Leadership & advisory

Leadership and technical advisory team

Valum’s team combines invention, technical advice, corporate leadership and commercial development to advance the Hydrotor pilot programs.

Gugni Gill Panaich

Chair, Director and Chief Administrative Officer

Gugni Gill Panaich oversees board leadership and corporate administration at Valum Energy. Her experience spans energy entrepreneurship, financial services and business management. She coordinates organizational priorities and stakeholder relationships, drawing on her leadership of GYSK Energy Solution and her role as a director of Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd.

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Alongside her responsibilities at Valum, Ms. Panaich is the Founder, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of GYSK Energy Solution, a Canadian technology company developing thermoelectric solutions to improve electricity access in remote and underserved communities. She also serves on the board of Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd., which she joined in March 2026. Her earlier career includes financial-services experience with Royal Bank of Canada and HSBC Bank, aviation-sector experience as a flight attendant with Air Canada, management of production and franchise ventures, and work as an actress and producer in Punjabi cinema. She stood as a candidate in Brampton West in the 2014 Ontario provincial election, gaining experience in public communication, community engagement and stakeholder relations. Raised in Africa and educated in India, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University and a diploma in Computer Science. Her community interests include education, economic opportunity and women’s empowerment.

Mădălin Bratu

Inventor, Chief Technology Officer & Director

Mădălin Bratu is the inventor of Hydrotor Technologies and leads its technical development. His responsibilities include design refinement, prototype development and technical guidance for the pilot programs. He works with Valum’s advisors and development partners to translate the invention into integrated systems for evaluation and intended commercial applications.

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Mădălin’s professional background combines technology development, project management and business leadership in Romania. His experience includes general management at SC Valum Energy, independent project management, and earlier responsibilities spanning construction projects, energy initiatives and publishing. This combination gives him experience in both developing ideas and coordinating the work required to move projects forward.

At the centre of his technical work is the Valum Effect Principle, his conceptual framework concerning the interaction of waves within a defined volume. This framework informs his approach to Hydrotor’s design and related energy applications. His development activities include refining technical concepts, guiding prototype construction and using testing to assess performance and determine the next stages of engineering.

Gurdip (Gary) Panaich

Chief Executive Officer

Gary Panaich leads Valum’s corporate development, commercial relationships and commercialization planning. His background includes public-company leadership, corporate governance and business ownership across aviation technology, energy and real estate, alongside service with the Canadian Forces and RCMP.

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Gary’s background combines corporate oversight with the practical experience of building and managing businesses. He has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Compliance Officer of Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. and was appointed to the board of ImagineAR Inc. in June 2023. His entrepreneurial work includes commercial and residential real estate, franchise operations, accounting and tax services, and film production. A Humber College graduate, Gary is a former Canadian Forces member and RCMP officer. He received the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2021.

Peter Grigoras

Chief Business Development Officer

Peter Grigoras brings more than 35 years of experience across automotive manufacturing, technology integration and infrastructure development. His career includes engineering and management work with GM-Suzuki, Toyota and Ford. At Valum, he evaluates prospective applications, develops partnerships and supports project feasibility and commercial planning.

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Peter’s career brings together industrial engineering, infrastructure development and business ownership. At Toyota, he was involved in construction, equipment installation, technology integration and commissioning for the Lexus RX manufacturing program in Cambridge, Ontario. He later led plant expansion and retooling initiatives at Ford in Oakville, including flexible manufacturing systems. As founder of Romlex International Ltd. and Atlas Global Healthcare Ltd., he has also developed commercial and medical real estate, with a focus on ambulatory care and day-surgery facilities. His work with Hydrotor includes economic assessment, business development and strategic feasibility.

Michael Cunsolo

Director and Chief Marketing & Sales Officer

Michael Cunsolo leads Valum’s marketing, market development and customer relationships. His experience in architectural lighting and electrical solutions includes collaboration with manufacturers, engineers, architects and developers across international markets. He contributes to corporate oversight and the development of commercial and distribution partnerships.

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Michael’s background combines design awareness, technical understanding and commercial relationship development. Through his work with Dark Tools, he has collaborated with manufacturers, engineers, architects and developers to understand project needs, communicate technical solutions and coordinate suppliers and project teams. His professional experience extends across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Italy, with relationships spanning electrical infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and advanced technology. A graduate of St. Michael’s College School and OCAD University, Michael brings an international perspective and a collaborative approach to his work.

Aman Siddiqui

Technical Advisor

Aman Siddiqui advises Valum on electrical integration, prototype evaluation, testing and technical documentation. He brings more than 25 years of experience in electronics, electrical systems and aerospace engineering. His background includes technical and engineering leadership roles with Star Navigation Systems, Bombardier Aerospace, Air Transat and Pakistan International Airlines.

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Aman’s experience in demanding aerospace environments provides a practical foundation for assessing electrical systems and engineering risk. His work includes electrical load analysis, functional testing, wiring and installation design, troubleshooting, and electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing. He has prepared test plans, technical reports and engineering documentation, and supported regulatory approvals for complex systems. At Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd., his responsibilities have included development planning, technical oversight, project feasibility and engineering team coordination. He holds a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology and a Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licence in avionics.

Supporting the pilot programs

Mădălin Bratu guides the technical development of Hydrotor Technologies. Aman Siddiqui advises on electrical integration, prototype evaluation, testing and technical documentation. Valum’s commercial and administrative leaders coordinate business development, partnerships and company operations.

Discuss a pilot application or partnership

Connect with our team about technical collaboration, pilot applications and commercial opportunities.

Contact our team