Speakers

IIoT World Manufacturing & Supply Chain Day 2025

An entrepreneurial software engineer with global business leadership experience and a passion for digital transformation. Lucian has worked in the industrial software and automation industry since 1998. He holds a BSEE from Cleveland State University and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Finance from Case Western Reserve University. He has worked in various positions: software development, product development, training, marketing, pre-sales, product management, M&A integration and global marketing. Lucian has served as the World Trade Center Cleveland Representative for Eastern Europe and as a Board Member for the Promisepartner.biz. He teaches in the Electrical & Computer Science Department at Cleveland State University (CSU) focusing on Industrial Automation & Industrial IoT and currently serves on the Board of Industry Advisors, Engineering Technology, CSU. He was selected to represent the United States in Europe for Technology and Services on the economic trade mission lead by Dr. Samuel Bodman, undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Interests: skiing, playing soccer, global travel.

Romina Guevara has been the Chief Digital and Data Officer for the Mexico and Central America region at Michelin since June 2022. In this role, she leads the organization's digital transformation and supports its efforts to become a data-driven company. Over the past decade, Romina has been involved in innovation, digital payments, digital adoption, and digital transformation. FinTech Magazine recognized her impactful career by naming her among the top 100 women in the sector in 2021. She was also recognized as one of the Top CIOs in Mexico in 2022 and 2024.

Ellen Boehm is the SVP, IoT Strategy & Operations at Keyfactor. Ellen leads the go-to market strategy for Keyfactor's IoT business focusing on digital identity security solutions for the IoT device manufacturer market. Ellen is passionate about IoT and helping customers establish strong security implementations for the lifecycle of their overall IoT systems.

Ellen has 17+ years' experience leading new product development with a focus on IoT and connected products in lighting controls, smart cities, connected buildings, and smart home technology. Ellen has held leadership roles in Product & Engineering at General Electric and Sky Technologies over her career.

Tim Chase is a Program Director with the Global Resilience Federation (GRF), he brings a decade of collective defense and intelligence analysis experience to the communities he leads. He has worked across various critical infrastructure sectors in several information sharing communities. He leads the Manufacturing Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MFG-ISAC) where he engages members to facilitate cyber security success for manufacturers and their support ecosystem. The MFG-ISAC facilitates the exchange of cyber threat intelligence, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies while fostering member collaboration with other key sectors and government agencies to respond and prevent critical threats and incidents.

Seasoned enterprise technology and cybersecurity executive with a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and business acumen. Extensive experience in leading cybersecurity initiatives and implementing robust security strategies to protect critical assets. Known for driving innovation and resilience, leveraging next generation technologies and industry insights to proactively address evolving threats.

Rob Putman, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is currently a Global Manager - Cyber Security Services at ABB Process Automation. Rob Putman holds a MBA @ University of Redlands. With a robust skill set that includes Product Management, SDLC, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Agile Methodologies and more, Rob Putman contributes valuable insights to the industry.

Visionary cybersecurity leader with 17+ years of experience driving strategic security initiatives for global organizations. Proven ability to develop and execute cybersecurity roadmaps, build high-performing teams, and mitigate enterprise risk in complex IT/OT environments. Expertise in aligning security strategy with business goals, fostering a culture of security, and leading digital transformation securely. Adept at leading large, cross-functional teams and managing multi-million-dollar cybersecurity and infrastructure programs to successful completion. Worked in OT Domains such as Food & Beverage, Pharma, Power, Oil & Gas.
Extensive experience in enterprise architecture, security architecture, security assessment, audit & consulting, and R&D.

Vaibhav Sharma is a distinguished cybersecurity leader with over 18 years of experience in Cyber Risk Management, IT/OT, ICS Security, and Control System Engineering. He has a proven track record of leading large teams and implementing projects across diverse industries, including automotive, oil & gas, energy, manufacturing, chemical, and more. Vaibhav has held pivotal roles such as CSA Zero Trust Architecture exam reviewer and Co-Chair for the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) IoT Working Group, and he is currently a Senior Member of the ISA Working Groups and Standard Committee. Vaibhav's expertise encompasses cloud security, risk advisory, operational risk assessments, program management, and project controls design and implementation. He has substantial industry experience with technical, communication, and delivery skills in greenfield, brownfield, and migration projects. His global experience includes cross-functional delivery, program management, pre-sales techno-commercial support, and business process development. Vaibhav is adept at leading teams to implement cutting-edge digital trends such as Zero Trust in Automotive, OT security, Digital Smart Factory, and AI use cases in OT.

