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MICHIEL BAKKER TO BECOME NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

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HYDE PARK, N.Y., May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Trustees of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) today announced the appointment of Michiel Bakker as the college’s sixth president, effective September 1, 2024. Bakker will further the CIA’s eight-decade legacy of leadership and excellence. The Board’s decision follows an extensive, 10-month global search. Bakker succeeds Dr. Tim Ryan, the Institute’s longest-serving president, who held the role since 2001 and who moves into the new role of chancellor.

“In its 78-year history, the CIA has had just five presidents—pretty astounding when you consider that the average college president’s tenure is less than six years1,” said Board Chair John Metz, Jr. “We were committed to finding the person who would ensure that the CIA continues to be the world’s premier culinary college. Michiel Bakker’s experience speaks for itself, and we are confident he is the president to build on the CIA’s strong foundation and usher the college into its next era.”

For the past 12 years, based in Mountain View, CA, Bakker worked in various global leadership roles at Google. From 2012 to 2021, he was responsible for Google’s celebrated Food at Work program, supporting all foodservice-related activities and initiatives, as well as developing internal and external partnerships to explore and tackle the challenges and opportunities in global food systems.

He also led Google’s Global Workplace Programs organization with overall responsibilities for the ongoing delivery of events, health & performance, transportation, and food at work services to more than 250,000 individuals worldwide. Most recently, Bakker steered the Global Workplace Strategy, Innovation, and Sustainability team, leading the work on Google’s long-term workplace strategy, workplace experience, and sustainability efforts for Google’s global office real estate portfolio.

Before joining Google in 2012, Bakker spent 17 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in various hotel and global food and beverage operations roles. These included creating and building out partnerships, leading hotel food and beverage developments and openings, food experience design, and running hotel and food & beverage operations.

Bakker holds an Executive MSc degree in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver Daniels College of Business, a Master of Hospitality Administration degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, an MBA from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from the Hotel Management School Maastricht in the Netherlands.

He is an active contributor to various advisory boards of organizations including the Yale Center for Customer Insights, the EAT Forum, the World Food Program Innovation Accelerator, and the Beans is How initiative. He is also a member of the James Beard Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Supervisory Board of the Dutch food waste focused startup Orbisk. In addition, Bakker hosts the Food Lab Talk podcast, which highlights bold visions and inspiring actions for the future of food systems, and he contributed a chapter to the book Food Inc. 2. He has been involved with the CIA for many years, serving on the advisory councils for the college’s Sustainable Food Systems master’s degree and its Menus of Change® initiative, and he piloted the college’s ProChef® Plant-Forward Kitchen training and certification program at Google.

“Stepping into the role of president at the Culinary Institute of America is a dream come true for me, as the CIA is an organization I have admired and supported for so many years,” Bakker said. “In this new role, I will be able to bring together my deep passion for all aspects of the food and beverage industry, lifelong learning, hospitality, and enabling individuals to be at their best. Building upon the college’s legacy, reputation, and alumni network, I’m excited and eager to collaborate with the incredible faculty, staff, and stakeholders to propel the CIA forward, ensuring students continue to graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic and most amazing and rewarding world of food and beverage.”

Bakker was born and raised in the Netherlands and moved to the U.S. in 1995, to marry his wife Nicolette, a New York State native, who hails from Middletown. Over the subsequent years, they lived and worked in cities including Atlanta, GA; Gleneden Beach, OR; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, PA; Brussels, Belgium; and the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently they reside in Los Gatos, CA, and will relocate to New York for the position.

Bakker, now a proud Dutch-American, is an avid reader, has a deep affinity for food and food systems, and loves to hike, explore cities, and enjoy great meals with family and friends. He and Nicolette have two sons: Brian, a graduate of the University of Oregon, and Andrew, who is looking forward to graduating from Clemson University later this year.

About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of nearly 55,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu.

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Ampace Spotlights AI-Ready Battery Solutions for Gigascale Infrastructure at DCW Washington 2026

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ampace, a global leader in advanced lithium-ion battery technology, is participating in Data Center World 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Booth 206), where active visitor engagement reflected growing industry focus on how power infrastructure must evolve for the AI era.

