Alan Holland is the Founder and CEO of Keelvar, intelligent AI powered sourcing software that optimizes and automates sourcing across strategic, tactical and tail spend.

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Founded in 2012, previously Alan was lecturing in Artificial Intelligence at University College Cork. His PhD was on the topic of ‘Risk Management for Combinatorial Auctions’ and he was a Research Fellow in Europe’s largest AI research laboratory focused on optimization and algorithms for intelligent systems. His own specialist area of research was at the intersection of Economics and Computer Science and included Game Theory, Algorithmic Mechanism Design, Combinatorial Optimization and Artificial Intelligence. Alan was course leader for a taught MSc in Intelligent Systems and was on the Programme Committee for the world’s premier conferences in AI.

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Alan has extensive experience in executing optimized and automated sourcing events for the world’s largest organizations including Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Caterpillar, Microsoft, Siemens, and Maersk. Keelvar’s mission is to help organizations scale sourcing excellence to drive win-win outcomes and that impact the bottom line.

Karsten Richter is the Vice President of Procurement and Head of Process Governance at Bayer Business Services, Bayer AG’s global center for operational excellence and digital transformation. In this role, he ensures robust procurement governance and drives process efficiency through scalable and technology-enabled practices.

Recognized for his thought leadership, Richter has featured in industry discussions, such as ProcureTech’s video series, underscoring his role in shaping modern procurement frameworks. He holds a diploma in Business Informatics from University of Cologne.

Bawana Radhakrishnan is the Former Sr. Vice President, Global Supply Chain Digital Transformation at Colgate-Palmolive, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of a digital strategy to transform the global end to end supply chain. This included shaping data, analytics and AI priorities to drive transformational value to Colgate customers.

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Previously, Bawana led Raw, Pack and Services Procurement roles globally for Colgate’s multi-billion dollar procurement function. She pioneered the design and execution of a multi-year digital roadmap, building future capabilities for the global organization.

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With over 25 years of diverse experience in the CPG industry at companies like Colgate and Mars Inc., Bawana’s expertise spans procurement, digital transformation and supply chain across Asia, Europe, Africa Eurasia, Latin America and North America. Her extensive background provides a depth of experience crucial for business excellence.

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Beyond her corporate achievements, Bawana is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a frequent speaker at industry forums such as Gartner Supply Chain, SAP Sapphire, Procurecon, DPW, YWCA, and the Rotary. She is also deeply committed to next-generation leadership development, mentoring active veterans and their spouses through the ACP program, participating in Baruch College’s Executives mentoring program, and engaging in various nonprofit volunteer activities.

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Bawana’s contributions have been consistently recognized, including being named one of the Top 100 Women in Supply Chain in both 2024 and 2025 by Supply Chain Digital Magazine; receiving the Outstanding Asian Americans in Business award from the Asian American Business Development Center in 2022; being listed on Diversity Journal’s 2021 Women Worth Watching in Leadership; and receiving the YWCA’s 2020 Tribute to Women and Industry TWIN award.

Alan Holland is the Founder and CEO of Keelvar, intelligent AI powered sourcing software that optimizes and automates sourcing across strategic, tactical and tail spend.

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Founded in 2012, previously Alan was lecturing in Artificial Intelligence at University College Cork. His PhD was on the topic of ‘Risk Management for Combinatorial Auctions’ and he was a Research Fellow in Europe’s largest AI research laboratory focused on optimization and algorithms for intelligent systems. His own specialist area of research was at the intersection of Economics and Computer Science and included Game Theory, Algorithmic Mechanism Design, Combinatorial Optimization and Artificial Intelligence. Alan was course leader for a taught MSc in Intelligent Systems and was on the Programme Committee for the world’s premier conferences in AI.

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Alan has extensive experience in executing optimized and automated sourcing events for the world’s largest organizations including Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Caterpillar, Microsoft, Siemens, and Maersk. Keelvar’s mission is to help organizations scale sourcing excellence to drive win-win outcomes and that impact the bottom line.

Adrian Vicol is a data strategy and architecture expert specializing in procurement intelligence, data governance, and digital transformation. As Data Architect & Data Strategy Lead at Siemens Energy, he develops and implements enterprise data strategies, including data model design, database development standards and data warehouse optimization. Collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors, he ensures seamless data governance and the smooth operation of procurement data systems.

