Speakers

Chris Gardner

International Best-selling Author & Award-winning Film Producer

Chris Gardner is an entrepreneur, international best-selling author and an award-winning film producer. Gardner’s autobiography, The Pursuit of HappYness became a New York Times #1 best seller and has been translated into over forty languages, including six (6) dialects of Chinese and recently into Arabic. Gardner’s book, The Pursuit of HappYness was the inspiration for the critically acclaimed film in which Will Smith received the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his performance. His second book, “Start Where You Are” also a best seller was published in 2009. Gardner’s new book “Permission to Dream” was selected as “Book Of The Month” by the Wall Street Journal upon its publication.

Gardner has been quoted as saying "though the film 'The Pursuit of HappYness' was released close to 18 years ago, the film is probably more relevant and timely today than when it was released". I say that because since 2020 we've all had our own 'Pursuit of HappYness' 'moments' and 'experiences'. If nothing else 2020 has confirmed to us all globally the importance of being able to accept, adapt, embrace and expect change. Change is here to stay. One of the ways that Gardner has changed is doing less lecture type presentations to more fireside chat formats. Here

the idea of 'in conversation with Chris Gardner' was conceived. This format includes an 'informal' presentation of thoughts, ideas and experiences called from Gardner's life and forty years of entrepreneurial experiences. Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) are combined with questions submitted in advance by the host/corporation/association and audience. Answering these questions openly and transparently often with 'movie bites' combined and included create a genuine conversation. This format we've discovered allows something very important to happen 'everybody gets to hear first hand what is important to their audience.'

Salil Parekh

CEO & MD, Infosys

Salil Parekh, as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, sets and evolves the strategic direction for the company and its portfolio of offerings, while nurturing a strong leadership team to drive its execution. Salil has nearly three decades of global experience in the IT services industry with a strong track record of driving digital transformation for enterprises, executing business turnarounds and managing successful acquisitions. He is a member of the National Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Salil topped the IT services ranking in Brand Finance's Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) 2024 for the role of CEO as brand custodian and steward of long-term shareholder value.

Martina Navratilova

18-time Singles Grand Slam Champion & Tennis Legend

The most successful female tennis player of the Open era, Martina Navratilova amassed an unmatched number of professional records over the course of a career that spanned an amazing four decades. She won 59 grand slam titles, including a record 9 Wimbledon singles championships, and overcame the odds to become a champion both on and off the court.

Over the course of her tennis career, Martina was distinguished as the WTA's "Tour Player of the Year" seven times, named the Associated Press's "Female Athlete of the Year" and declared one of the "Top Forty Athletes of All-Time" by Sports Illustrated. After being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, she continued to take part in WTA events as well as the 2004 Olympics Games. As she approached her 50th birthday in 2006, she decided to leave the tour circuit behind after her final Grand Slam, a mixed-doubles championship with Bob Bryan at the U.S. Open. Still in phenomenal shape on the verge of 50, she became the oldest player to ever win a Grand Slam title.

Gina Raimondo

U.S. Secretary of Commerce (2021-2025)

Gina M. Raimondo is the 40th U.S. Secretary of Commerce. As Secretary, she has focused on making America more competitive by driving job creation, fostering innovation, and strengthening national security. Under her leadership, the Department of Commerce made historic investments in Internet access, manufacturing, workforce training, and climate readiness through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. She oversaw $39 billion in incentives for chip manufacturing, $40 billion in broadband grants, and significant investments in climate resilience and minority business support.

Raimondo has also led efforts on AI development, launching the U.S. AI Safety Institute and establishing an international network of AI Safety Institutes. She has been recognized as one of TIME's Most Influential People and is known for her role in advancing national security through technology and international cooperation.

Before her tenure as Secretary of Commerce, Raimondo served as the 75th Governor of Rhode Island, becoming the state’s first female governor. During her time in office, she revitalized Rhode Island’s economy by attracting new businesses, reducing unemployment, and creating thousands of jobs. She prioritized infrastructure, education, and job training, making record investments in these areas. Notably, she launched the first statewide program offering tuition-free community college to all high school graduates, a groundbreaking initiative to provide accessible higher education.

Raimondo's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned national recognition for Rhode Island’s effective recovery. Under her guidance, the state became a model for managing public health and economic recovery efforts. She was re-elected by the largest margin in a generation, securing the highest number of votes of any candidate in Rhode Island’s history. As Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, she helped rebuild its leadership and fund key political campaigns, including the successful re-election of Louisiana’s Governor John Bel Edwards.

