About
Founders
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 - International Distribution for Asia Pacific
Mark has spent over 32 years in the "two wheel” world, and held positions such as Managing Director Asia Pacific for Piaggio group, European Sales manager for MV Agusta, and Regional APAC Director for Peugeot Motocycles and has over 20 years experience in Asia Pacific developing the region. He has consulted on strategic plan implementation for many major manufacturers looking to diversify production and has managed the transformation to APAC industry successfully on 3 occasions that have been fundamental to brand survival. A specialist in business transformation, Mark has successfully consulted on e-mobility for a number of manufacturers.
Neil Webster - International Distribution for Europe and Americas
Yorkshire-born Neil has wide experience of international business development for the likes of Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Hero-Eco and others. Fluent in French, he was General Manager for Triumph France and Switzerland and French Country Manager for MV Agusta. Neil provided communications consultation for Yamaha Europe and Suzuki Japan (among others) in motorcycle racing. With a passion for bikes and writing, he was Associate Editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics and Classic Racer magazines as well as Creator and Senior Editor for Torque Magazine. He now lives in the south of England.
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.
Neill Kumar - Art Director
Neill is a multidisciplinary creative who has worked as a creative director, graphic designer, illustrator, and photographer. He enjoys bringing brands to life with a focus on keeping a balance between form with function. Simply, Neill gets a kick out of ensuring a brand both looks beautiful and communicates with their audience effectively. At Benzina Zero, Neill’s focus is on translating company objectives into creative strategies by generating new ideas for company branding, promotional campaigns and marketing communications.
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.
Luigi Monteferrante - Direttore Commerciale Italia
Luigi hails from Montreal, Canada, but has called Vasto home for many years. His professional pursuits encompass teaching for several firms and organizations, with a special focus on the automotive industry, and serving as a translator for a prominent motorsport magazine. During his leisure hours, he relishes the thrill of motorcycling, open-water swimming, and expressing his creativity through painting. Luigi is our Commercial Director for Italy, channeling his expertise and vitality towards our success.