Ari is Databrick’s Global Head of Evangelism, and a leading influencer in AI, databases, and sports analytics. “The Real Moneyball guy”, the popular movie was partly based on Ari’s analytical and scouting experiences innovating Major League Baseball, and later creating the Cubs and Dodgers analytics departments. He is President of the Independent Investigation into the Fate of Raoul Wallenberg, Sweden’s humanitarian hero.

His background in data includes having been President of the worldwide Oracle users group when they acquired MySQL, Java, and Peoplesoft. He traveled the world with McLaren Formula 1, assisting the racing strategy team to bring AI models to production. Ari was named Caltech’s “Alumni of the Decade”, Crain Chicago’s “40 Under 40”, and IBM’s “Data Science Celebrity”.

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Databricks

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Supercell

EDM Council

Nicolas is the founder and CEO of YOOI, the value-driven Data & AI portfolio: manage all Data & AI use cases and products from one central cockpit, to demonstrate value, ensure compliance and optimize costs end-to-end.

With YOOI, organizations accelerate their transformation and engage business teams to demonstrate the value of their D&A investments, while keeping costs under control, and managing the ethical and responsible compliance along the full lifecycle.

With 25 years of experience in enterprise software, data & analytics, Nicolas has built & brought to market several innovative software & data platforms across several industries. With always the same focus in mind: making sure the technology serves a business purpose and brings value.

Camilla Bjorkqvist is a globally accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in consulting and corporate roles. She is the Global Data Governance and Transformation Leader at Mondelez, where she drives data governance and transformative initiatives at a global scale. 

Throughout her career, Camilla has led successful data and analytics transformations across industries, including banking, FMCG, and healthcare, with a strong focus on fostering data literacy and learning. Her expertise spans client services, data analytics, and digital innovation, enabling impactful and sustainable business outcomes. 

A dedicated advocate for gender equality, Camilla was named ING Woman of the Year in 2016. Originally from Finland, she now resides in the Netherlands with her husband and three children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, CrossFit, and connecting with friends over a good glass of wine. 

Vesa-Pekka spearheads data and digitalization at Wärtsilä Energy, a company recognized by TIME in 2023 as one of the 100 most influential firms. He is entrusted with responsibilities, from driving key digital products to overseeing process digitalization, automation, security & compliance, and customer experience management, and of course, championing all about the data.

His entrepreneurial spirit is highlighted by his co-founding of a Helsinki-based AI SaaS startup. With over 15 years in the tech sector, he has showcased global tech leadership, notably in multinational conglomerates such as Microsoft and Nokia. He steered the iconic Nokia feature phone portfolio, which brought the internet for the first time to the hands of low-income families and made multi-billion revenues.

Living and working across the Middle East and Asia has enriched his global perspective, fueling his passion for constructing diverse teams dedicated to pioneering impactful technology. With a rich tapestry of experiences, from startups to multinational corporations, Vesa-Pekka's journey epitomizes the fusion of technology, humanity, and global impact.

Wärtsilä Energy champions the transition to a 100% renewable energy future. They assist customers in maximizing the energy transition's value by optimizing energy systems and future-proofing assets. As industry leaders, they're dedicated to sustainable energy solutions and innovative approaches to meet global energy needs.

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Wärtsilä Energy

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Kati Hagros is a seasoned executive, board professional, and thought leader in digitalization, ICT, and leadership. With over twenty-five years of leadership experience, she has held diverse management roles in digitalization, IT, logistics, strategy, and quality both in the high-technology business and public sector.

Presently, Kati serves as the Chief Digital Officer at Aalto University, where she steers the institution’s digitalization strategy, orchestrates its digital transformation, and manages its IT services as a member of the Aalto University’s Management Team. She currently also serves as a Board Member at S-Pankki Oyj, Eezy Oyj, and Rantalainen Oy.

Before Aalto University, Kati was the Chief Information Officer of KONE Corporation, and thereafter responsible for KONE’s digitalisation strategy. More than a decade of her career was dedicated to Nokia, serving in various leadership positions including the Vice President of CIO Office as well as the Vice President of Quality. She has also previously served at the boards of Nixu Oyj, Siili Solutions Oyj, Tokmanni Oyj, and A-Insinöörit Oy.

Holding dual Master of Science degrees in social sciences (communications and economics) and technology (industrial management and information technology), Kati embodies a rare blend of technical know-how and societal insights. Her geographical footprints extend across Finland, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, and Singapore, highlighting her global perspective. Her contributions have been acknowledged through various recognitions, including the CIO of the Year award in Finland and the Nordic region, Top 100 individuals in Finnish ICT, and Top 50 most inspirational women in the Nordic technology sector.