This year, Ampace is showcasing how battery systems are becoming an increasingly important enabler of gigascale AI infrastructure. From cell-level technologies to system-level deployment, spanning applications from commercial and industrial energy storage to UPS systems, Ampace is presenting solutions designed to help data centers manage rising power volatility, improve resilience, and scale more efficiently.

At the center of the showcase is the PU Series, Ampace’s AI-ready battery platform engineered for the increasingly dynamic conditions of modern compute environments. As AI clusters drive 100kW+ rack densities, millisecond-level load spikes, and frequent workload transitions, conventional backup systems are being asked to do far more than emergency support. Ampace’s PU Series is designed to absorb rapid fluctuations, maintain stable output, and support uninterrupted operation under highly variable AI workloads.

A key highlight of Ampace’s presence this week will be its featured TECH TALK session with Eaton on April 22, from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM (Room 209ABC), titled Powering Gigascale AI: How Advanced Batteries Stabilize Extreme Training Loads.

The session will bring together shared industry perspectives from Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Manager at Ampace, and Jon Hymel, Product Manager at Eaton, two professionals working closely with hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, and mission-critical customers navigating the next wave of AI infrastructure growth.

Together, the speakers will explore how established UPS architectures and advanced lithium battery systems are increasingly working in tandem to meet the operational realities of AI data centers. The discussion will examine how battery technologies can support real-time load balancing, improve reliability, and help operators prepare for the transition from megawatt-scale campuses to gigawatt-scale compute ecosystems.

Their joint appearance reflects a growing alignment across the power infrastructure ecosystem: scalable AI requires not only more electricity, but smarter coordination between UPS systems, energy storage, and facility operations. As data centers evolve, battery-enabled continuity is becoming a shared priority across technology providers, operators, and infrastructure partners.

Built for demanding AI applications, Ampace’s platform is engineered to respond rapidly during ramp-up and ramp-down events, while maintaining stable operation under continuous partial-load cycling. Its semi-solid cell technology further enhances intrinsic safety by reducing leakage risk and lowering thermal runaway gas generation, while cabinet-level validation under UL 9540A standards reinforces readiness for mission-critical deployments.

At Ampace’s booth, visitors have been exploring how advanced battery systems can help reduce infrastructure oversizing, relieve pressure on grid connections, and improve continuity in facilities originally designed for steady-state demand. The strong response reflects a broader market shift: batteries are no longer viewed only as standby assets, but as active components of modern AI power architecture.

Visit Booth 206 to meet the Ampace team, experience the PU Series on site, and join in-depth discussions on how advanced battery solutions are helping build a more resilient, scalable, and efficient AI infrastructure. On-site specialists are available throughout the show for live demonstrations, technical briefings, and media inquiries.

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TÜV Rheinland Opens Advanced Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar, Haryana

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Empowering automotive industry capabilities through precision testing, international compliance, and innovative solutions for next-generation mobility.

MANESAR, India, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing, inspection and certification services, today announced the opening of its state-of-the-art Automotive Component Testing Laboratory (ACT Lab) in Manesar, Haryana. The ACT Lab will support manufacturers in meeting evolving regulatory requirements, adopting emerging technologies, and accelerating time-to-market.

As the world’s third-largest mobility market, India is developing rapidly, and demand for trustworthy, globally recognized testing services continues to rise. TÜV Rheinland’s ACT Lab supports the development of safer and high-performance automotive products.

Strategically located in Manesar, the facility is well-positioned to unlock growth opportunities within India’s automotive and electric mobility ecosystem, while advancing next-generation transport solutions.

Technological Excellence and Advanced Capabilities

The ACT Lab is equipped with advanced testing systems from leading international manufacturers, ensuring precision, reliability, and global acceptance of results.

Its capabilities include structural testing, corrosion and durability assessments, and environmental simulation under extreme conditions. The facility also offers fatigue and lifecycle testing for critical automotive components, alongside comprehensive material analysis for metals and polymers, delivering deep insights into performance under real-world conditions.

By providing end-to-end testing, inspection, and certification solutions under one roof, the lab distinguishes itself through its ability to replicate operational environments, meet global and OEM standards, and deliver highly reliable, traceable results.

