Meet the Global Trailblazers and Disruptors Speaking at ILIVE’25. From Tech Founders to Visionary Leaders, these are the Minds Shaping Tomorrow - Today.
Dr. Kate Barker
Chief Futurist, Executive Board Advisor
NEOM
Dr. Kate is a globally recognized authority in Leadership and Gen AI technology advancements, with three decades of experience advising Boards, Fortune 500 companies, and Governments worldwide. She has earned multiple prestigious accolades, including:
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Top Global Power Leader 2024
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Global 10 Top Women in Tech 2022 & 2024
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Most Admired Women Leader 2024
Notable roles include:
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Chief Futurist, NEOM $500B Futurist-City, Saudi Arabia
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Strategic Advisor to His Highness & Deputy Prime Minister, UAE
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Global Consulting Partner, EY New York & PWC Singapore
The AI Leadership Imperative: Unlocking Human Potential in an Automated World.
Christina Goldschmidt
VP Product Design
Warner Music Group
Christina Goldschmidt is an award-winning design leader known for transforming product design teams at scale. With 25 years of experience at companies like Etsy, Accenture, and Morgan Stanley, she now leads Product Design at Warner Music Group. Christina advocates for mental health and authenticity in leadership, and is a board advisor for the Design Executive Council. She holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a B.S. in design from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Transforming Product Design Teams: Strategies for Enterprise Impact through Flexibility
Daniel Gebler
CTO, Picnic
Daniel Gebler is CTO of Picnic, the world’s fastest growing online supermarket that makes grocery shopping simple, fun, and affordable for everyone. Previously, he was Director R&D of Fredhopper, responsible for the product and technology roadmap, and led engineering teams located in Amsterdam and Sofia. Daniel holds a PhD in Computer Science and an MBA. He published papers, edited journals, and chaired international workshops on software correctness.
Everywhere Commerce – Voice Interfaces, Autonomous Warehouses, Self-Driving Delivery
Danial Ryback
Senior Global CX Innovtation lead, McDonald's
Daniel Ryback, Senior Global CX Innovation Lead at McDonald's, tackles the company’s biggest customer and crew challenges. With over 20 years of experience across brands and agencies, he specializes in creating and scaling human-centered solutions that drive business impact. He leverages emerging technologies, including AI, to innovate consumer engagement and problem-solving.
Behind the Golden Arches: How AI Fuels Innovation at McDonald’s
Nani Farkache
UX Research Lead, Monday.com
Nina Farkache, Lead UX Researcher at monday.com, has 20+ years of global experience in human-centered research and design strategy. She leads cross-company initiatives to deliver insights for business growth. Nina also teaches Design Thinking at Bezalel Academy, guiding future product professionals.
Scaling Research Beyond Researchers: AI, Frameworks, and Structured Collaboration
Vittorio Veneto
Lead Product Designer, Monday.com
Vittorio Veneto, Lead Product Designer at monday.com, excels in creating user-centered experiences. Passionate about empowering teams with user research, he focuses on impactful product development, data-driven strategy, and leading design teams to innovate for enterprise customers.
Scaling Research Beyond Researchers: AI, Frameworks, and Structured Collaboration
Veronica D'Souza
Visionary Entrepreneur, Trailblazer
Co-Founder CARCEL
Veronica D'Souza is a visionary entrepreneur reshaping sustainability and inclusive innovation. As co-founder of CARCEL and Ruby Cup, she’s empowered thousands while redefining purpose-driven business. Founder of Geist Agency, she advises global organizations on climate action, equity, and systems change. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, she combines deep insight, strategic foresight, and bold storytelling to inspire action worldwide.
Reimagining Fashion from the Inside Out: Reflections on Social Enterprise, Sustainability, and Dignified Work
Peter Gostev
Head of AI, Moonpig
Peter Gostev is the Head of AI at Moonpig & Greet, leading generative AI initiatives across the group. Prior to this, he was the AI Strategy Lead at NatWest Group, where he drove AI innovation for over five years. Earlier in his career, he worked in strategy and analytics across financial services, including at Accenture.
Look Back at How AI Developed, Where we Stand Today, and Where to Look Forward
Andreas Horn
Head of AIOps, IBM
Andreas Horn, Head of AIOps at IBM, shares key success factors for rolling out Generative AI in large organizations. He explores real-world applications, including document retrieval with RAG and agentic workflows and introduces IBM’s Granite language models. With insights from IBM’s AI initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Andreas provides a strategic perspective on overcoming challenges and ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to production.
From Prototype to Production: Scaling Generative AI in Large Organizations
Dr.Khulood Alsayegh
Healthcare Leader
Dubai Health Authority
Dr. Khulood Alsayegh, MD, is a healthcare leader and regulatory advisor, serving as Head of Clinical Standards at Dubai Health Authority. A pioneer in Telehealth and AI ethics, she is the first IEEE-certified ethical Lead Assessor in MENA. With 20 years of global clinical experience, she shapes healthcare policies and standards in Dubai, speaking at global conferences and earning multiple awards for her contributions to the field.
