As technological acceleration redefines the global economy, 50 leading architects of AI, cybersecurity, and data strategy provide a definitive roadmap for the year ahead. Explore the insights shaping the future of enterprise at NextTech Today.
In 2025, the promise of technological acceleration met the reality of its complications. As the digital landscape moved from a surge of innovation to a sustained era of transformation, the demand for more than just agility became clear: we required a map. Navigating this environment, defined as much by its volatility as its potential, necessitated a rare synthesis of veteran foresight and technical precision.
Our contributors for this year’s report represent that essential bridge.
Through rigorous analysis and on-the-ground reportage, these experts have illuminated the tectonic shifts defining our time—from the operationalizing of agentic AI to the hardening of our global data borders. They have peered into the intricacies of hybrid cloud architecture and untangled the evolving, often invisible, threats of the cybersecurity frontier. Above all, their work has aimed to empower the reader with the clarity needed to make informed decisions in a world where data is as transformative as it is dense.
To the architects, strategists, and researchers featured in these pages: we thank you for providing the intellectual compass for our collective journey into the future of technology.
Ahmad Shakora, Group VP – Emerging Markets (META), Cloudera
Ahmad Shakora is the Group Vice President for Emerging Markets (META) at Cloudera, where he leads the strategic expansion of enterprise data and AI solutions across some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. With over seven years of leadership at Cloudera and a deep background in regional growth, Shakora specializes in helping organizations navigate the complexities of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. He is a central figure in the digital transformation of the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, focusing on the deployment of high-performance data architectures that power everything from government initiatives to large-scale banking systems.
Article: Bridging the Gap Between AI and the Cloud
Amey Banarse, Field Engineering Leader, Databricks
Amey Banarse is a Field Engineering Leader of Databricks and the former VP of Solutions Engineering at Yugabyte, where he partners with Fortune 500 companies to architect cloud-native, geo-distributed applications powered by scalable, fault-tolerant data infrastructure. With deep expertise in data analytics and transactional systems, he helps enterprises modernize their infrastructure using microservices and open-source technologies. Before Yugabyte, Banarse served as an Advisory Data Architect at Pivotal, enabling clients to enhance their analytics capabilities through OSS and big data platforms. Originally from Mumbai, he holds a Master’s in Computer Networking & Systems from the University of Pennsylvania. Amey is passionate about bridging business goals with innovative engineering solutions.
Article: How YugabyteDB Future-Proofs Enterprise Data with Scalability and Resilience
Bart Lenaerts, Product Marketing Manager, Infoblox
Bart Lenaerts is a Product Marketing Manager at Infoblox, bringing over two decades of expertise in Network Systems and security. A passionate storyteller, he excels at operational and interpersonal management, with experience in Fortune 500 companies and dynamic startup environments. Lenaerts previously served as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at CrowdStrike, where he specialized in threat intelligence and digital risk management. He is fluent in English, Dutch, French, and German, demonstrating a strong international background.
Article: How is GenAI Reshaping Cyber Threats and Defenses?
Boaz Mizrachi, CTO, Tactile Mobility
Boaz Mizrachi is the CTO and Co-founder of Tactile Mobility, where he is pioneering the “tactile” layer of autonomous driving and smart mobility. A veteran technologist with over 25 years of experience, Mizrachi is an expert in hardware and software system architecture, specializing in the high-speed networking and microelectronics that power modern vehicle intelligence. Before co-founding Tactile Mobility, Mizrachi held pivotal leadership roles at Zoran Microelectronics and Charlotte’s Web Networks, where he managed the design of world-leading networking equipment and ASIC systems. At Tactile Mobility, he leads the development of software-based sensors that allow vehicles to “feel” the road surface and tire-road dynamics, providing critical data for vehicle safety, predictive maintenance, and the evolution of self-driving technology.
