Founders

Benzina Zero (which is Italian for Zero Fuel) is at the forefront of a global shift to electric vehicles. Our vehicles enable the sustainable movement of both people and goods through a concise portfolio of products whilst satisfying a wide range of customer needs and business requirements.

“We believe that the humble scooter is the real hero in the world of two wheels”

Joe D’Ercole - Chief Battery Charger

Joe is an entrepreneur, property developer, business designer, constructor, commercial strategist, automotive engineer, and corporate networker. He has strong credentials in successfully conceiving new businesses, developing commercial concepts, and visualising future areas of strong commercial opportunity, in Australia and overseas.

Starting in 2000, Joe built a chain of premier motor scooter businesses. As managing director of Scooterlife Australia, Joe strategically launched multiple branded outlets to become the largest scooter retailer in Australia. Joe pioneered a new business concept to become the first scooter retailer in Australia to sell Honda scooters outside of the Honda dealer network, paving the way for other brands to fundamentally change how scooters were sold.

Ben Silver - Chief Plugger-Inner

Ben joined Joe as General Manager of Scooterlife Australia in 2005. Under Ben's leadership the business expanded with more retail outlets to become the biggest retailer of scooters in Australia. Scooterlife Australia was recognised with multiple retail awards and represented all major brands including Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia, Honda, Kymco, Sym and more.

In 2011, Ben moved to a small regional town with his family to explore sustainable living concepts with a keen interest in low impact off-grid residential projects. Ben went on to be awarded Best National Sales Manager for GM Holden 4 years in a row during his management tenure in an automotive dealership.

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Together, Joe and Ben fundamentally changed how people moved in Queensland with in excess of 18,000 scooters sold through Scooterlife Australia. With the rising urgency of the climate crisis facing the world, Ben and Joe wanted to make a difference for the future generations as they both have young children.

With their extensive knowledge of the industry, Ben and Joe understood how electric scooters would provide the perfect vehicle for the sustainable movement of people and goods on a global stage.

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.

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 mpany’s focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Neill Kumar - Creative 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 per-car project, the Essenza SCV12.

Christian Di Giovanni - Caricatore Alto

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.