Platform for Collaboration, Innovation, and Trust

Commenting on the inauguration, Dr. Matthias Schubert, Executive Vice President Mobility at TÜV Rheinland Group, said: “Our investment in the Automotive Component Testing Laboratory in Manesar reflects TÜV Rheinland’s long-term strategic commitment to India as a key growth market. As the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation, this facility enables us to support manufacturers with advanced testing capabilities that not only ensure compliance but also drive innovation, safety, and global competitiveness.”

Highlighting the broader strategic intent, Thomas Quernheim, Senior Vice President Mobility, TÜV Rheinland Group, said, “India represents one of the most dynamic opportunities within our global mobility portfolio. This investment reflects our vision to build resilient, future-oriented capabilities that not only respond to market evolution but also shape the standards of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”

Rajendra Kisanrao Bandal, Vice President, Mobility at TÜV Rheinland India, added: “This facility goes beyond a conventional testing laboratory – it is a platform for collaboration and innovation. Combining global expertise with local insight, it enables manufacturers to enhance quality, reliability, and performance, while strengthening India’s position in the global mobility landscape.”

About TÜV Rheinland:

TÜV Rheinland is a leading provider of testing and inspection services worldwide. For over 150 years, the company has helped make the world a safer place. Today, more than 28,000 employees test, inspect and certify products, plants and processes, while also providing training for people in a wide range of professions. Operating from 500 locations in more than 50 countries, TÜV Rheinland helps safeguard key areas of business and everyday life. Headquartered in Cologne and generating annual revenue of close to €3 billion, the company plays a key role in quality assurance worldwide. TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2006, demonstrating its commitment to anti-corruption and sustainability.

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Media Contact:

Samrat Sinha
Communications & PR
TÜV Rheinland
Email: Samrat.Sinha@ind.tuv.com

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EZVIZ joins the United Nations Global Compact, starting a new chapter of its unwavering journey to long-term sustainability and further expanding its contribution to key environmental issues

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HOOFDDORP, Netherlands, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EZVIZ, an advocate for greener smart homes, is proud to announce its participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development on this Earth Day. As a smart home pioneer joining the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, EZVIZ will align its award-winning EZVIZ Green initiative with the UNGC’s Ten Principles, making a transformative impact through responsible business in environmental protection.

The UN Global Compact is a call to companies to adopt ten universal principles in human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With over 25,000 participants across 167 countries, the UNGC is keeping the earth green and clean with its growing influence.

Though new to the initiative, EZVIZ has been implementing SDGs in its development, operations and management, including establishing an ESG committee directed by the Board. On April 10, the company published its 2025 ESG report under its commitment “Our Planet. Our Actions” for transparency and awareness. Over the past year, EZVIZ has received international recognition like the European Green Awards, the SEAL Sustainability Business Awards, and the Indigo Design Award with the “Design for Social Change” honor.

To safeguard a green planet, EZVIZ has addressed land degradation, global warming, plastic recycling, community empowerment and more. Partnering with Treedom, EZVIZ has planted 4,190 trees with local farmers, reducing approximately 738.2 tons of CO2. Together with Plastic Bank, EZVIZ has prevented over 1,000,000 plastic bottles from polluting vulnerable environments. The partnerships are reinforced by internally recycling plastics and minimizing waste. In 2025, EZVIZ incorporated over 30 tons of recycled materials into its RE7 Edge robot vacuum’s design and reduced CO2 emissions by 73.1 tons through greener packaging.

“Becoming part of the UNGC is a significant milestone for us. It means our efforts in building a better planet, have been recognized globally,” said Jingwen Cao, EZVIZ Board Secretary and Director of the ESG Committee. “This participation provides us the confidence to further expand our environmental protection, as well as to set stricter boundaries to avoid sacrificing the environment for commercial gain.”

With green in its brand gene, the company has also developed green technology with a low carbon footprint. The AOV low-energy consumption tech, and the ColorFULL low-light night vision mode help reduce energy consumption and light pollution resulted from 24/7 home security. Firstly embedding self-patented wild animal detection in outdoor cameras, EZVIZ continues to implement responsible AI to balance human safety and wildlife protection, according to Sophie Zhang, EZVIZ Global Brand Director.

“We believe in the power of technology and always strive to benefit not only our users, but also everyone and every life,” said Zhang. “Alongside other industry leaders in the UNGC, EZVIZ is motivated to contribute to a better future for generations to come.”

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