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Dr. Kantola works as a Vice President, Foresight and Data Economy at VTT. He leads an organization that supports the future-oriented decision-making of companies and society. Data and data-based businesses are one of the focus areas of his research. Dr. Kantola has a wide knowledge of business development in various industries, and he has created his career in business - technology interface. Prior to VTT, he worked as a CTO, management consultant, and board member in different companies. Dr. Kantola is a member of the Finnish Academy of Technical Sciences. 

Seppo Kuula is an experienced leader of growth companies in the technology sector. He is a Doctor of Technology with a dissertation on: Continuous co-creation of knowledge-intensive business services and a long-time digital influencer.  With over 20 years of CEO experience in listed and unlisted high-tech companies Seppo's career has focused on transformational business development in the international business-to-business market. He has deep expertise in culture-driven transformation, co-creational business development, and value-based commercialization of services and solutions and has executed two IPO's and close to ten mergers in the past 10 years.  As the CEO of Cloud1, his focus is on harnessing modern Data Management & Enterprise AI expertise for intelligent transformation of the leading enterprises.

Janne Lautanala is an accomplished digital business leader with more than 25 years of professional experience in leading organizations like Accenture, Avanade, Wärtsilä, and Nokia. Currently, he works as the Chief Ecosystem and Technology Officer at Fintraffic, the company responsible for traffic management and control in all modes of traffic in Finland. Throughout his career, Janne has successfully established and grown innovation programs, delivered projects, and established operational capabilities in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. He has also been involved with several major digital transformation projects in high-tech, manufacturing, government, retail, and telecommunication industries. 

As a recognized innovation leader and Industry expert, Janne had the opportunity to speak about Innovation and Information Management topics at a number of public events, television, and media in Europe and the Asia Pacific. 

Janne owns a M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Majoring in telecommunications technology) from Aalto University. 

Lauri Leppä is a recognized leader in digital business development, specializing in data-driven solutions for clean energy and energy efficiency. As Global Business Development Manager at Danfoss Digital Services, he leads the scaling of Leanheat, an AI-powered platform that continuously optimizes heating systems for nearly 1 million people worldwide. 

With over a decade of experience, Lauri blends deep expertise in data science, IoT, and predictive analytics with a strategic approach to solving complex energy challenges. He has successfully led international product roll-outs, secured multimillion-euro projects, and expanded Danfoss’ digital footprint across Europe and Asia. 

Previously, as CTO of Leanheat, Lauri aligned software and data science development with customer needs, pioneering large-scale optimizations for energy systems. He holds a Master of Science in Building Technology from Aalto University. 

At the CDOIQ Nordic Symposium, Lauri will share how data and AI enable smarter energy systems and accelerate sustainable transitions. 

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Alessio has more than ten years of experience in Financial Industries data and processes, in previous work record, he was the Lead Enterprise and Chief Data Architect for Deutsche Bank in Italy, then implementing Data Architecture/Governance Framework and policies in Corner Bank, helping with data topics and bringing new methodology about the information treatment. Since 2023, he has embraced a new challenge as Chief Data Officer of BancaStato, a Swiss cantonal bank taking care of the data chain, from the defensive part (Data Quality, Data Privacy) to the offensive part (Analytics, Artificial Intelligence).

Sameli Mäenpää is a business, technology, and data leader with international experience. Mäenpää served almost 6 years as a Chief Data Officer at OP Financial Group leading a team of 1200+ professionals. Concepts like AI, data mesh, big data, blockchain, and enterprise agile are part of his daily life. He has over 17 years of experience in banking. Earlier he held Business CIO and Chief Enterprise Architect positions at Nordea Bank. In addition, Mäenpää has founded several start-ups of which Oima (acquired by Visma in 2021) is the most significant.

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Pekka Pajuoja has been working in IT from 1984, first some 20 years in different positions in several software companies and then in public sector. Witnessing the various phases from ADP through internet and IT to digitalization, the key has always been to understand the importance of data.

He is currently working as a CIO of Business Finland, a government organization for innovation funding, trade, travel and investment promotion. Business Finland was born as a result of the merger of Finpro and Tekes. Creating the new IT architecture and organization was the first task for him as a CIO there. Developing the IT and business processes has continued ever since.

