Archives: Speakers

Dr. Jasser Kassab

Dr. Jasser Kassab has an extensive background in technology and IT, holding a PhD in Technology Management from the University of St. Gallen and completing postdoctoral research in Data Analytics and Visualization at the University of Cambridge. With experience in leading tech companies such as SAP and T-Systems, Jasser later joined FIFA, where he spearheaded the conceptualization, implementation, and rollout of a global data and communication system for professional football.

Most recently, Jasser served as Chief Product Officer at MoneyPark, Switzerland’s leading mortgage platform, where he led product innovation for over six years. A resident of Zürich, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his two children

John Blanchette

John Blanchette, CPA, CA, is a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience in accounting and financial management. John launched his career at BDO Canada as a Senior Accountant, where he spent six years driving financial excellence and contributing to the firm’s success. In 2016, John joined Tbaytel, a leading telecommunications provider, as a Finance Supervisor. His dedication and expertise quickly earned him a promotion to Director of Finance in May 2019, a role in which he continues to deliver strategic leadership and drive organizational success.

Jason Mausberg

Jason Mausberg has been the Managing Director of Canadian operations since 2000, bringing over two decades of leadership and industry expertise. A pioneer in the SAP ecosystem, Jason co-founded one of Canada’s first SAP midmarket All-in-One resellers, combining his finance and accounting background with a deep understanding of enterprise technology. Before transitioning to executive roles, Jason gained valuable experience as an SAP consultant and project manager, delivering impactful solutions for clients.

Carl Kehres

Carl Kehres serves as the Global Head of Telecom at SAP, bringing a wealth of expertise from partnering with over 100 telecom companies to simplify, digitize, and future-proof their operations. He spearheaded the creation of the 5G Business Innovation Council and contributed his strategic insights as a member of TM Forum’s “Beyond Connectivity” Advisory Board. Prior to SAP, Carl held key leadership roles at Cincinnati Bell, overseeing HiCaps as well as various BSS and OSS solutions, driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization.

Dr. Dafa Jiang

Since 2017 with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd

Head of R&D center,  CRRC ZELC Verkehrsstechnik GmbH

8 years experience in R&D of new energy locomotives, successfully developed locomotives with power supply from on-board Li-ion battery system, hydrogen fuel cell system, et al

Member of IEC/TC 9 working gruop

PhD degree in Materials Science and Engineering, and bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineer from Tsinghua University

Olivier Piron

Olivier Piron works at the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA) since 2005 and is currently the Head of the Fixed Installations and Rolling Stock Unit. His Unit is in charge of the development of the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) and the assessment of the National Technical Rules (NTRs) aiming at enhancing the level of interoperability on the Union railway system and by this way contributing to an increased competitiveness of the rail and to the seamless cross-border traffic in the EU.

 

  1. Career to date

 

Head of Unit Fixed Installations and Rolling Stock, ERA since Dec 2020

Head of Unit Fixed Installations and Rolling Stock, a.i., ERA Jul 2019 – Nov 2020

Team Leader Fixed Installations and Rolling Stock, ERA Nov 2018 – Jun 2019

Head of Sector Rolling Stock, ERA Aug 2017 – Nov 2018

Quality Officer, ERA May 2012- Aug 2017

Head of the coordination sector – Interoperability Unit, ERA Aug 2008 – Apr 2012

Project Officer – Interoperability Unit, ERA Jun 2005 – Jul 2008

Project Manager – On Track Machines (OTMs) vehicle purchasing, Infrabel Jan 1996 – May 2005

Project Manager Operational scheduling of train drivers and vehicles, SNCB Oct 1993 – Dec 1995

 

  1. Education

 

Mechanical Engineer, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1992