About

Benzina Zero (which is Italian for Zero Fuel) is at the forefront of a global shift to electric vehicles. Our vehicles enable the sustainable movement of both people and goods through a concise portfolio of products whilst satisfying a wide range of customer needs and business requirements.

Founders

Joe D'Ercole

Co-CEO/Founder

Joe is a distinguished entrepreneur, seasoned property developer,
and strategic business architect with expertise spanning commercial
strategy, automotive engineering, and corporate development.
He possesses a proven track record in conceiving and launching
successful new ventures, developing robust commercial concepts, and
identifying high-potential market opportunities, both domestically and
internationally.

Beginning in 2000, Joe founded and rapidly scaled Scooterlife
Australia, building it into the nation's premier and largest motor
scooter retail chain. As Managing Director, he strategically launched
multiple branded outlets, pioneering a transformative business model.
Joe became the first retailer in Australia to sell Honda scooters
independently of the traditional Honda dealer network, a move that
fundamentally reshaped market distribution and opened new channels
for numerous brands.

Ben Silver

Co-CEO/Founder

Ben joined Joe at Scooterlife Australia in 2005 as General Manager,
playing a pivotal role in its rapid expansion and solidification as the
nation's largest motor scooter retailer. Under his leadership, the
business significantly grew its retail footprint and garnered multiple
industry awards, successfully representing all major brands including
Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia, Honda, Kymco, and Sym.

In 2011, Ben pursued an interest in sustainable development, focusing
on low-impact, off-grid residential projects. This period highlighted his
adaptability and project management skills. He subsequently returned
to the automotive sector, where his exceptional leadership was
recognized with the prestigious Best National Sales Manager award for
GM Holden for four consecutive years during his management tenure
at a leading automotive dealership.

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Together, Joe and Ben's collaboration at Scooterlife Australia
transformed urban mobility, culminating in the sale of over 18,000
scooters. Driven by a commitment to addressing the global climate
crisis and fostering a sustainable future, they recognised the
imperative for innovative solutions.

Leveraging their extensive industry knowledge, Ben and Joe identified
electric scooters as a pivotal technology for enabling the efficient and
sustainable movement of people and goods, positioning them at the
forefront of a global shift towards green mobility solutions.

Advisory Team

Stuart Strickland OAM - Corporate Advisor

Stuart Strickland has over 40+ years of Automotive and Power Equipment Experience holding many senior positions within Australia. Stuart moved to Honda Australia in 1981 and enjoyed senior positions within the company, covering cars, motorcycles, power equipment and marine products. Stuart natured and developed Australia’s most iconic last mile partnership with Australia’s largest delivery business, Australia Post, through the factory-backed development of the formidable “Postie Bike”. After retiring from Honda as Managing Director after 30 years service, Stuart became the Executive Chairman for MTAA's National Motorcycle Association and as an industry advisor for VACC. Stuart was presented with with an OAM in 2012 for services to the industry.

Ken Smith - Corporate Advisor

As the former CEO, MD and Chairman of a number blue chip organisations, Ken has significant experience across all organisational functions and most industry sectors. He is a recognised developer of high-performance teams in most of those sectors, including NFP. Ken has held multiple roles as a Chief or Senior Executive include BP Australia, Colgate Palmolive, ICI Australia (Orica Pty Ltd), Century Yuasa and PQ Lifestyles. Ken oversees investment and development plans for Benzina Zero stakeholders.

Mark Franklin - Strategic Global Expansion Advisor

Mark brings decades of international experience across manufacturing, mobility, operations, distribution, and business transformation, along with proven leadership in the e-mobility sector and a vast global network. Mark's profound understanding of global two-wheel mobility markets and his strategic mindset will be instrumental in strengthening international partnerships, expanding distribution, and amplifying Benzina Zero's global strategy across Europe and other key markets.

Ewan Booker - Marketing & Brand Director

With experience across Harley-Davidson, Motorcycle Holdings, Motor Culture Australia, RACQ and more, Ewan brings proven expertise in brand growth and dealer marketing to Benzina Zero. As Marketing & Brand Director, Ewan leads the charge in building the Benzina Zero brand and supporting our dealer network through strategic campaigns, practical marketing tools, and tailored support. His focus is on driving sales and connecting more riders to the benefits of going electric, across e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-motos.

Peta Ellis - Strategy & Culture Advisor

Peta is a Human Transformation Architect, a change navigator and a community leader in the Entrepreneurial landscape and brings 20+ years’ experience in Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Marketing, Communications and Media Relations. Peta has co-founded and founded multiple ventures aligned with building entrepreneurial capability while facilitating human and cultural transformation. Through programs, coaching, training and leading by example, all of the work Peta does is aimed at unlocking potential, building resilience, and fostering innovation.

Dr. John Barletta - Chief Wellbeing Officer

Dr. John is a Clinical Psychologist and Corporate Coach who has consulted to the business sector for many years. He has a passion for helping organisations flourish in their wellbeing, relationships, and performance. As an energetic, down-to-earth professional, he bases his work on scientific research, clinical expertise, and lived experience. Dr John has been committed to promoting staff wellness, positive client relationships, and community engagement that fits with the company’s focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Team Italia

Daniel Di Giovanni - ill Caricabatteria

Daniel started his career in a little workshop within his village in the Italian region of Abruzzo, inspired by his passion for repairing and modifying motorbikes and scooters. Daniel had a dream of becoming a professional race mechanic and studied with the aim of fulfilling his dream with one of the most renowned Italian institutes for this sector: “MTS Motorsport”. Post study, he was immediately engaged by professional racing teams, specialising with “Lamborghini Squadra Corse”. He became a key appointment within the GT World Challenge Europe and Intercontinental GT Challenge with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo. Through his extensive expertise, Daniel was invited to collaborate on Lamborghini’s latest hyper-car project, the Essenza SCV12.

Christian Di Giovanni - Caricatore Al

Entrepreneurial from a young age, Christian has worked across multiple industries including Automotive, Hospitality and Tourism. Living in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, the “greenest region in Europe”, Christian developed a rich appreciation for both the natural environment and how business practice is able to be successful and sustainable. True to the Italian culture’s love of mopeds and scooter and now the rapid rise of the electric revolution, Christian is central to the expansion of the Benzina Zero network within Italy and throughout Europe.