Masterclass

Alex Merced

Head of Developer Relations

About me

Alex Merced is Head of DevRel at Dremio with experience as a developer and instructor. His professional journey includes roles at GenEd Systems, Crossfield Digital, CampusGuard, and General Assembly. He has co-authored "Apache Iceberg: The Definitive Guide" and "Apache Polaris: The Definitive Guide" published by O'Reilly along with "Architecting and Apache Iceberg Lakehouse" with Manning. Alex has spoken globally at notable events such as SQLbits, DataEngBytes, Data Day Texas, Data Council and more. Alex is passionate about technology, sharing his expertise through blogs, videos, podcast "Alex Merced's Tech Podcast", and has made contributions to the JavaScript, Rust and Python communities with libraries like SencilloDB and CoquitoJS. Also creator of the Pangolin Open Source Lakehouse Catalog.

Michael Melzig

Cloud Program Manager

About me

Michael is responsible for cloud program management at Controlware in the Business Development division. He shapes and manages partnerships with AWS, HashiCorp an IBM Company, OVHcloud, and Google GCP. He has more than 25 years of international ICT experience across the IT, financial, automotive, manufacturing, and aviation industries.

Jochen Weisser

Principal Expert Data Integration and Cloud Services

About me

Jochen has been with Atruvia AG for several years, where his responsibilities include implementing the data strategy and further developing analytical platforms. Prior to that, he gained diverse professional experience as a full-stack software developer, data engineer, DevOps engineer, and IT architect.

Marco Preis

Senior Director – Head of Digital & Innovation Hub

About me

As Senior Director, Marco oversees the Digital & Innovation Hub at Infineon, where he has been driving the company’s digital transformation and innovation initiatives since 2017. His previous roles include senior positions in partnership, product, and project management at ADAC Financial Services and ADAC Car Rental, as well as consulting experience at EY.

Johannes Kutterer

Chief Solution Architect

About me

As Chief Solution Architect, Johannes has been designing future-proof solutions for sovereign data infrastructures, data platforms, and data-driven decision support at disy for over 12 years. His focus is on combining domain expertise, modern data analysis, and location intelligence with disy Cadenza to create a powerful, sovereign analytics platform that empowers organizations to take sustainable action and make informed decisions.

Sönke Liebau

CPO

About me

Sönke brings years of hands-on experience in Big Data, supporting customers in designing and implementing solutions while actively contributing to open source projects. His deep involvement in building and maintaining infrastructures has given him broad insight into the diverse needs and conditions that shape effective Big Data architectures. As CPO at Stackable, he channels this expertise into the product to ensure it fully meets the needs of every customer.

Nicolas Wieske

Senior Platform Strategist

About me

With 15 years of experience in the IT industry, Nicolas currently serves as a Senior Platform Strategist at Red Hat, where he is responsible for app platforms and the FSI sector. He has extensive experience in platform implementation, bridging the gap between business and IT, and driving innovation in hybrid cloud and AI—always in line with the open-source philosophy.

Detlev Knierim

EMEA AI Sales Specialist

About me

After completing his master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Economics and Automotive Management, Detlev started his career with Vodafone and Colt Telecom in the service provider space. From 1999 onwards, he held different international sales engagements at Cisco, covering global accounts and leading the Service Provider team. In 2017, he joined Arista Networks, driving the Emerging EMEA Sales team and focusing on AI-driven network automation and management. Since 2025, he has been with Red Hat in the EMEA AI Platform team as a Sales Specialist.

Daniel Benad

Consulting Partner Development Manager

About me

Daniel has been working in the IT industry for more than 20 years, consistently focusing on partner management and business development. For the past 5 years, he has been driving the expansion of the partner ecosystem at IONOS, overseeing joint project business and developing partner-managed PaaS and SaaS services as a strategic extension of the IONOS product portfolio.

Christoph Hefner

Solution Engineer

About me

With over five years of experience at the intersection of AI strategy and technical solution engineering, Christoph has helped organizations across industries turn data into real business value — from advising on enterprise AI governance to building and deploying production-grade AI applications. Today he specializes in Generative AI and helps companies cut through the complexity of enterprise AI.

