director and Industry Advisor

Denise’s most recent position was Head of External Affairs / Government Relations and President LG Energy Solution Michigan Inc. Tech Center, a U.S subsidiary of LG Energy Solution, Ltd. a South Korean corporation. In those roles, her responsibilities included the development and industrialization of battery solutions for automotive and non-automotive applications, company board governance, business development, and customer and government strategic relations. Prior to her LG positions, Denise held automotive leadership positions with AVL List GmbH in Graz, Austria and Atieva (now Lucid Motors) in Redwood City, California. Both roles were focused on battery/electrification engineering and business development for the global mobility industry. The vast majority of her professional career (30 years) was with General Motors, where she spearheaded efforts in vehicle electrical and propulsion systems embedded controls and software, including battery systems. Denise holds a BSEE degree from Kettering University (1986) and a MSES from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2000).

Moderator

Claudia Saran, US Sector Leader, Industrial Manufacturing, KPMG

Claudia Saran, US Sector Leader for Industrial Manufacturing, has 25+ years of consulting experience, serving a wide array of clients in the Industrial Manufacturing space and also remains as the Advisory Industry Leader for Industrial Manufacturing. In her current role, Claudia has driven a 3-prong strategy to help cultivate a stronger Advisory Industrial Manufacturing community. This has subsequently been adopted by both the Industrial Manufacturing Tax and Audit leaders as a foundation for culture and growth.

Previously, she developed and grew Advisory’s People & Change practice to over 400 professionals and expanded the scope beyond Behavioral Change Management to include Organization Design, Talent Management and HR Optimization. Claudia has served on KPMG’s Board of Directors and on the firm’s Management Committee as the Vice Chair of Culture. In that role, she led a global effort to refresh our firm’s values and helped to strengthen our firm’s credibility with our regulators.

Claudia is passionate about her involvement in non-for-profit organizations connected to children’s education and encourages her younger team members to join junior boards of non for profit organizations on behalf of the firm.

Event Details

Thursday, Oct. 10th

7:30-8 a.m. Registration

8-9:30 a.m. Program at Renaissance Ballroom

Click here to attend virtually

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting & MobilityNEXT 1to1 Sponsor: