The Eclipse SDV Ambassador Program empowers passionate community leaders who are helping shape the future of software-defined vehicles.
Ambassadors are the bridge between global open source innovation and local ecosystems — speaking at events, mentoring newcomers, organizing activities, and helping others find their place in the SDV community. Whether you’re leading from the stage or supporting contributors behind the scenes, SDV Ambassadors are a vital part of our growth and success.
The program is now live, and our first cohort of ambassadors is already active!
Markus Rettstatt is Vice President Software Defined Car at Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation (MBTI), the largest software hub of the Mercedes-Benz Group in Germany. He leads the automotive software development stream, shaping the future of in-vehicle software. In addition to his core responsibilities, Markus actively promotes collaboration on non-differentiating software assets in the open-source ecosystem. He represents Mercedes-Benz in both the Eclipse SDV Working Group and the VDA Working Group.
Martin Schleicher is an independent consultant focusing on Software Strategy, Business Models and Ecosystem development with more than 25 years of experience in Automotive. From 2021 to 2025 he was "Head of Software Strategy" in Continental Automotive. Before he held various management roles in Elektrobit, including responsibility for company strategy, product and portfolio management, and partnerships. Martin has been contributing to industry associations, such as AUTOSAR, SOAFEE, and Eclipse SDV. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and member of automotive conference advisory boards.
ChatGPT seems to "think(*)" I'm an experienced software architect with a strong background in software engineering, architecture, and technical program management. Currently at Reycom AG, I'm focused on building platform components and toolchains for the field of software-defined machines (SDM). Before that, I spent over 25 years at Microsoft, working on the Software Defined Vehicle engineering team and representing Microsoft in the Eclipse SDV Working Group.
I'm a passionate advocate for open-source software, community-driven innovation and growth and actively contributing to Eclipse SDV initiatives. I'm also affiliated with 42 Porto, where we train the next generation of automotive and mobility software engineers leveraging Eclipse SDV projects.
When I'm not at work ChatGPT finds me deeply engaged in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realms of edge computing, robotics and AI, and their applications to smart farming and agriculture.
(*) can be a case of hallucination
We welcome new ambassadors each year.
If you’re actively engaged in the Eclipse SDV community and want to represent the initiative in your region, you can apply or nominate someone via our nomination form.
We’re seeking highly engaged individuals who have already demonstrated their commitment to our working group. Ideal candidates will have:
To ensure close collaboration with the SDV Eclipse Foundation team, we will select a maximum of three ambassadors per year. The ambassador role is for a limited term of a couple of years.
We welcome new ambassadors each year.
If you’re actively engaged in the Eclipse SDV community and want to represent the initiative in your region, you can apply or nominate someone please fill up the form below