Senior leader at a €4B multinational, heading an IT team of 40+ focused on Salesforce. Experienced speaker at Dreamforce, World Tour, and Dreamin conferences. Member of the Salesforce Customer Advisory Board (Platform) and founder of a private Manufacturing Business Group for industry decision makers. Trailblazer Group leader since 2019.

Senior leader at a €4B multinational, heading an IT team of 40+ focused on Salesforce. Experienced speaker at Dreamforce, World Tour, and Dreamin conferences. Member of the Salesforce Customer Advisory Board (Platform) and founder of a private Manufa... Show more

Brian is the Director of Architecture, leading a passionate team advancing the future of DevSecOps with Chef's Ruby-based tools and the cloud-native Chef360 platform. As a seasoned technology leader, he has held roles as CTO and VP of Engineering and played a key part in launching .NET and Azure during a distinguished 16-year career at Microsoft. Through Princeton Digital Advisors, Brian offers strategic technical and agile consulting to executives, helping them design next-generation platforms and digital products.

With a proven track record of delivering over a dozen digital cloud solutions for organizations ranging from Fortune 50 enterprises to startups across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, education, and high-tech, Brian brings unparalleled expertise and vision to every initiative. He holds degrees from Princeton University and California State University, actively advises professional software architecture groups, and is a proud former U.S. Air Force officer.

Brian is the Director of Architecture, leading a passionate team advancing the future of DevSecOps with Chef's Ruby-based tools and the cloud-native Chef360 platform. As a seasoned technology leader, he has held roles as CTO and VP of Engineering and... Show more

I am a freelance product manager and fractional CPO, helping IoT ventures build software augmented products competitors can’t copy and customers won’t leave.

At TheRoad, I provide Product Management as a Service – bridging strategy, design, engineering, and go-to-market execution for connected devices and smart products.

With 30+ years of experience in industrial design, hardware–software integration, and product strategy, I work with startups, scale-ups, and traditional manufacturers transforming their products into smart platforms.
My focus: turning physical goods into digital businesses – where hardware, software, and services create recurring value, loyalty, and defensibility.

Core areas of work:
• Product Strategy & Definition for Smart / IoT Products
• Fractional CPO / Interim Product Leadership
• Product as a Service (PaaS) Model Design
• Roadmapping, Portfolio Prioritization & Execution Support
• Research-driven Positioning and Competitive Strategy

I also author Smart Tangibles (coming 2026), a forthcoming book on how connected hardware ventures can blend technology, design, and business model innovation to create sustainable advantage.

If you’re building a connected or smart product – or rethinking your product’s strategy – let’s talk.

🔗 theroadtlv.com
#ProductManagement #SmartTangibles #IoT #Hardware #ProductStrategy

I am a freelance product manager and fractional CPO, helping IoT ventures build software augmented products competitors can’t copy and customers won’t leave. At TheRoad, I provide Product Management as a Service – bridging strategy, design, engine... Show more

With over 20 years of experience in industrial technology, Miranda Alldritt helps business leaders navigate the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. As Founder and CEO of Cypress Falls Consulting, she specializes in bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI tools and the operational realities of industrial businesses.
Miranda combines a deep understanding of technology with senior executive experience giving her a unique ability to make complex technical topics accessible for a broad audience.
Her work combines strategic insight with hands-on implementation with a current focus on helping mid-sized construction, manufacturing and logistics operations achieve measurable gains in labor optimization, workflow automation, and decision-making accuracy.

With over 20 years of experience in industrial technology, Miranda Alldritt helps business leaders navigate the fast-changing world of artificial intelligence. As Founder and CEO of Cypress Falls Consulting, she specializes in bridging the gap betwee... Show more

Senior Engineer at Merino with extensive experience in product design and development, specializing in metal and furniture solutions. Proven expertise in creating innovative, functional, and sustainable designs aligned with client needs and industry standards. Skilled in team building, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring, with a strong focus on driving efficiency and quality in projects. Adept at translating concepts into practical designs, optimizing manufacturing processes, and delivering value-driven solutions for large-scale projects.

