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OUR SPEAKERS
Announcing Our First 2025 Speaker Lineup
Francesca Rossi
IBM Fellow and AI Ethics Global Leader
IBM
Francesca Rossi is an IBM Fellow and the IBM AI Ethics Global Leader. She is based at the T.J. Watson IBM Research Lab, New York, USA, where she leads research projects and she co-chairs the IBM AI Ethics board. Her research interests focus on artificial intelligence, with special focus on constraint reasoning, preferences, multi-agent systems, computational social choice, neuro-symbolic AI, cognitive architectures, and value alignment. On these topics, she has published over 220 scientific articles in journals and conference proceedings, and as book chapters.
She is a fellow of both the worldwide association of AI (AAAI) and the European one (EurAI). She has been president of IJCAI (International Joint Conference on AI) and is the current president of AAAI. She is a member of the board of the Partnership on AI and co-chairs the Responsible AI working group of the Global Partnership on AI. She also co-chairs the OECD Expert Group on AI Futures and she has been a member of the European Commission High Level Expert Group on AI.
Prof. Gabriele Gramelsberger
Professor and Chair for Theory of Science and Technology
RWTH Aachen University
Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gramelsberger holds the Chair for Theory of Science and Technology at RWTH Aachen University, where she co-directs the Master's program in Governance of Technology and Innovation alongside Prof. Dr. Stefan Böschen. In 2018, she founded the CSS Lab, supported by the NRW Digital Fellowship, aiming to develop a conceptual framework for the Philosophy of Computational Sciences and an open science infrastructure for Computational Science Studies.
As a member of the RWTH Human Technology Center and Vice Dean for Research of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Dr. Gramelsberger is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology, society, and philosophy. Her work bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications in computational science and technology governance.
Prof. Julie Wall
Professor of AI & Advanced Computing
University of West London
Julie Wall is a Professor of AI and Advanced Computing at the University of West London and a recognized expert in the field of Artificial Intelligence. As a member of the British Standards Institution (BSI), she contributes to shaping industry standards and best practices in AI. Julie’s research focuses on developing intelligent systems for processing and modeling temporal data, with a strong emphasis on speech and language applications.
Her work bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technologies and practical solutions, driving advancements in understanding and utilizing temporal data in real-world scenarios. Julie is committed to fostering innovation in AI and its applications, making significant contributions to both academia and industry.
James Liu
Head of MB.OS Customer Experience
Mercedes-Benz
James Liu is the Head of MB.OS Customer Experience at Mercedes-Benz AG, where he leads UX, Speech, and UI Software teams to revolutionize in-car interactions. With over a decade of experience in design, product, and engineering, James is a driving force in creating seamless, user-centered experiences for next-generation vehicles.
Passionate about human-centered design, James focuses on intuitive interfaces and transformative technologies that enhance customer-brand interactions. His innovative approach to mobility solutions reflects a commitment to redefining how users engage with vehicles, delivering cutting-edge experiences that blend functionality with sophistication.
Alexander Schmitt
Head of Speech Technology #HeyMercedes
Mercedes-Benz
Alexander Schmitt has over 15 years of experience in Voice Assistants, Voice AI research, and product development. He began his career at the University of Ulm, joining Germany’s first spoken dialog system research lab in 2007, where he pursued a PhD on AI-driven Speech Dialog Systems in collaboration with New York-based SpeechCycle Inc.
In 2012, Alex joined Mercedes-Benz, contributing to research, advanced engineering, and product development for next-generation in-car voice assistants and emotion AI. A prolific author, Alex has published over 60 international papers in voice assistant-related fields. He currently leads the development of the next-gen #HeyMercedes Voice Assistant, working with a talented team of software developers, data scientists, and product owners to push the boundaries of conversational AI.
Markus Danhel
Head AI Software - Austria & Switzerland
IBM
Markus Danhel is Head AI Software for Austria & Switzerland at IBM Technology. His mission is to make companies successful in their journey to #open #trustworthy and #secure #ai for enterprise-wide scale to enable impactful business transformation and real market value creation. Markus is an entrepreneurial business leader with a broad set of business expertise and technical skills gained over 25+ years in the IT industry.
