Data Intelligence Summit Speakers

Arun Maheshwari

Executive Director

Arun Maheshwari

Executive Director

Morgan Stanley

About Speaker

Arun Maheshwari- is a senior risk executive with over 17 years of experience in model risk management, quantitative analytics, and financial crime compliance across global banking institutions. He leads the global Model Risk Control function for Legal and Compliance at a Tier 1 Global US Bank, overseeing the development, validation, and governance of models spanning AML, sanctions, trade surveillance, and customer risk rating. His work integrates AI and Generative AI techniques within SR 11-7–aligned frameworks to enhance model interpretability, governance, and regulatory compliance.

Akhil Khunger

VP Quantitative Analytics

Akhil Khunger

VP Quantitative Analytics

Barclays

About Speaker

Akhil has over ten years of experience in the financial industry and currently working as a financial engineer/ Quantitative Analytics (QA) at Barclays. He has experience in statistics, financial modeling, quantitative strategies and programming experience in Python, C++ and SQL as well as working on quantitative models on FX, Macro, Credit and Futures businesses. Akhil holds a master’s in Financial Engineering from UC Berkeley and another in financial mathematics from the London School of Economics.

Ujjwal Goel

Sr. Director - Data & ML Engineering, Architecture, Data Science, Data Management

Ujjwal Goel

Sr. Director - Data & ML Engineering, Architecture, Data Science, Data Management

Loblaw Companies

About Speaker

Seasoned data and machine learning leader with over 20 years of extensive global experience in the data space. Currently serving as Senior Director, Data & ML Engineering, leading a team of 100+ professionals and enabling data product teams across the organization. Adept at architecting and managing enterprise-scale data and ML platforms that drive innovation and business growth. Key Highlights: • Proven expertise in spearheading data and analytics initiatives, from strategy to execution, across diverse industries and geographies. • Skilled in building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving operational excellence. • Recognized thought leader and frequent speaker/panelist at industry summits, sharing insights on data engineering, ML, Governance and AI trends. • Adept at translating complex data challenges into scalable, future-proof solutions that leverage cutting-edge technologies. • Passionate about promoting a data-driven culture, enabling data democratization, and empowering stakeholders with actionable insights. • Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, aligning data strategies with business objectives, and delivering measurable impact. • Strong background in data governance, quality assurance, and implementing best practices for data management and ML model lifecycle. With a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic vision, I thrive in driving Data & digital transformation through data-centric approaches, fostering innovation, and unlocking the full potential of data and ML to create sustainable competitive advantages.

Tim Richer

Director, Product Marketing Data and AI

Tim Richer

Director, Product Marketing Data and AI

IBM

About Speaker

Tim Richer is a product marketing executive who oversees a $8B+ segment of IBM’s software business, covering generative AI, machine learning, data management and data architecture solutions. He is responsible for positioning, messaging, go-to-market and brand strategy IBM’s solutions, and works with clients and leaders all over the world to solve their biggest opportunities and challenges with data and AI. During his tenure at IBM, he has held marketing leadership positions in various divisions including Consulting, Blockchain and Cloud. Past experiences also include work in the Media & Financial Service industries. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Villanova University, where he sits on the board of directors and serves as a frequent guest lecturer for the Marketing department at the Villanova School of Business, and a Master of Business Administration from the New York University Stern School of Business. He is based in New York City.

Chris Chapman

Cloud Practice Lead Data and AI

Chris Chapman

Cloud Practice Lead Data and AI

PMsquare

About Speaker

Chris Chapman serves as PMsquare’s Cloud Practice Lead, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience shaping modern cloud architectures and enterprise integration strategies. Over his 10 years with PMsquare, Chris has led some of the company’s most complex cloud transformation initiatives - blending deep expertise in IT integration, cloud infrastructure, business analytics, and emerging AI technologies. He holds multiple industry certifications, including IBM Cloud Pak for Integration and AWS Data Analytics Specialty credentials, and is known for translating technical complexity into practical, business-driven solutions. Before joining PMsquare, Chris spent several years at IBM, where he worked closely with enterprise clients on modernization and integration strategies, experience that continues to inform his approach today.

Yelena Mammadova

Director of AI Transformation Strategy

Yelena Mammadova

Director of AI Transformation Strategy

Microsoft

About Speaker

Yelena Mammadova, Ed.D, is a visionary leader at the intersection of talent development and artificial intelligence. As Microsoft’s Director of AI Transformation Strategy, she leverages advanced AI-driven workforce solutions to accelerate organizational growth and innovation. Yelena’s career spans senior roles at McKinsey & Company and Amazon, where she led transformative talent management initiatives by embedding skill-based learning, people analytics, and AI technologies to unlock human potential. Driven by a passion for human-centered design, she focuses on creating a more adaptive, human-centric future of work where technology amplifies human capabilities and empowers people to reach new heights.

