Archives: Speakers

Leanne is a Partner at KPMG in the UK, where she is the Head of AI, Advisory. With over 20 years of consulting experience, her proficiency encompasses a comprehensive range of data disciplines, including Data Architecture, Data Strategy, Data Management and Governance, as well as Advanced Analytics, AI and AI Ethics. Leanne excels in bridging the gap between business and IT stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and understanding. Her adeptness in solving intricate technical challenges, coupled with her strategic foresight, has been instrumental in designing and leading the implementation of complex data-driven solutions. As the spearhead of Ethical AI initiatives at KPMG UK, Leanne is committed to fostering responsible AI practices that align with ethical standards and societal values.

Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD is the Chief Executive Officer of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI). A globally recognized cancer scientist and executive leader, she brings deep expertise in healthcare innovation, strategic partnerships and organizational growth. At PICI, she is driving efforts to advance bold science, catalyze cross-institutional partnerships and accelerate breakthrough therapies, with the mission of turning all cancers into curable diseases. Most recently, Dr. Knudsen served as CEO of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and its advocacy affiliate ACS CAN, where she led the organization through a period of transformative growth, expanding revenue, research investment, patient support and advocacy impact.

Kent Thoelke is a pioneering healthcare executive with over 30 years of clinical research experience. As CEO of Paradigm Health, he leads the company’s mission to create equitable access to superior healthcare for patients worldwide. Prior to joining Paradigm Health, Kent served as Chief Innovation Officer at ICON plc following its acquisition of PRA Health Sciences, where he was Chief Scientific Officer. Throughout his career at these organizations, he has driven digital transformation in clinical trials and championed data-driven approaches to make drug development more efficient and equitable across multiple therapeutic areas and geographic regions.