Opening
Andrea Gentili is currently the Deputy Head of the Unit “Clean Transport Transitions” in the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD) of the European Commission. The unit is in charge of the EU research and innovation activities in the areas of aviation, waterborne, road, and rail.
He is also the Clean Planet Partnerships Manager, a horizontal function within DG RTD, with the task of ensuring coordination of Horizon Europe (HE) partnerships currently running in the Clean Planet Directorate in the areas of energy and transport. Within this function, his work substantially contributes to ensuring synergies between partnerships and missions (in particular in HE Clusters 4 and 5), between EU programmes, and between EU and relevant national/regional initiatives.
In the last few years, Andrea has set up several co-programmed partnerships in Horizon Europe (e.g. Clean Steel and Zero-Emission Waterborne Transport). In 2020 and 2021, Andrea was also the chief negotiator for the European Commission for the revision of the legal base (three Council Decisions) of the Research Fund for Coal & Steel. He was also responsible for the preparation of the aviation part of the legal base (Council Regulation) for establishing the Joint Undertakings in Horizon Europe (i.e. the Single Basic Act for the JUs).
From 2016 to 2019, he acted as Deputy Head of the Unit “Aviation”, in charge of the Clean Sky European research public-private partnership. Before that, he served as Deputy Head of the Unit in charge of Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Biotechnologies, where he launched two contractual Public-Private Partnerships within Horizon 2020 (e.g. Factories of the Future, Energy Efficient Buildings).
Over the last 20 years, Andrea has worked in R&I across several areas such as energy, transport, advanced manufacturing, robotics & automation, photonics, and nanotechnologies, in strong coordination with industry.
Before joining the European Commission in 2001, Andrea gained extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He worked as production manager in an Italian SME producing industrial refrigerators, and later joined the École des Mines d’Albi in France as a researcher in the area of topology and parametric optimisations.
In the late 1990s, he worked as technical director of an American software and engineering company, and then became an associate of a French SME, where he managed his own business in the field of mechanical engineering services (e.g. static/dynamic/acoustic analysis, crash and multibody systems simulations), mainly for the automotive and aerospace sectors.
Andrea holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pisa in Italy.
Physical Internet and standardisation Global Forum
Moderated by Eric Ballot, Prof. MINES Paris
Eric Ballot is full professor of supply chain management and industrial engineering at MINES Paris – PSL. He is the head professor of the industrial management and supply chain program. He is a visiting professor at Hong Kong University since 2015 and a visiting scholar at the MIT Sloan School of management in 2007. He serves as board member of several institution such GS1 innovation, GEODIS University, was a member of IMHRC French urban logistics research program and is an accredited expert by Appeal Court of Paris since 2002. Eric Ballot has been leading many research projects both with the industry Airbus, Renault, Danone… and with international academic partners such as EPFL, Hong Kong University, Georgia Tech, JPIC… He is also the author of many research papers and books chapters. His research has been awarded and recognized at several occasions in conferences and research prizes (IESM, ILS, PREDIT). He is also one of the cofounders of the Physical Internet.
Jongkyoung (JK) Kim is an international packaging and logistics expert with over 25 years of experience in professional training, standardization, and R&D. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and leads major projects across packaging and logistics, serving as Asia-Pacific Chair for ISTA and chairman of key ISO committees. JK has spearheaded innovation in transport packaging, cold chain, and sustainable practices at both national and global levels.
He has more than 25 years with interoperability problematics with most of the major international express company of the parcel market, and between the various European business units of the group. Since 2015, he has been representing the Geopost group in various normalization and adviser organization (AFNOR, CEN, UPU, ISO, DTLF). His work has enabled the group ease cross border exchange, increase quality and capacity to support the necessary dynamism of evolution of Geopost services. He is also involved innovation processes, from IT to operation (3D cameras, RFID, Blockchain, Robots, AI, and autonomous driving).
Dr. Fernando Liesa is Secretary General at ALICE, Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe, The European Technology Platform on Logistics recognized as such by the European Commission in 2013. ALICE is setting up the vision for future logistics and supply management and the research and innovation agenda and roadmaps to progress towards the concept of the Physical Internet.