Senior Engineer at Merino with extensive experience in product design and development, specializing in metal and furniture solutions. Proven expertise in creating innovative, functional, and sustainable designs aligned with client needs and industry ... Show more

I have a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science and have over 15 years of IT experience in software engineering and ERP. I have worked extensively in the manufacturing industry (automotive, aerospace, hydraulics, etc.) with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). I have technical expertise in software development, IT production support, software optimization, customization, enhancements, and process automation. I have worked for various US businesses like Eaton Corporation, ALCOA Inc., Autocar LLC. and Assa Abloy. I have helped them fix their production issues, cut down on manual work, and develop automation solutions to save time and money. I have published 2 research papers related to ERP, Manufacturing, and Machine Learning. I have volunteered as a judge in multiple Hackathons and Competitions like Technovation Girls, CodePi Innovation Challenge, Hack JPS, Summer Open, ASA Project Competition.

I have a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science and have over 15 years of IT experience in software engineering and ERP. I have worked extensively in the manufacturing industry (automotive, aerospace, hydraulics, etc.) with Enterprise Res... Show more

Aki Asahara, Ph.D., is an AI systems performance engineer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Fixstars. With a doctorate in astrophysics and more than 15 years of hands-on engineering and project management experience, he specializes in GPU performance engineering for large-scale AI training and inference workloads. His work spans autonomous driving, finance, healthcare, and industrial AI applications, with expertise in distributed training, mixed-precision optimization, and cluster-level observability on NVIDIA H100/H200/B200 architectures.

Aki serves as a Session Chair and Speaker at HPC Asia 2026 and has delivered invited talks at multiple GenAI-focused conferences in Japan. He also represents Fixstars as an exhibitor at the Supercomputing Conference (SC). He contributes to publications in AI systems performance engineering and leads industry projects that significantly improve throughput and cost efficiency.

Aki Asahara, Ph.D., is an AI systems performance engineer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Fixstars. With a doctorate in astrophysics and more than 15 years of hands-on engineering and project management experience, he specializes in GPU performanc... Show more

Faical Yannick P. Congo holds a PhD in Cloud Computing and Data Systems and developed a strong research background in collaboration with NIST and Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), focusing on cloud architectures, data platforms, and standardization-driven approaches.

He has led and contributed to large-scale cloud, data, and AI initiatives within major international organizations including OCP Nutricrops, Sodexo, and Alain Afflelou, working in regulated, multi-region, and business-critical environments.

In parallel, Faical has built entrepreneurial ventures in the United States, France, and Africa, delivering AI and digital solutions across multiple industries, from agriculture and services to retail and industrial sectors. His work consistently emphasizes vendor-agnostic architectures, open technologies, and long-term platform autonomy.

His current focus lies at the intersection of Private AI, cloud-native platforms, Kubernetes, and DevSecOps standards, with a particular emphasis on compute-driven AI standardization (CPU/GPU), agent-based architectures, and sovereign AI operating models.

Faical Yannick P. Congo holds a PhD in Cloud Computing and Data Systems and developed a strong research background in collaboration with NIST and Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), focusing on cloud architectures, data platforms, and standardization... Show more

Oleksandr Khimiak is a practitioner and advisor in manufacturing operations and industrial data.
He works hands-on with factories and equipment manufacturers to help them move from basic monitoring to actionable operational intelligence.

He is the founder of Factory Cortex — a pragmatic framework that combines machine signals, simple analytics, and human knowledge to expose hidden losses such as micro-stops and throughput instability, and to build intelligence iteratively rather than through large, high-risk transformations.

Founder, The Advisource AB.

