MEET THE 
SPEAKERS
VAHE ANDONIANS
Keynote: “AI-based processing of financial reports”
Vahe Andonians is a serial entrepreneur and senior lecturer at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
In 2017 Vahe sold his latest startup – SCDM, an analytics company specialized in the fixed income market, to Deloitte. Having started as a data provider for investors in structured credit in 2003, SCDM had broadened its services from data management to bespoke IT solutions into reporting, business intelligence, and cash flow simulations for investors in structured credit.
Early 2017 SCDM had sold its structured credit business to Moody’s Analytics and was focusing on its valuation business, putting a value on over 40.000 financial instruments on a daily basis.
Clients included, among others, Deutsche Bundesbank, KfW, EAA, Berings, BNP Paribas, BNY Mellon, Deloitte, KPMG and Creditflux. Vahe was leading the product development and research arm of SCDM, with a strong focus on Big Data, Machine Learning and Blockchain 2.0 technologies.
Before that, Vahe has successfully founded, raised and sold several start-ups in the area of Machine Learning. Before that, Vahe was co-managing a Statistical Equity Arbitrage Hedge Fund for Erstebank in Austria.
Vahe holds an Engineer title in information and high-frequency technology from the Federal Higher Technical Institute for Education and Experimentation in Moedling, Austria and an MBA from the University of Liverpool, England.
DR. GUNJAN BHARDWAJ
Keynote: “The Third Wave of AI”
Gunjan Bhardwaj is the Founder and CEO of the Innoplexus group. He was earlier with the Boston Consulting Group and before that the leader of the global business performance think-tank of Ernst & Young and a manager in the German practice with a solution focus on strategy and innovation.
He has led projects in strategy, analytics and technology for various clients in different parts of the world. Gunjan was also a partner, senior-editor and advisor for a prominent online innovation management journal and was a member of the scientific advisory board of a US based not for profit institute researching in complexity sciences in the healthcare industry.
MARYAM DANESH-KAJOURI
Keynote: AI-Powered Customer Centricity in Banking – How AI can help understand the Needs of Bank Clients and deliver Personalized Value-Added Services
Maryam Danesh-Kajouri is Global Head of Product Marketing at Crealogix, one of the leading provider for digital banking solutions. In the women FinTech szene, Maryam has been awarded as influencer. She focuses on the Artificial Intelligence Approach for Banking. Before joining Crealogix Maryam worked for several IT Companies in the strategic field.
ALEXANDER DEL TORO BARBA
Keynote: “Opportunities and limits of artificial intelligence for digital asset management (Robo-Advice)”
Alexander Del Toro Barba is Head of Research & Product Development with focus on Natural Language Processing, Data Science and UX design. Besides, Alex is Adjunct Professor of Machine Learning in business applications at the University of Pforzheim, and PhD researcher in mathematical statistics & scientific computing at the University of Münster.
Before joining VisualVest in 2015, Alex was part of the global partner marketing team for Google Cloud in Dublin, Ireland. Alex has more than 9 years of professional experience in e-commerce and machine learning, and is passionate about scientific research in machine intelligence, algorithmic information theory and product development at the intersection of design & AI.
© Stadt Frankfurt am Main, Foto: Frank Widmann
PETER FELDMANN
Political Career
- from 1989 until 2012: Member of the Frankfurt City Council
- from 2004 until 2012: Vice President of his Social Democratic Party’s Parliamentary Group
- long time chairmann of the main and finance committee
- members of the Committee on Social and Health
- since 1. Juli 2012: Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main
Life in Frankfurt am Main
- born 1958, grown up „Am Bügel“ in Frankfurt-Bonames
- visiting the Ziehenschule, passing the Abitur at Ernst-Reuter-Schule
- degree in political science and social business economist
Peter Feldmann today lives in the district of Kalbach in Frankfurt am Main and hast two daughters.
JAVIER GARCIA
Keynote: “Challengers everywhere: TechGiants, TechStart-ups and AI-China. Is there a future for traditional industries in Europe?”
Javier Garcia is an entrepreneur, experienced investor and consultant especially the field of Biotechnology. Javier had a 25-year career at Eli Lilly and Company where he held executive positions in Business Development and Information Technology. He lived in the USA for more than 15 years.