Previously, Raimondo served as Rhode Island’s General Treasurer, where she restructured the state’s $7 billion underfunded pension system, averting a financial crisis without raising taxes. Her innovative retirement system provided long-term security for public employees and teachers.

Raimondo is a graduate of Harvard University, Oxford University (as a Rhodes Scholar), and Yale Law School. She is married to Andy Moffit, and they have two children.

Allen Waxman

Senior AI Counsel, DLA Piper

With over 35 years of experience in the courtroom, boardroom, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) venues, Allen Waxman has been a trial lawyer, national counsel in mass tort cases, counselor to the C-suite and boards, and the CEO of a dispute resolution organization. He brings that experience to resolution efforts in large commercial and mass claims matters. At the same time, he also leads the firm’s efforts at AI transformation while also providing legal guidance to clients in their use of AI and for the firm’s AI Innovation Team, PiperAI, in its efforts to develop AI-enabled applications for the firm’s lawyers and clients.

Allen’s diverse skill set was developed as the head of litigation and General Counsel of Pfizer, the General Counsel and a business unit leader of Market Access at Eisai (a Japanese-based pharma company), and General Counsel of Roivant Sciences, a biotech startup. He also most recently led the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR), a not-for-profit comprised of corporate, law firm and other members from around the world, focusing on dispute management across industry sectors, such as healthcare and life sciences, energy, oil and gas, insurance, and technology. CPR developed tools for more effective, efficient ways to resolve disputes and prevent them where possible and provided mediation, arbitration, and other ADR services.

Previously, Allen was a partner at two prominent law firms where he led trial teams, served as national counsel in pharmaceutical product liability cases, developed and led compliance diagnostics and risk management reviews, built a life sciences practice group, and executed dispute resolution strategies.

Alain Carpentier

SVP, Worldwide Sales, HPE Networking, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Alain Carpentier is Senior Vice President of the Worldwide Sales organization within the HPE Networking business.

In this role, Alain is responsible for building a high-growth, high-margin business by driving sales across the entire HPE Networking portfolio, including Campus & Branch, Security & SASE, Routing Infrastructure Solutions, and Data Center Networking. Under his leadership, the team is focused on increasing HPE’s market share, by delivering an industry-leading, modern, secure networking portfolio.

As part of HPE’s acquisition of Juniper Networks, Alain played an integral role in the planning effort, working to ensure a smooth transition and a continued commitment to customer success.

A 25-year veteran of HPE, Alain has held numerous leadership positions since joining the company. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales for HPE Aruba Networking, where he was instrumental in navigating market shifts, macro trends and the proliferation of AI technologies to continue to support customer success.

Additionally, Alain has served as Vice President & General Manager of Enterprise Group Hardware, Vice President of ESSN in the General Western Europe (GWE) region and Country Manager of Enterprise, Server, Storage and Networking. Prior to that, he held management roles in Channel and Global Account roles.

Based in Paris with his wife and family, Alain is best known for his passion for technology and his dedication to serving customers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and IT, as well as a Certificate in General Management from INSEAD Fontainebleau.

Ajay Waghray

EVP & CIO, PG&E Corporation

Ajay Waghray is Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of PG&E Corporation.

In this role, Waghray has responsibility for defining, communicating, and executing a technology strategy that supports improving operations and safety to better serve the utility’s customers.

He has oversight of PG&E’s information technology and cybersecurity functions.

Joining PG&E in September 2020, Waghray brings more than 30 years of experience leading information technology organizations across diverse industries. Previously, he served as managing partner of Agni Growth Ventures and before that, he was chief technology officer of Assurant, a Fortune 500 global provider of risk management products and services. He is the former CIO of Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Verizon Wireless. He currently sits on the board of Avocado Systems and the technology advisory board of Afiniti.

Waghray earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Computer Science from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor of Engineering (honors) in Mechanical Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India.

Debasis “DB” Bhaumik

VP of Information Technology, Nutrien

Debasis “DB” Bhaumik is an entrepreneurial leader who has worked with and for many global Fortune 100 organizations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. DB is currently the VP of Information Technology at Nutrien where he leads the Data and AI journey at the largest potash mining company in the world. DB’s experience with advanced technology firmly establishes him as an active thought leader, engaging speaker, and an expert panelist on AI.

DB has an MBA with specialization in Finance and a Master of Science in Nuclear Physics. He is influential with his work in both Technology Services and Industry. DB’s comprehensive experience is far reaching and includes domains like Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing, Energy Solutions, Banking and Finance, Travel and Transportation, Healthcare, Retail and Logistics.

DB serves on the board for several Social Organizations in Canada.

