The Future of Data & AI
Data & AI Think Tank
April 15, 2025 - Dallas, TX
Visionaries


Sean Lewis
Director of IT
Arcis Golf
Think Tank Speaker
Founded in 2013, Arcis Golf is an operator of public and private golf clubs in the United States. They invest in and renovate golf and country clubs and are headquartered in Dallas, Texas.


Vino Kingston
AI Transformation & Integration Leader
Lockheed Martin


Miguel Guillen
AVP Data Strategy & Data Governance
Xome


Tolgahan Cakaloglu
Director, AI
Walmart


Sailesh Krishnamurthy
Head - Enterprise AI
7-Eleven


Marissa Olaleye
Global Director, Corporate Services Strategic Sourcing (IT & Digital, Legal)
Alcon


Azfar Kamal
Director Global R&D
ESAB


Sharon Gorikapudi
Program Director - MS in Ethical AI and Strategic Decision Sciences
Dallas Baptist University


John Arroyo
Head of DevOps Pipeline Automation
Citibank


Hari Subramanian
Director of Product Management
Humana


Camila Ramos
Assistant Professor of IT & Management
Dallas Baptist University


Balaji Venugopal
Sr. Director - Enterprise Architecture
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits


Cynthia Dixon
Sr. Director, IT
PepsiCo


Michael Griebe
CDO
Hahn


Ronald Gaines
Sr. Manager of MarTech & Data Analytics
Sunbelt Rentals Inc.


Manoj Balraj
Co-Founder & President
Experion Technologies USA Inc.
Think Tank Speaker
With 30 years of experience spanning across Business Strategy, Global Sales, and Technology, Manoj Balraj plays a pivotal role in driving organizational growth and is the force behind business strategy and global sales, with an emphasis on product engineering excellence at Experion. His expertise spans product strategy, design, management, and engineering, ensuring Experion remains at the forefront of digital product development. Beyond work, Manoj volunteers as a mentor for youth and has worked with 400+ students as part of entrepreneurship initiatives. He is also passionate about performing arts, theatre, and film, earning him twelve acting nominations and five Best Actor wins at international film festivals.


Venit Bhanawat
Global VP, Data Analytics & Digital Platforms
McKesson


Shyam Nair
Executive Director - Enterprise Data Services
Texas Capital Bank


Krishna Gajjala
Director, Data, Software & Generative AI / ML Engineering
UnitedHealth Group


Michelle Foley
SVP Enterprise Data Manager
Truist


Purvi Vaidya
Head of Data Quality
Citi


Prasad Varahabhatla
Sr. Director GTM Transformation & Master Data Operations
Philips


Shrikanth Kannan
Sr. Director Data Services
Rent a Center


Brandon Micci
Head of AI COS
JP Morgan Chase


Srikanth Rangabhatla
Director, AI Architecture and Engineering
Fidelity Investments


Sreenivas Gadhar
VP Global Data & Analytics - Engineering & Delivery
Marsh McLennan


Sabine Thielges
Director Data Science
Novartis


Sumeer Khosa
VP Software Engineering
Optum


Praveen Vemulapalli
CDO Data & Gen AI Architecture Team
AT&T
Think Tank Speaker
AT&T Inc. provides telecommunications and digital entertainment services. The company operates through four segments: Business Solutions, Entertainment Group, Consumer Mobility, and International. The Business Solutions segment offers wireless, fixed strategic, legacy voice and data, and wireless equipment services to business, governmental, and wholesale customers, as well as individual subscribers. The Entertainment Group segment provides video entertainment and audio programming channels to approximately 25.4 million subscribers; broadband and Internet services to 12.4 million residential subscribers; local and long-distance voice services to residential customers, as well as DSL Internet access services; and voice services over IP-based technology, and technical support and other customer service functions and equipment. The Consumer Mobility segment offers wireless services to consumers, and wireless wholesale and resale subscribers, such as long-distance and roaming services. This segment provides postpaid and prepaid wireless voice and data communications services; consulting, advertising, and application and co-location services; and sells a variety of handsets, wirelessly enabled computers, and personal computer wireless data cards through company-owned stores, agents, or third-party retail stores, as well as accessories, such as carrying cases and hands-free devices. The International segment offers video entertainment services to residential customers in Latin America, as well as wireless data and voice communication services in Mexico. This segment provides digital television services under the DIRECTV and SKY brands; postpaid and prepaid wireless services to approximately 8.7 million subscribers under the AT&T, Iusacell, Unefon, and Nextel Mexico brands; and sells a range of handsets. The company was formerly known as SBC Communications Inc. and changed its name to AT&T Inc. in November 2005. AT&T Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Dallas, Texas.


