Luc Vernhes is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in severe-service valves, advanced materials, and innovation management. Currently serving as the Director of Business Development at Velan Inc., Luc has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to drive market growth and product innovation. Notably, he led a cross-functional team to enter the Ebullated Bed market, securing customer approvals and partnerships, making this business one of Velan’s main focuses. His leadership has been instrumental in implementing Agile methodologies, enhancing product manufacturability, and developing strategic business plans. Luc’s dedication to fostering collaboration and empowering teams has kept Velan at the forefront of the industry. He holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics from Polytechnique Montréal, where he focused on surface degradation mechanisms and novel coating materials.