Business Finland is a specialist organization serving especially Finnish companies, where data and knowledge are the most valuable assets in addition to people possessing the knowledge. Helping companies to grow and go international also requires exchanging and sharing the data within all Team Finland and other public organizations.

Pekka’s team has had the key role to provide the technical prerequisites for Business Finland to enable it to evolve to more data-driven and digitalized. The current challenges and possibilities are in finding ways to apply automation and AI in Business Finland and public sector in general. The importance of accurate and reliable data has grown even bigger.

Ida Saavalainen, M.Sc. (Econ.), EMBA, is the CEO of Ahola Group and is also one of the family company's owners. Saavalainen (née Ahola) represents the third generation of the Ahola family company and has solid experience in the logistics industry, having previously served as CEO and CFO of the Group's parent company as well as CEO of Limetec, a manufacturer of truck trailers and superstructures.
The family-owned logistics company Ahola Group, based in Kokkola, Finland, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The group comprises of three divisions: Ahola Transport, specializing in road transport; Ahola Special, focusing on special transport and project logistics; and Ahola Digital, providing digital logistics solutions.

Extensive experience in commercial and industrial transport combined with a dynamic logistics concept and data-driven decision-making have formed an unbeatable combination that has made Ahola one of the leading logistics companies in the Nordics and a growth-oriented player in the Central and Eastern European markets.
Leveraging digitalization, Ahola has reached the EU2030 emission targets ten years ahead of schedule. For decades, the logistics group’s success has been driven by responsibility, innovative digital solutions and a curious attitude. Today, we continue to base our pioneering role on these principles.

Bianca Scheffler is a senior leader within data, analytics & technology with 15+ years of experience developing information and data management strategies across industries. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Computer Science and has held several roles around Data, Governance, Analytics, and technology. She was previously leading Swiss Re's interdisciplinary Data Culture and Innovation efforts. 

Bianca's technical expertise has been instrumental in developing successful data & tech strategies and promoting a culture of innovation. She is an active speaker and contributor in the broader information and data community and enjoys coaching and mentoring young female talents and teaching kids data and digital skills.

Emil Sievinen is the Chief Technology Officer at Smartbi, a leading AI and analytics agency. He leads a multidisciplinary effort to develop advanced AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients across diverse industries.
Emil is focused on enabling organisations to fully harness the potential of their data through bespoke AI solutions. With a proven track record of leading the design and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, he has successfully addressed some of the most complex challenges faced by industrial sectors. His expertise spans deep AI technology and, equally importantly, the value-driven productization of technology to ensure measurable business impact.

Beyond his work at Smartbi, Emil is dedicated to advancing the AI ecosystem. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and an active contributor to the broader AI community, offering insights into the evolving landscape of AI and its applications in the industrial sector.

Veera Siivonen is the Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder of Saidot, the leading AI governance platform enabling businesses to manage AI risks and ensure compliance. A passionate advocate for unlocking the potential of AI responsibly, Veera combines over 20 years of experience in digital technology, business strategy, and transformation.

Veera has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As Senior Vice President at Terveystalo, she led the consumer business during the Covid-19 pandemic, achieving significant sales growth through digitalization and the introduction of innovative service offerings. Earlier in her career, her strategic and marketing leadership at Sanoma revitalized Helsingin Sanomat, resulting in its first subscription growth in 25 years and sustained digital subscriber expansion for years afterward.

Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities organizations face when integrating technology into business operations positions her as a thought leader in strategic AI and data-driven digital transformation.

Turpeinen is also the founder and CEO of a data-sharing company called 1001 Lakes.

He was previously the Finnish Node Director of EIT Digital, a Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology and a Professor in Media Technology at The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. He has extensive industrial experience in the media industry, as between 1996 and 2005 he worked in various executive positions at Alma Media Corporation, a Finnish media company.

His current academic research addresses issues in customized media content, a human-centric approach to personal data, and the role of AI and algorithmic power in networked society. He has a Doctor of Technology Degree in Computer Science from Helsinki University of Technology (now Aalto University) and a Master of Science Degree in Media Arts and Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Hollmén’s research focuses on machine learning, data mining, and artificial intelligence. He has a particular interest in predictive analytics.

Hollmén has more than 20 years of experience in data analytics, both in the manufacturing industry and university research. He is a founding member of Northlet Ltd., which offers analytics services and consulting for companies aiming to improve their usage of analytical tools. In 2017, Hollmén was a key organizer of ECML-PKDD 2017 – the biggest conference in machine learning and data mining in Europe.

