Shai Agassi

Agassi founded Better Place and, in 2007, officially launched the company. In 2008, Israel became the first country - and Renault-Nissan the first carmaker to embrace the Better Place model. Soon thereafter, Denmark, Australia, California and Hawaii followed suit. Today, Agassi and Better Place are in discussions with more than 25 countries, major auto manufacturers and other potential partners around the globe.

Agassi works directly with government leaders, auto manufacturers, energy companies and others to make his vision of zero-emission electric vehicles powered by renewable energy a reality in countries around the world. 



Prior to Founding Better Place Agassi was president of the Products and Technology Group at SAP AG and a member of the software company's executive board. He was responsible for the global development of the SAP product line and portfolio of industry-specific solutions. 

Agassi remains an active member of the Forum of Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum, where he focuses on climate change and transportation issues. He is also a member of the Copenhagen Climate Council and serves on the advisory board of the Corporate ECOForum. In addition, he pens a blog titled "The Long Tailpipe," where he discusses alternative energy and other issues.