Oleksandr Khimiak is a practitioner and advisor in manufacturing operations and industrial data. He works hands-on with factories and equipment manufacturers to help them move from basic monitoring to actionable operational intelligence. He is th... Show more

Bent Krause is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. He has over 7 years of experience in DevOps engineering and solutions architecture.
He works with customers in the manufacturing industry and supports them on their journey to digital innovation.
Prior to joining AWS, Bent focused on building container platforms that abstract complexity for developers and optimize their processes.

Bent Krause is a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services. He has over 7 years of experience in DevOps engineering and solutions architecture. He works with customers in the manufacturing industry and supports them on their journey to digital inno... Show more

Cecil Wöbker is Co-Founder & CTO at remberg, a Munich-based company building an AI-first platform for industrial asset management. He studied Computer Science at TU Munich and Technology Management at CDTM. Cecil leads remberg's technological development, helping industrial companies digitize maintenance and service processes through cloud-based solutions and AI copilots.

Cecil Wöbker is Co-Founder & CTO at remberg, a Munich-based company building an AI-first platform for industrial asset management. He studied Computer Science at TU Munich and Technology Management at CDTM. Cecil leads remberg's technological develop... Show more

James brings to you over 35 years of experience in the coatings industry, primarily in General Industrial, Marine Coatings, Protective Coatings and Linings for Water and Waste Treatment Facilities. He is active in AWWA, and he has been a member for over 25 Years. He is AMPP Certified as a Senior Coatings Inspector (#8970), and a SSPC Certified Concrete Coating Inspector (#29820). Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, loves fishing, and hanging out with his two dogs.

James brings to you over 35 years of experience in the coatings industry, primarily in General Industrial, Marine Coatings, Protective Coatings and Linings for Water and Waste Treatment Facilities. He is active in AWWA, and he has been a member for ... Show more

From Physics to People

Forget the stereotype of the physicist in corduroys; I thrive on working with people. Physics taught me systems thinking, and humans are the most complex systems of all.

Fifteen years ago in Japan, my mentor taught me the concept of "Paying Forward"—passing value to the next person rather than paying it back. After a career spanning global leadership roles, deep dives into Agile and Lean, and managing the transformation of 30+ production sites, it is time to pay it forward.

I see a disconnect: firms stuck in Agile/Lean transformations because production lacks flexibility, or efficient factories slowed down by sluggish R&D. Above all, I see leaders struggling with growing complexity.

My expertise sits in the "magic triangle" of Agile, Lean, and Leadership. Trusted by industry leaders like SBB or SAP, I help leaders and organizations navigate their specific growth journeys.

Offline: I’m a tennis club chairman, athlete, Heavy Metal enthusiast, father and reader of epic fantasy.

From Physics to People Forget the stereotype of the physicist in corduroys; I thrive on working with people. Physics taught me systems thinking, and humans are the most complex systems of all. Fifteen years ago in Japan, my mentor taught me the... Show more

I’m Anastasia Leutloff, a deep tech innovation leader with a background in mechanical engineering, systems engineering and an MBA. I work at the intersection of R&D, sales and strategy, leading complex industrial projects and turning technical ideas into real impact.
As co-founder of Deep Tech Collective and an active mentor, I advocate for more diverse voices in deep tech and support women in claiming their space in leadership, especially in traditionally male-dominated environments. Through speaking, mentoring and community building, I want to help make tech more inclusive, visible and human.

I’m Anastasia Leutloff, a deep tech innovation leader with a background in mechanical engineering, systems engineering and an MBA. I work at the intersection of R&D, sales and strategy, leading complex industrial projects and turning technical ideas ... Show more

Christopher Walcutt is a former network architect with 25 years of experience in security, risk, and compliance leadership. His expertise is predominantly in the energy, utility, smart grid, and manufacturing sectors, specializing in industrial controls architecture, management consulting, and breach and incident handling. He has provided services to a wide variety of enterprise clients, including some of the world’s largest energy, engineering, manufacturing, and water companies, and has advised CISO’s offices and Boards of Directors globally.

