Archives: Speakers

Francesca is Chief Scientist at Cambridge Cognition. She has extensive experience of statistics, cognitive neuroscience and cognitive test development in a range of clinical populations. Since joining Cambridge Cognition in 2014, Francesca has worked to develop novel cognitive testing methodology to support high-frequency, near patient testing using digital technology, providing researchers and healthcare providers with unique insights into cognitive health. Francesca obtained a PhD in Dementia with Lewy Bodies at Newcastle University, followed by post-doctoral and academic positions at University College London and at the Medical Research Council in Cambridge. She maintains academic collaborations focused on neurological disorders, ageing and dementia.

Christine Guo leads the clinical and data science team at ActiGraph, responsible for the scientific strategy and services supporting ActiGraph‘s leadership in digital medicine. Christine has over 15 years of experience in clinical research and a vision for leveraging technology in clinical trials and practice. Prior to ActiGraph, Christine was Head of Scientific Innovation at Biogen Healthcare Solutions, leading the clinical development and validation of Biogen’s digital medicine products (Software as Medical device) in multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. Christine brings unique scientific insights by bridging across clinical and technical disciplines and is passionate about leveraging data and technology to improve people’s health. Christine holds a B.A. in biological sciences from Peking University and Ph.D. in neuroscience from Stanford university.

Bettina Cassegrain is the driving force behind HLB’s commitment to professional excellence and sustainable business practices. As the Global Director of Professional Standards and Sustainability Assurance, she oversees the network’s robust quality assurance programme, ensuring compliance with the stringent requirements set forth by the Forum of Firms. With a pragmatic approach to training and development, Bettina has built a culture of continuous learning within HLB. Her leadership extends to outreach initiatives focused on training, quality assurance, and related matters across Europe, Eurasia, French-speaking Africa, Latin America, and South America.

Recognising the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, Bettina has led the development of a global comprehensive ESG methodology. This framework empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting and assurance. Under her guidance, HLB has developed leading-edge sustainability assurance working papers and training modules, equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change. Bettina’s dedication to professional standards and sustainability assurance has solidified HLB’s reputation as a global leader in delivering exceptional client services while promoting responsible business practices that create long-term value and sustainable impact for stakeholders and society at large.

With a career spanning 30 years, Alan has held a variety of sales, marketing and leadership roles, both in start-up and large enterprise software companies. Before joining Cognigy, he led global market development at LivePerson where, during his six-year tenure, revenues doubled from $223m to $470m. As Cognigy’s VP Marketing, Alan’s focus is on leading and inspiring his high-performance global team to deliver programmes across branding, product marketing, demand generation, events and social media.

Alan is also responsible for leading market expansion in high growth regions such as the USA, UK and APAC, and building a global community of Cognigy advocates, including customers, industry experts, partners and prospects. In his spare time, he is a volunteer puppy trainer for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity and was a coach and referee at his local junior rugby club for 11 years. Alan maintains that training dogs is easier than children!

David Kurtz is Director of Research & Analysis for Construction, Mining and Energy at GlobalData, and is responsible for all of the company’s published data and insights on these sectors. He joined the company from Datamonitor in 2013, where he spent 10 years based in London leading the Energy and Utilities business unit, before moving to Sydney in 2004 to head up the Asia Pacific operations, managing all research, analysis and sales and in the region.

Jesper Holmgaard is a dynamic sales professional known for his strategic prowess in expanding export sales and cultivating diverse markets across the globe. With a proven track record of success, Jesper has spearheaded the establishment of distributor networks and implemented joint sales strategies that have propelled sales growth for Cold Jet LLC.

In addition to his role at Cold Jet, Jesper serves concurrently in the Danish military, showcasing his ability to excel in high-pressure environments and demonstrating his commitment to leadership and discipline. His energetic and action-oriented approach, coupled with his knack for building enduring relationships, has made him a sought-after expert in international sales and business development.

With a hands-on pragmatic approach and a focus on solution-driven sales tactics, Jesper has successfully navigated various industries, from automotive to pharmaceuticals, catering to both small companies and OEM customers. His analytical mindset and dedication to excellence make him an invaluable asset in driving business success in today’s global marketplace.