Experience: He is Founder and General Partner of Columbus Venture Partners, a venture capital Fund in the Biotech Sector. He is also the Founder of the Columbus Foundation, a non for profit organization dedicated to promote the access to health technology to children and also focus on the promotion of cultural activities. He is a Trustee for the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and for the Healthy American Foundations, both organizations based in Washington DC. He is a Board Member of Artax Biopharma, Bioncotech Therapeutics, Vivet Therapeutics ViralGen Vector Core and PTS. Mr. Garcia holds a Bachelor in Mathematics (Statistics and Operations Research) from Universidad Complutense of Madrid and a MBA from ICADE.
DR. KATHARINA GRUNER
Keynote: “Big Data & AI in Pharmaceutical R&D@Merck”
Katharina Gruner, PhD is the Head of Scientific Excellence at Merck Biopharma R&D where she focuses on digital transformation of knowledge management and insights creation in the area of scientific competitive intelligence. Katharina works in establishing a scientific competitive intelligence organization by creating a cross functional network to best leverage SI/CI activities. Part of her role is to develop a strategy to translate digital visions into meaningful, ready-to-use applications. She is a specialized professional within the pharmaceutical research area with a background of more than 7 years’ in R&D. She brings experience as a Principle Scientist and Discovery Project Team Lead in ImmunoOncology and Oncology with know-how in employee engagement. Katharina holds a diploma in biology with a minor in Visual Communication/Media and a PhD in biochemistry.
ANDREAS HORCHLER
Prior to joining Frankfurt School, Horchler had a 30 year career in Journalism and public speaking. Horchler was one of the founders of a business radio channel at Hessischer Rundfunk and eventually was one of the first editors, moderators and authors at hr-Info, the information channel at Hessischer Rundfunk. He served as bureau chief as well as foreign correspondent for ARD radio and TV in Washington, DC from 2013 to 2017.
TINA LUPBERGER
Keynote: “How big data, artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical and medical research combine to tackle cancer?”
Tina rejoined Pfizer in September 2017, bringing with her over 20 years of
leadership experience at five top-tier global pharmaceutical companies in several European countries and the US, spanning global, regional as well as local roles.
As VP of Strategy for Pfizer Oncology IDM, she is now responsible for identifying, evaluating, and addressing short and long-term strategic and business opportunities across the entire portfolio and the diverse set of close to 50 markets.
Tina joined Pfizer from Novartis Oncology Region Europe, where for almost six years, she held the position of Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for regional product strategy and execution across 39 markets, leading the launch of more than ten new oncology products. She also initiated and led strategic projects including one that resulted a new regional “Go To Market model” and another that created a new commercial model for the CAR-T cell therapy in Europe.
Prior to joining Novartis, Tina worked from 2006-2011 for Amgen where she was the General Manager for Switzerland and in 2009 became the Executive Director of International Marketing in Oncology.
Earlier in her career, Tina spent 10 years in research and development in roles of increasing responsibility, leading the New Products Development team with Roche for 3 years, then joining Warner Lambert to support the clinica development program for several programs including later blockbusters such as Lipitor, Neurontin and Lyrica across the EU, South Africa and Australia and later globally.
Following Pfizer’s acquisition of Warner Lambert in 2000, Tina was appointed Director for Global Program Management, based in Michigan, USA, with responsibility for numerous global teams and working across a variety of therapy areas including oncology. Following other roles with increasing responsibilities in sales management, business development and strategic planning, Tina ultimately assumed the role of Business Unit Director for Pfizer Oncology in Germany.
Tina holds a Master Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Heidelberg and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University.
PROF. DR. JOCHEN MAAS
Keynote: „Solutions instead of Drugs – the new approach in Pharmaceutical Industry“
Jochen Maas was appointed General Manager, Research & Development (R&D) at Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH in 2010. He is a member of the Global R&D Management Board and of the German Management Board of Sanofi-Aventis.
Jochen Maas started his career in PK and later expanded his responsibilities to Preclinical Development, Preclinical and Clinical Development and Research & Development. He was also responsible for Global Research & Development in the Diabetes Division and acted as Vice President R&D Europe at Sanofi-Aventis. Jochen Maas is a professor of pharmacokinetics and administering medication at Gießen-Friedberg University of Applied Sciences. He has studied biology and veterinary medicine at the Universities of Zurich, Heidelberg and Munich.
SILKE OTTE
Moderator
Silke Otte is the Chief Marketing Officer of Innoplexus and brings more than 22 years of IT and financial services industry experience in digital channels, advertising, customer relationship management (CRM), campaign management, and concept development.