Article: The Code Problem: Why Connected Cars Are Prime Cyber Targets
Dr Carl Windsor, Chief Information Security Officer, Fortinet
Dr Carl Windsor is Fortinet‘s Chief Information Security Officer, where he helps shape global product strategy and drive cybersecurity innovation. A CISSP-certified expert with deep experience in network security, Dr Windsor brings a unique blend of technical acumen and commercial insight. His background spans managed service development, technical pre-sales, and large-scale enterprise implementations. Known for his customer-centric approach, he has successfully led complex projects by aligning security architecture with business goals. Dr Windsor is passionate about building resilient systems and fostering strong partnerships across the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Article: Safeguarding Data for the Quantum Era
Dan Potter, Senior Director, Cyber Drills and Resilience, Immersive
Dan Potter is the Senior Director of Cyber Drills and Resilience at Immersive, with over two decades of experience in business continuity, crisis management, and operational resilience. He specializes in designing and leading cyber resilience exercises across global financial services and national-level infrastructures in the UK, US, Africa, and the Middle East. Potter has worked closely with executive leadership, boards, and regulators, helping organizations strengthen their response to evolving cyber threats. A trusted leader in regulatory engagement and compliance, he combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise. His mission is to ensure businesses are always ready.
Article: The Cyber Threat Landscape Has Changed. Has Your Strategy?
Daniel T. Rehn, CIO, Cygnus Marketing Communications
Daniel T. Rehn is the Chief Information Officer at Cygnus Marketing Communications, bringing extensive experience as an innovative and passionate Senior IT Business Leader. He specializes in refining and implementing Agile processes to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and transparency across organizations. Rehn has a proven ability to lead complex initiatives, build high-performing teams, and leverage automation to deliver value. His strategic vision consistently aligns technology with overall business objectives.
Article: Why Data Security Is Vital in Higher Ed Marketing
Dave Russell, SVP, Head of Strategy, Veeam
Dave Russell is the Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy at Veeam Software, bringing over 35 years of unparalleled expertise in backup/recovery and storage management. A veteran developer, strategist, and industry analyst, he remains deeply passionate about data resiliency and addressing universal IT challenges. At Veeam, Russell drives strategic product programs, spearheads industry engagement, and evangelizes the company’s vision globally, leveraging his extensive background from Gartner and IBM.
Article: Why Are Most Companies Falling Short on Data Resilience?
Devin Partida, Editor-in-Chief, ReHack.com
Devin Partida is the Editor-in-Chief of ReHack, a leading publication focused on the intersection of emerging technology and practical application. With an editorial lens that spans the entire digital ecosystem, Partida is a recognized expert in “vertical technology”—specializing in the high-stakes evolution of BizTech, MedTech, FinTech, and Cybersecurity. A prolific voice in the industry, her work bridges the gap between complex engineering and executive strategy, particularly regarding the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its impact on data privacy.
Article: Holiday Bots Are Getting Smarter. Your Defenses Should Too.
Douglas McKee, Director of Vulnerability Intelligence, Rapid7
Douglas McKee is the Director of Vulnerability Intelligence at Rapid7 and a former Executive Director of Threat Research at SonicWall, where he led efforts to uncover and analyze emerging cyber threats. A seasoned security expert, he has discovered numerous CVEs and specializes in offensive security, malware analysis, and vulnerability research. McKee is a regular speaker at top-tier security conferences, including Black Hat, DEF CON, and RSA, and his insights have been featured in publications such as Wired, Politico, and TechRepublic. With over 15 years of experience, he combines deep technical knowledge with strong leadership and communication skills to advance global cybersecurity readiness.
Article: Stolen Data: A Lucrative Business on the Dark Web
Eleanor Hecks, Editor-in-Chief, Designerly Magazine
Eleanor Hecks is the Editor-in-Chief of Designerly Magazine, where she leads content strategy focused on UX, web design, and digital marketing. With a career that began in 2012, Hecksl has built a reputation for translating complex design trends into actionable insights for SMBs and creatives alike. Her work spans topics such as user experience, branding, and social media, and has been featured in top publications, including Smashing Magazine, Fast Company, HubSpot, and Web Designer Depot. Passionate about user-first design, Hecks continues to champion accessible, engaging digital experiences through her writing and editorial leadership.
