Thomas Birk was born in Loerrach, Germany, in 1980. He studied Business Administration at the Cooperative State University (BA) in Loerrach and Economics at the University of Heidelberg. Career profile 2007 – 2008 Consultant, Simon Kucher & Partners, Germany 2008 – 2010 Senior Referent Global Strategy, BASF SE, Germany 2010 – 2012 Product Manager, BASF […]
Leigh, has been with Accenture for 19 years, evolving from a lawyer and negotiation expert to a market maker, structuring and closing the most complicated client arrangements. In addition to these roles, He spearheaded the groundbreaking Accent on Gender initiative, championing gender parity and challenging biases within the workplace and society at large. As a
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Elizabeth has over 30 years’ experience working at executive leadership level, heading and advising on complex change and digital transformation programmes for globally recognised and respected organisations. Elizabeth’s work and that of her company is driven by the aims of sustainable and responsible business, entrepreneurship with a purpose beyond profit, building better places to live
A customer focused digital transformation leader with over 24 years of local government experience in development and delivery of strategies and services, leading and implementing digital transformation programmes. My core values of integrity, courage, innovation, authenticity, inclusivity and respect has helped me build and nourish high-performing teams to deliver customer-focused strategies and measurable impact. I
Kathryn is a dynamic executive leader with a strong track record of driving transformative people strategies, most recently as Group Chief People Officer for Bureau Veritas, a French listed Company with over 80,000 employees globally. Internationally experienced across multiple industry sectors including technology, automotive and professional services. With a passion for unlocking potential, Kathryn’s dedication and
Cassie Gasson is the Co-CEO of Thrive, the fastest-growing workplace learning technology company. Joining Thrive in 2019, Cassie soon became the youngest female director and shareholder for her contribution to driving significant growth that sources over 60% of the business’s ARR. With a passion for innovation and a people-first culture, Cassie drives Thrive’s mission to
Award-winning Electrical and Mechanical Engineer in the Power, Utilities, and Renewables sector. Susan is an influential leader in the two defining challenges of our time – energy transition for net zero (2023 MCA Experienced Leader Award), and the response to Covid (2022 NHS WISE Unsung Hero Community Champion Award). She is a passionate advocate for
Isabella is a pioneering UX design apprentice at IBM, combining her passion for technology with a commitment to innovation and inclusion. With expertise in UX and user-centered design, she has delivered transformative projects across various sectors. Her leadership extends beyond her technical skills, as she founded and co-leads IBM UK’s first Latino/Hispanic Business Resource Group,
Gisela Abbam FRSA is the Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council – the regulator for the 90,000 plus Pharmacy profession in Great Britain, and former Chair of the British Science Association. She is the Senior Director for Government Affairs at Revvity, a global Life Sciences and Diagnostics corporation. She also serves on the Boards of
Dr Asra Aslam is incoming Assistant Professor of Data Science and AI at University of Sheffield, UK. She is currently Research Fellow and Machine Learning Lead @DynAIRx, University of Leeds (UoL), UK. She is also Principal Investigator (PI) at Alan Turing institute in collaboration with Industry “Transport for London TfL” and also Honorary Visiting Researcher
Jane Knight, FIEP, understands the challenges that many women encounter when trying to return to work or start a business. In 2014, she founded Successful Mums Career Academy, with a mission to support all mums no matter their circumstances. What started as a goal to help 100 mums has now grown into a movement, with
Cordelia Osewa-Ediae is a Director and DEI Consultant with over 15 years of experience of leading cross sector diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across organisations including National Grid, London Metropolitan Police, NSPCC, Tesco, Ministry of Justice and BT Group. At BT Group, she was pivotal to establishing the company’s first set of comprehensive DEI
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Emma Oldham is an environmental campaigner, accomplished author and public speaker. As a councillor and cabinet member in local government, she leads the charge for transformative environmental policies and grassroots action. Her unwavering commitment to environmental causes has earned her national recognition, including the prestigious Women of the Future Award in the Community Spirit category
Bianca Cefalo is the CEO and Co-founder of Space DOTS Inc., a UK-based space tech start-up pioneering in-space testing, space environments data harvesting and in-situ quality control of advanced space materials. Bianca boasts over 12 years of industry experience as a Spacecraft Thermal engineer, Deep Tech Sales Executive, and compelling public speaker. She spearheaded innovation
Jessica was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK over 20 years ago where she went on to work as a Healthcare Assistant while training to be a Registered Mental Health Nurse. After working as a Mental Health Nurse, Jessica took on the role of a Care Home Manager, it is from here that