Chris served in leadership roles at Constellation Energy, SunGard, and Black & Veatch, where he was responsible for cybersecurity and management consulting for NERC CIP, NRC, smart grid, and NIST compliance.

Christopher Walcutt is a former network architect with 25 years of experience in security, risk, and compliance leadership. His expertise is predominantly in the energy, utility, smart grid, and manufacturing sectors, specializing in industrial contr... Show more

Allie G. is a recognized thought leader in portfolio management, currently serving as the Enterprise Portfolio Management Service Leader at Dow, a Fortune 500 materials science company. With extensive experience in leading enterprise portfolio management, Allie understands that strong portfolio management requires a blend of leadership, business acumen, and technical skills, all built on a solid foundation of project and program management.
Allie believes that a robust management system is essential for facilitating effective portfolio management and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and key results. As a passionate speaker, Allie shares best practices in program and portfolio management, offering practical insights on implementing management systems and helping organizations adopt a strong prioritization framework.

Other areas of focus include:
▪ Business model, product, and value proposition design. (Strategyzer)
▪ Portfolio management, digital transformation strategy, and product roadmap development. (PMI)
▪ Partnership with executive level stakeholders to drive vision and change. (ADKAR)
▪ Management of global, cross- functional programs and projects with high levels of complexity and dependencies across business areas. (Agile/Scrum, Waterfall/SDLC)
▪ Customer experience design and business process improvement. (Lean, Journey Mapping, Design Thinking)
▪ Partnership with subject matter experts to drive new processes, products, and software implementations. (Requirements Elicitation, Rapid Prototyping)

Allie G. is a recognized thought leader in portfolio management, currently serving as the Enterprise Portfolio Management Service Leader at Dow, a Fortune 500 materials science company. With extensive experience in leading enterprise portfolio manage... Show more

30+ years of ERP implementations. JDEdwards, Oracle, Baan, and the last 20 year Dynamics AX (2.5. 3.0, 4.0, 2009, 2012, 2012 R3, D365 F&O).
With more that 40 full cycle ERP Implementations successfully implemented.
Jason has a vast background of project experience as well successful track record for business improvements which comes from his background as an Industry Expert in Wholesale Distribution, Retail and Manufacturing.

30+ years of ERP implementations. JDEdwards, Oracle, Baan, and the last 20 year Dynamics AX (2.5. 3.0, 4.0, 2009, 2012, 2012 R3, D365 F&O). With more that 40 full cycle ERP Implementations successfully implemented. Jason has a vast background of... Show more

I am an IT professional specializing in the Life Science and Industrial Manufacturing industry. Over my 20-year career at IBM, I have developed a blend of industry experience, a comprehensive understanding of AI and Analytics, and strategic solutioning skills. My journey is marked by achievements that reflect my role in IT solutioning functions, and I have been honored with awards like IBM's 'Client and Partner Success Award – 2023' and 'Growth Award -2023'. My work has impacted large pharmaceutical companies and industrial manufacturing industries, particularly in the United States. I have been part of efforts to provide IT solutions against counterfeit drugs and implement AI/ML-powered predictive demand and automated replenishment capabilities. Through AI-driven technologies, I have contributed to solutions that enhance cybersecurity and guarantee the authenticity and safety of medications worldwide. My professional experience has taken me to various parts of the world, including the USA, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Australia. This multicultural experience has given me insights into global organizational challenges, reinforcing my commitment to addressing critical issues.

I am an IT professional specializing in the Life Science and Industrial Manufacturing industry. Over my 20-year career at IBM, I have developed a blend of industry experience, a comprehensive understanding of AI and Analytics, and strategic solutioni... Show more

Product security engineer with over six and a half years of experience working in cybersecurity, solving problems in Manufacturing and Banking sector applications. His background includes secure coding, automation, pentesting, vulnerability assessment, cryptography, and privacy. Active in research and open-source projects where the focus is on building applications with zero trust, higher maturity of resiliency, and compliance.