Currently, Vaibhav is focused on enhancing capabilities to deliver complex business processes integrated with digital innovations. His leadership and strategic vision have driven significant advancements in cybersecurity across multiple sectors, making him a sought-after expert in the field.

Throughout his 20-year professional journey, Sebastián has specialized in Market Research and Advisory, Industrial Automation, Industrial Software, Operational Technologies, Process Control, and Manufacturing. His extensive experience of 17 years working for large industrial organizations and conglomerates in Engineering and Business Development roles has given him a deep understanding of the technical and business needs and challenges of those industries.

In 2021, he joined Frost & Sullivan as an analyst, and now he manages the Industrial Automation & Software Global Research team, analyzing markets, industries, and technologies of the entire industrial value chain, i.e., design and engineering, operations (control, maintenance, and optimization), business/enterprise, lifecycle services, and industrial digital transformation (Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing).

Sebastián is passionate about helping organizations, executives, and industry leaders succeed in the industrial and manufacturing landscapes. He focuses on identifying market opportunities and tech trends, leveraging data analytics and insights to unlock businesses' growth and innovation potential. Nothing is more precious to him than building long-lasting relationships based on trust, loyalty, business value, and winning results.

Sebastián is an SME, evangelist, advocate, and influencer in industrial technologies. His enthusiasm fuels his interest in data analysis, trends, strategies, business models, and competitive landscapes shaping the industrial and manufacturing realms.
He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, Argentina (Summa Cum Laude honors).

Above all, Sebastián cherishes spending time with his son, Mateo, his wife, Valeria, and his family.

Andrew is the CEO and Co-founder of Arch, working with top-tier global manufacturers to drive intelligent actions from machine and factory data for efficiency and predictability at scale. Andrew has published over 20 scientific papers in the fields of semiconductor electronics, electronics manufacturing, and renewable energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Stanford where he fabricated world record silicon photoanodes enabled by a background building custom fabrication and inspection equipment in collaboration with top semiconductor equipment vendors. Andrew also helped build StartX, a top worldwide startup accelerator that invested over $200M across various companies. Outside of Arch you can find Andrew spending time with his family, sports, or advising other technologists and entrepreneurs around Silicon Valley.

Lara Ludwigs shapes the global business development of the German Industrial IoT company Cybus. Together with her team, she supports manufacturing companies in implementing scalable IIoT architectures and transforming into data-driven factories, while positioning Cybus as a thought leader and strategic partner within the international IIoT ecosystem.

Marc Jäckle is Head of Smart Factory at MaibornWolff. As a consultant and software architect, he and his team design customer-specific IoT and IIoT solutions both in discrete manufacturing and in the process industry for customers such as BMW, VW, Weidmüller, STIHL, Miele and KUKA.

As Head of Sales - Manufacturing & Automotive at Schwarz Digits KG, Daniel Traub is responsible for the development and implementation of the sales strategy for one of Schwarz Digits` focus markets. Together with his team, he actively drives the digital transformation of their customers by designing and implementing superior cloud solutions that meet the requirements of security, scalability and compliance.

Peter Sorowka is an expert in Industrial IoT and the technical architecture of data-driven industrial production. In 2015, he founded Cybus – the Industrial IoT company specializing in secure and governance-strong IIoT edge and smart factory solutions. As CEO and co-founder of Cybus, he has been advising and supporting the industry for more than 10 years in its transition to decentralized, secure smart factories and data-driven smart services.

Srinivasan Narayanan is a seasoned Supply Chain and Manufacturing IT Leader with over 24 years of global experience driving enterprise transformation across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Asia. He specializes in Supply Chain Management, Material Planning, Manufacturing, Costing, and Maintenance, with deep expertise in Oracle Cloud Applications and digital innovation.

He currently serves as the Oracle Solution Delivery Lead at Milwaukee Tool, where he leads large-scale Oracle Fusion Cloud implementations that power manufacturing, maintenance, and supply chain excellence. His work focuses on leveraging IIoT, AI, and Cloud ERP to optimize operational efficiency, asset reliability, and business agility in global manufacturing ecosystems.

