Meet the Speakers

Megh Desai
Managing Director, Advisory, Procurement & Outsourcing, KPMG

Megh leads KPMG US' Offshoring Advisory Practice, focusing on Strategy and Design of complex, multi-functional offshoring models to drive margin expansion.

Megh bring 20+ years of transformation experience through implementation of global capability centers (GCCs), global business services (GBS) and outsourcing delivery models. He is passionate about helping clients restructure operations to increase capability and capacity while reducing cost.

Successful operating models address levels of consistency that are fit for purpose; a set of goals to build a culture; and attention to compliance that creates a risk aware environment. Megh has helped organizations design and implement operating models focusing on these guiding principles with an eye on quality of services, agility, scalability and cost competitiveness.

No vision is realized without the right stewardship and, navigating through complex organizations with competing priorities can be the difference between success and failure. Megh has helped clients realize their visions and strategies through effective stakeholder management and progressive thinking to secure the buy-ins needed for strategic decisions.

Boris  Abezgauz
Partner, Strategy&, part of the PwC network

Boris is a partner with PwC's Technology Strategy practice, based in Chicago. He has more than 21 years of professional experience. He is a highly successful technology and operations leader with experience in delivering business value to Fortune 500 clients across US and Europe by providing clients with services that range across global shared services, IT strategy, outsourcing, IT effectiveness, process improvement, and global program management. He specializes in the CPG space, but also has intimate experience in technology and automotive finance industries. He has a strong track record of delivering client value through successful project execution and business development opportunities through both developing long lasting client relationships and new client opportunities. He specializes in business and technology alignment, technology and organizational transformation, IT operating model design, IT effectiveness/cost reduction, outsourcing of IT and business process, software and system integrator sourcing, building new business capabilities through technology transformation, Master Data Management, business intelligence, and program management. He has experience working with business leaders across industries to develop differentiating strategies and capabilities. He has helped business executives with defining IT and shared services operating models, strategic sourcing IT, and business process sourcing, and streamlining processes in technology and operations. He has experience in Financial Services, CPG and pharma with a functional focus on IT effectiveness, business intelligence, and program management. He has also let efforts to design and architect new business capabilities and facilitate successful implementation through sourcing the appropriate software vendors and system integration partner.

Todd Hintze
Partner, Wavestone

Todd has more than 20 years of experience assisting Fortune 500 organizations in reducing costs and improving revenue through operational, organizational, and technical solutions. He effectively leverages his corporate and industry insights to help organizations address transformational challenges. Todd is highly skilled in strategic planning, process reengineering, and change management, as well as solutions evaluation and deployment.

Anupam Govil
Managing Partner, Avasant

With over 25 years of dynamic experience in digital transformation and ICT sector development, Anupam Govil is a seasoned advisor to enterprises, governments, and public sector agencies across emerging regions, particularly in the Americas. Anupam’s expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, from the program management of digital transformation initiatives to providing strategic insights on the impact of ICT investments and broadband policies on economic growth and global development. Anupam has overseen consultancy projects for public enterprises and financial organizations, advising on Digital Transformation, Sector Development, and Investment Promotion Strategies to drive regional economic growth. He has also provided guidance to leading IT services and financial institutions on ISO and CMM Certification, digital management, and governance.

Actively engaged in the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem through his role at TiE Global, Anupam has demonstrated his strategic acumen by designing roadmaps for the implementation of Centers of Excellence and modernization strategies for key organizations such as Equifax and the Central Bank of the Bahamas. His expertise extends to advising investment promotion agencies and development agencies, contributing as a key speaker at notable events organized by NOA, World Bank, UNCTAD, IAOP, and Commonwealth. Recognized as one of the Top 30 Industry Executives for ICT by Nearshore Americas for 2010 and 2011, Anupam’s contributions to digital transformation and sector development are truly commendable and impactful.

James Donovan
CEO, ADEC Innovations, and Chairman, Global CEO Alliance

James is an entrepreneur focused on impact investing that generates measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial return. With over 25 years of investment banking and entrepreneurial expertise, James has invested in the areas of sustainability, healthcare, education, technology and data management. James redefines and delivers innovative Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) solutions to fortune 1000 corporations. Integrating Big Data expertise into ESG solutions, his companies have developed some of the most advanced applications that promote ethical and sustainable practices in the corporate world.