DB is an Amazon bestselling author of Leadership books including ‘Leadership 4.0’, Let’s Do it Right’ and ‘First Day at Work’.

Gina Chua

Executive Editor, Semafor

Gina Chua is the Executive Editor of Semafor. She was previously the Executive Editor of Reuters, where she oversaw editorial operations, safety and security, and worked with technology teams to develop newsroom tools. Prior to her time at Reuters, she was Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, a Deputy Managing Editor at The Wall Street Journal in New York and the Editor of the Journal’s Asian edition. She transitioned in late 2020, making her one of the most senior transgender journalists in the industry.

Hod Lipson

Professor Of Engineering and Data Science, Columbia University

Hod Lipson is a professor of Engineering and Data Science at Columbia University in New York, and a co-author of the award winning book “Fabricated: The New World of 3D printing”, and “Driverless: Intelligent cars and the road ahead”, by MIT Press (translated into 7 languages). Before joining Columbia University in 2015, Hod spent 14 years as a professor at Cornell University. He received his PhD in 1999 from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, followed by a postdoc at Brandeis University and MIT. Hod Lipson’s work on self-aware and self-replicating robots challenges conventional views of robotics, and has enjoyed widespread media coverage. He has also pioneered open-source 3D printing, as well as electronics 3D printing, bio-printing and food printing. Lipson has co-authored over 350 publications that received over 50,000 citations to date. He has co-founded four companies, and is frequent keynoter both in industry and academic events. His TED Talk on self-aware machines is one of the most viewed presentations on AI and robotics. Hod directs the Creative Machines Lab, which pioneers new ways to make machines that create, and machines that are creative.

Mariana Atencio

Peabody Award-Winning Journalist & Bestselling Author

Mariana Atencio took the world by storm in 2017 with her viral TEDx talk on authenticity, “What Makes YOU Special?” – now with over 25 million views and translations in 13 languages. Her message: What makes you different is what makes you powerful. She inspires leaders and teams with the courage to embrace a blueprint to thrive through uncertainty, constant disruption, and their own self-doubt.

The authenticity lessons Mariana shares in her speeches are personal. She came to America and tried to fit in as she pursued her career as a broadcast journalist. But it wasn’t until she put self-doubt aside and decided to lean into what made her unique that her career began to take off. Her bestselling memoir, Perfectly You: Embracing the Power of Being Real, chronicles that journey and inspires readers to unlock the power of their personal stories.

Mariana built her journalism career first at Univision in Spanish, then crossed over to English at NBC News, where her boots-on-the-ground reporting on immigration, natural disasters, women’s rights, and cartel violence earned her a Peabody Award, a Gracie Award, three Emmy nominations, and the NAHJ Presidential Award. During her career she reported from the front lines of global events in places like Haiti, China, and the Syrian border. Her in-depth interviews span the spectrum – from world and business leaders to cultural icons.

Mariana is an entrepreneur with her own media company and created the hit podcast Startup Series: Latam to spotlight breakthrough entrepreneurs from the Global South.

Born and raised in Venezuela, she left her home country amid political unrest and came to the U.S. on a scholarship to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and serves on the board of the future Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino in Washington, D.C., a testament to her lifelong commitment to storytelling, representation, and community.

Nayeema Raza

Journalist & Filmmaker

Nayeema Raza is a journalist and filmmaker whose work has appeared in The New York Times, New York Magazine and the Tribeca Film Festival. She is the host of “Smart Girl Dumb Questions," a show trying to bring curiosity and questions back in a world where we are expected to know it all and have an opinion on it all. She is also a frequent guest host of "Open to Debate" on NPR and an adjunct professor at Columbia University. Nayeema was previously the on-air Executive Producer of “On with Kara Swisher” from Vox Media and the co-host of Semafor’s “Mixed Signals” podcast. Prior to that, she was a Senior Editor at The New Times where she ran the podcast “Sway,” worked as a videojournalist in Opinion Video, and wrote essays on modern culture. Nayeema came to journalism with a background in documentary filmmaking and international development. Her documentary credits include writing and producing "Sublime" (2019 Tribeca Selection) and executive producing the 10 episode series "That Animal Rescue Show" (2020 Telluride Selection). She spent the first five years of her career advising foreign governments in the Middle East, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa on economic reform. Nayeema is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a member of the Writers Guild of America, and sits on the Board of Advisors of Open to Debate and on the Young Patrons Leadership Committee of PEN America. She attended Georgetown University, earning her BSFS in international political economy. She completed her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2014 and her MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2014.