Product security engineer with over six and a half years of experience working in cybersecurity, solving problems in Manufacturing and Banking sector applications. His background includes secure coding, automation, pentesting, vulnerability assessmen... Show more

Nahush Rao is a seasoned People’s Manager and Solution Architect with over 16 years of global experience driving digital transformation, enterprise-scale SAP implementations, and cross-functional leadership across diverse industries including manufacturing, life sciences, energy, consumer goods, and technology services.
Currently serving as Leader, PMO & Functional Integration Architect at First Quality Enterprises, Nahush spearheads SAP S/4HANA transformation initiatives, leading end-to-end project lifecycles and enabling Industry 4.0 innovations such as predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and process automation.
Previously, at Deloitte Consulting, Nahush partnered with marquee clients such as 3M HealthCare (Solventum), Westrock, Google, and Disney, delivering complex SAP-driven transformations and integrations. His contributions included implementing SAP DRC e-invoicing in Europe, managing large-scale data migrations with BODS, leading OTC/ITO functional integration, and designing innovative solutions like SAP Fiori apps and SAP Event Mesh. He also played a pivotal role in pre-sales activities, helping Deloitte secure $12M in new consulting engagements.
Earlier in his career, Nahush held senior roles at Capgemini, Colgate, Ostindo International, Bristlecone, and Connex Metals, where he built a strong foundation in SAP ABAP development, techno-functional leadership, and data integration. His expertise spans SAP modules including OTC, ACM, FICO, MM, SD, PM, PP, RAR, and EWM, alongside deep technical knowledge of BODS, IDOCs, APIs, ODATA, Fiori, and BRF+.
A results-driven leader, Nahush is recognized for his ability to influence decision-making, drive change management, mentor teams, and align technical solutions with business goals. His work consistently delivers operational excellence, scalability, and measurable business value for Fortune 500 clients.
Nahush holds a Bachelor’s in Information Technology Engineering from the University of Mumbai and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Operations Management) from Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning.

Nahush Rao is a seasoned People’s Manager and Solution Architect with over 16 years of global experience driving digital transformation, enterprise-scale SAP implementations, and cross-functional leadership across diverse industries including manufac... Show more

Saloni Agrawal is a Staff Engineer at Lucid Motors, specializing in industrialization, supplier development, and advanced polymers for electric vehicle battery systems. With a background in Plastics Engineering and an MBA in progress, she focuses on sustainable manufacturing, supply chain strategy, and high-performance materials for clean mobility. She is also an active contributor and mentor in professional societies, championing diversity and innovation in engineering.

Saloni Agrawal is a Staff Engineer at Lucid Motors, specializing in industrialization, supplier development, and advanced polymers for electric vehicle battery systems. With a background in Plastics Engineering and an MBA in progress, she focuses on ... Show more

Mehmet Ziya Özbayrak is the founder of IBA Consultancy, a firm specializing in digital transformation, process optimization, and technology consulting. With extensive expertise in Microsoft Power Platform, he helps organizations streamline operations through automation, custom application development, and data-driven decision-making.

Before establishing IBA Consultancy, Mehmet played a pivotal role at Coşkunöz Holding, where he led the successful adoption of Microsoft Power Platform, making it Turkey’s first Customer Success Story in this domain. His career spans various leadership roles in manufacturing, lean production, and digital transformation, where he implemented smart factory solutions, ERP integrations, and operational excellence strategies.

Driven by innovation and efficiency, Mehmet continues to empower businesses with cutting-edge digital solutions, enabling them to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Mehmet Ziya Özbayrak is the founder of IBA Consultancy, a firm specializing in digital transformation, process optimization, and technology consulting. With extensive expertise in Microsoft Power Platform, he helps organizations streamline operations... Show more

Kyle Vandermolen has built a long, steady career as a chemical engineer with more than 18 years of experience in industrial safety, hazardous materials management, and chemical spill control. His work reflects a practical understanding of high-risk environments and the responsibility that comes with operating within them. He has served in both technical and leadership roles, allowing him to balance engineering discipline with real-world operational demands. His professional path demonstrates consistency, patience, and a strong commitment to structured safety practices.