Prior to joining Innoplexus, Silke served as Chief Marketing Officer at paydirekt, where she was involved in the company building and responsible for the development of PR and marketing strategies in cooperation with the German banks and important ecommerce merchants. Before that, Silke served as Director Marketing at Union Investment and Sage. She managed strategic and operational omnichannel brand campaigns, media planning, and online marketing. She commenced her career as an account manager at M-S-B+K Agency for Direct Marketing before moving onto being a Project Manager at Citi.
Silke holds a diploma in Nutritional Science and Household Economics from The University of Kiel.
DR. STEFAN PINKERT
Keynote: “Big Data & AI in Pharmaceutical R&D@Merck”
Stefan Pinkert, PhD is a Principal Scientist in the Oncology Bioinformatics at Merck Biopharma R&D, where he is responsible for a clinical next generation sequencing analysis platform. Furthermore, he is leading the definition and implementation of the X-Omics platform.
In his academic career he worked at the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, the University Hospital of Düsseldorf and at the German Cancer Research Center.
The Oncology Bioinformatics at Merck Biopharma R&D is supporting scientists in the preclinical and clinical development in the analysis of biomarker related questions. A critical point is the identification and application of the newest machine and deep learning tools to e.g. next generation sequencing data.
DR. FRIEDRICH RIPPMANN
Keynote: “Big Data & AI in Pharmaceutical R&D@Merck”
Friedrich Rippmann is Director of Computational Chemistry & Biology at Merck in Darmstadt, Germany. Previously he was head of Bio- and Chemoinformatics at Merck, with responsibility for groups in Germany, France and Switzerland. He was also responsible for the set-up of bioinformatics and protein crystallography in Darmstadt.
In his academic career he worked at the National Institute for Medical Research, MRC London, and at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany.
Several major software developments originated in his group, among them RELIBASE, a comprehensive database of protein-ligand complexes; and more recently DoGSite Scorer, a druggability prediction server; TRAPP, a webtool for analysis of transient binding pockets in proteins; and a panel of methods for selective kinase inhibitor generation. Currently he is working on digitizing many aspects of the early discovery research, including the integration into coherent workflows. Machine Learning, especially Deep Learning, and Artificial Intelligence are key aspects of this.
DR. MARK MATTINGLEY-SCOTT
Keynote: “The *really* important challenges and chances in AI”
Mark Mattingley-Scott has a Bachelor of Science with Joint Honours in Computing and Electronics, and a Doctor of Philosophy on the subject of Code Division Multiple Access Local Area Networks from the University of Durham, combined with 30 years experience in the commercial exploitation of technology and research.
As a Principal at IBM he is specialised in the identification, nurturing and development of technological innovation, with a primary focus on Big Data Analytics, Neuromorphic Computing and Quantum Computing for IBM’s Cloud and Cognitive Business Unit. He has developed several new business areas and transferred these into IBM’s daily services and solutions business. He is an active member of IBM’s worldwide patent assessment team, and the IBM Student Admissions and Supervision program.
He was a member of staff at the University of Frankfurt where he taught Cognitive Science and Media Anthropology, at the University of Applied Sciences in Mannheim where he taught Intercultural Management and IT Management and the Ludwig-Maximilian’s University in Munich where he taught Analytical Methods. He currently teaches and performs research in human & machine learning at the Institute for Cognitive Science at the University of Osnabrück. He is a director of the Frankfurt Institute for New Media and a senior member of the IEEE, having founded the German chapter of the Systems, Man and Cybernetics Society. He is a director of the Big Data working group at BITKOM, the German IT and Telecommunication Industry Association. He plays bass guitar and produces electronic music.
DR. WERNER SEIZ
Keynote: “Early approaches for AI-supported digital microscopy imaging analysis in drug development”
Werner is currently working as a physician in the translational medicine and early development department of Sanofi with the task to implement phase I and phase II studies for drugs with new mode of action (eg, cell-depleting monoclonal antibodies with new targets). Over twenty years he was involved in several large scale cardiovascular morbidity and mortality trials (eg, AIRE, HOPE, ATHENA, ODYSEE OUTCOMES). His interest in digital imaging, machine-learning and AI stems from 3 years as project head of Sanofi’s toxicologists and pathologists in Germany and another 3 years as the domain head of the biomarker, bioassay and bioimaging department in Frankfurt. The actual work of AI powered imaging analyses stems from the Sanofi bioimaging laboratory in Boston.