Krishan Sharma

Senior Vice President - Risk & Analytics

Krishan Sharma

Senior Vice President - Risk & Analytics

Citigroup (Citi) Inc.

About Speaker

Krishan Sharma is a senior data analytics and model risk management leader with nearly 20 years of experience delivering AI/ML-driven risk and financial analytics for global banking institutions. His expertise spans credit and market risk modeling, stress testing, capital planning, and large-scale regulatory programs supporting systemically important financial institutions. He has led global teams in building, validating, and governing advanced analytical models across CCAR, CECL, IFRS 9, and ICAAP, with a strong focus on scalable data platforms, model governance, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including generative AI. Krishan currently serves as Senior Vice President at Citigroup in New York, leading cross-regional initiatives that translate complex regulatory and business requirements into production-ready analytics.

Rana Dalbah

Senior Director of Data Governance & Artificial Intelligence

Rana Dalbah

Senior Director of Data Governance & Artificial Intelligence

BAE Systems

About Speaker

Rana Dalbah is the Senior Director of Data Governance & Artificial Intelligence at BAE Systems, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in driving data-driven decisions through analytics, Rana now concentrates on harnessing the power of AI, particularly generative AI, to transform business operations. Her expertise lies in crafting tailored solutions to support mission critical problems, currently exploring the intersection of data governance, AI, and employee experience, with a focus on leveraging AI to streamline tasks and enhance daily workflows

Moderator Priyanka Singh

Senior Director, Data Management &Strategy

Moderator Priyanka Singh

Senior Director, Data Management &Strategy

NYU

About Moderator

Priyanka Singh is Senior Director, Data Management &Strategy from NYU

Sunny Zhu

Head of Data & Analytics, Strategy & Operation

Sunny Zhu

Head of Data & Analytics, Strategy & Operation

Indeed.com

About Speaker

Sunny Zhu is Head of Data & Analytics, Strategy & Operation from Indeed.com

Mark Brady

Chief Scientist

Mark Brady

Chief Scientist

KBR

About Speaker

A world class expert in data management, Dr. Mark Brady has served as Chief Data Officer for the Space Force, Chief Data Officer for the Air Force Space Command, Data Architect for The Department of Justice, and Information Architect for the National Marine Fisheries Service. He also helped established electronic trade standards as U.S. delegate to the United Nations, served on the White House Data Cabinet, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Big Data Council. Prior to his federal service he conducted basic scientific research in neuroscience, taught neuroscience and statistics; conducted industrial R&D in artificial intelligence, software, medical electronics, traffic management, electrophoresis, and mathematical modeling for automotive geometry. He is an inventor with a number of patents in AI from this work in industry.

Moderator Ruben Falk

Global Head of Agentic & Generative AI, Capital Markets

Moderator Ruben Falk

Global Head of Agentic & Generative AI, Capital Markets

AWS

About Moderator

Ruben is a Capital Markets Specialist focused on agentic & generative AI, machine learning, and data platforms. He is responsible for driving cloud adoption through the implementation of AI applications for investment research platforms, knowledge graphs, quantitative and risk modelling, document processing and signal extraction, business process automation, and customer experience and personalization. Ruben joined AWS from S&P Global Market Intelligence where he was Head of Investment Management Solutions. Previously Ruben was a Director with UBS Investment Bank and spent time as a management consultant. Ruben has a Computer Science degree from Brandeis University and an MBA from UC Berkeley.

Chairman Eric Kavanagh

CEO

Chairman Eric Kavanagh

CEO

The Bloor Group

About Chairman

Eric Kavanagh is an internationally recognized analyst, journalist, and host of several nationally syndicated shows focused on data, analytics, and AI, including DM Radio, InsideAnalysis, and Future Proof. As CEO of The Bloor Group, he has built one of the industry’s most influential content engines, reaching a cumulative audience in the millions worldwide. Known for his sharp insights and engaging interview style, Eric has spent the last 25 years exploring how organizations leverage data as a strategic asset. In his early career, he interviewed Michael Jordan and Capt. Jacques Cousteau. in 2005, he inspired the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. As Chair of the Data Intelligence Summit, he brings deep expertise, a vast network, and a passion for advancing the information economy.