Articles: How Explainable AI Builds Trust in Data Decisions | Cloud Repatriation: Why Workloads Are Moving Back On-Prem | How Generative AI Accelerates Legacy Tech Modernization | Taming the Data Deluge: Why Data Orchestration is Critical | Mastering Complex BI Systems with Real-Time Data Streaming Solutions | Is Augmented Analytics the Next Frontier in Business Intelligence?
Errol Weiss, Chief Security Officer (CSO), Health-ISAC
Errol Weiss is Chief Security Officer at Health-ISAC, where he leads global efforts to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration across the healthcare sector. With decades of experience in threat intelligence and cyber defense, he plays a key role in protecting critical health infrastructure from evolving digital risks. Weiss is a recognized leader in fostering trusted information-sharing communities to counter cyber threats.
Article: The Promise and Peril of AI in Hospital Cybersecurity
Francisco Mateo-Sidron, Senior Vice President, Head of EMEA, Cloudera
Francisco Mateo-Sidron is the Senior Vice President and Head of EMEA at Cloudera, where he orchestrates the company’s strategic growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. A distinguished leader in the enterprise software space, Mateo-Sidron brings over 25 years of experience, including a storied two-decade tenure at SAP, where he held various executive roles, such as Managing Director for Spain and Portugal and Head of EMEA for SuccessFactors. At Cloudera, he focuses on empowering large-scale enterprises to harness the power of “True Hybrid” data clouds. He is a vocal advocate for data sovereignty and the democratization of AI, helping complex organizations navigate the shift from legacy infrastructure to modern, AI-ready data architectures. His leadership is defined by a commitment to driving business value through a data-driven culture and operational excellence.
Article: Europe’s AI Push Risks a Two-Tier Workforce
Gerald Beuchelt, CISO, Acronis
Gerald Beuchelt is the Chief Information Security Officer at Acronis, a leading Swiss cyber protection company, bringing over two decades of expertise in cybersecurity, cloud security, and privacy. He is responsible for the security, compliance, and technical privacy of Acronis’ products and corporate assets. Beuchelt also serves as a Cybersecurity Advisor for ID.me and Nisos, providing strategic guidance to executive teams. With a Master’s in theoretical physics and multiple certifications, he’s a recognized technical leader dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity profession.
Article: Is Identity the New Cybersecurity Front Line?
Greg Porter, Principal Solutions Architect, Sev1Tech
Greg Porter is Principal Solutions Architect at Sev1Tech, specializing in AI, digital twins, and advanced manufacturing solutions. With deep expertise in enterprise architecture and applied AI, he helps organizations harness emerging technologies to optimize operations and drive innovation. Porter’s work bridges strategy and execution, enabling industries to adopt scalable, future-ready digital ecosystems.
Article: Digital Twins + GenAI Agents Are Rewiring Manufacturing
Holger Schulze, Analyst and Publisher, Cybersecurity Insiders
Holger Schulze is the Founder, Analyst, and Publisher of Cybersecurity Insiders, a comprehensive content platform serving over 700,000 IT security professionals. With over a decade of leading this initiative, he provides crucial news, education, and solutions for the dynamic cyber threat landscape. Previously, Schulze served as VP Marketing at Diamond Mind and EG Innovations, where he successfully built world-class marketing functions from the ground up, accelerating sales pipelines, boosting brand recognition, and preparing companies for high-valuation acquisitions.
Article: Are VPNs Now the Weak Link in Enterprise Security?