Rudra Mitra

Corporate VP, Purview for AI, Microsoft

Rudra Mitra is a Corporate Vice President (CVP) at Microsoft, leading the Purview for AI team. Rudra plays a key role in defining the vision and overseeing the implementation of services related to data security, compliance, and data governance. This suite of services empowers customers to derive maximum value from their data while minimizing potential data security, compliance, and privacy risks. In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, changing regulations, and growth of AI, solutions in the Purview suite play a pivotal role in fostering a safer and more productive environment.

Jordan Crenshaw

SVP, C_TEC, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Jordan Crenshaw is the senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), where he leads the day-to-day operations of the policy team. Crenshaw also manages the Chamber’s privacy working group, which is comprised of nearly 300 companies and trade associations and is responsible for developing model privacy legislation and principles. Prior to his role at C_TEC, Crenshaw led the Chamber’s Telecommunications and E-Commerce Policy Committee, which analyzed federal privacy, cloud computing, broadband, internet, e-commerce, and broadcast policies that impact U.S. businesses.

Before joining the Chamber, Crenshaw was an attorney focused on environmental issues and consumer privacy laws. Crenshaw worked at McGuireWoods, LLP assisting discovery issues for environmental nuisance, TCPA, and other civil litigation. Crenshaw also held roles in the Virginia Senate leadership, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Administrative Law Judges, and the National Right to Work Defense Foundation.

Crenshaw earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary. He is licensed to practice law in Virginia and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US). He and his wife, Molly, and their daughter, Charlotte, live in Virginia.

Krish Swamy

Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

Krish Swamy is Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Citizens Financial Group, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Krish is responsible for strengthening the data-driven decision making at Citizens, with a focus on data foundations, analytic talent and consumption platforms. Krish is also responsible furthering Citizens’ progress on new and transformative areas such as Generative AI and Machine Learning.

Prior to Citizens, Krish was the head of the Enterprise Analytics and Data Science group at Wells Fargo. As part of his role, Krish led the analytics and data science/ machine learning delivery and platform teams that were responsible for supporting transformation initiatives across strategic functions. Prior to Wells Fargo, Krish had a long analytics career at Capital One where he supported a broad range of functions covering marketing, pricing, credit risk and digital analytics.

Krish is based out of the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

Kurt Sweetser

Executive Director – AI, Data, Strategy, Governance, and Architecture Services, Southern California Edison (SCE)

Kurt Sweetser is director of Technology, Data and Strategic Services (TDSS) for Information Technology at Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. Kurt is responsible for developing and directing the company’s technology and data vision and implementing information technology strategies. Key functions include Enterprise Architecture, Digital (AI and Data) and Process Transformation, and Technology Business Management, which includes IT Strategic Planning, IT Performance Management, and the Program Management Office.

Kurt has held various leadership and management positions in Fortune 100 and startup companies throughout his 30-year career in Information Technology and Telecommunications. Prior to leading the TDSS team, he led the Digital and Process Transformation team, delivering the organization’s Data and Artificial Intelligence strategy, governance and solutions. His team’s work has been instrumental in driving efficiencies, automating processes, and providing transformative enterprise solutions.

Prior to DPT, Kurt served as SCE’s IT Director, Customer Service Re-Platforming Program (CSRP), successfully leading the technical solution replacing 180+ legacy solutions connected to 80+ third parties and 45+ edge solutions with SAP’s ISU and C4C solutions. He then served as the General Manager and Director of Edison Carrier Solutions (ECS), whose mission is to lead and deliver wholesale and retail telecommunication services to businesses, organizations, and carriers for scalable and secure networks throughout Southern California Edison’s service area. He was the technical lead for SCE’s original ERP transition, key leader in transitioning to enterprise managed services and implementing strategic portfolio relationships and structure between IT and SCE’s operating units.

Earlier in his career, Kurt spent nine years as VP and General Manager with International Network Services/Lucent Technologies leading 250+ consultants and sales team members and two years as VP of Global Strategic Alliances for a Digital Customer and Workforce Engagement utility solution.

Overall, Kurt has focused his career leading, building, solving and competing to deliver impactful business solutions.

Kurt holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering technology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Laura Hahn

Unit CIO & VP IT, Johnson Controls

Laura Hahn is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of data management, finance, technology, and marketing. As Vice President of IT for Americas, Global Commercial and Field Operations, and Marketing at Johnson Controls, Laura drives innovation and delivers impactful solutions to complex enterprise challenges. Known for fostering collaboration and empowering teams, she combines strategic vision with a hands-on approach to achieve meaningful results.