Manu Cyriac
Head of Digital Products and Software Engineering
Harley-Davidson
Think Tank Speaker
Manu Cyriac is a seasoned technology executive with close to 15 years in digital transformation, software engineering, and technology optimization. He has a proven track record of driving innovation and efficiency for some of the most well-respected brands in the industry. As Head of Digital Product and Software Engineering at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Manu has played a pivotal role in scaling digital platforms, optimizing technology investments, and enhancing customer experiences. His leadership has been instrumental in driving traffic and growth through digital channels by incorporating innovative digital strategies. Previously, Manu held key leadership positions at various Fortune 500 companies worldwide, successfully leading several business transformation programs and strategic initiatives.


Shuchi Agrawal
CDO, Global Head of Metrics Data Provisioning & Automation
Citi


Monica Sanchez
VP Strategic Transformations
Fresche Solutions
Think Tank Speaker
INNOVATIVE, PURPOSE-DRIVEN, COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIST AND RELATIONSHIP BUILDER | Enabling technology-driven business transformation | Advisor | Speaker - Former Fortune 500 CIO - Change leader in the business with a talent for making things happen - Forward-looking strategist who partners with business stakeholders and C-Level executives to co-create digital strategies - Educator and thought leader that invests in achieving cross-discipline support by educating peers and teams on the opportunities to support IT-driven growth - Accomplished in international markets, delivering products and IT services through a team dispersed in multiple locations ★ Competencies: - Strategy: Business-IT Alignment with Purpose | Collaboration | IT Strategy - Change: Strategic Initiatives | Transformation | Innovation | M&A - People: Team Building | Organizational Leadership | Coaching | Mentoring - Problem Solving: Process Improvement | Strategic Savings | Operational efficiency | Projects Rescue | Crisis management | Turnarounds


Vishal Mehra
VP of IT Digital Manufacturing
Globalfoundries


Tanweer Surve
Head of Cloud Center of Enablement (CCoE) & Solutions Engineering
PNC
Think Tank Speaker
Over 20 years of proven track record in IT & Business, executing various leadership roles as Technology CTO (Cloud), Head of Enterprise Architecture & Cloud Technologies, Director of IT Infrastructure Shared Services, Solutions Architect, and Business Development Manager. Constructively contributed to the ever growing analytical and technical Business scenarios conceptualizing, implementing and delivering complex Global IT Digital Transformation Programs across NORTAM, EMEA, LATAM and ASPAC with my Technical and Business Management expertise in Business Architecture, Infrastructure Systems Architecture, Data & Application Architecture and Information Security around Cloud Computing. Strategic and delivery focused Senior Technology Leader with deep subject matter expertise. Build cross functional teams by hiring, mentoring several team members and assisting with developing personnel career-paths. Drives alignment of resources, processes and systems to seamlessly support and advance the business strategy of the organization through technology. Adept at planning, leveraging, researching and implementing technologies and effective IT service delivery models to continuously improve all aspects of business. With experience in diverse lines of business across Financial, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Telecom & Technology, highly effective in understanding business requirements and translating them to Architectural Design Requirements which helps in resolving complex technical issues during implementation, quickly and effectively.


Abhilash Kishore
Vice President, Product Engineering and Delivery
Experion Technologies USA Inc.
Think Tank Speaker
Abhilash Kishore is a product management expert with 24+ years of experience in building transformative digital products. As Vice President at Experion Technologies, he leads end- to-end product management and engineering—from product conceptualization to scalable deployment — driving innovation across transportation, automotive, hospitality and logistics. A strategic thinker and hands-on leader, Abhilash has played a pivotal role in shaping Experion’s product management excellence over the past 14+ years. His teams have delivered mission-critical products, including EV charging ecosystems, Travel Hospitality Products, IoT-based fleet management products and V2X communication for safer mobility. Beyond work, Abhilash is an adventurer, biker and runner. A former motorcycle rider on Himalaya's rugged terrain, he now finds his rhythm in long-distance running, inspiring his teams to embrace endurance—both in work and life.