Ilya Smirnov, Head of AI Department, Usetech
Ilya Smirnov is the Head of the AI/ML Department at Usetech, bringing over 15 years of expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematics, Smirnov has authored over 50 scientific papers in prestigious journals, focusing on applied analysis. He is a recognized speaker at global conferences, including GITEX GLOBAL and the Tech For Founder Podcast. His thought leadership is showcased through articles and commentary in outlets such as HackerNoon, CMSWire, and PYMNTS, where he explores the intersection of AI and technology innovation.
Article: AI Transforms Mining: Core Recognition Simplified
Jay Henderson, GVP of Products, UKG
Jay Henderson is a GVP of Products at UKG and the former Senior Vice President of Product Management at Alteryx, where he led the development of cutting-edge analytics solutions. With over 25 years of experience in product leadership across analytics and marketing technology, Henderson has a rare blend of expertise in product management, marketing, and strategy. He’s known for scaling products and organizations by aligning strategy with execution. Prior to Alteryx, he served as SVP of Products at Acoustic and held leadership roles at IBM, Unica, SPSS, and NetGenesis. Jay holds degrees from MIT’s Sloan School of Management and the Sorbonne.
Article: Data Analysts Evolve: AI Transforms Roles, Not Replaces Them
Jeremy Brown, CTO, GitGuardian
Jeremy Brown is Chief Technology Officer at GitGuardian, where he leads innovation in code security and AI-driven threat detection. With a strong background in cybersecurity and software engineering, he focuses on safeguarding organizations from risks introduced by AI agents and automated systems. Brown is a thought leader on the intersection of AI, security, and developer-first protection.
Article: Are AI Agents the Next Big Security Threat?
Joel Burleson-Davis, CTO, Cyber, Imprivata
Joel Burleson-Davis is the Chief Technology Officer at Imprivata, where he leads the cybersecurity product suite, as well as AI and data initiatives. With deep expertise in access management and threat mitigation, he drives innovation and secure product delivery to protect mission-critical systems. Prior to Imprivata, he served as CTO at SecureLink, overseeing technology strategy across product, cybersecurity, and compliance. He’s passionate about building high-performing teams and solving complex security challenges in today’s dynamic digital landscape.
Article: Joel Burleson-Davis Tackles Rising Cyber Threats with AI and Passwordless Strategies
Joseph Regensburger, VP of Research, Immuta
Joseph Regensburger is Vice President of Research at Immuta, where he drives advancements in data access control, privacy, and compliance. With a strong background in security engineering and applied research, he focuses on enabling enterprises to safely leverage sensitive data at scale. Regensburger’s work bridges academic insight with real-world application, shaping the future of secure, data-driven innovation.
Article: PETs at Scale: Tech or Team Challenge?
Kathryn Coduto, Assistant Professor, Boston University
Kathryn Coduto is an assistant professor of media science in the Department of Mass Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations at Boston University. Coduto researches the intersections of mass media and interpersonal communication, focusing on how individuals use media to connect and make sense of the world around them. Recent studies have investigated compulsive social media use during major news events and the privacy management practices of individuals across a number of communication technologies, including dating applications and social media. Her work has been published in journals including the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Computers in Human Behavior, Political Communication, and the Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media.
Article: AI vs. Dating App Fatigue: Can Tech Mend Broken Romance?
Kelby Green, CTO, VergeSense
Kelby Green is the Chief Technology Officer at VergeSense, where he leads the development of AI-powered spatial intelligence solutions that help organizations optimize their workplace environments. With over a decade of experience in software engineering and product innovation, Green has played a pivotal role in scaling VergeSense from startup to industry leader. Prior to this, he was a founding software engineer at ByteLight and led software engineering at Acuity Brands. Green began his career at Bloomberg LP and brings a strong foundation in systems development and sensor technology.
