CIO COUNCIL Annual Conference - 12th edition
The AI Digital World. Reimagine The Future of Business
9th October 2024, hours 08.00-16.00, The Palace of the National Bank of Romania, Bucharest
0800 – 0900 - Registration & Welcome Coffee
0900 – 0915 - Opening speech, Yugo Neumorni, CIO Council President
0915 – 0940 – Jay Modh, Founder & CEO Intuitive.Cloud
Title: Maximizing ROI in Generative AI: Cost Optimization Strategies for CIOs
Abstract: As companies increasingly pursue Generative AI (GenAI) projects, ensuring a strong return on investment (ROI) is crucial. This presentation focuses on strategies for cost control and optimization throughout the lifecycle of a GenAI initiative. Key areas include selecting the right solution, managing ongoing costs such as data and compute resources, and optimizing live systems for performance and efficiency. CIOs will gain insights on how to maximize the impact of their AI investments while controlling costs and driving innovation, efficiency, and growth
0940 – 1000 – Francesco Bonfiglio, CEO Dynamo I The European Cloud Alternative
Title: Digital Sovereignty and the European Cloud Alternative
Abstract: In the current market scenario, and the rapid evolution of economy from product-centric, to data-centric industry and value chains, Europe urgently deserves and awaits a genuine alternative to the oligopoly of dominant non-European cloud platforms.
1000 – 1020 – Dan Bogdan, ISG Technology Consulting Manager, Dell
Title: Accelerate AI Innovation with the Dell AI Factory
Abstract:We are realizing the current data center and IT operating model are not equipped to cope with the speed and scale of AI.
There’s a need to rethink everything. What’s needed is a new type of data center that is purpose-built to meet the specific demands of AI – this is the AI factory.
Just as physical factories fueled the industrial revolution, AI factories will power the AI revolution, but instead of physical goods the AI factory produces actionable intelligence, fresh content, and new insights.
The Dell AI Factory helps customers make the most of their data, the ray material that powers the AI factory, to achieve their desired outcomes. Dell brings to the table the industry’s only end-to-end AI-optimized infrastructure portfolio, an open ecosystem of deep partnerships with other leading AI companies, and insight and no-how of comprehensive suite of AI services – from strategy and planning to implementation and scaling.
1020 – 1040 – Andrei Negulescu, Strategic Digitalisation Officer, Matricia Solutions
– Horia Negulescu, Founder & CEO Matricia Solutions
Title: Putting the Business in Digital Transformation
Abstract: Most discussions and blog articles surrounding Digital Transformation mention technologies and acronyms. AI, BPM, DMS, ERP, SaaS. In this presentation, we’re focusing on the ‘Transformation’ of the Business, on choosing the right human factors needed to achieve it, and building a structure that enables sustained Digital Transformation and then Adaptation to changing and dynamic environments.
1040 – 1125 PANEL 1. Embracing Digital Transformation through AI: A CIO’s Playbook
Abstract: In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, AI has become a key enabler of business transformation, offering the potential to reshape industries, enhance efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. As CIOs increasingly take the helm of AI-driven initiatives, they face the challenge of balancing innovation with practical implementation. This panel will explore how CIOs can leverage AI to lead their organizations through a successful digital transformation.We will dive into the following key areas:
- Digital Transformation through AI: How AI can redefine business processes, drive operational efficiencies, and enhance customer experience, transforming the organization from the ground up.
- How CIOs Can Lead AI-Driven Transformation: Practical strategies for CIOs to integrate AI into their business models and systems, align AI initiatives with company goals, and foster a culture of innovation.
- Navigating AI Complexity: From addressing challenges in data quality, security, and compliance to managing change across the organization, we will explore how CIOs can overcome the complexities of AI adoption and ensure long-term success.
Speakers:
- Spyros Sakellariou, Group AI and Data Analytics Director, Austriacard Holdings
- Horia Negulescu, Founder & CEO Matricia Solutions
- Dragos Stănescu, CIO Syngenta, CIO Council Member
- Frederic Dussart, EVP Sales EMEA & APAC, Intuitive.Cloud
- Mihai Babescu, Solutions Director Crayon
Moderator: Gabriel Herbei, CTO Firstbank, CIO Council member
1125 – 1145 Coffee Break
1145 – 1205 - Dan Cîmpean, Director DNSC – National Directorate for Cybersecurity
Title: Romanian Cybersecurity Outlook 2024. Challenges and Perspectives
1205 – 1225 - Gabriel Avramescu, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Awakeness.AI
Title: Fighting Social Engineering Manipulation with Awakeness.AI
Abstract: Given that human error frequently poses the most significant security risk in the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, we have created Awakeness.AI an Intelligent cybersecurity awareness platform.
