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MEET THE SPEAKERS
17 JUNE
At Future Summit: AI 2025, step into the next era of artificial intelligence—where autonomy, ethics, and real-world impact converge. Top experts will unveil the latest breakthroughs shaping the future of intelligent systems, with a spotlight on AI in Finance—from algorithmic trading and fraud detection to personalized banking experiences.
Explore the world of deepfakes and the ethical dilemmas redefining AI governance, then put theory into action during the DIY Your AI interactive session, where innovation becomes hands-on.
The future of AI isn’t just something to watch—it’s something to build. Be part of it at the Future Summit: AI 2025!
Andy Grant
EMEA Director – Supercomputing and AI, Higher Education and Research
Andy Grant is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in high-performance and technical computing. He has a proven track record of growing business areas for leading organizations like NVIDIA, Eviden/Atos, IBM, and SGI/Cray (now HPE), providing HPC, data analytics, AI, and quantum computing solutions to global public and private sector clients. Andy has held roles managing sales, presales, channel, service delivery, and research teams. He is passionate about energy-efficient accelerated computing and minimizing the carbon footprint of HPC and AI solutions. Andy serves as the EMEA Director for Supercomputing and AI at NVIDIA, focusing on the higher education and research market where he has responsibility for driving supercomputing and AI adoption across Europe. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: AI for Science: Adapting science workflows in the age of agentic and physical AI 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: The talk will discuss recent advances in generative AI model development and the use of Agents for complex reasoning tasks, including physical AI systems such as robots. The talk will also include discussion on physics informed neural networks and their application in different areas of science including advanced manufacturing and weather forecasting.
Susi Merighi
Data & AI Ethics Manager
Susi is a Manager in the Data & AI Ethics consulting services with extensive experience supporting national and international organizations in achieving regulatory compliance and business continuity in AI adoption. Since 2017, she has focused on designing trustworthy AI systems aligned with ethical and legal standards. A Lead Auditor for ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 42001, she also contributed to the development of the RINA-certifiable Trustworthy AI Management System Framework and has led training programs to promote ethical AI practices. With a background in law and economics, She brings a multidisciplinary approach to integrating transparency, accountability, and robustness throughout the entire AI lifecycle. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Trustworthy AI by design 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: AI systems are becoming central to decision-making across industries, but can we trust them? This session explores the ethical concerns and key risks of AI adoption (e.g.; bias mitigation, explainability). It provides strategies for embedding ethical principles directly in AI development, including TEV&V practices, ensuring AI remains trustworthy, transparent, robust, and aligned with human values. A Trustworthy AI by design approach, where ethical concerns are embedded from the offset and throughout the entire AI lifecycle, goes beyond regulatory compliance, becoming a key market differentiator.
Bogdan Lazaroiu
Head of Data for Business – AI & Data Analytics Division
Leading the Data for Business team within the AI, Data & Analytics Division, driving data-driven transformation and innovation. Responsible for developing and executing data strategies that enhance business decision-making, optimize processes, and unlock new revenue streams. Overseeing advanced analytics, AI initiatives, and data governance to ensure scalable, high-impact solutions that support corporate objectives. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to foster a data-centric culture and maximize business value through insights and automation. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: AI at Scale: Infrastructure, Challenges, and Opportunities
Alexandru Luca
Mobile Division Manager
Alexandru Luca is an experienced Mobile Division Manager with over 20+ years of experience in complex projects in the ITC industry. Over the years, Mr. Luca has gained valuable experience in this field both by taking key roles in the companies in which he has worked and by acquiring important certifications and recognitions in the top cybersecurity and mobile solutions such as Knox Expert, Android Professional, Certified Solution Design & Deployment and Certified System Architecture. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: From Automation to Innovation: How AI Is Reshaping Business
Bogdan Herea
VP of R&D
Bogdan Herea is the VP of R&D Engineering for Concentrix , leading large-scale digital transformation and AI-driven innovation for top global brands. A Computer Engineering graduate from INSA Lyon, he built his early career in France before founding PitechPlus in Romania, growing it into a leading technology partner before its integration with Concentrix. Passionate about tech education and entrepreneurship, he launched a free coding school inspired by École 42 and led the Cluj Francophone Business Club (CFAC). His achievements have been honored with awards from GADIF and CCIFER, reflecting his impact on the tech and business communities. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: From Automation to Innovation: How AI Is Reshaping Business 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: TBA
Gustavo Maniá
Information Security and Risk Manager (Regional CISO)
Gustavo Maniá is a cybersecurity leader and AI enthusiast with over 20 years of global experience in cyber risk management, resilience, and digital security leadership. As Regional CISO for HEINEKEN, he leads award-winning strategies that reduce enterprise risk and align cybersecurity with business growth. Gustavo brings a strategic lens to the evolving intersection of AI and cybersecurity, where he explores both the threats and transformative potential of AI to the cyber-defence ecosystems. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Risks and Opportunities that AI brings to Cybersecurity 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: AI is reshaping the cybersecurity battlefield. In this session, Gustavo Maniá—Regional CISO at HEINEKEN and AI/automation enthusiast—explores real-world cyber risks from GenAI, agentic AI, phishing automation, deepfake threats, and cybercrime innovation. He shares HEINEKEN’s approach to managing these risks and highlights how AI can also strengthen defence. Attendees will learn how to help their organisations embrace AI securely and strategically.