Article: AI: Designing Workspaces for the Future
Kim Larsen, Group CISO, Keepit
Kim Larsen is the Group Chief Information Security Officer at Keepit, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across cybersecurity, IT, and software development in both the public and private sectors. He specializes in aligning business and security strategies, risk management, and threat mitigation tailored to organizational needs. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Larsen is also an experienced board member, advisor, and keynote speaker. He plays a critical role in shaping security governance and resilience for digital-first enterprises.
Article: Streamlining Cybersecurity: Tackling Tool Sprawl Effectively
Luke McNamara, Deputy Chief Analyst, Mandiant (now part of Google Cloud)
Luke McNamara is Deputy Chief Analyst at Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, where he analyzes nation-state actors, advanced cyber threats, and emerging attack techniques. With extensive experience in threat intelligence and risk assessment, he provides critical insights to help organizations anticipate and counter sophisticated adversaries. McNamara is widely recognized for his expertise in translating complex threat landscapes into actionable strategies.
Article: Google’s Luke McNamara on Outsmarting Hackers
Manoj Srivastava, Chief Technology and Product Officer, Blackpoint Cyber
Manoj Srivastava is the Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO) at Blackpoint Cyber, where he spearheads the convergence of proactive and reactive security strategies. A cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience, Srivastava previously served as Deputy CTO at Tenable, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the global “exposure management” category and led engineering for large-scale vulnerability management portfolios. At Blackpoint, he oversees the entire product lifecycle—from technology vision and engineering to post-sales customer success.
Article: The Unified Security Approach MSPs Need Now
Manu Sharma, Regional Director for India and SAARC, Neat
Manu Sharma is Regional Director for India and SAARC at Neat, driving the company’s mission to transform hybrid work with AI-powered, inclusive collaboration solutions. With deep expertise in enterprise technology and market expansion, he focuses on enabling organizations to enhance productivity and engagement in the evolving workplace. Sharma is passionate about leveraging innovation to bridge communication and collaboration gaps across diverse teams.
Article: How Is Neat Transforming Hybrid Work with AI and Inclusivity?
Michael Scarpati, Founder and CEO, RetireUS
Michael Scarpati is the CEO and Founder of RetireUS, where he is redefining wealth management by bridging the gap between high-level financial planning and scalable technology. A veteran entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in financial services, Scarpati launched RetireUS to democratize access to fiduciary guidance, ensuring that independent, expert advice is no longer reserved solely for the ultra-wealthy. His work centers on “frictionless financial planning”—a model that seamlessly blends human relationships with AI-driven efficiency to achieve financial freedom more quickly and cost-effectively. Beyond his fintech leadership, Scarpati serves as the Chairman of the Board for OWE, a non-profit dedicated to providing impoverished communities with the resources needed to achieve long-term sustainability and economic independence.
Article: What the TikTok Ban Means for Your Financial Life
Morey Haber, Chief Security Advisor, BeyondTrust
Morey Haber serves as the Chief Security Advisor at BeyondTrust, where he specializes in identity and privilege security. With over two decades of IT industry experience, Haber regularly speaks about modern cybersecurity challenges and solutions. He has authored several books on attack vectors, emphasizing the importance of identity-based security. His insights help organizations safeguard against modern cyber threats.
Article: AI, Quantum and Digital Cloning Shape Key Cybersecurity Trends
Niko Walraven, Area VP – APAC, Neat
Niko Walraven is the Area Vice President for APAC at Neat, a Norwegian video technology pioneer that is redefining the hybrid workplace. With over two decades of experience in the enterprise technology and unified communications space, Walraven is a specialist in scaling high-growth Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies across the diverse cultural and economic landscapes of the Asia-Pacific region. An expert in the Microsoft and Zoom ecosystems, he has a deep background in product management and business development, having previously managed major portfolios for Poly and Microsoft.