Utilizing AI and data science, this platform is designed to improve employee behavior and enhance overall security. Our goal is to grow security awareness among your workforce, by elevating resilience scores across all employees.
1225 – 1245 - Călin Rangu, Vice President CIO Council
Title: DORA. Regulation and compliance in an AI world
1245 – 1330 -PANEL 2. AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity: Strategies for a Safer Digital World
Abstract: As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, organizations must stay ahead by adopting advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to safeguard their digital ecosystems. This panel will explore how AI-driven innovations are transforming cybersecurity and providing new strategies to protect against evolving cyber risks. We will focus on key topics including:
- AI-Enhanced Cybersecurity: How AI is revolutionizing threat detection, response, and prevention, offering real-time insights and automating security measures to protect critical digital assets.
- Data Privacy and Regulatory Compliance: Examining the role of AI in ensuring adherence to data privacy laws and regulations like GDPR, NIS2 or DORA, while balancing security and compliance in an era of increasing scrutiny.
- The Role of IT Audits in Cybersecurity: How AI can support IT audits, enhancing the ability to detect vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and maintain a strong, secure IT infrastructure.
Speakers:
- Cristiana Deca, CEO, Decalex Digital
- Florina-Mondana Neag, CIO Council Member
- Alexander Raczynski, Systems Engineer, Forcepoint
- Ion Ionuț Georgian, Head of OMV Petrom Global Solutions IT
- Dan Bogdan, ISG Technology Consulting Manager, Dell
Moderator: Yugo Neumorni, CIO Council President
1330 – 1430 Lunch
1430 – 1450 - Gabriela Stănică, Chief Information, Data Officer, Carrefour Romania, CIO Council Member
Title: AI Powered Retail
1450 – 1535 - PANEL 3. Women in Technology in an AI World: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Future
Abstract: As Artificial Intelligence reshapes the technology landscape, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has never been more critical. This panel will bring together women leaders who are driving change, fostering diversity, and paving the way for a more inclusive future in the tech industry.Key topics of discussion will include:
- Stories from Women Leaders: Highlighting personal journeys, challenges, and successes of women who are leading the charge in technology and AI, inspiring the next generation of female innovators.
- Driving DEI in Tech: Exploring how women in leadership are shaping DEI initiatives, promoting gender equity, and building diverse teams to foster innovation and creativity in AI-driven industries.
- Building an Inclusive Future: How organizations can create a culture of inclusion, ensuring that women, particularly in AI and tech, have a prominent voice in shaping the future.
Speakers:
- Andreea Ioniță, Chief Digital Technology Officer, E.ON România, CIO Council Member
- Maja Mikic, Executive Director- Digital Transformation BRD
- Oana Eremia, CIO MagnaPharm Group, CIO Council member
- Diana Popa, Head of Corporate IT, OMV Petrom Global Solutions
Moderator: Steliana Moraru, COO OTP Leasing, CIO Council Member
1535 – 1620 - PANEL 4. CIO Leadership in the Age of AI: Navigating Digital Transformation
Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of the CIO has transformed from managing IT systems to being a strategic driver of innovation and business growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this change, reshaping industries and revolutionizing how organizations operate.
This panel will explore how CIOs are leading the charge in AI adoption, leveraging its power to accelerate digital transformation and drive competitive advantage. Our expert speakers will discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into business strategies, managing change, and fostering a culture of innovation. Join us to gain insights into the evolving responsibilities of the modern CIO, the tools and frameworks necessary for successful AI implementation, and the future of digital transformation in an AI-driven world.
Speakers:
- Eusebiu Rotaru, Director Directie SOC, Electrica Distributie, CIO Council member
- Marian Raducu, IT&C Director, Transelectrica, CIO Council member
- Dănuț Turcu, Director, IT and Cyber Operations Department at Carol I National Defence University, CIO Council Member
- Sorin Mătăchescu, Sales Director, Devhd
- Laurențiu Bogdan, Digital & IS Director, Servier Pharma, CIO Council Member
Moderator: Laurențiu Mandu, Board Member, CIO Council Romania
1620 – 1630 CONCLUSION
Moderator: Yugo Neumorni, CIO Council President