Srinivasan is an IEEE Senior Member, a member of the IEEE Computer Society, and a Professional Member of the Institute of Science & Technology (UK). He has been invited to speak at several industry and technology conferences, including:

Oracle AI World 2025 — “Enterprise Asset Maintenance Reimagined: The Oracle Cloud Advantage”

Oracle Cloud Summit 2025 — “Redwood UX–Driven Efficiency Improvements in Oracle Cloud Maintenance”

As a researcher and practitioner, Srinivasan has authored multiple peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations on topics spanning AI in Predictive Maintenance, ERP Automation, and Supply Chain Optimization, including:

Automating Supply Chain Processes Using Oracle Orchestrator and EDI Integration (IEEE Conference)

Enhancing Order Scheduling Efficiency with Packaging Lead Time in Oracle E-Business Suite

Transforming Preventive Maintenance Operations Through Oracle Cloud Maintenance Automation

Machine Learning for Enhancing Customer Experience in E-Commerce Platforms (IEEE Conference)

Through his work, Srinivasan bridges the gap between technology and operations demonstrating how IIoT and AI-enabled ERP ecosystems can transform manufacturing efficiency, predictive intelligence, and decision-making in Industry 4.0 environments.

In 2016, Martin joined Schunk, initially leading the cyber-physical systems division where he spearheaded the company's digital transformation and developed smarter robotic systems through machine learning. Today, he is Director of Innovation for SCHUNK at IPAI Heilbronn, driving forward-thinking digital products and services that address the evolving needs of the industry.

With a track record of bridging the gap between research and industry, he thrives on turning complex technological concepts into actionable solutions that drive business growth and technological advancement.

Ethan is a committed change-maker and community builder who is passionate about transforming manufacturing to build a brighter future. At the helm of MAGNET, he connects people and companies to opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region’s preeminent center for manufacturing innovation and technology.

Chris Huff is a growth-focused tech and SaaS executive with a proven track record in scaling enterprise software companies backed by private equity and venture capital. He’s known for building strong teams and driving value through operational efficiency, revenue growth, and product innovation. Prior to joining Adlib, Chris was CEO at Base64.ai and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax), where he led strategy, product, AI, GTM, marketing, and partnerships. He also co-led Deloitte’s U.S. Public Sector Intelligent Automation practice and served as a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps. Chris brings deep expertise in AI, automation, and digital transformation—and a clear vision to expand Adlib’s impact across regulated industries.

Anthony has 20+ years of experience in Business Workflow and Intelligent Document Processing segment with prior roles at Kofax, Nuance, Notable Solutions (NSi), and Xerox. Anthony brings a well-rounded set of experiences with solution-related roles in Product Management, Alliance and Partner Management, and Product Development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, both from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Karthik is a seasoned business transformational leader with over 30 years of experience and led two organizations to become $ 1 Bn+ Product engineering/Digital engg businesses over the last 25+ years. He believes in building technology that powers the human future potential. He has been in CXO roles including CEO,COO,Business unit head for public listed organizations HQ in India, he has been an executive board member for 4+ years. Developed market expansion programs and domain expertise across industries including auto,semicon,technology,telecom,aerospace,energy,and healthcare working closely with Fortune-500 client CXOs.He has been part of the NASSCOM Executive Council and ER&D chair for many years.

Former CEO and Executive Director at Cyient where he led the organisation and transformed it as a global technology solutions powerhouse. During his tenure over the last 5 years, he integrated cloud, AI, data analytics, and intelligent engineering to drive innovation, growing Cyient’s market-cap many folds and putting the company on path to a $1 billion annual run rate business. Previously at Tech Mahindra, Karthik built the integrated engineering services division into a billion-dollar business, closing over $2 billion in strategic deals within seven years.

Throughout his 31-year career, he has driven growth through diverse business models like closing ten M&As,one IPO,strategic subsidiary creation and a joint venture, many product/site carve-outs,IP led deals,Venture investments, etc including Cyient DLM's IPO.

Karthik served as co-chair of the Engineering Services Forum at NASSCOM and as a member of the NASSCOM Executive Council.He is also part of NASSCOM’s Strategic Skills Council and is in VIT’s academic council.He has nurtured and mentored many Industry professionals and regularly advises startup founders. He is passionate about building AI-ready talent, creating environments where technical excellence & human potential thrive together.

He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Madras, MBA from Symbiosis, and completed executive programs at IMD, Yale, Ross School of Business, Harvard Business School, Digital Transformation & Exponential Thinking from Singularity University & Egon Zenhnder.He is also a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Reliability Expert from GE. He has completed certification program on Gen AI from Coursera.

Karthik's deepest passion lies in connecting human potential with the best of tech potential. As he looks ahead, he is committed to helping organizations to become AI-powered technology future.

Digital Technology enthusiast with more than 15 years of experience & education in industrial software and building technologies. Extensive experience gained at both lead corporations and startup teams in development of IoT platforms, disruptive digitalization / software, AI solutions and ecosystems

Ganesh Babu Gopalakrishnan is a Senior Vice President at Indorama Ventures Limited and serves as the Global Captain for Manufacturing Transformation in the CPET segment. A mechanical engineer by training, he brings over 38 years of industrial experience in PET and polyester manufacturing.

