Our management team leverages rich industry experience
Joerg Ferchau, CEO
Joerg is a highly accomplished technology executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of progressive business and leadership experience including 15 years as CEO. His diverse background includes strategy and operations, sales and marketing, and product and technology development for Silicon Valley startups and Global Fortune 100 companies in a broad range of industries including automotive, information technology, network data security, nuclear energy, and military/aerospace. Joerg has acquired an extensive understanding and knowledge of multicultural business through his involvement in several successful business ventures across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prior to EDI, Joerg served in leadership positions at SanDisk, Compaq, Atalla, Tandem and GE and also held CEO and advisory roles with Silicon Valley startup companies. He holds over 25 patents, has received numerous product design awards, and developed EDI’s business concept and operational plans.
Dr. Andy Frank, CTO
Andy is a significant industry dignitary credited as being the "Inventor" of the modern day Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. In his role as CTO, Andy oversees the company’s intellectual property strategy, actively working to extend the patent portfolio. Andy has spent over 30 years in breakthrough vehicle development, during which he received two world records for vehicle fuel economy, designed of nine generations of PHEVs, and was a four-time winner of USDOE Advanced Vehicle Design competitions. He holds over 30 patents, has published over 100 papers, and is an internationally recognized subject matter expert. Andy holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from University of Southern California, and both a bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dave Mazaika, COO
Dave has over 20 years of corporate leadership and organizational development experience spanning start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in the high-tech, automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Dave oversees U.S. business operations, engineering and product development, creates corporate policies procedures, and leads the supplier strategy for Efficient Drivetrains. Recognized as a pioneer in hybrid and alternative fuel technologies, he possesses a rare combination of exceptional business and technical skills. Prior to EDI, he served as COO and Executive Director of Strategic Development at Quantum Technologies. In 1993 he cofounded ISE Corporation. As CEO and VP of Global Sales at ISE, he led the company in becoming the fourth largest hybrid drive system supplier in the US. He holds a MBA from Pepperdine University and a BSEE from Cornell University.
Laurie A. Miller, Corporate Counsel
Laurie has over 20 years of experience in broad legal counsel for emerging technology ventures in Silicon Valley, including financing, acquisition, licensing, securities, HR, and taxation. In her role as Corporate Counsel for EDI, Laurie oversees the company’s legal matters including VC financing, technology licensing, trademarks, employment, and stock option planning. She also serves as the Secretary on the board of directors. Laurie holds a JD from Santa Clara University, an LLM from Golden Gate University, an MBA from Colorado State, and her BS from Kansas State.
Dana Morton, Human Resources
Dana has over 10 years of management experience in human relations, paralegal services, and finance support. As the head of Human Resources and Manager of the Executive Office, Dana leads EDI’s HR development initiatives, recruitment strategies, corporate culture, and directly assists the Legal and Finance departments to support productive and profitable business operations. Dana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s of Science Degree in Administration of Justice, and is certified as a HR Generalist and an ADA Administrator.
Charlie Travis, North America Field Sales
Charlie has over 20 years of experience in business development, sales, and partner relations. As the North American field sales leader, Charlie is responsible for developing opportunities with vehicle OEM’s, manufacturers, suppliers, and end user customers. Prior to his role at EDI, Charlie served in sales management roles in both technology and professional services organizations ranging from start-up to Fortune 500 companies.
Dr. CW Chen, International Business Development
CW Chen has over 30 years of experience in engineering management, with a focus on hybrid electric drive power management and controls. In his role heading international business development initiatives for EDI, CW is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. Currently he is managing new technology development projects, building new business relationships and forming joint ventures in China, Taiwan and India. Prior to his role at EDI, CW managed engineering groups at BAE systems, United Defense and FMC. CW has a PhD. in Systems Science and Mathematics from the Washington University in St. Louis.
Kristal Ferchau, Corporate Marketing
Kristal has over 20 years of experience in global corporate marketing, go-to-market strategy, and product marketing across high tech, clean tech, and retail industries. In her role at EDI, Kristal oversees the global marketing and demand generation strategy and execution. Prior to her work at EDI, Kristal held senior leadership roles at start-up and Fortune 500 companies, as well as lead strategic consulting engagements for major brands on go-to-market strategy, digital marketing, and social business transformation. Her experience spans leading brands such as Google, Apple, Cisco, PwC, Starbucks, Jim Beam Global, Adobe, and Tesla Motors. Kristal holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Jean-Baptiste Gallo, Product Management and Government Relations
Jean-Baptiste Gallo has 8 years of experience in research, development and commercialization of advanced transportation technologies. In his role leading product marketing and grant initiatives, Jean-Baptiste sets the roadmap and feature definitions for the EDI product portfolio, as well as oversees the company’s grant strategy and implementation. Prior to his role at EDI, Jean-Baptiste served as Senior Project Engineer for CALSTART, and as Control Systems Engineer for Groupe PSA in France. Jean-Baptiste holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Ecole Polytechnique de l’Université d’Orléans in Orléans, France. He also holds a Certificate in International Environmental Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California where he studied energy policy, environmental economics, electric power systems and sustainable transportation.