Archives: Speakers

Dr Sam Spears is an expert in AI technology and clinical trials. He works with sponsors and CROs globally to implement AI-native solutions across clinical trial operations as a Senior Product Consultant at Research Grid. Dr Spears simplifies both clinical and AI tools to guide research teams in addressing operational challenges and shares practical insights on how AI can improve efficiency, scalability, and delivery in real-world clinical research settings.

Markus Popp is a Director in Technology Consulting at KPMG Germany, where he advises automotive finance companies, banks, and captives on transformation, digital enablement, and technology-driven business growth. With more than 24 years of experience in financial services and automotive finance, he combines expertise in data-driven transformation, operating model change, and large-scale implementation programs. He is particularly recognized for translating data and technology investments into measurable business value, enabling organizations to leverage AI, improve customer experiences, and develop new revenue opportunities.

Sabrina Brauer is a Senior Product Manager at mobile.de with over two decades of experience in digital marketplaces. She focuses on financing and communication products and explores how AI can complement established marketplace tools for the benefit of consumers and dealers.

Ben is Chief Operations Officer (COO) at The DPO Centre, and a Fellow of Information Privacy, recognised for his advanced data protection and privacy management expertise. Having served as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) for organisations spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit arenas, he has a deep understanding of today’s data protection challenges.

As COO, Ben oversees the delivery and operations of The DPO Centre’s services, ensuring high-quality data protection support to clients worldwide. He is also a regular speaker and contributor to the wider privacy community, helping to shape conversations around the future of data protection and governance.

Gavin Liu, MD, PhD, is Director of Business Development at Deep Intelligent Pharma (DIP), an AI-powered clinical research organization. He brings extensive experience across biomedical research, cell and gene therapy, clinical development, and global regulatory strategy.

With nearly a decade of experience in cell and gene therapy, including CAR-T, CAR-NK, and iPSC-based therapies, Gavin has worked across scientific, clinical, and business development functions. At DIP, he focuses on helping biotech and pharmaceutical companies advance global clinical programs through AI-enabled clinical development, regulatory and medical writing, and clinical operations across the U.S., China, and Japan.

Maro Bader is an expert in Digital Health Transformation at Roche and Chairman of the Board at sphin-X e.V. In his role, he represents Roche in the legislative and policy processes surrounding digital health while driving the creation of a connected, interoperable health data ecosystem across Germany and Europe alongside partners from academia, industry, and healthcare delivery. Through the sphin-X initiative, he shapes a cross-sector and cross-industry infrastructure designed for secure, patient-centric data utilization in the service of research and innovation.

Rich is a senior Credit and Finance professional, working across Lending, Fraud, Pricing and Collections in multiple industries. He specialises in using cutting edge methodologies and technology to maximise value to both lenders and customers.

Benjamin Kohn is Head of Risk Analytics & AI Solutions at Mercedes-Benz Bank AG. With extensive experience in automotive financial services, he has led the delivery and scaling of leasing and financing software, including serving as Product Lead for the Mercedes-Benz Leasing & Financing Platform. Benjamin has a strong background in leading teams and driving digital transformation, regulatory compliance and cross-functional collaboration. He is passionate about using data, AI and technology to enhance customer experiences and business performance.