Throughout her career, Laura has developed a reputation for bridging the gap between technology and business, and tackling the biggest challenges companies face. With leadership roles at Johnson Controls and TD Ameritrade, she has spearheaded initiatives that have transformed data governance, enhanced marketing platforms, and optimized enterprise operations. Her ability to align people, processes, and technology has been a cornerstone of her success.

Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Economics, Management Information Systems, and Religion from Augsburg University, graduating with honors.

Lari Hämäläinen

Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

Lari is a senior partner in Seattle who is a leader in McKinsey Digital. In the past he has led McKinsey Digital in Northern Europe and Northeast Asia and served as managing partner for McKinsey’s Finland office.

Lari’s passion is to help companies build new businesses while renewing their existing business models. He comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has from a young age been involved in building technology businesses and helping organizations better adapt technology to their needs. Over the last 15 years at McKinsey Lari has helped numerous organizations build new services, channel models, and set up digital attackers. He has also been the Chief Transformation Officer at a major technology company supporting them in their renewal journey. Recently, Lari has also been a front-runner in driving artificial-intelligence- and analytics- related thinking and in advising companies on how to best utilize the technologies at scale.

Michele Cameron

Executive Director & Chief Customer Officer, Kia America, Inc.

Michele Cameron is the Executive Director of Customer Care with over 31 years at Kia America and 40 years working in the automotive industry in the legal, retail development, customer care and warranty groups. During her tenure, she has developed and implemented many systems and processes at Kia and is a proponent of the Golden Triangle of people, processes and technology as a proven strategy to achieve service excellence. Michele has been dedicated to transforming the customer experience and fostering operational excellence within the Customer Care team through technology innovation. In 2024, she spearheaded the implementation of several first of their kind Generative AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) use cases at Kia to improve response times and enhance the quality of customer interactions. These initiatives are designed to increase employee satisfaction as well as customer satisfaction while also delivering significant cost savings for the organization.

Rima Olinger

Managing Director, Consulting Partners (US), AWS

As the Managing Director (US), Consulting Partners for AWS, Rima Olinger oversees a broad portfolio including System Integrators, Global System Integrators, and Business Consulting Application Providers. In this critical leadership role, she heads an organization responsible for developing and expanding AWS' consulting partner ecosystem. Rima brings a wealth of experience to AWS. Prior to joining AWS, Rima held the role of Global Vice President of Distribution and Mid-Market for Avaya. There, she successfully optimized Avaya's global distribution strategy and laid the groundwork to transform the company into a software vendor. Recognized as one of the most influential women in the IT channel, Rima has made significant contributions and impact throughout her career. She previously led VMware's US solution provider organization for 8 years. During her tenure, she received accolades such as the prestigious EPIC2 award for excellence in Execution, Passion, Integrity, Customer service, and Community engagement. Earlier in her career, Rima gained valuable global experience holding various leadership and international positions with Sun Microsystems and Ingram Micro. She holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Management from the University of La Verne and a BA in Political Science and Public Administration from the American University of Beirut. An engaging speaker, Rima is regularly invited to present on technology leadership. She also remains an active contributor to community initiatives.

Steve Taw

Principal Operating Officer & SVP, Information Technology Group, Capital Group

Steve Taw is the Principal Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of ITG (Information Technology Group) at Capital Group, where he also serves on the IT Management Committee. He has over 30 years of industry experience, with more than 14 years at Capital Group. Prior to this, he held leadership roles at Countrywide Financial, Peoplelink, and Keane, spanning areas such as strategic planning, finance, internal audit, and IT.

Steve is also actively involved in community and professional development initiatives. He is the co-founder and co-president of the Orange County Chapter of Ascend, the largest Asian professional network in the U.S., and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Easton Technology Management Center at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA. Steve is based in Los Angeles, California.

Subba Kethu

Digital Transformation Leader and the Head of IT, Kia America, Inc.

Subba Kethu is a Digital Transformation Leader and the Head of IT at Kia America. In this role, Subba drives the company's overall vision for technology goals and innovation, providing CIO-level leadership and direction for all IT activities. Subba has made significant contributions by implementing a cloud-first strategy and driving digital transformation through the use of Artificial Intelligence and Automation solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, Subba has consistently demonstrated a track record of enhancing productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. Previously, Subba played an instrumental role in delivering technology solutions and transformations for large and medium-sized corporations in both the private and public sectors, across multiple industry verticals.

Richard Wiedenbeck

SVP & Chief AI Officer, Ameritas

Richard Wiedenbeck is the Senior Vice President and Chief AI Officer at Ameritas. He is responsible for driving higher levels of efficiency, productivity, and revenue through the use of Analytics, Insights, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and Experiences that matter. He is a member of the executive management team at Ameritas helping to build the company’s vision and strategy.