Article: The Hybrid Office: Why APAC’s Tech Is Failing Workers
Ofer Friedman, Chief Business Development Officer, AU10TIX
Ofer Friedman is the Chief Business Development Officer at AU10TIX, where he has spent over a decade transforming the company from a niche player into a global leader in automated identity intelligence. A veteran of the Fintech and SaaS sectors, Friedman is a specialist in the high-stakes world of fraud prevention, AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance. A patent holder and innovative strategist, he focuses on the “security-by-design” philosophy, helping global giants like Google, PayPal, and Uber navigate the escalating threats of the digital age.
Article: Inside Identity Fraud: Tactics, Tech, and How to Stay Safe
Pam Lindemoen, Chief Security Officer, VP of Strategy, RH-ISAC
Pam Lindemoen is Chief Security Officer and Vice President of Strategy at the Retail and Hospitality ISAC, where she guides cybersecurity initiatives across two of the most targeted industries. A seasoned leader with extensive experience in enterprise security, she works at the intersection of strategy, governance, and cyber defense. Lindemoen is also a trusted advisor to boards and executives, helping organizations strengthen resilience against evolving threats.
Article: Are CISOs Becoming the Boardroom’s New Power Players?
Preska Thomas, Founder and CEO, DebitMyData
Preska Thomas is the Founder and CEO of DebitMyData, a pioneering startup creating plug-and-play LLM identity APIs to transform how businesses secure and manage digital identities. With a background in technology innovation and entrepreneurship, she is driving efforts to make identity verification more seamless, scalable, and privacy-first. Thomas’s vision is to empower organizations with tools that strike a balance between security, compliance, and user experience in the age of AI.
Article: DebitMyData Debuts Plug-and-Play LLM Identity APIs
Renée Burton, VP of Threat Intelligence, Infoblox
Renée Burton is the Vice President of Threat Intelligence at Infoblox, where she spearheads the creation of original intelligence to protect global enterprise and consumer customers. With almost 23 years of experience at the National Security Agency (NSA), she’s passionate about hunting and blocking “bad guys” through DNS. Burton is an expert in DNS analysis, data science, and network security, with proven leadership in building organizations and driving strategic development for cyber analysis and operations.
Article: Are WordPress Hackers and Adtech Players in Cahoots?
Rick Vanover, Vice President, Product Strategy, Veeam
Rick Vanover is the Vice President of Product Strategy at Veeam, where he helps shape the future of data protection and availability. With a background in IT administration, virtualization, and cloud technologies, Rick brings deep technical insight and a passion for enabling resilient infrastructures. A frequent speaker and media contributor, he’s also recognized as a VMware vExpert and holds certifications including VCP and MCITP. Rick is known for translating complex tech into practical solutions for IT pros. Outside of work, he’s an active voice in the community and a dedicated family man.
Articles: Optimizing Cloud Costs: The Key to Data Portability and Security | Zero Trust Now Extends to Backup Systems Amid Ransomware Surge | Safeguarding Data Integrity in the Age of Data Migration | As the ‘Age of AI’ Beckons, It’s Time to Get Serious About Data Resilience
Rob Shavell, CEO, DeleteMe
Rob Shavell is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeleteMe, a leading privacy company that helps individuals and businesses remove personal data from the web. A longtime advocate for consumer digital rights, Shavell has been at the forefront of conversations around online privacy, identity protection, and the implications of big tech data practices. His work focuses on giving people greater control over their personal information in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Article: Does Meta’s AI Chatbot Know Too Much About You?
Ron Rasin, Chief Strategy Officer, Silverfort
Ron Rasin is the Chief Strategy Officer at Silverfort, where he leads strategic initiatives to advance identity security and zero trust authentication. With deep expertise in cybersecurity and growth strategies for technology, he plays a key role in shaping Silverfort’s vision and market leadership. Rasin’s work centers on helping enterprises stay ahead of evolving threats while simplifying secure access across complex, hybrid IT environments.
Article: Identity’s Blind Side: Are Enterprises Secure or Just Overconfident?