Fernando holds a PhD by University of Zaragoza (Spain) since 2004. Fernando has worked in the field of knowledge transfer and research management linked to chemical engineering, process industries, manufacturing and lately (+10 years) to logistics and supply chain management. Fernando worked in Zaragoza Logistics Center (one of the MIT Global Scale Network Centers) from 2006 to 2014 as Knowledge Transfer Director; from 2007 to 2014 he acted as General Manager of the Spanish Center of Competence in Logistics, CNC-LOGISTICA and the Spanish Technology Platform on Logistics, Logistop. Fernando worked for ENIDE, Small Consulting and technology enterprise in the field of personal mobility and logistics, from 2014 to 2016.
Dr. Liesa has coordinated and participated in several national and European Research and Innovation projects. Fernando Liesa led the creation of the European Technology Platform in Logistics, ALICE. Fernando cooperated with European Intermodal Research Advisory Council in the definition of the Intermodal Strategic Agenda 2010‐2030+, and with European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) in the definition of the Research and Innovation Roadmap: Sustainable Freight System for Europe: Green, Safe and Efficient Corridors (2011). Fernando is appointed member of the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum launched in 2015 by European Commission (DGMOVE).
Andrea Condotta is a leading figure in the European logistics sector, renowned for his dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability. Currently serving as the Public Affairs, Sustainability & Innovation Director for Gruber Logistics, he is instrumental in driving the company toward sustainable practices and leading innovation. Condotta’s career is marked by a strong emphasis on fostering shifts in stakeholder behavior and attitudes toward critical environmental issues and approach towards logistics innovation.
Andrea Condotta has committed nearly 15 years to environmental sustainability, earning him substantial credibility on the global stage. His international influence is solidified by his active participation in key European forums. He serves as the Vice Chair of ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe) and 2ZERO, where he represents logistics users and companies to promote sustainable assets and innovation. He is also a member of the DTLF (Digital Transport and Logistics Forum).
Gerry Daalhuisen is a seasoned Management Professional with over three decades of experience in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) sector, specializing in innovative IT products and services. He is renowned for his ability to drive operational excellence and commercial success through technological solutions.
Currently, as Sr. Director Dock & Yard / Fleet Products at Transporeon (a Trimble Company), Gerry leads the development of cutting-edge product strategies for Dock and Yard Management, focusing on Time Slot Management, Yard Management, Supplier Collaboration and Fleet Optimization for Shippers, Retailers, and Carriers.
Gerry’s expertise encompasses Digital Transformation, Cloud Solutions, 4PL, Supply Chain Orchestration, TMS, WMS, and Customs. A pragmatic and visionary leader, he is certified in Product Management and PRINCE2, making him an authoritative voice on the future of technology in the logistics and supply chain industry.
Villu Varjas is a Policy Officer at the European Commission, where he has worked for nearly five years on the implementation of the electronic freight transport information (eFTI) Regulation – a flagship initiative to digitalise freight transport and logistics across the EU. In this role, Villu brings together policymakers, industry representatives, and technical experts to design a secure and interoperable digital environment for exchanging transport information. This work supports the EU’s broader goals of reducing administrative burdens, improving supply chain efficiency, and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable and data-driven transport system.
Before joining the European Commission, Villu held a variety of policy and consultancy roles in Brussels, gaining extensive experience in EU affairs, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability-related initiatives across sectors such as transport, energy, and the bioeconomy.
Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Villu is committed to fostering smarter, more connected logistics systems that drives the digital transformation across Europe
Parallel session 1C: From EGUM recommendations to practice: One year of progress in Urban Logistics?
Moderator: Wiebke Müller, EIT Urban Mobility
Parallel session 2B: From data to decisions: AI and Digital Twins in the Physical Internet era
Moderator: Giuseppe Luppino, ALICE
Giuseppe Luppino is an experienced EU Project Manager with a strong background in transport innovation and public policy. He graduated in Business Administration from the University of Bologna and holds an MBA in Economics and Management from Bologna Business School.
Before joining ALICE, Giuseppe served as Head of Unit for European Projects at the Emilia-Romagna Regional Institute for Transport and Logistics (ITL), where he managed over 30 EU projects focused on sustainable mobility, green transport, and logistics innovation.
