EUROPE
Professor Eric Sampson, Newcastle University and ERTICO – ITS Europe
Eric Sampson has consistently demonstrated qualities and achievements to the highest standard. He contributes in five areas: for the UK Government; as Professor at four universities; as the guardian of the context for Europe and World ITS Congresses; as a trusted advisor to 5 countries’ Ministers, EC Officials, and the European Parliament; and counselling and guidance for a worldwide network of contacts especially many junior players and students. Eric has made major contributions to the ITS World Congresses and is one of the few who have participated in every one. He continues his ITS mission as an advocate of the ERTICO mission, and the work it is doing.
AMERICAS
Kirk Steudle, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation, United States
Under the leadership of Kirk T. Steudle, the State of Michigan has deployed one of the largest Connected Vehicle programs in the United States, allowing researchers and consumers to learn and improve the technology. Steudle, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) since 2006, oversees the state’s vast multi-modal network, some 2,500 employees and a more than $4 billion annual budget. Steudle, a national leader in the development of Connected Vehicle Technologies, was the 2014-2015 Chair for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) Board of Directors. Director Steudle showcased Connected Vehicle programs and Michigan’s pioneering work by hosting one of the largest and most successful World Congress meetings in 2014, in Detroit. Mr Steudle has served on the ITS America Board and numerous committees. Few people in the industry have done more toward advancing Intelligent Transportation Systems for the purpose of saving lives and reducing congestions.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Dr Hiroyuki Watanabe, Former Chairman ITS Japan, Japan
With strong background in automobile research and development, Dr Watanabe exercised leadership in product design projects with innovative technologies at Toyota Motor Corporation for more than 40 years, such as electronic stability control, hybrid powertrain and fuel cell batteries. Since early days of Intelligent Transport Systems, he had played crucial roles as a thought-leader at the frontier of technological and social innovations with both precisely structured logic and ambition. Dr Watanabe presented the concept of integrated approach of policy, infrastructure, advanced vehicles, participation of general public and ITS technologies as enabler. He led a number of projects for automated vehicles, low carbon transportation and big data analyses. Dr Watanabe also reached out to global ITS community to share ideas and experiences to create inclusive society, together.