Michael Nacarato, COP
Head of Third Party Risk Management,Transamerica
 

Over the last 25 years Michael has held executive leadership roles designing, developing, and implementing outsourcing, offshoring and third party risk management programs for some of the top US and multi-national financial services companies.  In his various roles he has established multiple offshore captive and vendor operations in India, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Philippines.  Michael is IAOP COP certified and currently sits on the IAOP’s Strategic Advisory Board.  He is a past IAOP Member of the year, Deputy Global Ambassador, and Buy Side Ambassador.  Michael is committed to maintaining high industry standards and has supporting multiple resources obtaining their IAOP COP certifications.  And most recently he participated as a judge for the 2023 IAOP Global Top 100 Awards.

James Lee
Principal & Global Supplier Governance Practice Lead, Avasant

Jim Lee is a solutions-oriented leader and accomplished problem-solver specializing in supplier governance and risk, service integration and management, digital transformation, and business and technology architecture. An experienced IT executive and former CIO, he possesses a diverse background of management consulting and hands-on IT architecture, management, applications, and service delivery experience with Fortune 100 US and global clients. Jim has led large sourcing transition programs, vendor governance engagements, and org transformations to enable clients to achieve their business & technology transformation goals. He is a graduate of the University of Phoenix and member of the IAOP Collaborative Supplier Governance CoE.

Max Harris
Partner, Technology & IP Transactions, Kirkland & Ellis

Max Harris is a partner in the London office of Kirkland’s Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group. Max supports clients on the IP, technology and data elements of corporate transactions, and regularly counsels on legal risks and considerations in the development and use of AI systems.

Emma Flett is a partner in Kirkland’s Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group and heads the London team. Emma's practice is focused on complex IP and technology-related transactions, carve-outs and business separations and EU data protection. Emma regularly counsels clients on the emerging legal risks surrounding the use of AI.

Ben Zeris
Partner, Technology & IP Transactions, Kirkland & Ellis

Ben Zeris is an associate in the London office of Kirkland’s Technology & IP Transactions Practice Group. Ben’s practice focuses on advising clients on a variety of complex commercial and corporate transactions in which technology, IP and data play a major role.

Peter George
Partner, Baker McKenzie

Peter George practices international commercial law and regularly advises clients, both on the buyer and provider side, on domestic and multi-jurisdictional sourcing transactions, complex business process transactions involving human resources, finance and accounting and other web enabled services. Peter is a recognized leader in the areas of electronic contracting, social media, contracting for cloud services, robotic process automation, Internet of Things and other disruptive technologies. He regularly advises clients on the issues these technologies raise, both domestically and from a global perspective. Peter also helps clients manage the complex technology and data rights issues that these technologies raise.

Peter advises clients in the areas of cross-border and domestic sourcing transactions, data and technology transfers and licensing transactions. He also assists clients with the general management of their intellectual property assets.

Mariana Oliver
Senior Associate, Data Privacy & Security Practice, Baker McKenzie

Mariana Oliver is a senior associate in Baker McKenzie’s Chicago office and a member of the IP Tech Practice Group, with a focus on data privacy and security. Mariana is an alum of Northwestern University’s JD-PhD program, receiving her JD from Northwestern School of Law and her PhD in sociology from Northwestern Graduate School.

Mariana helps the IPTech group provide client advice on various matters related to data privacy and security, including development and implementation of complex privacy compliance programs, cross-border data transfers, risk assessments, and managing cyber security incidents. The clients represent a wide range of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Alpa Inamdar
Senior Leader in Financial Services

Alpa is the Transformation Leader at AIG, overseeing execution of large strategy initiatives that will shape AIG’s underwriting and claims operations and policy administrations function. Prior to this, she was the Global Head of Third Party Governance Advisory Group at BNY Mellon. Previously, she was Vice President and Chief of Staff in the Regulatory and Tax Operations division at Goldman Sachs as a global project manager for the Federal Preparedness program. Other prior roles included serving as Cost Allocation Specialist for Societe Generale, and various assignments at Fluor Daniel Corporation.