Prior to joining Ameritas, Richard led the insurance division for two global software firms, was a global financial service leader in a top 5 international consulting company, worked for major corporations such as TRW, Boeing, and RR Donnelley & Sons, as well as creating a start-up niche technology consulting company that he grew to $35 million in revenues before exiting.

Richard is an energetic executive with a track record of solid accomplishments in all aspects of business from strategy to operations. He excels at creating high-performing teams. He has been a frequent speaker on the future of IT, the future of work, and successful transformations. In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the Technology profession, Richard was inducted into the Global CIO Hall of Fame in 2020.

Todd L. Inlander

SVP & CIO, Southern California Edison (SCE)

Todd Inlander is senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO) for Southern California Edison (SCE), responsible for managing the company’s information technology infrastructure and applications.

He is responsible for a diverse portfolio of technology assets, including the company’s expansive fiber network, support for its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Systems, as well as the cybersecurity organization. Inlander is keenly focused on operational excellence, as he seeks to streamline the IT organization and leverage strategic partners to deliver cost-effective technology solutions.

Inlander and his team are focused on delivering a broad array of capabilities, from upgrading and enhancing grid technologies, delivering mobile solutions, enhancing the customer experience through an improved digital experience and increasing the company’s cybersecurity defenses.

Prior to joining SCE, Inlander was vice president and CIO for Edison Mission Group (EMG), at the time a subsidiary of Edison International. In this role, he had responsibility for managing and improving technology capabilities to support the trading, generation and enterprise business requirements.

Before joining EMG in 2008, Inlander served as CIO of the homebuilding subsidiary of Lennar Homes, responsible for delivering technology solutions to support the needs of homebuilding and land operations. He was also senior vice president and CIO for Fleetwood Enterprises, where he drove enterprise resource planning and customer- relationship management initiatives to standardize common applications.

Inlander began his career as an aerospace engineer working for the National

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

He earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Rutgers

University College of Engineering.

Jayesh Sanghrajka

EVP & Group CFO, Infosys

Jayesh Sanghrajka is the Executive Vice President & Group CFO of Infosys Ltd. With over 3 decades of experience in global finance and strategic leadership, Jayesh plays a pivotal role in long-term value creation; financial and operational excellence; and grooming the next set of leaders for Infosys. As the leader of the company’s global finance organization, he oversees areas like facilitating growth at good margins, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, treasury, tax, and risk management. Over the years, he has driven the finance team’s digital transformation journey towards functional excellence. Jayesh spearheads multiple cross-functional initiatives aimed at identifying new revenue growth opportunities or driving cost optimization.

A key architect of the company’s growth strategy, Jayesh is responsible for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), helping to create and sustain long-term competitive advantage for Infosys.

Jayesh also champions the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda, ensuring that ESG is at the heart of Infosys’ strategy to achieve profits with a purpose, while balancing sustainable growth; compliance with international standards; and stakeholder transparency.

Prior to Infosys, he worked in companies like Tishman-Speyer, Rediff.com, Mu Sigma, and KPMG, wherein he played a key role in driving various digital and financial transformations to help them be future-ready.

Jayesh earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce from Mumbai University, India. He is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, India. He also has a degree in cost accounting. Over the years, he has attended various Executive Global Leadership Development Programs at global universities like Stanford University (USA) and Harvard University (USA).

Inderpreet Sawhney

Chief Legal Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, Infosys

Inderpreet is the Group General Counsel and the Chief Compliance Officer of Infosys. In this role she leads the legal and compliance function for the Company. She is a strategic business partner ensuring success for Infosys in legal and regulatory matters, while spearheading its compliance and ethics program. Inderpreet also has additional responsibility for Privacy and Data Protection at Infosys.

Sumit Virmani

EVP & CMO, Infosys

Sumit heads marketing and communications at Infosys, with responsibility for realizing Infosys’ brand ambitions globally.

A transformative marketing leader, Sumit has, for over 25 years, shaped brand experiences and narratives across industries and geographies. He joined Infosys in 2004 and has since helped navigate Infosys into the league of the world’s Top 100 brands, and to evolve into the fastest growing IT services brand globally.

He champions the role of brand purpose, brand promise and brand performance as the foundational pillars that position the business for short-term growth and long-term market share gains. Sumit is also the Trustee at Infosys Foundation and serves on the Board of WongDoody – Infosys’ experience design company. Prior to joining Infosys, Sumit worked with Polaris Software and the Tata Group where he honed his skills in business development, brand strategy, marketing effectiveness and corporate communications. Forbes ranked Sumit among the top 50 most influential CMOs globally in 2023. CNBC Storyboard 18 recognized him as a global marketing visionary in 2024.

