SOLIDWORKS 2017

Gian Paolo Bassi Chief Executive Officer SOLIDWORKS

Gian Paolo Bassi brings more than 25 years of experience in 3D, CAD, and PLM industries to Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. As CEO, Gian Paolo spearheads the development of SOLIDWORKS future product and technology strategies designed for the desktop and the cloud, and collaboration with the strong user community. He most recently served as the vice president of research and development, where he was responsible for charting future product and technology strategies, including the development of the SOLIDWORKS cloud applications. Prior to SOLIDWORKS, Gian Paolo was the founder and CTO of RIWEBB where he oversaw the development of new technologies for the Mechanical and Architectural Design Automation industry, collaborating with companies like Dassault Systèmes. Prior to RIWEBB, Gian Paolo served as vice president and CTO of ImpactXoft, where he led the team developing functional modeling and collaboration applications which are now part of CATIA. In this position, he co-invented three of his five patents in functional modeling. He also served in the R&D organizations of companies like Computervision and think3. Gian Paolo holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bologna.

Kishore Boyalakuntla Brand UX Leader and Product Portfolio Management Senior Director SOLIDWORKS

Kishore Boyalakuntla is Senior Director, Product Portfolio Management and SOLIDWORKS brand UX leader. He is responsible for product strategy and successful launch of all products that SOLIDWORKS delivers to end customers.

Kishore is passionate about enabling engineers to innovate with best in class SOLIDWORKS ecosystem, Customer Success using SOLIDWORKS products, and the impact SOLIDWORKS customers have with the amazing products they create around the world. Kishore has Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, Masters in Aerospace and an MBA from Babson College.

Suchit Jain Vice President, Strategy and Business Development SOLIDWORKS

As vice president of strategy and community, Suchit Jain identifies and develops new areas of opportunity for the SOLIDWORKS brand to expand its business. He is currently focused on building a dedicated organization focused on the outstanding SOLIDWORKS User Community.

Prior to his role overseeing the SOLIDWORKS corporate strategy, Suchit served as the vice president of analysis products. He has played a role in the success of the SOLIDWORKS analysis strategy since 2001 when the company acquired Structural Research and Analysis Corporation (SRAC) where he was vice president of marketing. Suchit started his technology career in 1994, supporting the then-new COSMOS analysis software as an entry-level engineer with SRAC. There he assumed increasing levels of responsibility and helped COSMOS grow into one of the most widely used design analysis products in the industry. Suchit holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay. He also holds a masters degree from the University of Southern California.

Kurt Anliker Director of Product Introduction SOLIDWORKS

Kurtis Anliker received a B.S. of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. He started his career at the Naval Air Warfare Center where he worked in a design services organization with access to many leading-edge technologies, such as 3D solid modeling and 3D printing. In 1999, Anliker joined SOLIDWORKS where he took on the role of developing the reseller sales and technical channel in the Western U.S, Canada and Mexico. In 2015, he transitioned to the role of Director of Product Introduction, leading up a team tasked with creating content supporting corporate sales and marketing initiatives.

Rob Parsons Founder Chairslayer Foundation

Talking with Rob Parsons for five minutes will have you forgetting he’s in a wheelchair. A fabricator by trade and competitive in BMX, motocross, and skiing prior to his accident, the Canada native is known for pushing himself to the breaking point—and the wheelchair hasn’t changed that. In fact, some would say Parsons is more driven and determined now than he ever was before. Rob’s accident was in the summer of 2011 at a local motocross track, where he landed short on his dirt bike and broke every bone in both legs—tibia, fibula, and femurs—severed his spinal cord, and punctured a lung. Rob would never walk again. While hospitalised for six months, Rob began planning new ways to participate in the sports he loved. Upon his release, he was immediately back at it, the plans of building a hand-controlled car already mapped out in his head after months in a hospital bed. Rob had a goal and couldn’t be stopped. Teaming up with stunt professional Eliza Coleman, he continues to push for these goals for himself and others, every single day.

Andy Blood Founder Blood Brothers Foundation

Andy Blood was injured in 2004 on the job as a lineman for Xcel Energy. But the accident does not define him. Upon meeting Andy, anyone would agree that he is marked by a true dedication to the disability community in Colorado, as well as a unique drive to achieve his dreams, despite the added challenges that come with life in a wheelchair. 

After a long and grueling road to recovery, Andy's first ambition was to found a nonprofit organization to service individuals in wheelchairs. He realized this dream and has helped dozens of individuals regain their independence and mobility by getting back behind the wheel of a vehicle by donating crucial adaptive vehicle modifications through Blood Brothers Foundation. Refusing to stop there, Andy has spent the last 3 years launching two successful companies, Runnit Ink and Runnit CNC, screen printing and metal fabrication. 

And he hasn't slowed down yet. 

Andy's sights are now set on developing an off road training park in Grand Junction, CO where he can train as a professional trophy truck driver while also sharing a unique off road experience through teaching others how to drive

It is not his wheelchair that will remain as Andy's legacy, rather it will be the opportunities he's created for himself and others, to be something, to build something, and to leave a lasting impression in the lives of those he's touched.

Andrew Harlan Principal Mechanical Engineer Myomo

Andrew Harlan received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has over 9 years professional experience in mechanical design of robotic hardware ranging from hydraulically-actuated humanoid robots to autonomous logistics delivery fleets. In 2015, he joined Myomo as a Principal Mechanical Engineer and designs all actuation and sensing systems for the MyoPro family. In his spare time, he has also volunteered over 600 hours of mentoring to local FIRST Robotics high school teams spanning 8 seasons.