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In parallel, as Lead Data Steward – Corporate Procurement, Adrian leads data stewardship initiatives, ensuring high data quality and compliance for Procurement Data Products. His work supports data-driven procurement decisions across the organization.

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Previously, Adrian led Siemens Energy’s Supply Market Intelligence framework, developing statistical models for commodity price forecasting and procurement risk management. By integrating generative AI and third-party data sources, he enhanced Siemens Energy’s ability to anticipate market trends and optimize procurement strategies.

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With expertise in data science, data architecture, and risk management, Adrian is committed to leveraging data for strategic impact. His passion for digital innovation and governance continues to drive Siemens Energy’s efforts toward a more efficient and data-centric procurement ecosystem.

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Michael Blumentsev is a global procurement and supply chain leader with over 20 years of experience across FMCG, Packaging, White Goods, and Cosmetics. Currently Senior Director of Sourcing Logistics, Facilities, Energy & Utilities at Mondelēz International, he leads a $1B+ portfolio and a diverse team of 40+ professionals. Recognized with multiple CEO and Global Procurement Awards, he has pioneered digital procurement across three multinationals, delivered record-breaking savings, and empowered high-performing teams to drive transformation. A Master of Rocket Science by education, he thrives on solving complex challenges with precision and creativity.

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Philip Ideson is the Founder and Managing Director of Art of Procurement, a media, events, and advisory business that helps procurement leaders elevate their impact. Since its start in 2015 as a podcast, Art of Procurement has earned 1.5 million downloads and now produces six different shows. In July 2025, AOP acquired the ProcureTech 100 and Founders’ Circle programs to become procurement’s only always-on source for peer-driven insight, unbiased procuretech intelligence, and executive collaboration. Before Art of Procurement, Philip led procurement transformation, shared services, category management, and sourcing programmes for organisations including Ally Financial, Chiquita, Pfizer, and Visteon.

Dilip Nair is Head of Operational Excellence and Innovation – Asset Strategy at A.P. Moller – Maersk, with over 20 years of international leadership experience spanning operations, customer service, consulting, and equipment fleet management.

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He drives global transformation through lean Six Sigma and digital solutions, optimizes asset strategy and decarbonization initiatives—most recently advancing Maersk’s net‑zero targets and enhancing reefer efficiency in China.

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A committed DEI advocate and mentor, he builds high‑performing teams and fosters inclusive cultures while regularly sharing insights on innovation and sustainability across Maersk’s global operations.

Operations Digital Transformation Leader

Christophe Villain is a seasoned global supply chain and procurement technology executive, currently serving as Nestlé Operations Digital Transformation Leader, where he drives large-scale digital transformation initiatives across complex international operations. With over 27 years of leadership experience, Christophe has led innovation projects across Europe and beyond, leveraging his deep expertise in IT supply chain strategy to deliver operational efficiency, performance, and long-term value.

Clare Cassano is Head of Procurement Strategy & Execution, where she focuses on aligning procurement with business strategy to deliver long-term value. With a background in strategic sourcing, operational excellence, and digital transformation in large, complex organizations across a range of sectors, Clare brings a practical and people-focused approach to evolving procurement capabilities. Most recently she has led the deployment of best-in-breed procurement technologies and orchestration, helping teams streamline operations and improve decision-making.

Alan Holland is the Founder and CEO of Keelvar, intelligent AI powered sourcing software that optimizes and automates sourcing across strategic, tactical and tail spend.

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Founded in 2012, previously Alan was lecturing in Artificial Intelligence at University College Cork. His PhD was on the topic of ‘Risk Management for Combinatorial Auctions’ and he was a Research Fellow in Europe’s largest AI research laboratory focused on optimization and algorithms for intelligent systems. His own specialist area of research was at the intersection of Economics and Computer Science and included Game Theory, Algorithmic Mechanism Design, Combinatorial Optimization and Artificial Intelligence. Alan was course leader for a taught MSc in Intelligent Systems and was on the Programme Committee for the world’s premier conferences in AI.

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Alan has extensive experience in executing optimized and automated sourcing events for the world’s largest organizations including Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Caterpillar, Microsoft, Siemens, and Maersk. Keelvar’s mission is to help organizations scale sourcing excellence to drive win-win outcomes and that impact the bottom line.