Mark Oost
Vice President AI & Generative AI
Mark Oost is a seasoned expert with over 15 years of experience in Data & AI. As Vice President AI & Generative AI at Capgemini, Mark leads the strategic development of the company's global AI portfolio. Mark has collaborated with innovative clients across various industries, helping them leverage AI for business transformation and value creation. Passionate about driving AI adoption and excellence, Mark is committed to delivering high-quality solutions that meet customers' needs and expectations. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Transforming Customer Interactions in Finance with AI Agents 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Explore the transformative journey of integrating chatbots with Generative AI and agents to revolutionize customer interactions in the financial sector. This session delves into detailed insights and experiences, highlighting the significant impact and future possibilities of these cutting-edge technologies. Discover how AI-driven chatbots are reshaping the financial landscape and enhancing customer experiences.
Bogdan Cioc
Lead of SAP Labs SEE Romania, Director CX IA&S Romania
I’m Bogdan Cioc, leading SAP Labs SEE Romania. In this role, I drive technological progress, foster collaboration, and help shape SAP’s local presence. At the same time, as a consulting Manager, I work closely with clients to implement robust, scalable solutions that transform their business operations. My goal is to bridge ideas with execution, ensuring businesses harness SAP’s full potential to stay ahead in an ever-changing digital world. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Opening Speech Future Summit: AI
Francesco Giovane
Country Manager
Francesco Giovane, an experienced IT leader with 12+ years at Endava, is the Country Manager for Romania. He leads over 3,000 employees, driving efficiency and profitability in a challenging economy. Known for redesigning structures, streamlining processes, and developing talent, he brings hands-on enterprise software experience. His international work spans the UK, India, the US, Canada, and Greece, making him key to Endava’s continued success. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: AI at Scale: Infrastructure, Challenges, and Opportunities
Alexandru Glod
Storyteller, TEDX Speaker, Udemy Instructor
𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: For 12 years, Alex Glod has been working with leaders, marketers and professionals from the corporate and NGO sector to help them tell their stories with impact, to connect with their audiences, and to provide them with a memorable experience. He has trained over 4500 people on Storytelling, Public Speaking and Leadership and has taught over 63.000 online students through Udemy. He has spoken 4 times on a TEDx stage and has coached several TEDx speakers on the structure and delivery of their talks. Alex has also mentored several startups in pitching their business idea and has moderated over 25 events on topics such as blockchain, AI, cities of the future, urban mobility and youth leadership.
Sterre van der Laken
Strategy and Programs Lead at the UKI AI Centre
Sterre van der Laken is an innovation expert and the Programs and Strategy Lead at the Salesforce AI Centre. Sterre leads design-led AI programs and immersive experiences, aimed at helping customers navigate the ever-evolving AI landscape. Renowned for her dynamic energy and ability to connect diverse perspectives, Sterre excels in bridging the gap between strategy and execution. She brings together cross-functional teams to create impactful solutions that are both visionary and grounded in practical application. Her hands-on approach to AI makes complex concepts accessible, enabling organizations to turn innovative ideas into real-world outcomes. Sterre holds a Master’s degree in Innovation Management and is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning. She regularly speaks at events, sharing her insights on leadership, design thinking, diversity, and the future of AI. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Future of Agents 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: This will be an engaging and interactive 45-minute session designed to spark conversation and fresh thinking. Rather than a one-way talk, expect moments of live polls and mini-debates, as well as brief teamwork activities or reflections to connect the topic to your own experience. Whether you're participating from your seat or sharing insights out loud, your voice will be part of the dialogue.
Luana Lo Piccolo
Global AI Governance & Legal Strategist, Tech & AI Influencer, Keynote Speaker
Luana is a leading global voice in Legal Tech and AI governance. An advisor to businesses, governments, and institutions, she helped shape landmark regulations like the EU AI Act. Awarded Best Legal Strategist (GLA, 2025) and Best Responsible AI Leader (RAI, 2024), she champions responsible leadership, innovation, and strategic compliance, building bridges between policymakers, industry, and civil society. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Governance vs Innovation: Debunking the False Conflict 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Governance and innovation are often seen as opposing forces — but when well-crafted, governance is a catalyst, not a constraint. In this session, we’ll debunk the false conflict between regulation and innovation, showing how responsible AI frameworks unlock trust, drive adoption, and build lasting competitive advantages. Drawing lessons from real AI failures, we’ll explore how embedding governance from the start transforms compliance into a strategic asset and fuels sustainable, human-centered innovation.
Radu Purdel
Principal Development Architect
Radu Purdel is a Principal Development Architect at SAP, with over 20 years of experience spanning software development, team leadership, and enterprise architecture. Since 2016, he has been part of SAP’s Data Science and Machine Learning team in Bucharest, where he focuses on designing and delivering intelligent applications that embed AI into enterprise workflows. With a strong software engineering background, he brings a hands-on, pragmatic approach to building scalable AI systems. His current work centers on Agentic AI and enabling multi-agent capabilities within enterprise platforms. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: AI at Scale: Infrastructure, Challenges, and Opportunities
Alexandru Cociu
Executive Partner
Alexandru Cociu is an experienced executive partner at IT Smart Systems and co-founder of Smart Fintech, with over 18 years of experience assisting global enterprise clients across various industries, including finance, telecommunications, retail, and utilities. He specializes in streamlining technological processes and driving innovative digital transformations. Passionate about technology and digital advancements, Alex recognizes the immense potential for innovation in the open banking ecosystem and is dedicated to helping businesses leverage AI to enhance their operations. 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: From Automation to Innovation: How AI Is Reshaping Business 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: TBA
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