He serves on the steering committees of The Drum, International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and the Association of National Advertisers to help further the marketing agenda in boardrooms.

Anant Adya

EVP, Service Offering Head, CIS & Head - Americas Delivery, Infosys

Anant Adya is the Executive Vice President and Service Offering Head - Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services and Head – Americas Delivery. With a strong commitment to advancing cloud solutions, Anant leads a dynamic team dedicated to empowering customer journeys. Anant also oversees Infosys Cobalt, an innovative suite of solutions, platforms, and services to guide enterprises through AI-powered digital transformation. He focuses on revolutionizing industry-specific cloud solutions and pioneering cutting-edge applications for pivotal technologies, including cloud computing, AI, data analytics, edge computing, IoT, and 5G. Anant collaborates closely with enterprises to help them achieve their desired business outcomes.

Ashiss Kumar Dash

EVP & Global Head, SURE, Infosys

As the Global Head for a business portfolio that comprises over 12 industry verticals, Ashiss Kumar Dash (“Dash”) is helping navigate the digital future for leading Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises. A seasoned digital transformation leader with over 3 decades of experience, Dash is focused on driving transformation strategies and shaping the future of industries through the adoption of emerging technologies.

Drawing from over 30 years of diverse roles and responsibilities, Dash amalgamates his varied skills into straddling delivery, operational, and financial excellence for his industry group. In addition to driving revenue growth, he is also focused on institutionalizing innovation, AI-led re-imagination, and the future of work within his teams.

Dash believes the more varied a perspective, the broader one’s vision can be. He actively contributes to global conversations on energy transition and sustainable development through prestigious forums like the World Economic Forum and the UN’s Global Investors for Sustainable Development Alliance. He also represented Infosys at the B20 Summit 2023, the official G20 forum representing the global business community.

Dash serves on several Boards including Health Sigma, enabler of intelligent healthcare using AI; Simplus, an Infosys company providing Salesforce quote-to-cash solutions; BlueAcorniCi, an Infosys company leading digital experience design that empowers global brands; and Infosys Public Services, a subsidiary of Infosys that provides next-generation digital services and consulting to public sector organizations in North America. Dash is also a Trustee of Infosys Foundation USA, a foundation with a mission to expand access to computer science and maker education for K-12 students and educators across the USA, while working to digitally upskill communities.

Dash is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India. He has also completed the Global Leadership Program from Stanford University.

An avid reader, Dash is based in Los Angeles. He enjoys running, swimming, and practicing mindfulness.

David Wilson

EVP, Partner Ecosystem & Head of Global Alliances, Infosys

David Wilson is the Senior Vice President Infosys Partner Ecosystem and Head of Global Alliances. In this role David is responsible for all aspects of the Infosys partner ecosystem, including extending current alliances, designing new partnership models, developing new channel business lines and the corporate global business partner management system. Partnerships have long been a critical component of the Infosys core business and are rapidly increasing in importance with the shift to Digital.

Prior to joining Infosys, David was the Vice President, IBM Business Partner and Cloud Ecosystem. In this role David lead IBM’s global software business partner channel and the IBM Computer Services Industry mission. This included all "sell to", "sell through" and "sell with" software channel business across IBM’s global network of resellers, distributors, ISVs / MSPs and the next generation partner ecosystem. The business bridged from traditional transactional revenue to consumption-based revenue across IBM's entire SaaS, PaaS and IaaS offerings. David joined IBM as part of the acquisition of Toronto based Footprint Software and relocated to the United States in 2004 where he worked from IBM's corporate offices in Armonk New York. Prior to Footprint, David held senior leadership roles at Corepoint Technologies and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

David is a graduate of the University of Toronto and resides in Connecticut with his wife and two daughters.

Dennis Gada

EVP & Global Head, Banking & FS, Infosys

Dennis Gada is the Global Head of Banking & Financial Services and part of the Executive Committee at Infosys. Dennis serves on the Boards of EdgeVerve Systems Limited, a products and platform subsidiary, and Infosys Compaz Pte. Ltd (iCompaz), a joint venture with Temasek Holdings. Overseeing the company’s largest business unit, Dennis leads a high-performing global team and is responsible for defining strategy, driving growth and innovation, ensuring operational excellence, and managing all commercial and financial aspects of the global financial services business. Dennis has over 25 years of international experience across APAC, Europe, the US, and continues to travel extensively while currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A recognized authority in financial services transformation, Dennis has deep domain knowledge across Consumer and Commercial Banking, Wealth and Asset Management, Investment Banking, Custody Services, Cards and Payments, and Market Infrastructure. Dennis is known for helping global financial institutions to accelerate digital transformation and achieve quantifiable business value — particularly through the strategic application of AI, cloud technologies, and data-driven innovation in both technology and operations.