Vivian is a co-founder and COO of BlueLayer. She brings deep experience as a climate and sustainability private equity investor and operator over the past 20 years. Before co-founding BlueLayer, Vivian was a founding partner of Just Climate, a climate-led private equity investment platform operating as part of Generation Investment Management, aiming to address the
Dr. Elsa Gayle Zekeng is the Founder and CEO of SökerData Ltd, a startup focused on increasing diversity in clinical trials and engaging underrepresented communities in life sciences. She has led her startup to secure investment from prestigious accelerators including Techstars and KQ Labs from the Francis and Crick Institute. Dr. Zekeng’s leadership extends to
Sonja Jost is the CEO and Co-Founder of DUDE CHEM, a deep-tech virtual manufacturing company revolutionizing the production of pharmaceuticals through sustainable processes. With over a decade of entrepreneurship experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, she has led DUDE CHEM to secure huge commercial contracts with global pharmaceutical companies. Sonja has a track record
As Chief of Staff, Jhumar is aide, adviser and problem-solver to the Vice-Chancellor, focussed on communications, external relationships, and special projects, assisting with achieving his objectives and responsibilities towards the success of the University. She is also Director of Development ensuring alumni, donors and partners are at the heart of the OU family along with
Jacqueline Miller Charlton MBE is a trailblazer with over 35 years of experience in business and is renowned for her contributions to international trade and industry. Working as a lone female in the male dominated industry of construction she established a strong global presence for her family business, setting up distributors for their innovative product
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Marina Gerner is more than just an author—she’s a catalyst for change in women’s health. An award-winning financial journalist and columnist, her work has appeared in prestigious publications such as The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times. With a PhD from the London School of Economics and a role as an adjunct professor at NYU’s
Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her multi-award-winning business from her kitchen table in 1998, with the ambition to inspire and celebrate individuality through creativity. She started a wave to bring reachable bespoke jewellery design to the high street
Jacqueline is President Emeritus at techUK and the co-chair at the Institute of Coding. She sits as a Non-Executive Director on the board of Rightmove plc; Costain plc and professional services provider FDM Group PLC. Jacqueline is an advisor to fast moving tech businesses and a business mentor at Merryck offering board and executive level
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Scarlett Allen-Horton is a highly accomplished recruitment leader, BBC Apprentice Finalist, innovative entrepreneur and founder of the multi-award winning Harper Fox Partners. Scarlett is also a keynote speaker, business mentor, business partner to Lord Sugar, RFC board advisor and voluntary ambassador for numerous charitable and purpose driven organisations.
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Anna is a dynamic Chief Executive Officer and global executive with over two decades of global leadership experience across the industrial sector, including aviation, aerospace, defence, and automotive sectors. A recognised change agent and inclusive leader with gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and a structured, customer-focused approach to achieving business deliverables and growth. She has held
Naomi Begum-Inglis is the Global Sales Lead for the Accenture Microsoft Business Group and the Global Sovereign Lead. With a strong background in software engineering and technology, Naomi has excelled in delivering innovative solutions to clients. Her expertise lies in leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to drive digital transformation and
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Emma Wright leads the Technology, Data, and Digital team at Harbottle and Lewis. She excels in bridging law and business, specializing in AI, cyber, digital infrastructure, and Ofcom regulation. Her expertise extends to advising on emerging tech, online safety, cyber security, and legal tech, with notable speaking engagements and advisory roles, including with UNESCO. She
As Chief of Staff, Jhumar is aide, adviser and problem-solver to the Vice-Chancellor, focussed on communications, external relationships, and special projects, assisting with achieving his objectives and responsibilities towards the success of the University. She is also Director of Development ensuring alumni, donors and partners are at the heart of the OU family along with
Erica is a fellow of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) with over twenty years’ professional services experience, working with Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, RSM and now Grant Thornton. Erica is the Director of the Business Process Solutions practice and has significant expertise in business process improvement and change management. She has led several outsourcing implementation
Emma Wright leads the Technology, Data, and Digital team at Harbottle and Lewis. She excels in bridging law and business, specializing in AI, cyber, digital infrastructure, and Ofcom regulation. Her expertise extends to advising on emerging tech, online safety, cyber security, and legal tech, with notable speaking engagements and advisory roles, including with UNESCO. She
