Kyle Leistikow

Director - Biosciences Discovery Center

Microbial Discovery Group

Daniel Jamieson

CEO and Founder

Biorelate

Clint Nesbitt

Global Director of Regulatory and External Affairs

Genus PLC

Venkatesh Alagirisamy

Chief Operating Officer

Nike

As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Venkatesh Alagirisamy leads the strategic direction and operational excellence of NIKE, Inc.’s global Supply Chain, Planning, Operations, Sustainability, and Technology organizations. In this role, Venkatesh oversees a worldwide supply chain network spanning raw materials, footwear, apparel, and accessories manufacturing, as well as logistics and integrated planning across assortment and operations. He is instrumental in driving the company’s People and Planet goals, ensuring that technology is seamlessly integrated to power growth across Nike’s iconic brands. 

Since joining NIKE in 2006, Venkatesh has held progressively senior leadership positions, spearheading enterprise transformation and operational innovation across all brands, business segments, and geographies—including several years in Greater China. His career at NIKE began as a Process Manager within Supply Chain, followed by key roles in Demand Planning, Inventory Management, and Global Operations. He has served as Vice President of Global Operations & Express Lane, COO for Converse, and Chief Supply Chain Officer for NIKE, Inc. 

Venkatesh also serves as the Co-Chair of the MIT Sloan School of Management’s Leaders for Global Operations governing board. He holds an MBA from Duke University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science in India. 

Shashank Samant

Executive Chairman

Hitachi Americas & Hitachi Europe

Shashank Samant holds strategic roles at Hitachi, including Executive Chairman of Hitachi Digital and Hitachi Americas, and Board Member of Hitachi Energy. With over 35 years of experience in technology, he has played a pivotal role in AI’s evolution, from its early academic foundations to its real-world applications across industries. He is passionate about leveraging AI to drive efficiency, enhance business operations, and create a positive societal impact.