Priyanka Prakash

Head of Analytics

Priyanka Prakash

Head of Analytics

Ogilvy

About Speaker

Priyanka is a data and AI leader focused on helping organizations turn data into meaningful, actionable intelligence. With nearly 20 years of experience across analytics, AI, and data strategy, she works at the intersection of technical innovation and business decision-making. She leads initiatives that embed advanced analytics and AI into everyday operations - ensuring insights are trusted, scalable, and aligned to real business outcomes. Her approach connects data science, governance, and executive strategy to move organizations beyond reporting toward informed, responsible decision-making. Priyanka is known for translating complex analytical work into clarity - enabling leaders to act with confidence in an increasingly data-driven world.

Nishit Mehta

Vice President, Data Analytics

Nishit Mehta

Vice President, Data Analytics

JPMorganChase

About Speaker

Nishit Mehta is a New York metro based AI and data analytics leader focused on turning complex data into real business value. He specializes in applied AI, large language models, and modern data architecture, helping organizations embed intelligence into everyday operations. He has a strong track record of driving transformation by using AI to streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance employee and customer experiences - while reducing costs, managing risk, and unlocking new revenue opportunities. With experience across banking, financial services, insurance, and telecom, Nishit brings a practical, results-driven approach to building scalable, data-driven solutions that deliver lasting impact.

Thiru Arunachalam

Cofounder and CEO

Thiru Arunachalam

Cofounder and CEO

WALT

About Speaker

Thiru Arunachalam is the Cofounder and CEO of WALT, whose data engineering agents handle ingestion, transformation, analytics, data quality, and governance. At WALT's core is a Data Context Graph - an ontology, knowledge graph, and semantic layer that agents autonomously build and keep in sync, turning months of work into days. WALT uses a neuro-symbolic approach: LLMs handle intent while a deterministic engine constructs SQL, delivering the same answer every time. Fortune 500 companies across retail, financial services, and consumer electronics use WALT to help run their data platforms. Before WALT, Thiru co-founded and led Peel as CEO for over a decade, raising $95M and scaling the platform to 150M+ users through partnerships with Samsung, HTC, Xiaomi, and others. Earlier, he spent nearly ten years at Apple on data engineering and product teams during the Mac OS X, iPod, and early iPhone era, and served as a strategy consultant at Booz & Company. He holds an engineering degree from NIT Trichy and an MBA from Wharton.

Lirec Williams

Director of Systems COE

Lirec Williams

Director of Systems COE

DHL Supply Chain North America

About Speaker

Lirec Williams is a seasoned Systems Program Manager and data strategist with over a decade of experience leading enterprise-scale initiatives in analytics, business intelligence, and digital transformation. At DHL Supply Chain North America, he drives innovation through scalable data solutions, Power BI governance frameworks, and cross-functional team alignment—ensuring insights not only inform, but empower decision-making across the organization. With a unique ability to bridge the gap between data and people, Lirec specializes in cultivating cultures of clarity, trust, and execution. His leadership philosophy blends emotional intelligence with operational excellence, making him a sought-after speaker on topics such as data-driven leadership, Power BI team culture, and the human side of analytics. He is also the founder of 15 Minutes with Dad, a platform focused on emotional resilience, legacy, and storytelling that reflects his belief that data—and leadership—are only as strong as the people behind them.

Harnalli Deepaswamy

SVP, Global Head of Data, AIML & Analytics Platforms, standing Chief Data Officer

Harnalli Deepaswamy

SVP, Global Head of Data, AIML & Analytics Platforms, standing Chief Data Officer

Forge

About Speaker

Deepa (Harnalli Deepaswamy) Data & AI/ML Executive | Global Editorial Board Member, CDO Magazine Deepa is a seasoned Data and AI/ML executive, bringing over 20 years of transformative leadership across Data, Analytics, and AI/ML — blending strategic vision with deep technical execution. With 13 years of experience delivering AI use cases from proof-of-concept to production in highly regulated industries, including financial services and consumer markets. She has consistently driven large-scale transformations by embedding AI governance, compliance, and explainability frameworks into enterprise platforms, ensuring adoption and trust at scale. Her career spans leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, Forge Global, Wells Fargo, Data.ai, and Rodan + Fields, where she built and scaled global data, analytics, and AI organizations. She has deployed multi-model, multiple AI/GenAI use cases across risk management, customer engagement, and operations — combining strategic vision with technical execution to deliver measurable business impact. Today, Deepa is recognized as a thought leader in responsible AI, data democratization, and platform engineering. She serves on the Global Editorial Board of CDO Magazine, shaping the dialogue on how enterprises can innovate responsibly while scaling AI for long-term growth.