Bilal Zafar

AI expert & author

About me

Bilal is a renowned keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and AI expert. He studied business administration in Düsseldorf, travels regularly to Silicon Valley, and completed AI courses in the United States at the elite universities Harvard and Stanford. He is one of the most sought‑after speakers in Germany and across Europe and is regularly booked by international companies. Bilal is also known from various TV formats. His first book, “Der klügste Freund, den wir je hatten”, was published in bookstores in September.

Jonathan Vantu

Head of MarTech

About me

Jonathan directs MarTech architectural design and technical oversight for Mytheresa, Net-A-Porter, and Mr Porter. He leads the department for tracking and data integrity while bridging marketing goals with technical strategy. His background includes CRM technology, performance marketing, and tracking. He is responsible for the high-level governance and strategic alignment of the MarTech stack.

Thomas Brenner

Controller & Project Manager BI Strategy

About me

Thomas is controller at GROB‑Werke with a focus on reporting and project analysis. In his role as project manager, he is also responsible for the BI strategy of the GROB Group. He brings many years of experience in controlling, project management, and management reporting, and has in‑depth, cross‑module SAP expertise as well as extensive experience in advancing data‑driven management and control processes.

Tamara Leupold

Data Analyst, Electric Drives

About me

Tamara is a data analyst in the e‑mobility field, specializing in the digitalization of production lines. She focuses on making machine and product data available to users in real time to enable data‑driven process optimization and sustainably increase transparency during line commissioning. Her work builds on experience in coordinating projects related to the maturity development of electric drives.

Alexander Huber

Mountaineer

About me

As a mountaineer, Alexander Huber has pushed himself to his limits—physically and mentally—in the steep world of the mountains. What defines a successful climber is not just physical strength; on the contrary, the true pioneers have always been those with the greatest visionary power. It is more than clear that ideas and visions can only be realized successfully when smart strategy and careful planning form the foundation—only then can existing potential be fully tapped. The motivation required for this always springs from a fundamental joy in creating: passion as the source of strength. The well‑attuned team of Alexander and Thomas began to form in their childhood. Together they sought out challenges and, as roped partners, each still had to take personal responsibility. Their passion for the mountains serves as a metaphor for life and opens up perspectives from strikingly powerful vantage points. After all, it is not the mountain we conquer, but always ourselves.

Livia Nesensohn

IT Architect – Data & Analytics

About me

Livia is IT architect specializing in modern data platforms and scalable analytics architectures. She is currently contributing to the development of a global analytics platform, shaping architectural principles and governance standards. Previously, she worked as a Data Engineer with a focus on requirements engineering and close collaboration with business stakeholders. Her work included integrating and modeling SAP and CRM data for analytical data platforms.

Andrea Wipping

Consultant CRM/Marketing

About me

Andrea is a Marketing and Sales Solutions Consultant at Cornelsen, specializing in requirements analysis and system implementation. She has many years of experience in marketing services, planning processes, and process consulting and implementation. In addition, she has experience in project management and in process optimization in line with system support.

Julia Pogorzelski

Head of Digital People & Culture

About me

As Head of Digital People & Culture at WACKER Chemie AG in Munich, Julia is responsible for the successful implementation of data, analytics and AI solutions, with a clear focus on people as the decisive success factor. Her work centers on sustainable usage, measurable impact, and the development of a strong data and change culture.

Stefan Edelmayer

Head of Data Strategy & Analytics

About me

Stefan is Head of Data Strategy & Analytics at the SPAR Austria Group. In this role, he shapes the further development of the data analytics strategy and the use of modern data platforms. In doing so, he supports the transformation of the analytics landscape as well as the implementation of SPAR’s data strategy within the organization and its culture.

Caroline Grimm

Chief Data Officer

About me

Caroline is Chief Data Officer at Münchener Hypothekenbank eG. After completing her training as a banking professional and studying economics in Munich and Madrid, she began her career in credit risk management. She subsequently spent several years in banking consulting and risk controlling, where she established a central enterprise data platform and led the implementation of BCBS 239. Since January 2024, she has been responsible for business data management at MHB.