For the past 23 years, he has been part of Indorama Ventures, and his professional journey in Thailand spans more than 33 years. His current focus is on leading global manufacturing transformation initiatives across CPET operations.

He is actively involved in driving key initiatives such as connected worker platforms, predictive analytics for asset health, standardization of work processes, reliability strategy alignment, turnaround (TAR) optimization, manpower efficiency, and variable cost optimization.

Michael Carroll is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in leadership and strategic transformation across various industries. Currently serving as a Research Fellow at LNS Research since March 2025, Michael previously held significant roles, including Vice President at Georgia Pacific from January 2010 to December 2024, where leadership in developing transformation strategies shifted the organization towards a customer-centric approach. Prior to that, as Executive Vice President at McTech Group Inc from January 2003 to January 2013, Michael played a crucial role in establishing a high-growth company that became a major service provider for large retailers. Additionally, Michael served as Deputy Chairman & CEO at Shepherd North & South America, Dean Oliver International from January 2001 to January 2003, leading strategic revitalization efforts. Michael began a career in operations at Mead Paper from January 1993 to January 2001. Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Ohio University, earned between January 1979 and January 1985.

Senior executive with extensive business development/management experience in manufacturing operations enterprise software, including services, sales, marketing, software implementation, professional services and design and development of complex software solutions. An executive with the ability to apply people management skills, strong writing skills, software development expertise and business acumen to work collaboratively with customers in solving complex business process problems.

Hamish Mackenzie operates as a Fractional Chief of Staff to space and deep-tech startup/scaleup CEOs, providing the focus, clarity, and execution leverage they need to turn complex technology into reliable growth — without adding full-time headcount.

With 20+ years in B2B technology and GTM strategy, he helps founders align their teams, sharpen their message, and build predictable momentum — by combining strategic GTM support with AI-enhanced operating systems that unlock leadership capacity across the business.

Jeff Winter is the Vice President of Business Strategy for Critical Manufacturing, where he leads strategic growth initiatives and business development while positioning the company as a global leader in MES technology. With almost 20 years of experience working for different industrial automation product and solution providers, Jeff has a unique ability to simplify and communicate complex concepts to a wide range of audiences, educating and inspiring people from the shop floor up to the executive board room. Jeff is also highly active in the Industry 4.0 community. He serves on the Executive board for International Society of Automation (ISA), the International Board of Directors for MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association), a U.S. registered expert for the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) as a member of TC 65, and as a Smart Manufacturing Advisor to CESMII.

Peggy Gulick, a nationally recognized manufacturing leader and digital transformation strategist.

Peggy brings more than two decades of experience leading operational excellence and Industry 4.0 initiatives at companies including General Motors, Kohler, and AGCO. She’s not just a strategist; she’s been on the shop floor, rolling up her sleeves to deliver measurable results: boosting productivity, modernizing plants with AI and advanced manufacturing systems, and driving meaningful cultural change. She is an operations nerd and real pro at getting things done that actually enhance productivity, including the people side of things.

Douglas Langen is a pioneering geomatics engineer and the co-founder and CEO of 4D1, a Calgary-based innovator in ultra-precise indoor positioning technology. With over 15 years of experience leveraging GPS to revolutionize outdoor automation, he now applies that expertise to advance indoor industrial productivity.

Maria Araujo is a seasoned Industry 4.0 senior executive with over 21 years of experience in digital transformation in Fortune 100 companies. Maria is the founder and CEO of Factory X Solutions, LLC, an executive consulting practice focused on Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Prior to Factory X, Maria was Vice President, Global Innovation Engineering at McCain Foods. In this role, Maria led a global team focused on identifying, developing and deploying breakthrough and disruptive technologies to optimize and differentiate McCain’s manufacturing processes. Areas of focus include Sensing and IoT, advanced robotics, industry 4.0, smart factory technologies, to name a few. Prior to McCain, Maria was an Engineering Fellow and Director of the Advanced Technology Center of Excellence at Johnson & Johnson, where she led a team focused on supply chain innovation. Prior to J&J, Maria had various roles in R&D, product development and technology development at Honeywell Aerospace and Southwest Research Institute. Maria holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is the recipient of an R&D 100 Award, is one of Manufacturing USA’s Modern Makers and was named one of San Antonio’s Top 40 Under 40 by the San Antonio Business Journal.