Alpa is on the board for Park and Trails of NY, Risk Board, CeFPro Magazine, Pace Transformative leadership advisory panel, and Ascend; and is also a Steering Committee Member of Shared Assessments, as well as a contributor for the Forbes Finance Council.

She is the President and program creator for Women Helping Women, and created Take 2, a program with the objective of increasing the success for women returning to the workplace. Alpa earned an MBA and a BA in Finance from California State University, and a SIFMA Securities Industry, Business, and Finance certification from the Wharton School of Business. She has completed a Board Readiness Program at Stanford University.

Richard Sandler
Founder & Managing Director, RZ Strategies

Richard was the Global Head of Contract and Commercial Management for Computer Sciences Corporation’s (now DXC Technology) 550+ Commercial and Federal contracting professionals, major deal closer, “fixer” and turnaround specialist for some of CSC’s largest managed services deals and issues. As the Commercial lead for CSC he was personally part of and/or the corporate approver of billions of dollars in transactions for every conceivable type of transaction, especially high dollar, unique or complex deals. He played a key leadership role in CSC’s recent transformation resulting in hundreds of millions in cost savings and personally led his department’s change program driving savings and efficiencies in the tens of millions.

Richard founded RZ Strategies Group, and now provides Contracting Operations Optimization management consulting services specializing in the development and implementation of integrated contracting operations and commercial management strategies for businesses looking to maximize efficiencies, growth and profit.

Tim Dupree
President, Kelly® Professional & Industrial

Tim brings passion for growth to his role as senior vice president at Kelly® and president of Kelly Professional & Industrial. With his vast experience in operations, sales, and design, Tim is focused on driving profitable growth and increased specialization in Kelly’s largest and longest-standing portfolio—comprising businesses for office professional, finance, contact center, and light industrial talent across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. 

Previously, as senior vice president and chief growth officer, Tim accelerated Kelly’s transition into a specialty talent company. He led the charge to execute Kelly’s long-term strategy, facilitated collaboration across the organization, and developed metrics and accountability mechanisms to ensure Kelly’s teams prioritized growth mandates and met expectations. Tim’s deep experience in growing the Kelly brand has resulted in solutions that have expanded and deepened customer and partner relationships.

Tim joined Kelly in 2000 in an operations role in North Carolina. During his tenure, he has held positions of increasing responsibility within the global solutions and corporate accounts teams, including senior vice president and managing director of global service, and vice president and group leader of global solutions design.

Tim earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Gardner-Webb University and completed the International Business Studies Program at Franklin College in Lugano, Switzerland. He is certified in Human Capital Strategy and Strategic Workforce Planning and is the author of “Journey to Talent Supply Chain Management. ”Tim is a member of the Strategic Advisory Board for the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), has been named to the 2023 and 2022 Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Staffing 100, and has been featured among a select group of professionals on Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s “Pros to Know” list.

Pam Sands
Vice President Strategy & Partnerships – Diversity Office, Kelly

Pam Sands is a recognized leader and advocate for the power of work and human capabilities, dedicated to workforce innovation, economic resilience, and inclusive employment opportunities. She champions public-private partnerships to evolve workforce and workplace strategies for the future of work.

Pam serves on the executive board of the World Employment Confederation and the Social Impact Council for IAOP. A 2023 and 2024 Staffing Industry Analysts Global Power 150 honoree, she is a past member of her local United Nations Association.

As Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships in the Chief Diversity Office at Kelly, she leads workforce inclusion, supplier diversity, and talent innovation. She previously led Kelly’s Global Supply Chain organization and holds a BA in Organizational Leadership from Trinity International University with certifications in SWP, CWDP, and SRM.

Ashish Malhotra, COP
President, Founder, Ampalyst

Ashish is an expert in Organization Design with over 30 years of experience focusing on global human capital within operations, corporate functions, and implementing GBS, shared services, and outsourcing strategies. He has led the Global Resource Strategy Practice at AlixPartners, advising Private Equity and Performance Improvement clients. Ashish views human capital as a continuum encompassing employees and contractors, both locally and globally.