Jodi Watkins
Chief Commercial Officer
GTN Technical Staffing and Consulting
Think Tank Speaker
Responsible for client delivery and direction to our Fortune 500 companies. Determine and formulate policies and business strategies and provide overall direction for specialized recruitment teams. Plan, direct, and coordinate sales activities at the highest level of management. Prudently manage the organization’s goals and initiatives in Field Services, IT, Professional Services, MSP vendor relations. Company-wide committee facilitation including planning, production and staff. Assures that the organization and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image. Promotes a culture that reflects the organization’s values, encourages good performance, and rewards productivity. Actively advocates for the organization, its beliefs, and its programmatic efforts. Acts as a liaison between the organization and the community, building relationships with peer organizations when appropriate. Oversees design, delivery, and quality of MSP programs and services. Collaborate to define and articulate the organization’s vision and to develop strategies for achieving that vision.
April 15, 2025
Attend this event
Agenda
All times Central Time
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
Registration
9:00 AM-9:30 AM
Morning Networking
9:30 AM-9:40 AM
Opening Remarks
9:40 AM-10:15 AM
Fireside Chat
The Role of AI in Enhancing Digital Operations
Exploring the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on modern business processes. This session delves into how AI-driven technologies optimize digital operations, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency. This Vision Voice will share insights into real-world applications, best practices, and the strategic integration of AI, empowering organizations to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation in the digital landscape.


Michael Griebe
CDO
Hahn


Sailesh Krishnamurthy
Head - Enterprise AI
7-Eleven
10:20 AM-11:05 AM
Keynote Panel
Next-Level Innovations: Unveiling Gen AI - The Hype, The Reality, and The Future
Executing on Gen AI Transformation in a meaningful way requires asking the right questions. Enterprises need to understand how to extract real value, mitigate risks, and leverage data to guide AI Transformation effectively through the digital noise from supplier ecosystem. This presentation/panel discussion will explore how business leaders can approach AI strategically, ensuring thoughtful implementation that aligns with organizational goals.
Panelists


Shuchi Agrawal
CDO, Global Head of Metrics Data Provisioning & Automation
Citi


Manu Cyriac
Head of Digital Products and Software Engineering
Harley-Davidson


Tanweer Surve
Head of Cloud Center of Enablement (CCoE) & Solutions Engineering
PNC


Krishna Gajjala
Director, Data, Software & Generative AI / ML Engineering
UnitedHealth Group
10:55 AM-11:15 AM
Coffee Break
11:15 AM-11:50 AM
Fireside Chat
Leading with Data: Insights, Impact, and Governance
Harnessing insights, ensuring meaningful impact, and establishing robust governance structures, enabling leaders to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and foster a data-driven organizational culture effectively. Let's dive into the practical insights into maximizing data's potential, ensuring its relevance, and upholding ethical standards in today's data-driven business landscape.


Vishal Mehra
VP of IT Digital Manufacturing
Globalfoundries
11:55 AM-12:30 PM
Panel
AI-led Product Engineering and Digital Transformation.
Let's explore the significance of integrating AI into digital strategies, emphasizing its transformative impact on various industries. It delves into key considerations such as data-driven decision-making, personalized customer experiences, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the synopsis highlights the challenges associated with AI implementation, such as ethical concerns and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Through the lens of real-world examples and industry insights, it underscores how a well-executed AI strategy can position organizations for success, driving growth, agility, and long-term sustainability.
Panelists


Manu Cyriac
Head of Digital Products and Software Engineering
Harley-Davidson


Abhilash Kishore
Vice President, Product Engineering and Delivery
Experion Technologies USA Inc.