Ross Lewis, Partnerships and Ecosystem Strategy, IPinfo.io
Ross Lewis leads Partnerships and Ecosystem Strategy at IPinfo.io, where he drives collaborations that expand the company’s global data intelligence footprint. With a background in business development and strategic alliances, he focuses on building ecosystems that deliver accurate, real-time IP data to power cybersecurity, fraud detection, and digital experience solutions. Lewis is passionate about fostering partnerships that enable organizations to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Article: Real-Time Fraud Detection Stalled by Slow Data Pipelines
Roy Akerman, VP Identity Security Strategy, Silverfort
Roy Akerman is the Head of Cloud and Identity Security at Silverfort. This identity security leader acquired Rezonate, the identity-centric security platform he co-founded and led as CEO. With 20 years in cybersecurity, including leading cyber defense operations for the Israeli Government, Akerman is a proven expert in fusing advanced technology, psychology, and business. He excels at building disruptive products and anti-disciplinary innovation teams, focusing on securing cloud resources and infrastructure core identities.
Article: Is Identity the New Cyber Battlefield?
Russ Blattner, CEO, SUPERWISE
Russ Blattner is the CEO and Co-Founder of SUPERWISE (formerly Blattner Technologies), a leading platform for enterprise AI governance and operations. A veteran technologist with over 30 years of experience, Blattner has spent his career at the forefront of digital evolution, holding leadership roles at global giants such as BT Group and Lucent Technologies before becoming a serial entrepreneur and tech-firm consolidator. Under his leadership, SUPERWISE has emerged as a critical partner for organizations in high-stakes industries like healthcare, finance, and construction.
Article: Can Enterprises Survive the Wild West of AI?
Saeed Abbasi, Senior Manager, Product Management – Security Research, Qualys Threat Research Unit (TRU)
Saeed Abbasi is the Senior Manager of Security Research at the Qualys Threat Research Unit (TRU), where he sits at the epicenter of global vulnerability intelligence. With a specialized focus on the intersection of product strategy and deep-core security research, Abbasi leads efforts to identify, analyze, and neutralize the world’s most critical software flaws before adversaries can weaponize them. A recognized authority in threat analysis, Abbasi is instrumental in the discovery and disclosure of high-impact vulnerabilities—such as the Pwnie Award-winning “regreSSHion.”
Article: When AI Hacks First and Patches Never Catch Up
Satish Barot, Co-founder and CTO, Klearcom
Satish Barot is the Co-Founder and CTO of Klearcom, an innovative company dedicated to preventing customer outages on domestic IVR voice calls for multinational contact centers. With extensive experience in programming, project management, and system design, he leverages his expertise in database architecture, cloud services, and open-source VoIP technologies. Barot leads technical teams to develop Klearcom’s AI-based platform, which automatically analyzes call paths, benchmarks performance, and alerts on issues, ensuring seamless customer-to-agent interactions.
Article: Why Voice AI Needs Smart Regulation, Not Delays
Scott Gifis, CEO, NoFraud
Scott Gifis is the CEO of NoFraud, a seasoned executive, investor, and board member with a distinguished track record of scaling global technology companies from early-stage ventures to over $100 million in annual revenue. Based in New York, Gifis has held high-impact leadership roles across the AdTech and SaaS landscapes, most notably serving as the President of AdRoll (a division of NextRoll) and the CEO of Frame.io (prior to its acquisition by Adobe). An expert in navigating the complexities of hyper-growth, Gifis specializes in building high-performance cultures and resilient Go-To-Market (GTM) engines.
Article: Return Fraud Is Retail’s Newest Nightmare — Here’s How to Fight Back Before the Holidays
Sean Malone, CISO, BeyondTrust
Sean Malone is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at BeyondTrust, a global leader in intelligent identity and access security. With over 15 years of experience in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity, including cloud security and red team engagements, he’s a senior security executive with a track record of driving significant improvements. Malone previously held CISO roles at Demandbase and as Head of Cyber Defense at Amazon Prime Video. He specializes in setting clear, business-aligned security strategies and leading global security and engineering teams.
