Traction Summit is the definitive meeting place to discuss and understand future opportunities for tires and to make the connections needed to capitalize on those prospects. With a unique blend of speakers and attendees from throughout the full tire supply chain, including the world’s leading tire manufacturers, aftermarket, and OEMs, Traction Summit is unlike any conference in the tire sector. This event is the perfect place to network with industry insiders, hear ideas and insights from different parts of the supply chain, and learn about innovations, growth opportunities, and the latest trends.
David Johansen is Vice President of Technical for Sumitomo Rubber USA, located in Buffalo, New York. He has over 25 years of experience in the tire industry, with expertise in tire design, testing and simulation, and manufacturing process control. He joined Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. In 2015. SRI is headquartered in Kobe, Japan where he worked as a manager of tire design from 2017-2019. Since 2019, he returned to the US and is responsible for the SRI North American Technical Center in Buffalo NY and Huntsville AL. David holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He has been a USTMA committee member since 2019.
Maureen Kline is Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability for Pirelli Tire North America, responsible for the US, Canada and Mexico. She is based in Rome, Georgia.
She is a board member of the US Tire Manufacturers Association and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. She is on the Corporate Responsibility Steering Committee of the Automotive Industry Action Group, and on the Standards Advisory Group of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.
She writes a column on sustainability for www.Inc.com and is a frequent speaker on the topic. She teaches a course on Enterprise Sustainability within Clarkson University’s MS in Engineering Management program.
Previously she was based in Pirelli’s headquarters in Milan, Italy, where she coordinated government affairs for the company’s foreign subsidiaries, and before that was responsible for Pirelli’s international media relations.
Prior to her public affairs and communications career, Maureen worked as a journalist over a 15-year period. She was Milan correspondent for the Wall Street Journal Europe, Breaking Views, and Business Week, among others. She edited a blog on the topic of meritocracy, hosted by Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. She wrote and co-hosted a TV talk show in Italy on business and finance, broadcast on the local channel Telelombardia.
With a diverse background in environmental law, policy, communications, non-profits, and business, Andy provides a unique perspective on strategy and execution for realizing sustainability impacts. He holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia, a M.S.E.L. from Vermont Law School, and J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Brent developed the foundation for the EV practice at J.D. Power through the creation of the company’s suite of electric vehicle experience studies. He utilizes voice of customer feedback and subject matter expertise to provide critical insights for helping the automotive industry transition to electrification through improving charging infrastructure and EV products.
Previously at J.D. Power, Mr. Gruber led the company’s Powersports, Commercial Vehicle, and most recently, Global Automotive Supplier practices. Brent was responsible for all sales, research and consulting activities involving those industries.
Brent sits on several automotive industry advisory boards, frequently speaks at industry events, and routinely conducts media interviews about automotive products and emerging trends. Prior to joining J.D. Power in 2008, Brent held senior level positions at research and consulting firms, focusing on product and service improvements based on voice of customer feedback.
Bio coming soon!
Jay is the Director of Standards and Regulations for Continental Tire, the Americas located in Fort Mill, SC. He is responsible for all tire regulatory and standardization work throughout North and South America and represents Continental within numerous industry organizations including the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the Tire and Rim Association. Jay has been with Continental for over 15 years with leadership roles in product development, technical product management and racing development. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineer from Clemson University - home of the 2016 College Football National Champions.
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David Johansen is Vice President of Technical for Sumitomo Rubber USA, located in Buffalo, New York. He has over 25 years of experience in the tire industry, with expertise in tire design, testing and simulation, and manufacturing process control. He joined Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. In 2015. SRI is headquartered in Kobe, Japan where he worked as a manager of tire design from 2017-2019. Since 2019, he returned to the US and is responsible for the SRI North American Technical Center in Buffalo NY and Huntsville AL. David holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. He has been a USTMA committee member since 2019.
Amanda Nummy is a senior polymer materials engineer with a decade of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in alternative energy and sustainable materials. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Polymer, Textile, and Fiber Engineering from Georgia Tech, a master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Wayne State University, and a master’s degree in Biomimicry through Arizona State University. She works at the Hyundai America Technical Center outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. In her current role, she is responsible for plant support and new application development of all plastic components in North and South America, and leads several global collaborations for hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicle development.
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Top industry players attend Traction Summit with the goal of discussing innovations, finding solutions, and building relationships needed to thrive in this market. Show attendees why your services and products are necessary to improve their business operations.
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Smithers has been in the Tire testing market since the 1920’s and has a very strong brand for independent expert opinion on tire performance. Along with presenting leading industry information at Traction Summit, with over 90 years of expertise in rubber testing, Smithers provides custom tire analysis and standard testing to meet your requirements. Learn More