Dr. Franz Graf

Senior Process Manager DevOps

About me

Franz is a Senior Process Manager in the field of DevOps, with a focus on cloud, machine learning, and AI. He designs strategic cloud-native transformations, optimizes end-to-end DevOps processes, and works closely with security, data protection, and works councils to anchor modern AI and cloud architectures in organizations in a secure, compliant, and sustainable way.

Dr. Birgitta Wollherr

AI Ops Spezialistin / Master Data Scientist

About me

Birgitta works at Telefónica Germany in the areas of AI, analytics, and BI platforms. She is responsible for cloud-native AI architectures using Azure and Databricks and demonstrates how generative AI can be operated productively in highly regulated environments through DevOps, governance, and security.

Nancy Nyambura

Senior Data Engineer

About me

Nancy is a Senior Data Engineer at Stadtwerke Düsseldorf. She supports business use cases end to end – from initial requirements to productive ETL pipelines – with a strong focus on Data Mesh, Data Vault 2.0, and measurable business value. Her technology stack includes Databricks, dbt Labs, and Azure services.

Sascha Riegenring

Head of Data & AI Foundations

About me

Sascha has more than 20 years of professional experience in the fields of data management, data governance, analytics, and digital transformation. He currently serves as Head of Data & AI Foundations at FIEGE Logistics. In this role, he is responsible for the central data platform, data management, data governance, data quality, and self-service analytics, among other topics. His focus lies on scalable, economically viable data architectures and the sustainable establishment of data literacy across the organization. Previously, Sascha worked as Data Officer for the Group Executive Board at Deutsche Bahn and served as Chief Data Officer at Berlin Hyp AG. His key priorities include the practical implementation of data and AI strategies, optimizing the cost-benefit ratio of data investments, and the successful development of high-performing data organizations.

Claudia Pohlink

Chief Data Officer / Director Data & AI

About me

Claudia has more than 20 years of professional experience in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and innovation management. As Chief Data Officer at FIEGE Logistics, she is responsible for the company’s data and AI topics. Until summer 2024, she led the Data Intelligence Center at Deutsche Bahn and was responsible for the group-wide data and AI strategy. Prior to that, she headed the machine learning team at T-Labs, the research unit of Deutsche Telekom. In addition to her corporate roles, Claudia is an angel investor. She is a speaker and author and is actively committed to advancing education for children and young people in the areas of data and AI. Claudia has received numerous awards, including “Global Women Leader in AI” in 2019, “40 over 40 – Germany’s Most Inspiring Women 2022,” recognition as one of the “30 Outstanding Women in Data – 2023 Global,” and most recently the ILD Leadership Award 2025 in the category “Inspiring Leader.”

Kolja Manuel Rödel

Head of Data & Analytics

About me

Kolja is responsible for the data strategy, the data team and the greenfield Data & Analytics platform at Rameder. Before joining Rameder, he led the Data Foundation team at MediaMarktSaturn, where he was in charge of the migration from the legacy DWH to the new cloud data platform. Kolja started his career in IT consulting, where over the course of 10 years he developed data solutions for numerous clients.

Jonas Schröder

Data Scientist & Product Owner

About me

Since 2023, Jonas is a data scientist and product owner at OTTO where he has worked on various products in the realm of marketing optimization and customer analytics. He currently is responsible for the development and application of customer lifetime value models. Before OTTO, he worked for L’Oréal for five years on analytics topics as a data analyst and data scientist.

Simon Schmitt

Global Head of Data Excellence

About me

Simon is an experienced transformation leader specializing in data strategy, digital initiatives, and process optimization. As Global Head of Data Excellence at Giesecke+Devrient, he is responsible for the company’s global data governance and oversees multiple transformation programs. Previously, he held senior roles at UniCredit and PwC, where he focused on strategy development, target operating models, and the digital transformation of banking.

Thomas Kronawitter

Head of Data-Driven Applications & Services

About me

Thomas is Head of Data-Driven Applications & Services at GRENKE in Baden-Baden. GRENKE is a financial solution provider, offering services in more than 30 countries around the world. His department aims to deliver business value through data and data-related services and applications. He has spent the last 20 years with data, databases, IT services, and related infrastructure. Before that, he was a paramedic with the German Red Cross.

