Archives: Speakers

Dr. Mariapaola Barbato is a cognitive neuroscientist with over 15 years of experience studying how brain and mental health are shaped biological and sociocultural factors. She has worked across leading international research groups in cognition, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatry, bringing a unique lens to the interplay between cognitive function and lived experience. Currently based in Zürich, she serves as the Scientific Lead of the Women’s Brain Foundation (WBF), where she drives research and advocacy to advance precision medicine in brain health and close the gender gap in healthcare. Passionate about translating science into action, she is committed to ensuring that discoveries in neuroscience lead to more inclusive policies, better treatments, and healthier futures for all.

Giorgia Bigioni leads the Start-Up & Clinical Operations Unit at 1MED, guiding clients through the launch and management of complex clinical studies. Energetic and forward-thinking, she brings new perspectives to her team and fosters a collaborative, supportive environment where people can grow.

She holds a degree in pharmacy, a Master’s degree in Phytotherapy from the University of Cagliari and a Master’s degree in Biomedical and Biotechnological Business Management from the University of the Sacred Heart. After early roles at Abbott, AbbVie, and IQVIA, she has spent the past almost 8 years at 1MED driving excellence.

Crystal Anderson is a strategic leader with extensive experience in clinical outsourcing, vendor governance, and alliance management across global pharmaceutical organizations. As Contract Research Manager at Nestlé Health Science, Crystal drives end-to-end service provider sourcing for Rx and nutritional studies, implementing governance frameworks and strategic sourcing plans that enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

With a career spanning major companies including Ono Pharma, Astellas, and Roche, Crystal has successfully negotiated multimillion-euro savings, developed global outsourcing models, and led transformative process improvements. Crystal holds a BSc in Finance & Economics and has completed advanced leadership and strategic execution programs at IMD and London Business School.

Jan works since 2012 for John Deere Financial (JDF) in Europe. JDF since then expanded their vendor business footprint to > 15 new JDF countries in Europe.

Prior to joining John Deere he held marketing leadership and business development roles in IT and automotive captives, like Dell Financial Services (CIT, 3 yr) and Banque PSA Finance (Peugeot-Citroen, 13 yr). He also advised captive projects in the luxury sector.

Throughout his international career he initiated and lead multiple transformation and digitalisation projects within captives. He has an MBA from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.

Gaurav Sharma serves as the Head of Circularity and Life Cycle Asset Management (LCAM) at DLL, where he spearheads the company’s global circularity strategy and execution.

With over 24 years of experience in consulting, business development, and software, Gaurav has dedicated more than 8 years to advancing the circular economy. His previous role at Schneider Electric saw him leading their circularity initiatives.

A recognized thought leader, Gaurav has co-authored influential white papers, frequently speaks at industry panels, and has been instrumental in award-winning projects such as The Circulars 2019 and Leasing Life 2023.

He holds an engineering degree from Delhi University and an MBA from INSEAD.

Alice has spent her career supporting European corporates and SME clients to grow their business, through real estate, LBO, acquisition finance, and, more recently, through equipment finance.

She joined BPCE Equipment Solutions (formerly SG Equipment Finance) 6 years ago.

She is now in charge of harmonizing and enhancing the product offering of BPCE Equipment Solutions entities globally, and steering structured products roll out such as as-a-service, advanced RV-based solutions or aviation.

Keith is the General Manager for Asia Pacific at Xceptor based in Singapore, where he leads regional growth and client strategy for data automation solutions in capital markets. With over 15 years experience in fintech and post trade capital markets, Keith has held senior leadership roles across APAC, Prior to Xceptor, he served as Head of APAC for Duco, and earlier held senior positions in Standard Chartered Bank, TriOptima and Royal Bank of Scotland.