A long-time advocate for collaboration and innovation, he currently serves as President of OPEN ENLoCC, the European Network of Logistics Competence Centres, representing 16 leading regional hubs across Europe. His expertise spans urban logistics, critical infrastructure, circular economy, and food supply chain optimisation, contributing to projects such as DISCO, URBANE, TRACE, NOVELOG, PRECINCT, TRANSCEND, ZEROW, and Free4Lib.
Working remotely from Bologna, Giuseppe joined the ALICE Secretariat in June 2024 as Programme Manager for two key thematic groups: TG2 Corridors, Hubs and Synchromodality, and TG3 Systems and Technologies for Interconnected Logistics.
David Ciprés holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Zaragoza, specializing in integrated planning of logistics processes. He works at the Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón (ITA) as R&D Line Coordinator, focusing on the application of advanced technologies to improve industrial and logistics processes.
David has led and collaborated on projects with major companies in sectors such as automotive, retail, and logistics operations, including Opel (Stellantis), Carrefour, Transportes Carreras, Grupo Sesé, Fersa, BSH, and Saica. He has also participated in multiple national and European research initiatives, particularly in the field of Digital Twins for logistics and manufacturing innovation.
Alongside his work at ITA, David is an Associate Professor in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Zaragoza. He collaborates with the Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC) and the Spanish Logistics Center (CEL), with a strong focus on Digital Twin technologies and their impact on supply chain transformation.
Currently, David serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Twin Working Group at ALICE (Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration in Europe), where he contributes to shaping the European roadmap on logistics digitalization. In addition, he supports the coordination of the Automation and Digitalization Working Group within LOGISTOP, the Spanish logistics innovation platform.
John von Stamm, M.Sc., is Deputy Head of department Business Transformation at FIR at RWTH Aachen University. He supports manufacturing and logistics companies on their path to becoming sovereign enterprises that can identify opportunities and risks early on and respond flexibly to market changes through sustainable business models, the targeted use of digital technologies and adaptive organizational processes. Together with his team, the industrial engineer researches and advises organizations on the development of various transformation strategies related to digitalization and circular value creation. During his time at FIR, John von Stamm was responsible for various national and international research and consulting projects focusing on digital and circular business model development and resilient supply chain designs for linear and circular value creation systems. As coordinator of the EU-Horizon project ReMuNet, John and his project team analyze how digital solutions can increase resilience within multimodal freight transport networks and make logistics operations more responsive to supply chain disruptions.
Sofoklis Dais is a research associate at the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT/CERTH), focusing on logistics innovation and digital transformation. His expertise spans areas such as collaborative business planning, last-mile logistics, and the digitalization of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Macedonia (Greece) and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering (Logistics and Innovation Management) from the University of Gävle (Sweden).
Since 2018, he has managed various EU and National research projects aimed at improving multimodal transport systems, digitalizing supply chains and optimizing logistics processes. Since July 2023, he has been the Head of the Freight Transport and Logistics Research Team (B4) at CERTH/HIT, where he leads research initiatives that shape the future of digital systems integration in logistics and freight transport. Sofoklis has contributed to high-impact projects, including AEOLIX (H2020), FENIX (CEF), FOR-FREIGHT (HE), DISCO (HE), and eFTI4ALL (CEF), furthering advancements in intermodal transport planning and operations optimization.
![Photo](https://www.etp-logistics.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HLE-for-press-1-color-2.jpg")
Mister Herfried Leitner is minority shareholder and General Manager of TTS (Transport Trade Services) GmbH. in Austria – a subsidiary of TTS S.A., Bucharest – one of the leading European companies on river shipping, port and private railway operations, listed on the stock exchange Bucharest.
Prior to the current entrepreneurship he was working as the CEO for Helogistics Holding GmbH. – heading Erste Donau Dampfschifffahrtsgesellschaft mbH., Mahart Duna Cargo Kft. and Ferrexpo Port Services GmbH.. But river logistics was not always the core focus.
In his function as General Manager for FM Logistics and MAERSK Logistics he was stationed for more than 10 years in Prague. During this time, he was operating more than 200.000m2 of warehouses and providing complex logistic solutions to the automotive and FMCG industry as well as typical logistic services such as Air, Sea, Road and Rail transports.
Nowadays he is dedicated to implement the gained experiences – into the world of river transportation.
