Archives: Speakers

Yawwani Gunawardana is a seasoned AI leader with a PhD in Machine Learning and over a decade of experience driving innovation in financial services. As Group Head of AI at Quilter, she spearheads the firm’s AI transformation—building scalable, ethical AI systems that accelerate business value. Previously at JP Morgan, she led global teams to deliver cutting-edge GenAI and Graph AI solutions.

Yawwani holds multiple industrial patents, has published extensively in AI and computational biology, and is a recognized voice in tech forums such as Women in Data and SheCanCode. Her leadership blends deep technical expertise with a passion for responsible AI, governance, and talent development.

Laxminarayan Bhat, PhD, is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Reviva Pharmaceuticals. The company has advanced under Dr. Bhat’s leadership with a portfolio of propriety compounds at different stages in a pipeline encompassing central nervous system (CNS), cardiometabolic, and immune disorders. Dr. Bhat has over 25 years of experience in translational research and development in pharmaceutical industry, and prior to founding Reviva, he held research positions at XenoPort, ARYx Therapeutics, and Higuchi Biosciences Center in the United States. Dr. Bhat conducted extensive graduate and post-graduate training in medicinal chemistry in India, France, Germany, and USA. Dr. Bhat has published over 25 research papers in peer reviewed international journals and has given several invited lectures/presentations in national and international conferences. Dr. Bhat is an inventor on over 100 granted patents and contributed to multiple investigational new drugs (IND) and a US FDA approved new drug (NDA) currently in the market worldwide.

Email: Lbhat@revivapharma.com

Website: www.revivapharma.com

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 
 
Since 2025 Deputy Head of Sales at FOGTEC, Business Unit Rail Systems 
 
2015-2025 Area Sales Manager at FOGTEC, Business Unit Rail Systems 
 
2008 – 2015 Key Account Manager at FOGTEC, Business Unit Rail Systems 
 
2006 – 2008 Electrical engineer at Stadler Bussnang AG in the railway sector, responsible for fire 
 
protection systems and event recording 
 
 TRAINING 
 
2010-2013 Executive MBA in General Management, Berner Fachhochschule, Management Zentrum, 
 
Bern (Switzerland). 
 
2001 – 2006 Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland), MSc. In Electrical and 
 
Electronic Engineering. 
 
 LANGUAGES 
 
French: mother tongue 
 
German: bilingual: fluent in spoken and written German 
 
English: good oral and written level 
 
Spanish: average level, oral and written. 
 
 INTERESTS 
 
– member of the Board of SwissEngineering, division TransJura 
 
– Nature, outdoor sports (skiing, trail running, mountain biking)

Industry leader in advanced fire protection solutions for the railway sector. With a strong track record in delivering high-performance detection and suppression systems for new and existing rolling stock, he drives Triple E’s strategic growth through innovation, customer-focused solutions, and operational excellence. His expertise provides a forward-looking perspective on market trends, emerging technologies, and the key opportunities shaping the future of railway fire safety. 

Experienced Global Key Account Manager with a strong technical background in mechanical engineering  

and over 33 years in industrial application. Started career in welding technologies before transitioning  

to adhesive bonding solutions. Specialized in rail OEM and MRO projects, with a European Adhesive  

Engineer certification and extensive expertise in managing global strategic accounts.  

Core Competencies  

 Global Key Account Management  

 Adhesive & Bonding Technologies  

 Welding Technologies (Robots & Equipment)  

 Rail Industry (OEM & MRO)  

 Technical Service Leadership  

 Project Management  

Professional Experience  

Global Key Account Manager – Rail Jan 2020 – Present – @ company HENKEL since 1997 

 Responsible for global strategic account management in the rail sector.  

 Driving OEM and MRO projects with a focus on bonding solutions and compliance with DIN 6701  

standards.  

Key Account Manager – Industrial Projects (Agricultural Equipment, Heavy Duty, Rail) 2013 – 2019 

 Managed large industrial accounts and projects in heavy-duty equipment and rail sectors.  

Technical Service Manager – BeNeLux Approx. 2004 – 2013 

 Led a team of engineers providing technical support and solutions for adhesive applications. 

Technical Service Engineer (LOCTITE Business) 1997 – 2004 

 Delivered technical support and application expertise to customers across various industries. 

Technical Service Engineer – Welding Robots & Equipment Aug 1992 – 1997 

 Provided technical support for welding automaton and equipment before transitioning to  

adhesive bonding technologies.  

Education & Certifications  

 Mechanical Engineering (Technical Background)  

 European Adhesive Engineer (EAE) – DVS / EWF – DIN 6701 (2014) 

Ralf Tigges is the General Sales Manager Europe at Anamet Europe B.V., bringing extensive expertise in cable-protection solutions and industrial hose systems.

Before taking on his current position, Ralf held various roles within Anamet, including Business Development Manager and Area Sales Manager. In these roles, he focused on key account management, project coordination, and regional sales across Germany and Europe, building a strong foundation in both technical requirements and customer needs.

Ralf is fluent in German and English, and combines technical know-how with strong commercial insight. In his role as General Sales Manager Europe, he leads strategic sales initiatives, drives market expansion, and strengthens customer engagement across multiple European territories. He is known for his pragmatic, customer-focused approach and his ability to translate complex technical solutions into clear benefits for end users.

Industry leader in advanced fire protection solutions for the railway sector. With a strong track record in delivering high-performance detection and suppression systems for new and existing rolling stock, he drives Triple E’s strategic growth through innovation, customer-focused solutions, and operational excellence. His expertise provides a forward-looking perspective on market trends, emerging technologies, and the key opportunities shaping the future of railway fire safety.