Winfried works as a Senior Specialist for Data Management at Equinor, providing his expertise in Data Management and Data Governance to the professional development of the organization. Winfried also teaches Data Management and Governance and provides courses on the topic.

Winfried has an extensive career in Data Management, from Document & Content Management, Metadata Management to Data Governance and Data & AI Strategy. One of his outstanding contributions to our Nordic Data Community has been as host for #MetaDAMA, a podcast missioned to give a voice to data professionals in the Nordics and providing a holistic view on Data Management in our countries.

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Nina Walberg was brought on to establish Data & Insight as a discipline and take a more impactful part of Oda in early 2019, and she built up Data & Insight from 3 to 75 people. The organizational growth, but also the phases of going from one fulfillment center in one market to multiple markets, have given many interesting learnings. Nina has a Master of Technology from NTNU in Industrial Economics and Technology Management. In addition to Oda, she has experience both from consulting (BearingPoint) and senior leadership roles in media (Schibsted and VG).

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Winfried works as a Senior Specialist for Data Management at Equinor, providing his expertise in Data Management and Data Governance to the professional development of the organization. Winfried also teaches Data Management and Governance and provides courses on the topic.

Winfried has an extensive career in Data Management, from Document & Content Management, Metadata Management to Data Governance and Data & AI Strategy. One of his outstanding contributions to our Nordic Data Community has been as host for #MetaDAMA, a podcast missioned to give a voice to data professionals in the Nordics and providing a holistic view on Data Management in our countries.

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Kristiina Tiilas is Digital Strategist with a strong physics background. She has Ph.D. in nuclear field, and she has been leading Data & Analytics fields in Fortum, Kemira, and Outokumpu. Kristiina’s focus is on future trends like AI, data-driven culture, and leadership.

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Outokumpu

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reMarkable

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Metsä Group

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Elisa

Sameli Mäenpää is a business, technology, and data leader with international experience. Mäenpää served almost 6 years as a Chief Data Officer at OP Financial Group leading a team of 1200+ professionals. Concepts like AI, data mesh, big data, blockchain, and enterprise agile are part of his daily life. He has over 17 years of experience in banking. Earlier he held Business CIO and Chief Enterprise Architect positions at Nordea Bank. In addition, Mäenpää has founded several start-ups of which Oima (acquired by Visma in 2021) is the most significant.

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The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

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SEB

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H&M Group

Matti Rossi is a past president of the Association for Information Systems and AIS Fellow. He has been the principal investigator in several major research projects funded by the technological development center of Finland and Academy of Finland. He has been a member of the board of open-source software developer QT Company Plc., MetaCASE Consulting Plc and chairman of the board of Syncron Tech. He won the 2013 Millennium Distinction Award of Technology Academy of Finland for open source and data research.

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Aalto-yliopisto

Jeff Chen is the Senior Vice President of Data Science at Viaplay Group,  where he leads an organization with a broad mandate to improve outcomes for its video streaming service operating in 13 countries.  As one of the early data scientists in the US public sector, Jeff draws on hard-earned experiences as a technical leader in applied and often political settings to build successful, evidence-based data science strategies that ensure that data pipelines, infrastructure, and ML research are relevant for corporate and organizational strategies.

His career has led him to work on high-impact initiatives at NASA, the White House (during the Obama era), US Commerce Department, the United Nations Development Program, DC United (Soccer), and the NYC Mayor’s Office (Bloomberg). Jeff's dedication to technical capacity building is reflected in his experience in establishing and building multiple data teams, his past teaching role at Georgetown University and publishing a textbook on  Data Science for Public Policy (Springer Nature).

He holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University, an MA in Quantitative Methods from Columbia University, and is pursuing a DPhil in Computational Statistics at the University of Oxford.

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Viaplay Group

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Møller Mobility Group

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Inga Rós Gunnarsdóttir currently serves as the Chief Data Officer at the City of Reykjavík. Before taking on this role, she worked as a management consultant for a period of four years. She also had her own business for a time and gained experience at L'Oréal in Copenhagen, she has worked in the private and public sector since 2015, in charge of business development, logistics, data governance, and other management projects.

Inga Rós holds an MSc in Product Development and Innovation Engineering from the University of Southern Denmark, along with a BSc in Operations Engineering from Reykjavik University.

In her younger years, she was a dedicated gymnast and was a member of the Icelandic national team in artistic gymnastics for over 10 years.

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The City of Reykjavik

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Aalto EE