Manoj Balraj
Co-Founder & President
Experion Technologies USA Inc.
12:20 PM-1:20 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:20 PM-2:05 PM
Panel
Tech and Cybersecurity Leadership in the Era of AI and ML: Navigating Innovation and Responsibility
In the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), CISOs play a pivotal role in leveraging these advancements for enhanced cybersecurity. Strategic integration of AI and ML is essential for bolstering security measures, optimizing decision-making, and driving innovation. CISOs must adopt a comprehensive approach, considering the entire lifecycle of these technologies to ensure both efficiency and ethical use. Establishing robust governance frameworks becomes paramount, addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and minimizing unintended consequences.
Looking ahead, as AI and ML continue to advance, CISOs face evolving challenges and regulatory considerations. Proactive engagement involves staying informed about changing regulations, particularly in areas such as data privacy and ethical AI practices. CISOs should strive for a tech-enabled understanding of AI and ML systems, encompassing deployment, impact, and security measures. This approach positions organizations to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring responsible and competitive integration of AI and ML into cybersecurity strategies.
Chair


Ed Carson
Former Senior Director of Infrastructure
Ben E.Keith
Panelists


Kevin Dunn
SVP, CISO
Daybright Financial


Zechariah Akinpelu
CISO
Unity Bank
2:10 PM-2:45 PM
Fireside Chat
Future-Proofing the Workforce: Upskilling for the Next Era of IT Innovation
The global IT talent shortage isn’t going away — and hiring alone won’t close the gap. To fully capitalize on disruptive technologies like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, CIOs and IT leaders must prioritize upskilling and reskilling their existing workforce. This panel will dive into how organizations can identify critical skill gaps, create effective upskilling programs at scale, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. We’ll also explore how emerging technologies like AI and automation are reshaping workforce demands and what leaders need to do now to ensure their teams are ready for the future.
Chair


Jake Bernardes
CISO
Anecdotes A.I Ltd
Panelists


Sasaenia Paul Oluwabunmi
SVP, Enterprise Product Manager
Citi
2:50 PM-3:05 PM
Disruptor
Navigating the Cyber Frontier: CISO Strategies for Effective Risk Management
In the context of effective cyber risk management, the challenge lies in keeping up with evolving technology, particularly during cloud or technology transformations. The adoption of threat intelligence, Gen AI, the metaverse, and machine learning presents both opportunities and challenges, with a need for technology leaders to grasp the security implications. While these technologies enhance cyber risk management, they also offer efficiencies through task automation. Striking a balance between risks and rewards is crucial for gaining trust and staying competitive. Looking forward, organizations must explore innovative approaches to cyber risk management, emphasizing resilience against third-party risks. Collaboration with the leadership team is essential to take an enterprise-wide view of current and future threats, develop action plans, safeguard critical assets, and facilitate quick recovery. Early collaboration with the executive team is encouraged to integrate risk management into transformation strategies and extract maximum benefits from emerging technologies.
3:05 PM-3:25 PM
Networking Break
3:25 PM-3:40 PM
Disruptor
Data Empowerment: A CISO's Guide to Unlocking Strategic Value Safely
CISOs are challenged to redefine their role not only as guardians of security but also as enablers of responsible and innovative data utilization. This directive emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between data protection and leveraging the full potential of organizational data assets. CISOs must collaborate with stakeholders to establish robust data governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations while facilitating the ethical and strategic use of data. By unlocking the value of data, CISOs contribute to the organization's competitiveness, innovation, and overall digital transformation. This session explores strategies for CISOs to harness the power of data responsibly, thereby positioning cybersecurity as an integral driver of business success in the data-driven era.
3:45 PM-4:30 PM
Panel
Cultivating Inclusive Excellence: Driving Diversity in Technology Leadership
Let's explore the imperative of diversity in technology leadership roles, particularly within the CIO and Security domain. From gender and ethnicity to varied professional backgrounds, diverse perspectives foster innovation, resilience, and better decision-making in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join us as industry leaders share their experiences, insights, and strategies for promoting inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and empowering underrepresented groups in technology leadership roles. From fostering inclusive cultures within organisations to implementing proactive recruitment and mentorship initiatives, attendees will gain actionable insights to drive meaningful change and cultivate diverse, high-performing technology teams. Let's chart a course towards inclusive excellence in technology leadership together.


Praveen Edwin
Sr Director IT - Business Solutions Architecture
Reddy Ice