Dennis is a frequent speaker at global forums including the World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, and Sibos, and is regularly featured in leading publications such as American Banker and Global Finance. Mr. Gada also contributes to the community as a member of the Board of Trustees at the Discovery Place Museum, a nonprofit organization and hub for education and exploration in the Carolinas.

Prior to Infosys, Dennis worked at Accenture and PwC. He is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and an alumnus of Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai University.

Kapil Nanchalal

VP, SURE, Infosys

Kapil Nanchahal is a Vice President at Infosys, where he leads the Natural Resources and Materials industry sector across the Americas. With over 25 years of global experience, Kapil is a trusted advisor to Fortune 1000 CXOs, helping shape digital strategy, enterprise technology roadmaps, and large-scale business transformations.

He serves on the steering committees of multiple global transformation programs, guiding high-performing teams of client service and technology professionals as they help organizations navigate the next phase of their digital journey.

A recognized industry observer and change agent, Kapil represents Infosys at premier global forums in the Energy and Resources sectors. He regularly publishes insights on how mega trends like AI, Energy Transition and digital adoption are reshaping supply chains and operational models.

Kapil is also a passionate advocate for Diversity and Inclusion, serving as a sponsor for a business segment at Infosys. As a member of the executive council, he contributes to the Infosys Sales Advisory Board and leads strategic workgroups focused on AI, automation, and cloud adoption within the sector.

Mayank Agarwal

VP, Cybersecurity, Infosys

Mayank Agarwal is Vice President at Infosys, leading the Cybersecurity practice across the Americas. With over two decades at Infosys, Mayank has driven strategic growth across Cloud, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity, holding leadership roles in marketing, sales, solutions, and strategy. He is known for his expertise in secure digital transformation, helping CISO communicating with Senior executives and Board, operational cyber resilience, and OT security. Prior to Infosys, he contributed to IT transformation initiatives at PwC and Genpact. Recognized among the global Top 50 Cybersecurity Consulting Professionals, Mayank holds an engineering degree, an MBA, and executive certifications from the Sloan School and Tuck School of Management.

Rakesh Gollapalli

SVP, Automotive, Aerospace, & Defense, Infosys

Rakesh Gollapalli is the Senior Vice President of Automotive, Aerospace and Defense at Infosys. He is an industry leader with 25+ years of enabling digital transformation for our clients, leveraging emerging technologies. He is responsible for working with our automotive, aerospace and manufacturing clients and collaborating with them as they embark on introducing new business models and products.

Senthil Velumani

VP, Insurance, Infosys

Senthil Velumani is the Vice President - Infosys Global Insurance Unit. Senthil has over 25 years of experience in IT industry, with deep domain experience in Life Insurance, Retirements and Healthcare. In his current role, Senthil oversees strategic Insurance client relationships in North America. He is passionate about helping clients achieve their business outcomes through digital transformation, innovation and thoughtful adoption AI.

Eva Saha

Master of Ceremonies

Eva Saha is a professional host, emcee and moderator. She is best known for having worked as a TV personality on the Emmy Award winning entertainment show ‘190 North’ on Chicago’s ABC7. Her natural, warm and commanding presence – both on and off-camera – has also made her the host of choice for a variety of in-person and virtual-event clients, from Fortune 500 companies to associations and nonprofit organizations. Eva is known to bring out the best in people. She has interviewed the likes of political consultants James Carville and Mary Matalin; professional athletes Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Venus Williams, Eli Manning and John Cena; award-winning actors Tom Hanks, Viola Davis and Michael J. Fox; author and activist Glennon Doyle, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. Eva’s ability to relate to all personalities and people of different backgrounds and cultures enables her to effectively interview and moderate discussions among Fortune 500 CEOs and customers of those companies alike.

A formerly practicing accountant for an international energy company and corporate attorney for a world-renowned firm, Eva brings focus, dedication and depth to the job. Eva is an active volunteer and advocate for a plethora of causes, working to advance literacy and improve the welfare of disadvantaged women, children and victims of abuse and human trafficking. When she’s not working, you’ll find Eva laughing, playing and traveling with her favorite people on earth (her husband and two daughters), sampling the culinary treasures of Chicago or lounging on her couch reading a good book, watching a crime drama or cheering on (sometimes screaming at) the University of Michigan football team.