An advocate for Trustworthy AI, Markus combines his technical expertise and entrepreneurial mindset to empower businesses in leveraging AI to reshape processes and accelerate growth. He is dedicated to fostering impactful collaborations that drive meaningful outcomes.
Christian Hohmann
Head of AI-Assistants & Tech
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Christian Hohmann is the Head of HCB New Technologies (AI) & IT-Management/-Projects at Henkel Consumer Brands, where he leads global AI initiatives to shape HCB’s digital strategy. With over 20 years at Henkel, Christian has been pivotal in driving innovation, advancing IT management, and delivering digital transformation projects that enhance operational excellence.
Passionate about leveraging advanced AI solutions, Christian focuses on integrating transformative technologies to optimize processes and elevate customer experiences. His forward-thinking approach positions Henkel as a leader in innovation, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications in dynamic consumer markets.
Niklas Heidloff
AI Engineer and Developer
IBM
Niklas Heidloff is the CTO Partner Co-Creations EMEA at IBM, where he leads strategic partnerships in building and deploying enterprise AI solutions. With over 15 years at IBM in senior technical roles, he has built extensive expertise in cloud platforms and open-source development, essential components for implementing AI at scale.
A builder and AI engineer at heart, Niklas has served as Developer Advocate for IBM Cloud and consistently contributes to advancing enterprise AI deployment through his technical blog and open-source initiatives. His work focuses on implementing robust AI systems that create tangible business value, sharing practical insights on successfully deploying AI capabilities in enterprise environments.
Lauren Schroeter
Head of Digital Innovation Projects
Henkel
Lauren Schroeter is a Global Consumer Brand Creator and Digital Product Innovation Strategist at Henkel, with over a decade of international experience at the intersection of brands and digital innovation in consumer goods. Known for her expertise in creating and executing brand strategies and global rollouts, Lauren combines creative, out-of-the-box thinking with strong analytical skills to deliver highly desirable physical and digital products.
In her current role, Lauren leads transformative digital innovation projects, leveraging consumer insights to develop impactful solutions that drive growth and enhance customer experiences. Her passion for brand management and digital transformation has made her a top performer in the industry, fostering innovation and excellence across Henkel’s global portfolio.
Frank Giroux
Manager Digital Transformation
Bayer
Frank Giroux is the Manager of Digital Transformation in SCM Pharma at Bayer Pharma, where he specializes in driving innovation through chatbot and large language model (LLM) applications. With eight years of experience in digital transformation and a decade managing product supply IT projects, Frank combines technical expertise with a passion for modernizing supply chain processes.
An industrial engineer with roots in Berlin and Toulouse, Frank earned the SCM Management Award for his groundbreaking 2017 Supply Chain Breakthrough project. As a recognized speaker on digital transformation, AI, and innovation methods, he continues to share insights and shape the future of AI-driven solutions in the pharmaceutical industry.
Koda Skurzewski
Board Member & Group Chief Commercial Officer
Mplus
Koda Skurzewski is a distinguished leader in the business process outsourcing (BPO), technology, and customer experience sectors, currently serving as the Group Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Mplus Group. With a rich background in these industries, she has collaborated with some of the world's largest companies, developing innovative approaches that create distinct competitive advantages.
Throughout her career, Koda has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences. Her leadership at Mplus Group exemplifies a commitment to innovation, as evidenced by the company's development of AI-powered solutions like Buzzeasy, an AI-first customer service platform. These initiatives reflect her vision of leveraging technology to create more efficient and human-centric customer interactions.
Thomas Neumann
Global Lead on Conversational AI
Vodafone Group
Thomas Neumann is a visionary leader in leveraging new technologies to transform customer experiences, with a focus on digital channels that create the "wow" effect. As a driving force behind global chatbot and voice assistant solutions, he is passionate about innovations that enhance customer satisfaction and boost Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
With over 15 years of experience in the mobile industry, Thomas brings a unique blend of international expertise, diverse roles, and exceptional interpersonal skills to the table. His work bridges the transition from traditional app-based solutions to cutting-edge conversational interfaces, enabling businesses to navigate the evolving digital landscape and deliver impactful, customer-focused results.
Daniel Krantz
Vice President AI
VIER
Daniel Krantz is the Vice President of AI at VIER, leading the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions to enhance conversational AI and automation. With a strong background in digital transformation, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making, he focuses on bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world business applications.
Previously, Daniel was Division Lead at Otto Group, where he was part of the senior leadership team overseeing digital product development and in-house consulting. With extensive leadership experience across startups, agencies, and corporate environments, he has a proven track record in building and scaling customer-facing, data-driven digital products while driving innovation and operational efficiency.
Enrique Solano
Co-CEO and Co-Founder
Kipu Quantum
Enrique Solano is the Co-CEO and Cofounder of Kipu Quantum, a pioneering company dedicated to unlocking quantum advantage for real-world industry applications. With an extensive career at the intersection of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and deep tech innovation, Enrique has led groundbreaking research groups and technology teams across academia and industry.
A thought leader in quantum algorithms and quantum artificial intelligence, Enrique has contributed to the advancement of quantum simulation, sensing, and communication. His expertise spans from neuromorphic quantum computing to the fusion of quantum arts and technology. At Kipu Quantum, he is focused on transforming quantum supremacy into tangible industry solutions, bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and practical business applications.
Yoav Barel
Founder & Chairman
Chatbot Summit
Yoav Barel is an Israeli-American technology entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Chatbot Summit, and a Partner at Sunrize Research, with over 15 years of experience in Conversational AI and customer experience innovation. He began his career at Sun Microsystems, Oracle, and later LivePerson, where he led AI-driven customer engagement solutions.
As the driving force behind Chatbot Summit, Yoav delivers the event’s flagship State of the Bots keynote and curates its agenda, making it the leading global platform for AI innovation. A passionate advocate for Conversational and Agentic AI, as well as a quantum enthusiast, Yoav advises startups and corporations, helping them leverage AI to foster innovation and create lasting impact.
As the driving force behind Chatbot Summit, Yoav delivers the event’s flagship State of the Bots keynote and meticulously curates its agenda, establishing it as the premier global platform for AI innovation. In addition to his leadership roles, Yoav advises startups and provides strategic research services to corporations and investors, helping them harness AI to drive meaningful innovation and create lasting impact.
Dr. Jan-Rainer Lahmann
Distinguished Engineer
IBM
Dr. Jan-Rainer Lahmann serves as IBM Distinguished Engineer and Quantum Lead for the DACH region, where he specializes in advancing quantum computing implementation and research. His work focuses on bridging theoretical quantum concepts with real-world applications, particularly in enterprise-scale systems.
He is passionate about accelerating the journey toward quantum advantage, collaborating with organizations to explore breakthrough applications across scientific domains. His work demonstrates the transformative potential of quantum computing and its ability to solve previously intractable problems.
Nils Seele
Partner LEA Partners, Board Member Aleph Alpha
LEA Partners
Nils Seele has been building, investing in, and leveraging deep tech companies for over six years, driving innovation and growth in transformative industries. As a Partner at LEA Partners, he specializes in venture capital and private equity for leading B2B technology companies.
Nils is a visionary leader combining academic expertise with hands-on entrepreneurial experience. He is known for early on investing in Aleph Alpha, a pioneer in generalizable artificial intelligence, and is deeply committed to fostering innovation in deep tech and supporting ventures that redefine industries and shape a sustainable, technology-driven future.
Denise Holtschulte, Dr.
Partner - Lead ai+
dbeyond ai+
Dr. Denise Holtschulte is a recognized leader in AI and data-driven innovation, known for scaling transformative solutions across industries. With deep expertise in NLP and Generative AI, she combines technical mastery with strategic insight to drive impactful change. Her leadership enables organizations to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable growth.
As the former Head of AI and Data Science at MHP – A Porsche Company, Denise spearheaded cutting-edge AI strategies and implemented advanced analytics to deliver measurable results. Now a Partner at dbeyond group and Lead of ai+, she empowers organizations to leverage AI, foster innovation, and navigate the complexities of digital transformation with precision and foresight. Her ability to bridge strategic vision with technical execution positions her as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Clara Rizzo
Global Customer Service Project Specialist
On AG
Clara Rizzo is a Global Customer Service Project Specialist at On, where she drives transformative AI and automation solutions for customer service teams across EMEA, NA, and APAC regions. Passionate about enhancing customer service experiences, Clara excels in understanding the unique needs of diverse teams and shaping automation strategies that align with customer experience goals.
With a strong focus on innovation, process optimization, and stakeholder collaboration, Clara is dedicated to delivering impactful solutions that improve efficiency and drive business growth. Her expertise in AI automation, project management, and team leadership makes her a valuable force in revolutionizing customer service processes on a global scale.
Aura Hita Losa
CX Automations Specialist
On AG
Aura Hita Losa is a CX Automations Specialist at On, where she leverages over a decade of global digital expertise and more than five years in the Conversational AI industry. As a CX advocate and seasoned marketer, Aura is passionate about advancing Conversational Automation to elevate customer-brand interactions through cutting-edge AI technologies.
Her work focuses on crafting meaningful conversations by understanding user experience (UX) and cross-cultural consumer behavior. Aura’s dedication to fostering impactful and innovative solutions reflects her commitment to transforming the way brands engage with their customers, creating seamless and personalized interactions that leave a lasting impression.
Jarno Koponen
Product Design Manager
Zalando
Jarno M. Koponen is a seasoned product design and innovation leader who combines AI with product design and business to build impactful products, effective teams, and innovative organizations. He's work has been featured in notable publications such as Fast Company, TechCrunch, and VentureBeat among others. Jarno is currently leading product design for Personalization, Recommendations, Search and Browse (PRSB) at Zalando.
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wunder
Professor of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
Freie Universität Berlin
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Gerhard Wunder is a Professor of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence at Freie Universität Berlin, leading the Cybersecurity and AI (C-AI) Group.
Supported by Bundesdruckerei GmbH, his group focuses on AI with cybersecurity and cybersecurity through AI, hosting the Center for Trustworthy AI at the university. Prof. Wunder's research encompasses generative AI, resilient networks, privacy-preserving synthetic data, explainability and fairness in AI, quantum crypto analysis, AI engines for anomaly detection, cybersecurity architectures in IoT, AI-assisted device biometrics, and low-resource federated learning with blockchains.
His work bridges the gap between advanced AI technologies and practical cybersecurity solutions, driving progress in creating secure and intelligent systems for real-world applications. Prof. Wunder is dedicated to promoting innovation in AI and cybersecurity, making significant contributions to both academic research and industry practices.
Jan Zubíček
AI Business Strategist
ČSOB
Jan Zubíček serves as AI Business Strategist at ČSOB, Czech Republic's leading bankinsurance group and part of KBC Group, where he bridges technical capabilities with business objectives to shape and execute strategic AI initiatives. With over 20 years of experience spanning IT, data, and AI domains, he played a key role in bringing Kate to life - ČSOB's groundbreaking conversational AI assistant that has handled over 10 million customer interactions and set new industry standards for personalized banking services.
His current focus is on advancing conversational AI as a transformative force for both customer and employee experience, identifying opportunities where AI creates value and guiding implementation across the organization. This includes product ownership of MyKate, an internal LLM-based assistant that enhances employee productivity across customer service, daily operations, and content generation tasks. His expertise combines deep technical knowledge with strategic business insight, gained from working with both startups and enterprise organizations throughout his career.
Yenny Cheung
VP of Product
charles
Yenny is the VP of Product at charles, a Berlin-based conversational marketing platform that enables brands to convert, support, and retain customers through WhatsApp AI agents. charles helps e-commerce brands drive increased sales and stronger customer retention.
Before joining charles, Yenny led engineering & product teams at Rapid, where they focused on API Devtools, at Rasa in the field of Conversational AI, and at Yelp within the Adtech space.
Souvik Ghosh
Staff Customer Success Architect
Rasa
Solutions architect who translates customer needs into scalable Rasa implementations, while bridging technical and business stakeholders.
Maria Zervou
Senior Specialist Solutions Architect
Databricks
Maria is a Greek-expat experiencing the London life… and weather! With a Data Science degree and a lot of curiosity about how coding and data can unlock new ways of solving problems, her journey to the data world started. Maria has worked as a Data Scientist and an ML engineer for the past 5 years, where she experienced how data actually challenges and transforms the way we think and operate.
Jan Stober
Conversational AI Design Lead
Agnostix
Jan Stober is a linguist working in the AI industry – skilled in product design, conversational UX and NLP applications, used in chatbots and voicebots.
To Be Revealed
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* Stay tuned! More incredible speakers will be announced each week.
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