Kyle is particularly experienced in the safe use and handling of hydrogen fluoride, a chemical that requires strict controls and careful planning. Over the years, he has contributed to improving procedures related to storage, transportation, emergency response, and workforce training. His involvement in collaborative safety discussions and panel work demonstrates a commitment to shared responsibility rather than personal visibility. He approaches chemical safety with humility, understanding that prevention relies on preparation, repetition, and clear communication across all levels of an organization.

Mr. Vandermolen completed his formal education with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, graduating in 2004. During his academic years, he remained active beyond the classroom, participating in student governance, service-based organizations, and campus activities that emphasized accountability and teamwork. These experiences helped shape his leadership style and reinforced the importance of fairness and ethical behavior. His continued connection to a professional fraternity reflects values formed early in life that continue to influence his professional conduct.

Kyle Vandermolen began his career in demanding industrial settings where he served as a frontline supervisor managing unionized personnel. In these roles, he learned the importance of trust, consistency, and respect for workers performing complex and hazardous tasks. His ability to balance operational efficiency with safety expectations led to expanded responsibilities, including departmental oversight and coordination of multiple shifts. These early experiences laid the foundation for his later leadership roles and strengthened his understanding of workforce dynamics.

Kyle later transitioned into management positions focused on process safety and risk management within extensive industrial facilities. He oversaw formal safety programs, isolation and reintroduction procedures, and coordinated responses to outages and chemical incidents. His work required attention to detail, clear documentation, and strong planning skills. He consistently emphasized training and preparedness, believing that well-informed teams are better equipped to respond effectively and safely under pressure.

Mr. Vandermolen expanded his professional scope through engineering and project management roles in the specialty chemical manufacturing industry. He contributed to facility upgrades, new production line installations, and expansion projects that required coordination across multiple disciplines. His responsibilities included balancing technical requirements with practical execution while maintaining safety standards. These projects reinforced his belief that thoughtful design and careful planning reduce downtime and support long-term operational reliability.

Kyle Vandermolen also held roles in operations management, logistics, and production engineering, where efficiency and safety must work together. He focused on reducing operational delays, improving process flow, and supporting teams through clear expectations and measurable objectives. His involvement in capital projects and process improvements aimed to strengthen system performance without unnecessary complexity. Across these positions, he remained grounded in the idea that people and processes must function together to achieve sustainable results.

Kyle places substantial value on life outside of work, prioritizing family, faith, and personal well-being. He enjoys outdoor activities such as advanced scuba diving, which require careful planning and respect for safety principles. He also enjoys cooking, where structured methods and attention to detail reflect his engineering mindset. Above all, he values time with his family, believing that a balanced life provides purpose, perspective, and long-term fulfillment.

Kyle Vandermolen has built a long, steady career as a chemical engineer with more than 18 years of experience in industrial safety, hazardous materials management, and chemical spill control. His work reflects a practical understanding of high-risk e... Show more

Con oltre 15 anni di esperienza nel business management e un background tecnico in elettrotecnica, io sono Iryna Kozar e ho trasformato la mia passione per l'innovazione in una missione: rivoluzionare il modo in cui le aziende apprendono e crescono.
Certificata ICF con Executive MBA e formazione in Data Science, sono anche mediatore civile e commerciale iscritto al Ministero della Giustizia. Sono la fondatrice di Auromed, dove combino metodologie Agile con neuroscienze e coaching per creare esperienze formative che generano risultati misurabili.
La mia metodologia innovativa - trasforma team tecnici in squadre ad alte prestazioni attraverso un approccio scientifico che parla il linguaggio degli ingegneri e dei professionisti IT.
Da commercial director a mental coach, porto sul palco una prospettiva unica: quella di chi ha vissuto le sfide del mondo industriale dall'interno e ha sviluppato soluzioni concrete per superarle.
"L'agilità non è solo una metodologia, è una mentalità che trasforma le persone e le organizzazioni"
Oggi condivido la mia expertise con aziende dei settori industriale, lighting ed elettrico, dimostrando che l'evoluzione umana e quella tecnologica possono procedere di pari passo.