Throughout his career, Ashish has collaborated with companies across industries and functions. His adaptive skills and diverse background as a buyer, seller, advisor, and deal catalyst (over $3B) enable him to foster cross-departmental collaboration and effective stakeholder & change management. He has led global resource strategies at Fortune 50 firms, overseeing them from inception to execution.

Ashish is known for institutionalizing best practices, skilled negotiations, and managing complex programs. He has consistently advised C-suite leaders and is among a select few with executive experience across buyer, seller, and advisor roles, enabling him to craft sustainable, win-win solutions.

He holds degrees from NYU Stern and recently completed the CTO Program at Wharton. His past employers include PwC, Verizon, AIG, Accelya (formerly Kale), Citigroup, Time Warner (now WBD) and AlixPartners.

Vinny Sanchez
Partner, DLA Piper

Vinny Sanchez is the Global Co-chair of DLA Piper's Technology Transactions and Strategic Sourcing practice and is highly recognized as a leading technology and outsourcing lawyer by The Legal 500 US and Chambers.

Vinny advises clients in complex technology, strategic sourcing/outsourcing and commercial transactions, including post-contract matters that arise during the normal course of these relationships such as implementation/transition challenges, governance, audits and disputes. A significant part of his practice also includes representing clients in digital transformation programs and supply chain management, including Nth party risk, business continuity and data and cyber risks. He also advises clients in technology acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures; strategic alliances and collaborations; and the commercialization of technology and data assets.

Vinny’s strategic sourcing/outsourcing experience involves the outsourcing of key business and technology operations, such as those related to information technology (networks/telecommunications, data center/co-location, application development/management, infrastructure, etc.), human resources, facilities management, finance, accounting, supply chain management, clinical trial, payment processing, research and development, and other key operational functions. He also advises clients on the development of strategic sourcing programs, including matters covering the entire contract lifecycle management process such as contract policies and templates, training/education programs, risk assessments, contract deviation reports, and governance/vendor management. He also has worked with clients on contract strategies for adopting, and accelerating the procurement of, new technologies.

Vinny’s digital transformation experience involves advising clients in navigating the legal and operational risks associated with the digital transformation of the enterprise and the evolution of business models that leverage both technology and data as strategic assets to be optimized and potentially monetized. He advises clients on critical implementation and transformation projects, including the migration of key business processes to cloud-based services and the shift from traditional lift-and-shift outsourcing models to “as-a-service” models. He also works with clients through their digital journey, including navigating the phases of ideation/incubation, innovation and commercialization or operational integration. As a trusted digital advisor, he guides clients through (1) the risks associated with establishing new digitally focused business models and platforms, (2) the adoption of new digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, edge computing, cloud enablement and blockchain, and (3) managing technology and data as core strategic assets.

Vinny’s supply chain experience involves working with clients on navigating the risks associated with complex supply chains and ecosystems, especially those dependent upon digital technologies and data assets. He represents clients in supply chain and manufacturing agreements and regularly advises clients regarding Nth party risk, business continuity and data and cyber risks. (e.g., business continuity and concentration risk).

Jon Yarlett
COO at Intelligent Sourcing and Founder of The Impact Sourcing Alliance

Jonathan is the founder of Intelligent Sourcing and more recently The Impact Sourcing Alliance.  For over 15 years Jonathan has been helping vendors and inward investment agencies connect with buyside decision makers in the UK through the Intelligent Sourcing platform and has spoken globally on a number of sourcing topics.  Jonathan has formed partnerships with global analysts, advisors and subject matter experts all of whom use Intelligent Sourcing to showcase their industry content.  In the past 10 years he has been privileged enough to visit sourcing destinations including South Africa, Rwanda, Uruguay, Jamaica, Georgia, Portugal, Morocco and Poland and has a broad knowledge of location strategy.

Through his travels Jonathan has found a real passion for Impact Sourcing and everything it stands for.  The opportunities it provides are life changing and he feels all vendors where possible have a responsibility to inclusively higher.  The Impact Sourcing Alliance aims to spread the message, educate people and help create jobs for those from marginalised communities globally.

