We are delighted to present a Q&A session with Mr Mark Notkin, Chief Innovation Officer at Petromin Corporation. With over 20 years of experience in wholesale retail, manufacturer management, and strategy development, Mr Notkin is known for his resilience, ambition, and exceptional communication skills. At Petromin, he focuses on innovation and the spread of new technologies across the company’s business verticals.

In this session, Mr Notkin shares his strategic priorities for advancing EV and mobility technology, insights into the Middle Eastern market, and his vision for integrating emerging technologies like autonomous driving and smart mobility solutions. He also discusses how he leverages his international experience to foster innovation within Petromin's multinational teams, engages stakeholders, and what key insights he plans to share at the GEMTECH Forum.

#GEMTECH: As the Chief Innovation Officer at Petromin, what are your strategic priorities for advancing EV and mobility technology within the company, and how do you foresee these priorities shaping the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia?

#Mr Notkin: Our strategic priorities for advancing EV and mobility technology within the company are focused on sustainable innovation, energy efficiency, and customer-centric solutions. We prioritize partnerships with leading technology providers and OEMs and invest in innovative and disruptive business solutions to drive the future of transportation in Saudi Arabia toward cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternatives.

#GEMTECH: Given your extensive international experience, what unique challenges and opportunities do you see for the adoption and growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced mobility technologies in the Middle Eastern market, particularly in Saudi Arabia?

#Mr Notkin: The Middle Eastern market, including Saudi Arabia, presents unique challenges and opportunities for adopting and growing EVs and advanced mobility technologies. Challenges include infrastructure development, regulatory alignment, and consumer awareness. However, the region also offers abundant renewable energy resources and governmental support for sustainable initiatives, providing a favorable environment for EV adoption and technology development.

#GEMTECH: How does Petromin plan to integrate emerging technologies, such as autonomous driving and smart mobility solutions, into its existing business verticals, and what role do you envision these technologies playing in the region’s transportation ecosystem?

#Mr Notkin: Petromin integrates emerging technologies, such as autonomous driving and smart mobility solutions, into its existing business verticals through targeted collaborations, pilot projects, and continuous innovation. For example, we support the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services as an official distributor of NAVYA/GAMA by providing a self-driving shuttle to test the technology and form the legislation. We envision these technologies playing a crucial role in optimizing transportation efficiency, enhancing safety, and improving the overall mobility experience in the region.

#GEMTECH: Considering your background working in diverse international markets, how do you leverage your intercultural competencies to foster innovation and collaboration within Petromin’s multinational teams, especially in the context of global EV and mobility technology?

#Mr Notkin: Leveraging intercultural competencies gained from working in diverse international markets, I promote a culture of openness, collaboration, and respect within Petromin's multinational teams. We stimulate innovation and creativity in developing global EV and mobility technology solutions by valuing diverse perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and encouraging knowledge exchange.

#GEMTECH: With your distinct communication skills, how do you engage and align various stakeholders in the development and implementation of new mobility technologies and strategies at Petromin?

#Mr Notkin: I engage and align various stakeholders at Petromin by utilizing clear, transparent, and inclusive communication strategies. By actively listening to different viewpoints, addressing concerns, and highlighting shared goals, I ensure all stakeholders are informed, motivated, and invested in developing and implementing new mobility technologies and strategies.

#GEMTECH: As a speaker at the GEMTECH Forum, what key insights or innovations can the audience expect to learn from your presentation, and how do you plan to address the current trends and future prospects in the EV and mobility technology sector?

#Mr Notkin: At the GEMTECH Forum, I will share key insights and innovations related to sustainable mobility solutions. I plan to address current opportunities and challenges in the EV and mobility technology sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and customer-focused innovation for a greener and smarter transportation ecosystem.