Con oltre 15 anni di esperienza nel business management e un background tecnico in elettrotecnica, io sono Iryna Kozar e ho trasformato la mia passione per l'innovazione in una missione: rivoluzionare il modo in cui le aziende apprendono e crescono. ... Show more

Ankit Srivastava is a technology leader and innovator in the field of manufacturing technology and industrial AI/ML, recognized for his contributions to advancing smart factory solutions and supply chain resilience. As the first employee and current Product Director at iThena.ai, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and scaling its product offerings to serve global manufacturing clients.

Ankit’s leadership has been instrumental in developing platforms that integrate artificial intelligence, industrial IoT, and advanced analytics to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance decision-making across factories and enterprises. His work has directly impacted Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, positioning iThena.ai as a trusted partner in the digital transformation of manufacturing.

In recognition of his professional excellence, Ankit was named the 2025 Stevie Award Winner for Employee of the Year in Manufacturing Technology, one of the most prestigious international business honors. He has also served as a judge for both the Stevie Awards and the Claro Awards, reflecting his standing as a respected authority in evaluating innovation and leadership globally.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Ankit is an IEEE Senior Member, a distinction that recognizes his professional contributions and expertise in advancing technology for humanity. He is also active in mentoring and thought leadership, sharing insights on digital transformation, AI adoption, and industrial innovation.

Ankit continues to build on his track record of success by driving the development of transformative technologies at the intersection of manufacturing, data science, and AI, with the mission of making factories smarter, more sustainable, and more resilient.

Ankit Srivastava is a technology leader and innovator in the field of manufacturing technology and industrial AI/ML, recognized for his contributions to advancing smart factory solutions and supply chain resilience. As the first employee and current ... Show more

Omar Abdelhadi is an OT Cyber Security Manager in the Cybersecurity Advisory practice of PwC ETIC (PwC Egypt Technology and Innovation Centre) in Cairo. He has 12+ years of Cybersecurity consulting and implementation experience – mainly in Manufacturing, Chemicals, Energy and Oil & Gas industries, serving across the UK and DACH regions.

In Omar's role as a Manager for Technical OT Cyber Security at PwC, his work has involved leading large OT security transformation programs, defining OT security architectures, and conducting attack vector analysis for multiple sectors.

One of his most significant experiences was serving as a global OT Cyber Security role for Henkel, one of the largest German multinational chemical manufacturing and consumer goods companies headquartered in Düsseldorf. In this role, he drove and steered the journey of standardization on IT/OT networking and security globally. Additionally, he managed a future-proof technology roadmap, proposed and developed new secure OT solutions based on business strategy and appropriate standards, and oversaw threat detection and response systems for remediating risks and threats in the OT domain.

His main capabilities include acting as a security ambassador for business and vendors, encompassing planning, design, implementation, and architecture strategy. He evaluates IT/OT components and systems for risks and ensures adherence to appropriate standards while delivering secure IT/OT solutions.

Omar is an active member of the UK ICS COI (Industrial Cybersecurity Community of Interest), contributing to professional knowledge-sharing and initiatives aimed at advancing industrial cybersecurity practices in the UK.