Kader Sakkaria

Head of Global Data Technology

Kader Sakkaria

Head of Global Data Technology

Gallagher

About Speaker

Professional Experience:
Prior to joining Gallagher, Kader led all Digital and Technology across
RNL. He is an investor in Ai based Technology startup for Mental Well-being.

Prior to joining RNL, Kader was the Head of Business, Technology and Portfolio Management at Realogy/Anywhere. Previously, Kader has led large scale technology transformation initiatives for fortune 500 companies like BMO Financial Group, Deloitte and Accenture. He was the country head for TransUnion in South Asia. He has led PMO, offshore delivery centers at various organizations State Farm Insurance, HighMark(Blue Cross Blue Shield of PA), US Foods and Ryder Logistics. He comes with deep vertical expertise in Healthcare, Logistics, Financial Services, Consumer and Industrial Products. Kader owns a patent in predictive model for relocation estimation and had co-authored a book on Digital Transformation – Chaos by Design.

Board Experience:
President of Board, Naperville Community Television (NCTV17)
Board Member Loaves and Fishes
Board Member & Advisor - QuaXigma Inc
Board Member & Investor – Alagzoo Corp LLC
SECA Commissioner – City of Naperville
Technology and Innovation Commissioner – City of Aurora

Education:
Kader has earned Masters in Computer Science from University of Madras (India) and MBA in Global Management from Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University).

Abhimanyuu Ahuja

Director & Head Process Design - Business Architecture

Abhimanyuu Ahuja

Director & Head Process Design - Business Architecture

IGM Financial, Canada

About Speaker

Abhi Ahuja is a seasoned Data and Analytics leader with over 20 years of experience driving enterprise-wide transformation across the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance sectors. His expertise spans Data Analytics, Data Governance, Data Quality, Digital Transformation, Privacy, and Operational Excellence. Currently, Abhi leads the Process Design team within the Business Architecture, Data, and Applications group at IGM Financial in Canada. He has held strategic and tactical roles at Fortune 500 companies including GE, Wells Fargo, Key Bank, Bupa Insurance, ATB Financial, Scotiabank, and Thomson Reuters. With keen interests in public speaking, Abhi has presented at several Dataversity Conferences, sharing insights on data strategy and transformation. A strong advocate of continuous improvement & a lifelong learner, Abhi holds an MBA, is a certified CDMP, Certified in Cybersecurity, Master Black Belt, Black Belt and is pursuing his AIGP certification from IAPP.

Sasha Fay

Director, Advanced Analytics

Sasha Fay

Director, Advanced Analytics

OLG

About Speaker

Sasha Fay is a transformative leader in advanced analytics, currently heading OLG’s AI and data science team. With over a decade of experience, Sasha has led enterprise-wide innovation, from deploying machine learning at scale to reimagining core products through data. A passionate educator, Sasha teaches machine learning at the postgraduate level and co-leads Data for Good, applying AI for social impact. Sasha holds a Master’s in Management Analytics from Queen’s and a Statistics degree from Waterloo, anchoring a career defined by bold thinking, ethical AI, and change leadership

Olga Tsubiks

Director, AI and Data Product

Olga Tsubiks

Director, AI and Data Product

RBC

About Speaker

Olga is a passionate AI/ML leader. She has been recognized as top 25 women in AI in Canada and top 100 women globally advancing AI. She has spent the last 15 years in various senior roles in technology, specifically in data science, big data, data engineering, analytics, and data visualization. She is a Director of AI and Data Product at the Royal Bank of Canada. Outside of her work at RBC, she has worked directly with global organizations such as the UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre, World Resources Institute, and prominent Canadian non-profits such as War Child Canada and Rainbow Railroad on various data science and analytics challenges.

Michael Mocanu

Senior Director, AI & Data Science

Michael Mocanu

Senior Director, AI & Data Science

Liberty Mutual Insurance

About Speaker

Michael is Senior Director, AI & Data Science at Liberty Mutual Insurance and has more than 20 years of experience helping finance and technology organizations use data and analytics for growth, transformation, and achievement of strategic objectives. In the current role, he is responsible for the advancement of decision data science and AI capabilities throughout the organization - growing high performing analytics and engineering teams, leading value driven product strategy and innovation, and bringing together diverse business ecosystems. Michael is the inventor on a number of highly cited patents related to GPS and location-based AI and a frequent speaker on embedding AI in organizations.

