Vijayakumar Kempuraj

Digital Twin Lead | Ford

Vijayakumar Kempuraj is the digital twin lead at Ford. He has more than 12 years of experience in the automotive industry utilizing computer-aided engineering and design (CAE/CAD) and data analytics applications. He is currently leading Ford’s agile software engineering team to deliver vehicle health products and services utilizing connected devices and digital twins.

Geertrui Mieke De Ketelaere

Adjunct Professor | Vlerick Business School,
Strategic AI Advisor | imec

Geertrui Mieke De Ketelaere is an adjunct professor at Vlerick Business School and a strategic AI advisor at imec. She holds a master's degree in civil and industrial engineering and specialized in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) during her studies. Over the last 28 years, she has worked for several multinationals (IBM, Microsoft, SAP, SAS, etc.) on all aspects of data and analytics. From a business consulting point of view, she specializes in defining the AI business canvas, from potential value to predefined risks. With her understanding of the hindsight, insight, and foresight of AI technologies, she also frequently acts as an expert and coach behind the scenes. In her public presentations and recent book, Mieke focuses on the demystifying the hype and myths surrounding AI. In 2018, she was nominated “ICT Woman of the Year” in Belgium. Belgium's State Secretary of Digitalization, Mathieu Michel, appointed Mieke as "Digital Mind" in 2020.

François Deheeger

Senior Fellow AI and Data Science | Michelin

A mechanical engineer by training, Deheeger is specialized in probabilistic mechanics through a Ph.D. where simulation meets uncertainty and risk assessment. He is a champion for integrating data into engineering and product design, and is driving the idea of Hybrid AI at Michelin – joining simulation and data together. With over a decade’s experience at Michelin in multiple roles, Deheeger is now promoting data science and collaborative scientific development in R&D and beyond.

Jan Chirkowski

VP, Analytics and Fleet Operations | Kongsberg Maritime

Jan Chirkowski is a business and engineering leader with experience in systems engineering and integration, sitting at the interface between mechanical, electrical and control, and lately digital systems. In his current role he harnesses this experience to develop and deliver digital services based on data analytics of vessels and machinery.

Chirkowski runs a P/L business unit, leading an organization with a global footprint focused on delivering value from vessel and machinery data, optimizing vessel performance and providing predictive maintenance services through machinery condition monitoring. 

Chirkowski is driven by then ambition of a sustainable maritime future and has spent his career introducing state-of-the-art green and hybrid technology to the maritime industry.

Ravi Parmeswar

VP, Consumer Business Intelligence | Johnson & Johnson

Ravi Parmeswar is an accomplished consumer marketing executive and a recognized expert in reviving brands by driving creative thinking, fostering innovation, and leading high-performance teams. With earlier experience in engineering and product development, Parmeswar is currently Johnson and Johnson’s vice president leading global strategic insights and analytics, and has worked for other iconic brands such as Citigroup, Sara Lee, Coca-Cola, Campbell’s Soup, and Kraft. In 2005, he was nominated to the “Twenty-Five Visionaries” list created by Consumer Goods Technology – a list of executives who are making waves in the industry.