AI Ethics and Patient-Centric Care
Djurdja Milutinovic
Director of Store Design &
Development, Karl Legerfeld
Djurdja Milutinovic is an architect and retail design expert specializing in luxury fashion and commercial architecture. With degrees from the University of Novi Sad, she launched her career in Mexico, working on high-end retail projects for Louis Vuitton and Burberry. After earning an MBA from Politecnico di Milano, she joined Bulgari in Rome, managing flagship boutique designs across Latin America.
AI Enhances Rather Than Replaces the Physical World
Dikla Wagner
Global Fintech Leader, fmr Representative Munich-Re Israel
Dikla Wagner is a global leader in financial innovation with 16+ years as an investor, entrepreneur, and advisor. Chairwoman of Israel Insurtech Alliance, she drives fintech growth. She was named one of the 12 most influential figures in Israeli fintech and is a nominee for the 2024 global insurance insfulencers award.
AI’s Double Impact: Reinventing Insurance and Cybersecurity
Ewelina Polinska-Nadra
Head of Product Innovation
GreenForce Future Food
Ewelina is super passionate about creating food products that truly connect with consumers. Over the past 15 years, she has worked across a variety of categories—from water and yogurt to biscuits and plant-based innovations—at companies like Danone, Mondelez, Bahlsen, and now Greenforce.
How AI is Shaping the Future of Food: Faster Innovation, Sustainable Solutions & Great Taste
Hoda Taheri
Director of Digital Innovation & Security
Snoonu Qatar
Hoda is a Director of Digital Innovation & Security at Snoonu, the leading tech-driven startup in the GCC, leading digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT strategy. MIT graduate in Digital Transformation with expertise in emerging technologies, security governance, and innovation.
Recognized as one of Qatar’s Top 50 Tech Leaders to Watch, optimizing IT operations, implementing security frameworks, and fostering a culture of digital excellence. Passionate about leveraging technology to solve business challenges and enhance security in fast-scaling environments.
Scaling a Unicorn: Women-Led Innovation, AI & Cybersecurity at Snoonu
Nikita Gordeev
CTO, Snoonu Qatar
Nikita is the Chief Technology Officer at Snoonu which is the fastest growing technology company in Qatar. He has over 10 years of dedication to software development and leadership roles in the Banking, Telecommunication and E-Commerce sectors. Empowered by master degree in Information security and advanced studies at MIT. He is always open and eager to share knowledge and insights for those who are interested.
Leveraging AI in E-Commerce
Christian Bogatu
Investment Director, SPRIND
The German Federal Agency for
Disruptive Innovation
Christian, Investment Director at SPRIND, leads disruptive innovation with a €1B budget. A serial entrepreneur, ex-CEO of Fresh Energy & KIWI, and ex-Venture Partner at Eurazeo, he has driven ventures in cleantech, security & logistics. With a PhD & McKinsey background, he shapes the future of innovation and investment.
The Innovation Vanguard: Disrupting Industries, Building the Future
Thomas Krogh Jensen
CEO, Copenhagen FinTech
Thomas Krogh Jensen is CEO of Copenhagen FinTech, a global hub driving fintech innovation. He’s on the investment committee at Upfin and serves on boards in finance, tech, and academia. With deep leadership experience, he excels in executing strategies and driving change.
Transforming the Financial Landscape: How Copenhagen FinTech Has Nurtured Innovation in the Nordic FinTech Sector and Its Broader Global Implications
Raz Bachar
Managing Director Innovation Strategy
Microsoft Israel R&D CTO Office
Raz Bachar is Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Microsoft Israel R&D CTO Office, leading disruptive AI innovation. He drives product transformation, startup alliances, and growth strategies. Previously, he led Microsoft for Startups and helped establish AWS’s EMEA presence.
The AI-Enhanced Development Lifecycle
Alice Genevois
Responsible AI Lead, Lloyds Banking Group
Alice leads Responsible AI at Lloyds Banking Group (UK), ensuring safe, ethical AI delivery to protect customers and colleagues. With 11 years of experience, including 5 in Responsible ML & AI, she drives key programs like ethical AI toolkits and the AI Assurance Framework. Alice is also active in Women in Data and the Women in Tech Excellence Awards.
From Theory to Practice: Implementing Responsible AI in Financial Services
Linda Cereda
Global Head of Digital Transformation
Data/AI Strategy, Nike
Linda Cereda is a leader with 20+ years of experience in driving business growth and innovation through data-driven strategies. At Nike for 15 years, she led digital transformations and drove consumer and business outcomes. Known for crafting compelling strategies and navigating complex structures, Linda has a strong foundation from Goldman Sachs and BCG. She holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
How to Harness The Power of AI/Data to Create Consumer Love
Maria Zelkovskaya
Business Data Governance Transformation Director, Danone
Maria is a visionary and results-driven executive with 15+ years of leadership in consumer goods (Danone, ABInBev) and top-tier consulting (EY). Expert in AI, digital transformation, innovation, and post-merger integration. Known for defining future-focused strategies, leading large-scale change, and fostering growth through technology. Speaker, EMBA guest lecturer, and advocate for Women in Tech, Data & AI.