Griselda began her career as an electrical engineer, she then veered into business having been influenced by the challenges and successes that her parents experienced as entrepreneurs. She trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with one of the BIG 4 professional services firms but now runs her own businesses, Novi included. Griselda is a
With over three decades of experience in TV presenting, media, and business, Arti Halai is a specialist in confident communication, empowering professionals globally. A former television presenter, reporter, and producer for the BBC and ITV, she covered major global events, including the death of Princess Diana and the 9/11 tragedy, and fronted ITV’s Central News
Browse Accommodation Options The Londoner is located in central London’s iconic Leicester Square, which is just next to Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Soho and The Strand. Heathrow airport is the nearest to The Londoner. From Heathrow airport take the Piccadilly Line on the Underground to Leicester Square. Parking Service Valet parking is available at
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Now in its 14th year, the Novi Leadership Summit and Awards honours the impact of female leadership, innovation and entrepreneurism in business. We continue to use our platform to showcase the achievements of women breaking barriers across the public and private sectors, giving them the recognition and visibility, they need to inspire the next generation
Richelle’s career in business transformation and innovation has focused on tackling the toughest commercial challenges for businesses at all stages – start-ups, scale-ups and the reinvention of established businesses. She has designed and delivered national business programmes, led a growth consultancy practice for a professional services firm, been Head of Innovation at Leeds City Council,
With this year’s theme being “unstoppable women”, we are celebrating women who are showing exceptional leadership abilities in their teams, challenging and breaking glass ceilings and uplifting communities across the entire UK and globe. These women are changing the world with their craft, talents, creativity, eloquence, leadership and impacting generations all around the world. The
Gillian is Head of Philanthropy for The Open University and brings over 11 years’ experience in fundraising for the higher education sector, working with a diverse range of trusts and foundations, corporate organisations and private indivdiuals. Gillian grew up near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire and is passionate about supporting the local area, having served as
Hannah Duraid is a multi-award-winning young entrepreneur, best known for founding The Great Escape Game, an immersive escape room attraction. Since launching in January 2015, the business is approaching its 10-year milestone and has expanded to three sites, including a location at the prestigious Royal Armouries Museum. Across these sites, the business offers 17 unique escape room
Ajaz Ahmed is best known for being the founder of Freeserve, which was once the UK’s largest ISP and is now known as Orange broadband. He came up with the idea when he bought a computer and nobody in the store could tell him how to get into the internet, the rest, as they say,
Professor George Lodorfos is Dean of Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett University. He is an electrical and electronic engineer by first degree, he holds Masters degrees in Automation and Control as well as in Innovation and Technology Management, and a PhD in Strategic Management of Research and Development. In addition, he has supervised to completion
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Lisa assumed the role of Head of BTC UK & Ireland in January 2016. She is also a member of the BASF Plc Leadership team. Having a strong passion for diversity & inclusion, Lisa represents BASF with WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). She also currently Chairs the Executive Committee for BACS (British Association for
Lara is a seasoned financial services chief legal officer, general counsel, and company secretary with international experience. She’s skilled in regulatory, payments, enterprise risk management, consumer protection, SME law, offshore, employee relations (contentious and non-contentious), corporate transactions, and commercial banking. An Independent Non-Executive Director at PensionBee Group plc, a Board Trustee at Shaw Trust, a
Recently retired Customer Experience Director, Small Business Banking, HSBC UK Debra White has been a Retail and Commercial Banker with HSBC Group for the last 40 years and in September 2016 took on the national role of Customer Experience Director for Business Banking Small Business. Previously Debra was the Regional Director for Small Business in
Professor Nigel Lockett is a senior academic, experienced mentor, serial entrepreneur and community leader. Currently an Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde, mentor to founders of innovative startups in the TwinklHive business accelerator and contributor to the Qualitas GP Pathway to Partnership programme. Nigel is also a Fellow and past President of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and to raise awareness he blogs as The Dyslexic Professor. He also has more than 30 years’ experience
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Sheridan, 2022 Forward Ladies Business Woman Of The Year, is a leader in Technology Innovation at PwC, and Founder and Co-CEO of charity Tech She Can. Sheridan set up the charity to improve career opportunities in technology for children and women. She’s a thought-leader on technological innovation and its contribution to productivity in the UKO.