Lamiaa Farrag

Independent Consultant

Lamiaa Farrag

Independent Consultant

About Speaker

Lamiaa Farrag is a global transformation leader with over two decades of experience leading Centers of Excellence for organizations across Europe, the Middle East & Africa, CIS, and the U.S., shaping data strategy, digital transformation, and growth marketing. She has led major initiatives at Nestlé, Cigna, Schaeffler Group, and TÜV NORD, partnering with global brands including Mazda, Jeep, AXA, Hilton, and Continental Tires. Lamiaa delivers scalable impact across complex, multicultural ecosystems. Her approach to interoperable data strategy breaks down silos, accelerates digital maturity, and unlocks growth in an era defined by intelligent technologies. At the Data Intelligence Summit 2026, Lamiaa will share insights on harnessing interoperable data strategies to fuel business growth, enhance digital maturity, and enable organizations to thrive in the era of intelligent technologies.

Ryan Janssen

CEO

Ryan Janssen

CEO

Zenlytic

About Speaker

Ryan Janssen is the co-founder and CEO of Zenlytic, an AI data analytics platform on a mission to make data accessible, trustworthy, and actionable for everyone, not just analysts. Ryan believes the future of analytics isn’t dashboards, but intelligent systems that help teams ask better questions and make better decisions. He also served as a partner at Ex Quanta and previously worked in technology-focused investing across growth capital, private equity, and venture capital. He holds a Master’s in Computational Data Science from Harvard, an MBA from Oxford, and an Engineering degree from the University of Alberta.

Linda F. Powell

Deputy Chief Data Officer

Linda F. Powell

Deputy Chief Data Officer

BNY Mellon

About Speaker

Linda F. Powell, Enterprise Deputy Chief Data Office, BONY Melon Linda F. Powell has over 30 years of experience in the finance industry including commercial banking, banking supervision, and supporting economic research. She spent most of her career with the Federal Reserve System covering regulatory reporting, bank examination, and economic research in addition to data management. She was the Chief Data Officer at the Treasury Department’s Office of Financial Research and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In 2018 she joined Citibank as the Global Head of Data Governance & Data Reporting and in 2021 she joined BNY as the Deputy Chief Data Officer. Her experience covers data operations, data governance, data platform design and implementation, data architecture, and analytics / data science. She has published several papers on the topics of data standards, metadata, and data strategy. She has a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University and an M.S. in Quantitative Finance from George Washington University.

Friederike Schüür

Chief of Data Strategy and Data Governance

Friederike Schüür

Chief of Data Strategy and Data Governance

UNICEF

About Speaker

Friederike Schüür is Chief of Data Strategy and Data Governance from UNICEF

Austin Sheppard

Head of Engineering

Austin Sheppard

Head of Engineering

Hypha

About Speaker

Austin Sheppard is Lead Engineer at Hypha, where he is focused on building AI-driven systems that fundamentally reshape how organizations operate and how people work. An engineering leader and founder with a successful exit, Austin brings over a decade of experience building products across fintech, AI, and SaaS. He has held roles at State Street, nference, Toast, and Hebbia, where he led the development of high-impact products at the intersection of data, automation, and intelligent systems. His work consistently centers on translating emerging technologies, particularly AI, into practical, scalable solutions that drive real business outcomes. Based in New York, Austin lives with his wife and newborn daughter.

Emanuel Bettelheim

Head of Data & Analytics

Emanuel Bettelheim

Head of Data & Analytics

Bloomberg

About Speaker

Emanuel Bettelheim is Head of Data & Analytics in the Office of the CTO at Bloomberg, where he leads the company’s structured data and analytics strategy. He oversees product management of Bloomberg’s data infrastructure, spanning ingestion, enrichment, semantic modeling, analytics, access, and activation, with a focus on Bloomberg Query Language (BQL) and the integration of emerging technologies such as generative AI. Emanuel previously held leadership roles at Google, ExecOnline, Orbitz, Ask.com, Imagekind, and Expedia. With more than two decades of experience driving innovation at the intersection of data, technology, and product strategy, he is recognized for guiding teams through complex technical environments and delivering transformative products to market.

Deepti Chandra

Vice President Product & Marketing

Deepti Chandra

Vice President Product & Marketing

Upscale.ai

About Speaker

Deepti Chandra is a product and networking leader at Upscale AI, where she leads product strategy and go-to-market for AI-native networking infrastructure. She previously held leadership roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco, scaling hyperscaler networking businesses and advancing SONiC-based solutions. With deep expertise across product, engineering, and cloud infrastructure, she focuses on enabling high-performance, scalable networks for AI and cloud environments.

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