AI-Powered Transformation: Redesigning Organizations, Workforce & Employer Branding for the Future
Eva-Carin Banka Johnson
Exploration Leader - Insights, Ikea
With 30+ years in innovation and product development, Eva-Carin has seen the power of truly understanding users. At IKEA, she led the creation of a global platform for qualitative research, transforming how insights about life at home are gathered and shared. Now, she is exploring how this work can be opened up to others—contributing to a broader, shared understanding of life at home.
Dare to Share Insights: Transforming Life at Home Research for a Better Everyday Life
Deepak Yadav
Engineering Leader, DATA & AIML
Amazon
’m Deepak Yadav, a seasoned leader with over 18 years of experience in data engineering and data science. I have a strong track record of driving innovation, leading change, and building high-performing teams. My expertise spans Big Data, Data Warehousing, and a growing focus on Data Science.
Automating the Data Journey: How AI is Shaping Modern Platforms.
Tara Harris
Group IP Lead ( Digital & Regulatory)
Prosus
Tara is the Group IP Lead at Prosus, a global consumer internet group and one of the world's largest technology investors and operators in the world. With over 25 years experience, she drives the group's IP strategy, manages IP risk and protects the group's digital assets globally. Tara forms part of the Prosus Digital and Regulatory team which is responsible for data privacy, competition, IP, and AI governance.
Regulating Innovation: Balancing AI, IP, and Digital Trust in a Fast-Changing World
Sarah Laamimach
Senior Open Innovation Manager
Hyundai Cradle, Berlin
Sarah Laamimach is a Senior Manager at Hyundai CRADLE in Berlin, driving open innovation and strategic partnerships across Europe in robotics, sustainability, smart cities, and advanced mobility. With prior roles at Strategy& (PwC) and Bosch, she blends deep engineering expertise with business and innovation strategy. She has led global projects aligned with Hyundai’s long-term vision and previously conducted research at Stanford University’s Autonomous Systems Lab.
Global Startup Engagement: How Hyundai CRADLE Collaborates with Emerging Startups to Drive Innovation in AI, Robotics, and Sustainable Materials for Mobility.
Alexandre Bastos
Head of Front End Innovation &
Competitive Intelligence, Givaudan
More than 20 years in the food industry, mature and high growth markets; solid experience in foodtech, venturing, entrepreneurship, strategy development and digital transformation; cross-functional in corporate and multi-cultural background. Previously, digital transformation at top global consulting firm and petro & oil industry.
"Innovation in Taste and Beyond: How Front-End Innovation is Shaping the Future of Food Experience
Derya Isler
Head of AI, SiriusXM
Derya, Head of AI at SiriusXM, is a trailblazer in leveraging AI to create personalized, engaging user experiences. With experience at Meta (Instagram Reels) and Spotify (Personalization), she’s led teams at multi-billion dollar companies. As the founder of AIProductMaster and Boston AI Institute, Derya empowers professionals and helps companies build AI-powered strategies. She also teaches AI and product management at Boston College.
Scaling AI Products: From Zero to Billions - Lessons from Instagram, Spotify
Luke Purdy
Director of Sustainability
Wieden+Kennedy
Luke Purdy is the Director of Sustainability at Wieden+Kennedy. In this first of its kind role, he leads global environmental initiatives across ten offices, enacting foundational strategies that integrate sustainable actions at the heart of Wieden+Kennedy's business, operations, and culture. He led the W+K network to achieve B Corp certification in March of 2023, becoming the first global ad agency network to achieve the distinction.
Resilient by Design — Sustainability, Circularity & the Innovation Mandate
Tea Mustać
Data Protection & AI Governance Expert
Spirit Legal
Tea Mustać, a data protection and AI governance expert at Spirit Legal, helps companies implement AI technologies and compliance processes. A speaker at global events, she co-hosts the RegInt: Decoding AI Regulation podcast and co-authored The AI Act Compact. . Recognized with the European Young Lawyers Award (2022) and the My Data is Mine Award (2024), a fellow of the European Law Institute and the Head of Operations of the Institute for Global Negotiations
Scaling Responsible AI: Balancing Governance, Innovation & Compliance
Udita Singh
Data and AI Executive Leader
Udita Singh, a dynamic data expert, ignites innovation with her diverse industry experience. Rising from software developer to Chief Data Officer, she leads and mentors with unparalleled passion. A fierce advocate for women in tech leadership, Udita lights the path for future leaders.
Ethical AI: Ensuring Responsible Innovation and Effective Governance
Prof. Diana Derval
Chief Investigator, DervalResearch
Prof. Diana Derval, PhD, EMBA, is Chief Investigator at DervalResearch (a Certified B Corp) and a pioneer in decoding human behavior through biosciences and machine learning. A Harvard Business Review contributor and Lecturer in Neurosciences at Sorbonne, she’s the inventor of the Hormonal Quotient® and author of “Frontiers in Product Innovation Strategy.” Diana helps companies create people- and planet-friendly innovations globally.Diana helps leading companies develop people and planet-friendly products and experiences from Amsterdam to Shanghai
Boosting Product Development with Machine Learning