Article: Sean Malone on Aligning Security with Business Goals
Timothy Eades, CEO and Co-Founder, Anetac
Timothy Eades is the CEO and Co-founder of Anetac, a cybersecurity startup focused on revolutionizing identity threat detection and response. With over two decades of leadership experience, he has played pivotal roles across the cybersecurity ecosystem as a founder, investor, and board advisor. Eades is also a Co-founder of Cyber Mentor Fund, where he empowers early-stage cyber innovators. He serves on the boards of Enveil, Device Authority, and Cake4Kids, reflecting his commitment to both cutting-edge technology and social impact. Known for his bold leadership and deep industry insight, Eades is a recognized voice in security innovation.
Article: Anetac’s Tim Eades: Reinventing Cybersecurity with Identity-First Innovation
Titilayo Shodiya, Public Policy Technical Manager, Infoblox
Titilayo Shodiya is a Public Policy Technical Manager for Regulatory Strategy at Infoblox. With a strong academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University, she brings expertise in electronic and photonic materials. Shodiya previously spent eight years at NIST, specializing in laboratory accreditation, standards education, and international standards policy. She leverages this unique blend of technical knowledge and policy experience to navigate regulatory landscapes and shape strategy at Infoblox.
Article: Can NIST’s New Guide Boost Global DNS Security?
Todd Boehler, Chief Strategy Officer, ProcessUnity
Todd Boehler is the Chief Strategy Officer at ProcessUnity, where he leads strategic initiatives that drive innovation in third-party risk and cybersecurity performance management. With over two decades of experience across GRC, SaaS, and enterprise software, Boehler has held key roles at Oracle and as CTO of e-Onehundred Group. At ProcessUnity, he has been instrumental in scaling the platform and shaping its product vision since 2014. A recognized thought leader, he brings deep expertise in risk frameworks, regulatory compliance, and customer enablement. His work helps organizations strengthen their governance posture in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Article: How ProcessUnity’s Todd Boehler Sees the Future of GRC
Uwe Kemmer, Director EMEAI Field Engineering, Western Digital
Uwe Kemmer is the Director EMEAI Field Engineering at Western Digital, leading a team of highly skilled engineers responsible for all technical pre- and post-sales activities. With a background in electrical engineering, he’s passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and enriching users’ lives through technical innovation. Kemmer is keenly interested in future topics like artificial intelligence, deep learning, storage, data centers, and sustainability, constantly driving forward solutions in these critical areas.
Article: Why Data Integrity Is Critical in the AI Era
Victor Cho, CEO and Board Member, Emovid
Victor Cho is the CEO and a Board Member of Emovid, a stealth AI-driven video communication company that aims to bring more authenticity to digital interactions. With a deep passion for building online customer experiences that delight and define markets, he’s a leader grounded in transparency, empathy, diversity, and integrity. Cho leverages analytics, networked business models, and recursive leadership to create high-performing organizations, always striving to deliver positive impact for employees, customers, shareholders, and society at large.
Article: If an AI Bot Attends on Your Behalf, Are You Still Leading | Automating Empathy? Why AI Makes a Bad CEO | As AI Takes Over Communication, What Are We Losing? | Why Trust and Authenticity Matter in AI-Powered Communication
Wade Chambers, Chief Engineering Officer, Amplitude
Wade Chambers is the Chief Engineering Officer at Amplitude, overseeing all aspects of Engineering, Security, and Support. With over 25 years of engineering leadership experience, he has a proven track record of scaling teams, driving market-defining technology innovations, and fostering business growth for companies of all sizes, including Twitter, Yahoo, and Included Health. Chambers brings deep technical expertise and a strategic vision, having also served in the military and the White House Situation Room, making him a seasoned leader in the tech industry.
