Aaron Rivers
Aaron is managing partner at Hyperion Capital Ventures.
He is also CEO at Dakkota Integrated Systems. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, he is dedicated to advancing Dakkota’s position as a leading manufacturing company in the automotive space as well as adjacent markets. Aaron is a seasoned executive who has excelled in various leadership roles within the automotive, Aerospace, Transportation, and Filtration industrial markets. He has a strong background in global operations, an exceptional financial acumen, and track record of execution.
Aaron is widely recognized as a distinguished leader in manufacturing and operations, having successful leadership contributions at Chrysler (now Stellantis ), TRW, Dana, and ZF. His expertise leveraging lean business systems principles, particularly in Automotive and Aerospace, has been instrumental in driving efficiency and achieving operational excellence
Previously, Aaron held the position of Head of Global Operations at Pall Corporation, a prominent subsidiary of Danaher Corporation. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), he had direct governance of critical business functions including Global Manufacturing, Integrated Supply Chain, AME, Quality/Regulatory, HSE, Program Management, and Operational Finance. With his extensive experience, Aaron successfully led operations across multiple locations, managing business units with full P&L responsibility exceeding $1.8 billion.
Aaron holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Bio-Chemistry/Pre-Medicine from Ball State University
Neil Kayal
Neil is founding partner at Hyperion Capital Ventures.
He is also VP/GM at Dakkota Integrated Systems. With a focus on commercial excellence, expanding sales and marketing efforts driving business development through a combination of organic growth, open innovation/ mergers& acquisitions (M&A), leading Automotive OEM program management and guiding annual company strategic planning. Neil has excelled in various leadership roles within the Life Sciences, Healthcare, Sustainable Energy Transition, Aerospace, Semiconductor, and Filtration markets. Neil is passionate about designing for growth and mapping strategy to execution by leading diverse teams to innovate, design and launch successful products and programs.
Previously, Neil held the position of Director of Strategy and M&A Business Development at Danaher Corporation. With his background in commercial operations and strategic planning, he had direct responsibility for leading market opportunity assessments as well as technology assessment for partnerships, venture investments and M&A activities for Danaher Corporation’s $24 billion business.
Neil holds a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Management from Harvard University, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biotechnology from Cardiff University.
Lori Rush Lancaster
Lori is senior advisor at Hyperion Capital Ventures.
She is also Vice Chairwoman at Dakkota Integrated Systems, one of the largest women- and Native American-owned and led manufacturing companies in the United States. A results-driven executive and automotive industry expert, she leads a team focused on providing quality, safety, inclusion, and opportunities to employees and customers. Her specialties include business development, operational excellence, safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. She has served as a board director for Dakkota Integrated Systems since 2015.
Lori's mission is to create profitable and sustainable career opportunities in underrepresented communities across the U.S. and Canada, including Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario. Prior to her career in business, Lori served as a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a position that prepared her to be a highly effective leader: managing complex and constantly changing environments; making decisive data-driven decisions; and practicing empathy and listening.
Lori's mission is to create profitable and sustainable career opportunities in underrepresented communities across the U.S. and Canada, including Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario. Prior to her career in business, Lori served as a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, a position that prepared her to be a highly effective leader: managing complex and constantly changing environments; making decisive data-driven decisions; and practicing empathy and listening.
Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts
