Event Schedule

Please see below event schedule that outlines the timeline for the upcoming event. It includes information such as the start and end times of each session, the names of the presenters etc.

08:30 AM – 09:00 AM

Registration

09:00 AM – 09:10 AM

Welcome Remark

09:10 AM – 09:35 AM

Keynote Session

Announcing Soon

Dick van Schooneveld, Global COO & Managing Partner, HYLMAN

09:35 AM – 10:15 AM

Panel Discussion

Building a Sustainable and Digital EMEA: A Collaborative Approach and aligning the Role of Policy Influencers, Innovators, Multilateral Agencies and the Private Sector for Business Transformation and Operational Excellence

This session focus will be on integrating cutting-edge digital technologies and systems with a robust data and AI infrastructure. This collaborative approach will pave the way for economic acceleration in the EMEA region, while also unlocking new possibilities for sustainable growth. We’ll explore how businesses can leverage technology to achieve operational excellence and meet environmental and social responsibility goals. By fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes both economic and ecological well-being, we can propel businesses towards a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable future We’ll delve into the crucial role of a strong digital core as the foundation for this transformation journey.

Key Takeaways:

  • Key steps towards digital core as the backbone of transformation
  • Importance of integrating digital technologies & systems with modern data & AI foundation for economic acceleration 

Zeljko Rakic, Director of Operation and International Sales, The Lean Six Sigma Company Group

Dick van Schooneveld, Global COO & Managing Partner,
HYLMAN

Bart Smets, CIO, It2Profit

Pieter Sluis, Program Director Digital Transformation, Versuni

10:15 AM – 10:40 AM

Keynote Session

DRIVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: DEVELOPING A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR ORGANIZATIONAL SUCCESS

In a rapidly changing and competitive business environment, achieving operational excellence is essential for organizational success. But where do you start?

In this keynote address, we will explore the key elements of developing a comprehensive program for driving operational excellence, including:

  • Developing a clear strategic vision that aligns with organizational goals and values.
  • Grounding the program for operational excellence in purpose, not just profit, to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders.
  • Building governance and infrastructure to support the program, including digital transformation where applicable, to ensure sustained success.
  • Proactively identifying and mitigating barriers to success on the journey towards operational excellence, including resistance to change, lack of resources, and cultural challenges

Gerard Poolman, Head of Operational Excellence, Shell

10:40 AM – 11:20 AM

Panel Discussion

Advancing into Emerging Technologies like Intelligent Automation Through RPA, Analytics and Process Mining Unveiling Generative AI’s Potential: The Cornerstone of Data Strategy

This session explores the critical role of data strategy in successfully implementing Generative AI. We will delve into the essential steps of building a robust data foundation, including:

  • Data Strategy Optimization: Discover how to optimize your data strategy to unlock the full potential of Generative AI

By establishing a well-defined data strategy, you can effectively:

  • Develop AI & Predictive Analytics Capabilities: Harness the power of AI and predictive analytics to drive efficiency and identify new growth opportunities.

This session equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage Generative AI and gain a significant competitive advantage.

Anil Raina, Product Owner, ING

Miha Bobic, Head of building controls, Danfoss

Carlos de Castro, head of continuous improvement, ABB E-mobility, vice president,
ABB E-mobility

C. Handan Aymaz, Head of Continuous Improvement, Turkcell Center

Damla Örücü, Process Automation Leader, Garanti BBVA

Gerard Poolman, Head of Operational Excellence, Shell

Amrita Ghosh, Director, Value Stream Architect Ultrasound business, Philips

11:20 AM – 11:35 PM

Morning Break

11:35 AM – 12:00 PM  

Keynote Session

Cloud-Powered Transformation: Speeding Up, Not Slowing Down – Accelerating digital transformation through cloud and major organizational challenges in the process

This session explores how cloud computing can accelerate digital transformation while navigating significant organizational hurdles. We’ll delve into how the cloud simplifies application development and deployment, leading to faster time-to-market for new offerings. However, we’ll also address the critical challenges of data privacy and cybersecurity, particularly within data-sensitive industries. Learn how to navigate these concerns and unlock the full potential of cloud-based transformation.

  • Simplifying the development and deployment of applications, enabling faster time-to-market for new products and services
  • Addressing privacy and cybersecurity concern in data-sensitivity industries

12:00 PM – 12:40 PM  

Panel Discussion

Sustaining Operational Excellence Through Uncertainty & Creating Operational Resilience by Scaling Up Intelligent transformation with Cognitive Capabilities

Research suggests that an alarmingly high number of transformational Operational Excellence programs fail to sustain in the long run. The high volatility and uncertainty post the pandemic era and ongoing trade anomalies has caused even more havoc to many transformation efforts. 

To address the aforementioned & be mostly sufficient, many companies are taking advantage of Intelligent Process Automation to automate manual tasks, remove bottlenecks and increase efficiency. However, pioneering companies are taking this to the next level by incorporating cognitive capabilities into RPA to enable more autonomy, intelligence and unlock the next level of speed and efficiency. Join this workshop to learn best practices and have practical and valuable insights in building these capabilities from the most experienced transformation leaders on:

  • A changing mind-set from efficiency to growth: How can operational excellence support and create business growth?
  • Is your business poised for winning in a new market defined by disruptive technologies? 
  • Driving world class global change: getting your employees onboard

Ken Kaser, Former COO, Blades
Siemens Gamesa

Eelco Ouwerkerk, Chief Commercial Officer, Coface

SRIRAM NATARAJAN, Former Nestle Global Supply Chain (Global HQ Nestle),
Nestle (Global Head Quarters, Switzerland)

Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar, Data Science & Digital Expertise Leader,
Unilever R&D

Jenny Baynes, Director of Transformation Office, University of Leeds

12:40 PM – 01:05 PM

Keynote session

Artificial Intelligence in the world of automotive development

This session will delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the automotive landscape. From autonomous vehicles to enhanced safety features, AI is redefining the way we design, manufacture, and experience cars. Join us as we explore the latest advancements in AI, its practical applications in the automotive industry, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Discover how AI is shaping the future of mobility and driving innovation at an unprecedented pace

Dr.Rajesh Ganji, Head- Global R&D Operations,
ZF Group

Sanjay Khatte, Agile Transformation Coach,
ZF Group

01:05 PM – 01:30 PM

Keynote Session

 Driving Large-Scale Business Innovation, Reinvention and Global Change to Support and Create Topline Business Growth

Global operational excellence initiatives must support business growth and generate topline growth opportunities. In this strategic session , we will go through how large-scale innovation and change can be generated and pushed through the entire global enterprise with thousands of employees. 

Key takeaways:

  • A changing mind-set from efficiency to growth: How can operational excellence support and create business growth?
  • Is your business poised for winning in a new market defined by disruptive technologies? 
  • Driving world class global change: getting your employees onboard

01:30 PM – 02:15 PM

Lunch break

02:15 PM – 02:55 PM

Roundtable

Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: The Intersection of Workplace Strategy and Business Transformation

Explore an intimate roundtable discussion wrt the critical role of workplace strategy in fostering a culture of innovation. This interactive session will bring together industry leaders to share insights, best practices, and challenges in driving business transformation through people-centric initiatives.

The evolving role of culture in driving business transformation: How has the concept of organizational culture shifted in recent years? What are the key characteristics of a culture that fosters innovation?

Bridging the gap between strategy and execution: How can organizations effectively align their culture and workplace strategies with overall business objectives? What are the common pitfalls to avoid?

Leveraging technology to transform workplace culture: How can technology be used to create a more collaborative, innovative, and engaging work environment? What are the challenges and opportunities?

Building a culture of continuous learning and development: How can organizations foster a mindset of lifelong learning and equip employees with the skills needed for future success?Measuring the impact of culture and workplace initiatives: What metrics and KPIs can be used to assess the effectiveness of cultural and workplace transformation efforts?

Gerard Poolman, Head of Operational Excellence,
Shell

Jenny Baynes, Director of Transformation Office,
University of Leeds

Bart Smets, CIO,
It2Profit

Miha Bobic,Head of building controls,
Danfoss

Erdem Dursun, Manufacturing Science & Technology Manager,
Lonza Netherlands

Carlos de Castro, head of continuous improvement, ABB E-mobility, vice president,
ABB E-mobility

Dr.Rajesh Ganji, Head- Global R&D Operations,
ZF Group

Sanjay Khatte, Agile Transformation Coach,
ZF Group

Ken Kaser, Former COO, Blades,
Siemens Gamesa

SRIRAM NATARAJAN, Former Nestle Global Supply Chain (Global HQ Nestle),
Nestle (Global Head Quarters, Switzerland)

Dr. Satyajit Wattamwar, Data Science & Digital Expertise Leader,
Unilever R&D

Zeljko Rakic, Director of Operation and International Sales,
The Lean Six Sigma Company Group

C. Handan Aymaz, Head of Continuous Improvement,
Turkcell Center

Anil Raina,Product Owner,
ING

Amrita Ghosh, Director, Value Stream Architect Ultrasound business,
Philips

Dick van Schooneveld, Global COO & Managing Partner,
HYLMAN

Pieter Sluis, Program Director Digital Transformation,
Versuni

Solomon O. Ayodele, Product and technology Innovation,
Wema bank

Damla Örücü, Process Automation Leader,
Garanti BBVA

Eelco Ouwerkerk,Chief Commercial Officer,
Coface

02:55 PM – 03:20 PM  

Keynote Session

Reaching Mass Adoption of Smart Automation by Addressing the Missing Link

03:20 PM – 04:00 PM  

Panel Discussion

Breakthrough technologies and evolve care models to increase operational efficiency & resilience; Discussing growth strategies by identifying critical areas for improvement & recognising the right infrastructure support in the Healthcare industry

In today’s dynamic business landscape, building robust and agile supply chains is paramount. This session will explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies to enhance operational efficiency and resilience. Discover how to identify critical areas for improvement, leverage advanced analytics, and optimize infrastructure to drive sustainable growth. Gain insights from industry experts on transforming your supply chain into a competitive advantage.

  • Conflict Management Strategies: Discover effective approaches to manage and resolve conflicts between supply chain partners, fostering a collaborative environment essential for success.
  • Navigating Cascading Organizational Change: Understand the impact of large-scale organizational changes on supply chain operations and learn strategies to mitigate potential disruptions
  • Scenario Planning for “What-If” Situations: Utilize scenario planning methodologies to anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances
  • Rebuilding a Risk-Optimized Target Operating Model: Discover how to leverage risk assessments and emerging opportunities to create a future-proof target operating model that enhances your supply chain’s resilience.
  • Foresighting Demand Management: Explore how innovative supply chain and operational practices can improve demand management and forecasting capabilities, ensuring agility and responsiveness in a dynamic market

SRIRAM NATARAJAN,Former Nestle Global Supply Chain (Global HQ Nestle,
Nestle (Global Head Quarters, Switzerland)

Dr.Rajesh Ganji,Head- Global R&D Operations
ZF Group

Sanjay Khatte,Agile Transformation Coach,
ZF Group

Erdem Dursun,Manufacturing Science & Technology Manager,
Lonza Netherlands

04:00 PM – 04:25 PM  

Keynote

Planning and Executing Business Architecture & Continuous Improvement to Enhance Business Processes, Agility and Value

