Data & AI Think Tank

Thomas Rizzo is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience across various sectors and is currently serving as the Chief Architect at Lazard. His diverse background spans finance technology, digital services, utilities, social media, legal, and education sectors. Prior to joining Lazard, Thomas made significant contributions to companies like Zebra, where he helped shape their digital services and SaaS offerings, and Con Edison, where he drove technological advancements in the utilities sector. In his current role at Lazard, Thomas leads the design and architecture of technology solutions that drive the company's digital transformation journey. His strategic vision and ability to foster an engaging work environment have earned him the reputation of an 'IT Rock Star'. He is committed to driving business growth through digital transformation, and he does so by fostering a creative and enjoyable workplace atmosphere as part of his leadership approach.

As chief cloud architect James is lead, coach and developer of the enterprise cloud architecture at Boeing. Charting the technology strategy which includes considering both technology and business trends & factors. Identify the IT functions which can be centralized across the company and work seamlessly. The identification of the enterprise architecture view of infrastructure design on performance of cloud design and consumption.

Currently at ADP as Chief Architect of Cloud Infrastructure. Future-focused technologist with over 35 years of technology innovation and experience. 2nd US Patent granted for Domain Transcendent File Cryptography Network securing multi-cloud workloads. 1st US patent granted for application development in mobile device technology for ABC News delivery. From building innovative workflow solutions for broadcast television to architecting enterprise cloud adoption and solutions. As a contributing member of the CSA Cloud Security Alliance and OACA Business Transformation Workgroup authoring and co-authoring numerous white-papers and documents ranging from the published Cloud Maturity Model through Integration and Business Strategy for Cloud Adoption. With an unstoppable passion for technology solutions and a pragmatic technologist, consistently implementing technology that drives business, leveraging over 30 years of technology expertise. Specialties: Cloud architecture, adoption, migration and integration.

Sameer is the SVP , Technology at Forbes Media LLC and leads their DevOps, Security , Corp IT , Engineering and QA . He has extensive experience in all facets of IT right from starting out as a C++, Java developer to DevOps , Security and Cloud infrastructure. Sameer is also a member of ISC2 and has CISSP and CCSP certifications. He loves to work out , to go on long walks , a Linux hobbyist and avid gardener

Alice Fournier is an experienced technology leader with a strategic approach to leveraging technology for growth. With deep experience driving technology-led transformation, Alice is a strong collaborator who successfully manages across functions and regions to establish a secure and agile digital workplace, while actively contributing to business growth. Alice currently serves as ISS’ Chief Information Officer for the Americas. She brings to the role a multidisciplinary background at the intersection of IT, marketing, sales, and digital. Alice knows how to leverage technology to both optimize costs and drive revenue. She brings a bold, strategic, business-led approach to the IT function; she leads in a servant mindset; and is dedicated to empowering her team to grow, learn, and thrive. Alice has previously held several senior management roles including most recently Chief Digital Office and VP Digital Capabilities for WD-40 Company; Senior VP Digital Commerce for Geometry Global, VP ECommerce and Omnichannel for Kantar; ECommerce Manager for BIC LGS, all in the New York City Metropolitan area.

Finance Information Technology Enterprise Architect, specializing in Treasury, responsible for design and delivery of a high-performing and scalable architecture supporting Finance’s goals of enhancing controls and information quality, leading to greater capacity for analysis and advice of financial data. PMP certified, Senior Project Manager with technology management experience designing and implementing information technology systems. Strong leadership expertise in Business Intelligence solutions for Investment Banking and Financial Services. Specialties: Design and implement robust and scalable Business Intelligence solutions for various LOBs for Investment(Credit Risk) and Financial services.

A rare C-suite digitally native executive with deep operational and advisory leadership experience, passionate about helping clients envision and execute aggressive transformation agendas while ensuring operational resilience. Expert in leading consensus-rooted change to automate and streamline legacy operations, digitally transform the customer experience, and create a security-first, data-centric mindset, no matter the industry involved. Adept at working with CEO’s, Boards, and Investors to envision, launch, and successfully implement multi-billion-dollar technology transformations, merger integrations and divestitures, and new products. Demonstrated ability to view business portfolios (legacy, existing or acquisition targets) dispassionately, and to transform, reposition, integrate, or divest as needed to accomplish strategic aims while preserving essential culture.