Mister Leitner is Austria citizen, was born in 1969, holds a Master’s degree in business economics and globalization and lectures since 2012 on the University of applied sciences BFI in Vienna – the subject of “Inland Waterway Transport”.
Further he was elected as Chairman of the Board for Pro Danube International, a non-profit organization with the focus to increase the competitiveness of transport and logistics along the river Danube.
Parallel session 3B: The rise of automation in logistics
Moderated by: Angjelo Andoni
Angjelo Andoni holds the position as the Junior Project Manager for ALICE’s Thematic Group 1 (Efficient and Low Emission Assets and Energy). In this role, he oversees the ZEFES and MODI Projects, which promote fleet electrification and automated transport while emphasizing energy-efficient and low-emission solutions within European logistics.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Management from ICHEC Brussels Management School, with a thesis focused on “The Impact of Cognitive Logistics Operations in the Postal Industry”. His specialization encompasses logistics and sustainability. Before joining ALICE, Angjelo worked at PostEurop, where he coordinated a variety of EU-funded initiatives targeting logistics and supply chain management in the postal sector, enhancing the safety of postal infrastructure, and developing effective stakeholder engagement strategies. Additionally, he has extensive experience in projects designed to promote digital and green skills within the postal industry, contributing to sustainable logistics and social inclusion.
Angjelo’s expertise in project management, collaboration with stakeholders, and sustainable logistics aligns with ALICE’s vision for a resilient and eco-friendly logistics landscape across Europe.
With over 14 years of experience at Codognotto, Szymon Pyzik has developed a customer-focused and data-driven approach to leadership. As Group Sales Director, he has led teams to achieve strategic growth through sales, acquisitions, and operational excellence. His ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and hands-on decisions has contributed to both top-line revenue growth and bottom-line profitability. Through a deep understanding of the logistics market, Szymon is specialized in building strong, long-term relationships with key accounts across Europe, effectively translating complex customer needs into actionable strategies that drive success. In addition, Szymon’s attitude gave a big boost to corporate sustainability and innovation.
Ireneusz Frankowski was born in Gorzów Wielkopolski and currently lives in Szczecin, Poland. He graduated from the University of Szczecin in 1995 with a degree in Economics, specializing in Land Transport. His professional career began at Volvo Truck Poland, where he worked for five years in a sales department, gaining valuable experience in the automotive and logistics sectors.
Since 1998, he has been associated with Miratrans Transport Sp. z o.o., where he now serves as President and CEO. Under his leadership, Miratrans has undergone a remarkable transformation—from a traditional transport company into a modern intermodal logistics enterprise. Thanks to his vision and determination, the company now operates its own multimodal terminal and offers rail connections both within Poland and internationally.
Mr. Frankowski’s commitment to innovation and sustainable logistics has been recognized with several distinctions, including the Michelin Award for Innovation for developing advanced intermodal connections.
He is an active member of professional organizations, including Transport and Logistics Poland (TLP), where he serves on the advisory council; ZMPD ( Association of International Road Carriers).
Beyond his professional life, Ireneusz Frankowski is a devoted husband and father, as well as an avid traveler passionate about discovering new cultures and ideas.
Nicolas Furio is the Europe’s Rail ’s Head of Innovation Pillar since March 2025. Europe’s Rail is the European partnership on rail research and innovation established under the Horizon Europe programme (2020-2027). He is responsible for leading research & innovation activities of the Europe’s Rail Innovation Pillar and supervising the 1.2bn€ R&I Programme of Europe’s Rail. Before, he was Head of Technical Affairs Unit at UNIFE, the association representing the European rail supply industry, supervising several R&I projects, teams and technical committees and leading the UNIFE technical activites (e.g. authorisation processes, follow-up of TSIs). He was also the secretary of ERRAC. Before that he gained experience in transport project management as a project engineer at the Egis Rail engineering company. Having earlier graduated with a first degree in Civil Engineering (INSA Lyon), he went on to complete a specialised Master in Industrial Strategy (EM Lyon Business school).
Salvador Furió holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and a Master of Science in Ports Management and Intermodal Transport from the Comillas University (ICADE).