This panel session will focus on driving business outcomes by connecting business strategy with continuous improvement efforts; which in turn leads to improved processes and organizational efficiency. As more and more companies discover the benefits of being value driven and structured process, it is a natural step to seek maximum synergy between the strategies and the process improvement expertise and capabilities

Key takeaways:

  • From strategy design to strategy delivery: Connecting the dots through business architecture and agility principles 
  • Incorporating derivative events into the overall program of continuous improvement for sustainable success

04:25 PM – 05:00 PM  

Evening break + Networking

05:00 PM – 05:40 PM  

Panel Discussion

Driving Digital Transformation in Financial Services to Deliver End-to-End Customer Experience

The financial services industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by evolving customer expectations and disruptive technologies. This session will explore how financial institutions can leverage digital innovation to create seamless, personalized customer experiences across the entire customer journey. From onboarding to service delivery and beyond, discover how to harness the power of data, AI, and emerging technologies to build customer loyalty, drive growth, and stay ahead of the competition.

Key Topics:

  • Overcoming challenges in delivering a unified customer experience
  • Leveraging data analytics for customer insights and personalization
  • Implementing AI-powered solutions for enhanced customer interactions
  • Measuring and optimizing the customer experience

Join us as we delve into real-world examples and best practices to help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation and deliver exceptional value to your customers.

Anil Raina, Product Owner, ING

Solomon O. Ayodele, Product and technology Innovation,Wema bank

Bart Smets, CIO, It2Profit

Pieter Sluis, Program Director Digital Transformation,Versuni

05:40 PM – 05:50 PM  

Closing Remark

09:30 AM – 01:00 AM

Registration

010:00 AM – 01:00 PM  

Master Class

Unleashing Innovation and Efficiency: A Combined Approach to EMEA Challenges with Lean Six Sigma & Design Thinking

  • This masterclass equips you with a powerful toolkit to tackle industry-specific challenges faced by EMEA organizations. We’ll explore the synergistic application of two powerful methodologies:
  • Lean Six Sigma: Master the data-driven approach of Lean Six Sigma to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and achieve operational excellence.
  • Design Thinking: Harness the human-centric problem-solving framework of Design Thinking to foster creativity, generate innovative solutions, and address unmet customer needs.
  • By learning to leverage both methodologies, you’ll gain a comprehensive approach to problem-solving, allowing you to:
  • Diagnose Sector-Specific Challenges: Identify and understand the unique challenges faced by your specific industry within the EMEA region.
  • Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement a data-driven approach to eliminate waste and inefficiencies in your processes.
  • Spark Innovation: Develop creative solutions that address customer needs and drive growth within your organization.
  • Navigate the EMEA Landscape: Gain insights into best practices tailored to the specific economic and cultural context of the EMEA region

Zeljko Rakic, Director of Operation and International Sales, The Lean Six Sigma Company Group

01:00 PM – 02:00 PM

Lunch Break

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM  

Master Class

Key trends in the future of R&D: Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to be adept at latest transformational and industry 4.0 advancements; Learning R& D the agile & lean way with perview of sustainability/green technologies

This intensive workshop is designed to equip professionals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Participants will gain hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate innovation and drive business growth. By adopting agile and lean principles, R&D teams can optimize processes, reduce time-to-market, and deliver impactful solutions. Furthermore, the workshop will explore the critical role of sustainability, emphasizing the development of green and environmentally friendly technologies.

  • Master the fundamentals of AI and ML and their applications in R&D
  • Implement agile and lean methodologies to enhance R&D efficiency
  • Develop a deep understanding of sustainability trends and their impact on product development
  • Gain practical insights into Industry 4.0 technologies and their integration into R&D processes

Dr.Rajesh Ganji, Head- Global R&D Operations, ZF Group

Sanjay Khatte, Agile Transformation Coach, ZF Group

02:00 PM – 03:30 PM  

Master Class

Announcing Soon

Bart Smets, CIO, It2Profit

05:50 PM – 06:00 PM

CLOSING REMARK