BRETT STAPPER
Moderator
Brett Stapper is the founder and CEO of Front Lines Media, a 40-person media strategy and advisory firm that partners with private and public companies around the world who are leading innovation in the AI, VR, blockchain, and big data sectors. Prior to founding Front Lines Media in 2014, Brett co-founded Falcon Global Capital, one of the first blockchain-only investment funds to register with the SEC. In 2014, he became the first federally registered Bitcoin lobbyist with a goal of educating lawmakers on blockchain technology and encouraging responsible regulation that would not stifle innovation. He has appeared on CNBC, Forbes, Fox Business, and dozens of other media outlets.
PROF. DR. NILS STIEGLITZ
Keynote: “Artificial Intelligence, Disruption and Organizational Learning”.
Nils Stieglitz is a Full Professor of Strategy at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. Before joining Frankfurt School, he was an Associate Professor of Strategic Organization Design at the University of Southern Denmark.
His primary research interests are strategic decision-making and organizational adaptation. His research was published in the leading academic journals such as Management Science, Organization Science, and Strategic Management Journal, among others.
DR. KEREM TOMAK
Keynote: “Presence and future of AI in banking.”
The new Group Division is located within Group Management. Kerem Tomak is heading the division since July 2017 and reports directly to Marcus Chromik.
Kerem Tomak brings more than 15 years of experience as a marketing scientist and executive. He comes from Sears Holdings where he was responsible for the digital marketing of the retail trade company as Chief Marketing and Analytics Officer. Kerem Tomak studied mathematics, economics and information systems in Turkey and the USA. He embarked on his professional career as an assistant professor at the University of Texas, Austin.
He has expertise in the areas of omnichannel and cross-device attribution, price and revenue optimization, assessing promotion effectiveness, yield optimization in digital marketing and real time analytics. He has managed mid and large-size analytics and digital marketing teams in Fortune 500 companies and delivered large scale analytics solutions for marketing and merchandising units. His out-of-the box thinking and problem solving skills led to 4 patent awards and numerous academic publications. He is also a sought after speaker in Big Data and BI Platforms for Analytics.
GAURAV TRIPATHI
Keynote: “How to build the foundation for AI you need?”
Gaurav is the Co-Founder and CTO of Innoplexus. With a focus on Big Data, Gaurav has more than 12 years of cross-industry expertise and experience across web 2.0, online video, large scale consumer and enterprise infrastructure, public and private cloud services, big data technology and analytics, enterprise security, mobility, IoT, telemetry and social networks.
He helped build a telematics platform for curbing malpractices in food grains and kerosene distribution in one of the Indian state government’s public distribution system. He has helped large organizations and startups alike in getting an edge on technology and product development and has helped scale digital political campaigns as well during various elections in India. He has been instrumental in forging key partnerships on technology front with world’s leading technology companies.
DR. SIMON WALLACE
Keynote: “Changing the advertising industry with AI”
Dr Simon Wallace is the Director of Data Strategy and Implementation at Mindshare Worldwide where his focus is how to utilise data and optimise processes in order to extract the maximum amount of insights. Given the ever increasing amount of available data it has never been more important to have an implementable data strategy that allows as many people as possible to engage with data in order to fundamentally change the role of data within companies. Following a Ph.D. at University College London in Applied Statistics and running a data consultancy business he looks at ways in which we can encourage the use of data at the widest level possible, innovations with respect to how we can use data, and producing research pieces highlighting the power of data and AI. This is best exemplified with the AMP – Mindshare’s proprietary AI platform – of which he was co-founder and co-creator.
PROF. DR. GREGORY WHEELER
Keynote: “What’s so deep about deep learning?”
Gregory’s research interests in theoretical philosophy and computer science center on reasoning under conditions of uncertainty, with a focus on the foundations of probability, statistics, and machine learning.
Gregory Wheeler is a member of the editorial boards of Synthese and Minds and Machines, and is a member of the at-large executive committee of the Society for Imprecise Probabilities (SIPTA). He was a founding member of the editorial board of The Reasoner, and served as editor-in-chief of Minds and Machines from 2011 to 2016. His work has been featured in New Scientist Magazine, and he appeared in “Architects of the Mind: A Blueprint for the Human Brain,” filmed in 2013 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in New York as part of the World Science Festival.
DR. MICHAEL ZIMMER
Dr. Michael Zimmer is Senior Manager in the Service Line Analytics and Information Management at Deloitte. He is involved in the conception, introduction and further development of complex data & analytics architectures. His focus is on data & analytics strategy and the industrialization of hybrid analytics architectures. Michael Zimmer is also a speaker, author and contributor on agile BI, digital agility and data science.
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