After six years of experience as Project Director at LOGISTA, the leading logistics operator in Spain, he joined the Valenciaport Foundation in 2004 as Director of Logistics and Intermodality. Since then, he has participated in and directed numerous consulting, research, and cooperation projects at national, European, and international levels – always related to container logistics, maritime, railway and intermodal transport, trade facilitation, planning and design of logistics platforms, and energy efficiency and environmental management.
In 2019, he took on a new responsibility within the Valenciaport Foundation as Director of Innovation and Port Cluster Development, coordinating the technical areas of digital transformation, sustainability, port logistics, safety and security, port-city integration, and market intelligence. Since July 2023, he has also served as Deputy General Manager.
In addition, Salvador teaches in several master’s programs at the Universities of Valencia and Castellón and regularly participates in national and international transport and logistics congresses.
Currently, he is a member of the Executive Group of the ALICE European Technology Platform, chairing the working group on Hubs, Corridors and Synchromodality, and he also serves as the Liaison Officer of the Waterborne TP with ALICE.
Johan Leveque is an expert in the application of mathematics, AI, and big data to logistics and supply chain management. Currently serving as R&I Director at La Poste Groupe, he has led numerous innovation initiatives, including the deployment of a cargo bike network across all major French cities – a project recognised by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition as a national reference in sustainable logistics.
Beyond his role at La Poste Groupe, Johan is an Affiliate Researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Physical Internet Lab, where he studies hyperconnected city logistics and the evolution of the Physical Internet framework. As Co-Chair of the ALICE Urban Logistics Group, he plays an active role in driving Europe’s collaborative innovation agenda for sustainable and efficient urban freight.
Degree in Statistics. Her career builds on almost 30 years’ experience on International and national Research and Innovation in transport, logistics and mobility of people and goods. Member of the Board of Director at ALICE, after 10 years spent as co-chair of the Urban Logistics Thematic Group. Winner at the Transport Research Arena, TRA VISION 2024 in Dublin, as ‘Best Senior Researcher for CrossModality’ for ‘her contribution to the digitalisation of urban logistics and planning”. International Data Spaces Association Ambassador and Honorary Member of the European Parking Association for the contribution in giving an impulse to urban logistics in the parking ecosystem, unchaining multidomain collaboration. Project coordinator of many EU projects such as the Horizon Europe projects, IKIGAI and DISCO, having the scope to boost decarbonised and digital logistics and urban logistics and the full realisation of the Twin Transition. Director of several Horizon Europe projects and studies, and projecst funded by CIVITAS, JTI-FCH, HORIZON 2020 and past EU Framework programmes. Member in the Scientific Committee of the EPA Conference, and PDAYs (AIPARK initiative), as specialist on urban freight and curbside management. Author of several R&I papers and specialistic publications in urban logistics and urban mobility innovations
He began his academic career at the University of Leicester as a lecturer in economic geography and later spent 25 years at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where he founded a dedicated research centre in logistics and established one of the UK’s first Master’s programmes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
In 2012, he joined Kuehne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg as Head of Logistics and later served as Dean of Programs, helping shape the university’s global academic profile. Over his career, Professor McKinnon has conducted more than 60 studies on logistics and transport for both public and private sector organisations and has published extensively in leading journals and books.
He has contributed to the work of the European Commission, the World Economic Forum, and the UK government, and has held visiting professorships in Australia, Malaysia, Sweden, China, South Africa, and the UK. A frequent keynote speaker at conferences in over 50 countries, Professor McKinnon serves on the editorial boards of several logistics and transport journals and has received multiple awards for his outstanding contribution to logistics knowledge and research.
Marianna Levtov is SVP Strategic Alliances at Hoopo, where she builds partnerships that accelerate the digital transformation of global logistics. She also serves as Vice President of the Smart Container Alliance, driving industry-wide collaboration to ensure safe, interoperable adoption of smart container technologies.
As Convenor of ISO TC 104/SC 4/WG 2, Marianna leads the development of international standards for smart container functionality and identification, shaping how digital innovation is implemented across global trade. With over 15 years of experience in technology, regulation, and industry diplomacy, she focuses on turning innovation into trusted, scalable practice.
Beyond her corporate and standards leadership, Marianna is a business coach and researcher who advises founders and executives on scaling technology ventures. She is also the author of Strong Start-Up Playbook, a guide for entrepreneurs that blends her career insights with practical tools for building resilient, human-centered businesses.