Yannick Franke

AI Team Lead

About me

Yannick leads the AI & Data team at the German Press Agency (dpa), Germany’s largest news agency. After earning his Master’s degree in Management & Data Science, Yannick gained several years of experience as a data scientist and team lead in IT consulting. Since early 2025, his team has been developing innovative AI solutions for the media and information ecosystem.

Tim Wienböker

Teamleiter Business Intelligence

About me

Tim has more than 15 years of experience in Business Intelligence. Over the years, his work has evolved from creating reports and dashboards to managing projects focused on new information systems – and ultimately to building a full BI platform. This includes the successful global rollout and adoption of Power BI as Weidmüller’s analytics and reporting platform. Most recently, he has been working on developing a data platform based on Microsoft Fabric. His current focus is on defining and establishing the platform strategy and platform governance.

Dr. Kai Behrens

Solution Architect Data & Analytics

About me

Kai has been a Solution Architect for Data & Analytics at Karl Storz since mid‑2025. A holistic, outcome‑driven architect, he focuses on concepts, strategy, and governance, anchored in a strong technical core. He bridges AI, BI, and business needs to deliver real value. Earlier roles spanned customer‑facing consulting and architecture in data‑driven businesses.

Ulisse Sarmiento

Regional Vice President Solutions Consulting EMEA

About me

Ulisse is Tealium's Regional VP of Solution Consulting for EMEA, with over 15 years of experience in software engineering and solution consulting. He specialises in helping enterprises harness AI and real-time data orchestration to build trusted, governed data foundations that power smarter, more personalised customer experiences. With expertise spanning CDP, MarTech, and AdTech, Ulisse is a recognised thought leader and speaker who drives innovation at the intersection of AI and data activation.

Tim Schindler

Data Engineer

About me

Tim is an experienced data engineer with many years in the field, working across various industries and technologies. He is skilled in leading teams, building data solutions and driving insights to support business goals. Another passion is streamlining and automating team processes, DataOps and DevOps.

Dr. Sönke Iwersen

Director Data Intelligence & Analytics

About me

Sönke has been leading data and analytics organizations for more than 15 years across a range of industries (including Telefónica, Handelsblatt, XING, Fitness First, and HRS). His areas of focus include developing digitalization and data strategies and putting them into practice through cloud-based analytics platforms and ML/AI solutions. He regularly presents his innovative work at national and international conferences.

Carsten Schweiger

Data & AI Enabler

About me

Carsten Schweiger has more than 20 years of professional experience, including 15 years in consulting with a focus on Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing. After completing his degree in Business Information Systems at HP, he gained his first Business Intelligence experience in controlling and led numerous data warehouse projects, including in roles such as Requirements Engineer, Architect, and Database and ETL Developer. His professional focus lies in automation, API development, operations and support, as well as building sustainable and scalable data architectures. Over the past ten years, he has supported more than 25 teams through transformation processes as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach. Since 2024, he has been working as Data & AI Enabler at 2150 Datavault Builder AG. In this role, he is responsible for GenAI-based knowledge management, the integration of modern AI architectures including MCP servers, and the online training and certification program.

Dr. Arndt Claußen

Lead Center of Excellence Data & Analytics

About me

Arndt specializes in advanced analytics, business intelligence, and cloud initiatives. With expertise in building modern data stacks, he leverages technologies like SAP S/4HANA, BigQuery, and Google Cloud Platform for data-driven solutions, including statistical forecasting and ML applications.

Therese

2 h

Masterclass

14:20

2 h

Masterclass

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Therese

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2 hours

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Ludwig

2 h

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Ludwig

14:20

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Therese

2 h

Masterclass

10:45

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Therese

10:45

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Ludwig

2 h

Masterclass

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Masterclass

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Ludwig

10:45

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35 min.

Coffee break

16:40

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Exhibition visit & coffee break

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16:40

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Exhibition visit & coffee break

45 min.

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