Omar Abdelhadi is an OT Cyber Security Manager in the Cybersecurity Advisory practice of PwC ETIC (PwC Egypt Technology and Innovation Centre) in Cairo. He has 12+ years of Cybersecurity consulting and implementation experience – mainly in Manufactur... Show more

Ben Gould – Designing at the Edge of Innovation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Bringing Ideas to Life

With over 15 years of experience as a senior industrial designer, Ben Gould has shaped the future of products across virtually every category—consumer packaged goods, toys, housewares, fashion, eVTOL, and beyond. Currently designing for Kickr Design, Ben is known not only for his deep technical mastery in CAD, prototyping, and 3D visualization, but for his rare talent: giving bold ideas form and soul through storytelling, sketching, and user-centered thinking.

Ben’s talk offers an unvarnished look at what it truly takes to get a product to market—from early napkin sketch to factory floor. Drawing on high-stakes experiences from both startups and global brands, he shares the trials, breakthroughs, and hidden lessons of industrial design in a competitive, fast-moving world.

Whether leading the development of award-winning STEM toys like Smart Circuits—used by thousands of families to teach electronics—or managing cross-functional teams to deliver durable, joyful, and market-ready products, Ben balances creativity with strategy, heart with rigor.

A passionate advocate for meaningful play and value-driven design, Ben also brings a personal lens to his work as a parent and toy expert. He believes every object has a story to tell—and that good design helps people discover it.

Ideal for audiences interested in design for manufacturing, product innovation, the toy industry, or the intersection of design and storytelling, Ben’s presentations inspire both aspiring designers and seasoned professionals to reimagine what’s possible.

Topics Include:

Designing for Manufacturing: From Sketch to Shelf

Creating Toys That Teach: Lessons from the STEM Aisle

Brainstorm Better: Techniques for Facilitating Ideation with Your Team

The Generalist: Learning the Skills to Become Recession-Proof

The Future of Industrial Design: Craft, Tech & Connection

Contact: ben.gould@brightblot.com
Keywords: #CPG #toys #industrialdesign #humancentereddesign #3Ddesign #solidworks

Ben Gould – Designing at the Edge of Innovation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Bringing Ideas to Life With over 15 years of experience as a senior industrial designer, Ben Gould has shaped the future of products across virtually every category—consu... Show more

MSc Industrial Engineer specialized in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence.
Extensive experience in data modelling, data management and data modernization.
Previous experience in Formula 1 as Control Systems / Digital Twin Specialist.
15+ years experience in Automotive, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Insurance, Banking and Consulting services.
Fernando is based in Cognizant UK, London

MSc Industrial Engineer specialized in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence. Extensive experience in data modelling, data management and data modernization. Previous experience in Formula 1 as Control Systems / Digital Twin Specialist. 15+ yea... Show more

(AMPP) N.A.C.E. Peer Certified Coatings Inspector #5643.
(AMPP) CIP Review Board Member.
Celebrating my 40th year in Industrial Coating as a Sales Representative, Technical Service. Representative & National Sales Manager.
Based out of St. Louis, Missouri and covering several surrounding states, I have focused on servicing Water / Wastewater, Engineering, Food / Beverage, Bridge, Chemical Processing, Petroleum Refining and a diverse array of General Manufacturing Markets.
Widower, Father of 4, "POPS" of 3 Grandchildren.
9 years with Induron Coatings Company - fantastic Family Company, excellent product line to service my client base with.

(AMPP) N.A.C.E. Peer Certified Coatings Inspector #5643. (AMPP) CIP Review Board Member. Celebrating my 40th year in Industrial Coating as a Sales Representative, Technical Service. Representative & National Sales Manager. Based out of St. Louis, ... Show more

Enthusiastic and goal-oriented Process & Analytics Engineer with hands on experience on selection, designing and implementation of Digital Industrial applications to improve the predictivity, performance & reliability of industrial operations & assets. Working on Engro`s Digital transformation journey with the prime focus on Industrial Digital and Automation solutions.

Enthusiastic and goal-oriented Process & Analytics Engineer with hands on experience on selection, designing and implementation of Digital Industrial applications to improve the predictivity, performance & reliability of industrial operations & asset... Show more