Archives: Speakers

Vinit currently serves as Senior Technology Advisor (San Francisco/Bay Area) for the Technology Scouting & Venturing group at ExxonMobil. Prior to this role, he served as the Senior Manager for Data & Analytics at ExxonMobil Information Technology – heading up operations in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and enterprise data. During his 25+ years at ExxonMobil, Vinit has held a variety of global computing positions supporting the Exploration Company, R&D organizations, Chemical manufacturing organization, Fuels Retail Operations and Upstream Financials. Extensive experience with IT service delivery via global business support centers. Vinit has served as the IT Audit Manager for ExxonMobil. As founder of techSpring innovation, he has a passion for the process of innovation.

Vinit received a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor of Sciences degree (Physics, Chemistry, Math) from the University of Delhi. He was recognized with an Oklahoma State University – Hall of Fame (Distinguished Alumni Award) in 2016. He has published research in the field of Temporal Databases, and 3D Printing applications. He has delivered industry presentations in the field of analytics and innovation in bricks and mortar organizations. His interests include research work with MIT on collaborative innovation networks. He serves on the Wake Forest Business School Board for graduate work in Analytics, as well as on the Tableau Industry Advisory Board. Vinit has a keen interest in Standard Oil & ExxonMobil history – he has conducted history seminars in 10 countries.

A seasoned financial services professional with experience in managing risk in different parts of the globe. Hugo is currently responsible for the management of credit risk appetite for the retail portfolio at BOI UK, alongside portfolio insights, debt management strategies, MI and credit forecasting tools, using technologies and data in ways to bring to the forefront emerging risks and mitigating strategies. Hugo is passionate about leadership, innovation and analytics and focused on driving long term stakeholder relationships.

Eric, a partner in the firm’s Washington D.C. office, is a member of the Business Litigation group and co-leads the Cannabis practice. He has extensive experience in the cannabis, e-cigarette and vaping industries, advising clients on FDA and state regulatory compliance and enforcement issues, contractual and transactional matters and intellectual property issues. Eric was part of a landmark litigation team that established the legal framework for the vaping industry as it exists today. On behalf of an e-cigarette distributor, he argued that the product was the functional equivalent of traditional cigarettes and not unapproved drugs or medical devices, as the FDA contended. This resulted in the FDA amending its scope of authority to regulate e-cigarette use under the FD&C Act and the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Eric also successfully led the team for the Vapor Technology Association suit against New York state’s emergency ban on the possession and sale of flavored vaping products. Eric is advising more than 30 clients on navigating the PACT Act.