Karen Gordon
AVP Global Technology Vendor Management Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Karen Gordon has been involved in vendor management for the last 20 years. She began her professional career with Goldman Sachs and UBS investment banks, where she oversaw the outsourcing of research services. She later moved on to vendor management roles at UnitedHealthcare and Guardian Life Insurance. Karen currently leads the Global Technology Vendor Management team at Marriott Vacations Worldwide where her team oversees several large MSP relationships.

In her spare time Karen enjoys photography and traveling and has visited over 50 countries.

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in business administration.

Robert Kantrowitz
Partner, Healthcare & Life Sciences Regulatory, Kirkland & Ellis

Robert Kantrowitz is a corporate healthcare partner in the New York office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, focusing on healthcare regulatory, privacy/security, enforcement, transactional and restructuring matters. He regularly represents healthcare and veterinary clients in structuring and negotiating M&A, data and technology sharing/licensing, management services and other contractual arrangements, corporate organization and restructuring, compliance matters and investigations, data breach/incident response and risk management legal issues. Robert assists clients with a broad range of healthcare and veterinary regulatory matters, including laws related to fraud and abuse, licensure, the corporate practice of medicine and telemedicine.

Mark Kausel
Senior Director Client Success, Vee Healthtek

Mark leverages over 30 years of experience in healthcare operations, information technology, and sales and account management to deliver strategic solutions to clients. His extensive expertise in professional services has enabled him to connect healthcare organizations with solutions that contribute to sustainable growth and transformational impact.

Mark’s career in outsourcing began in 1999 when he sold a $20 million IT deal to a community hospital in Ohio to ensure Y2K readiness. Since then, he has continued to help health systems, hospitals, and physician groups navigate complex challenges with tailored solutions that drive exceptional efficiency.

After joining Vee Healthtek (then Vee Technologies) in 2018, Mark quickly advanced through roles in sales and account management thanks to his ability to build robust client relationships and generate measurable value. As Senior Director Client Success, he plays a pivotal part in shaping the strategic direction of the company. He is responsible for leading cross-functional teams across India, the Philippines, and the United States in delivering innovative technology solutions that streamline operations, improve quality, and optimize outcomes for clients. Currently, he manages key accounts that contribute more than $19 million in annual revenue to the company.  

Glen Blount, COP
Business Process Consultant, Duke Health

Clif Gustafson, aCOP
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Clif is an experienced financial leader with a background in operations, vendor and project management. He specializes in developing teams and resources through the appropriate application of offshore talent and external vendors to provide scalability and cost savings in a competitive financial environment. He is experienced in developing BPO solutions, vendor contract management, vendor bid processes, and daily governance of relationships with third parties.

Olivier Camino is the global Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Co-Founder of Foundever. After acquiring Sykes Enterprises, Inc. in 2021, Sitel Group rebranded to Foundever in 2023, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution into a technology-driven customer experience (CX) global leader. As COO, Olivier is responsible for overseeing the global operations of the organization and driving our investment in innovative AI solutions that enhance our service offerings.

Understanding that the employee experience is synonymous with the customer experience, Olivier is passionate about enhancing the associate experience and empowering individuals to develop and thrive within the organization. Since 2016, Olivier has served as COO of Foundever, continuing his commitment to reshaping the future of the CX industry. He collaborates closely with regional teams to ensure operational excellence through consistency and a robust, proven global operating model, all while integrating advanced AI tools to optimize and innovate customer interactions.

Olivier also serves as President of Foundever.org, the company’s nonprofit operating foundation dedicated to the #CXforGood movement. This initiative focuses on creating and leveraging educational programs to benefit untapped talent in deprived communities globally, preparing individuals for their next employment opportunities.

Olivier co-founded Groupe Acticall in France over 20 years ago and has been instrumental in the development of this business, leading high-performing operational teams throughout its growth journey.

In addition to his operational responsibilities, he also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through his involvement with Ashoka, a global organization focused on investing in innovative solutions to social challenges, and Simplon, a French-based company dedicated to promoting inclusion in the digital sector.

A strong advocate for education, Olivier and his wife co-founded Fondation Altitudes, overseen by Caritas France, which aims to empower children to succeed academically.

Maura Hudson, COP
Princiapal, Humanity Associates