Waqar Hashim, the founder of Smartware Advisors, is an accomplished executive in automotive product engineering and business management. He started his career at GM after completing two years of research in modeling closed-air space engines for power generation at NASA's Lewis Research Center, Engine Research Lab. At GM he worked as a product engineer and was responsible for multiple innovations leading to three patents. He also worked closely with GM Research on the application and commercialization of several research projects.

From early 2000 Waqar worked on global product programs as the Program Engineering Manager, scoping and advanced engineering of products such as the Cadillac SRX as well as warranty reduction and lifecycle cost reduction on well-known products such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn Vue, and Cadillac sedan, coupe, and wagon products. Waqar was appointed the Chief Engineer of the Chevrolet Blazer and Holden Acadia in 2014 and led these programs to successful launches in 2018 with segment-leading safety and quality performance. In 2018 Waqar left GM to join the EV startup scene in California where he worked with several startups to bring their products to launch. With a solid background in leading global teams across various settings, including large OEMs and startups, he has successfully overseen the development and launch of products valued at over $5 billion.

Educated with both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Waqar also holds an MBA in Business Management. His expertise spans product engineering, manufacturing, testing, and launch, as well as cost and investment optimization for lifecycle management. With a wealth of experience in developing complex products, Waqar approaches each project with a strategic mindset, aiming for both innovation and fiscal responsibility.