Best Startup
At Best Startup US we track over 1,000,000 US startups and over 3 million people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United States based Director operating in the Hardware space. If you think a Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.us.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Jay Rosen
Art Director of B&H Photo
Jay teaches journalism at NYU, where he has been on the faculty since 1986. From 1999 to 2004 he was chair. He is the author of PressThink, a blog about journalism’s ordeals in the age of the Web, which he launched in 2003. In 1999, Yale University Press published his book, What Are Journalists For?, which was about the rise of the civic journalism movement. Jay has a Ph.D in media studies from NYU. He writes and speaks frequently about new media and the predicament of the press in a time of rapid transformation. In March 2017 he founded the Membership Puzzle Project, funded by the Knight Foundation and Democracy Fund. It will study what works in membership models in news.
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About B&H Photo, New York University: B&H Photo offers its users with an online platform to get information and buy photo, video, pro audio, and digital imaging equipment.
Jay Rosen
Art Director of B&H Photo
Jay teaches journalism at NYU, where he has been on the faculty since 1986. From 1999 to 2004 he was chair. He is the author of PressThink, a blog about journalism’s ordeals in the age of the Web, which he launched in 2003. In 1999, Yale University Press published his book, What Are Journalists For?, which was about the rise of the civic journalism movement. Jay has a Ph.D in media studies from NYU. He writes and speaks frequently about new media and the predicament of the press in a time of rapid transformation. In March 2017 he founded the Membership Puzzle Project, funded by the Knight Foundation and Democracy Fund. It will study what works in membership models in news.
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About B&H Photo, New York University: B&H Photo offers its users with an online platform to get information and buy photo, video, pro audio, and digital imaging equipment.
Tim Schaaff
Member of the Board of Directors of Sony
Timothy Schaaff joined Sony Corporation of America in 2005 in the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Software Development. In 2007 he was appointed President, Sony Media Software and Services, and in 2010 he assumed the role of President, Sony Network Entertainment. Schaaff is responsible for the development of Sony’s digital services businesses and infrastructure. He has global responsibility for strategy and business development related to network services, alignment of Sony-wide network services activities, and delivery of network services to all relevant Sony product platforms. Prior to joining Sony, Schaaff spent more than 14 years with Apple Computer, where he was responsible for development of a broad range of Apple’s media technologies including 2D- and 3D-graphics, audio and video platforms, print and digital imaging technologies, and real-time communications. He also led development of Apple’s QuickTime platform.
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About Intertrust: Sony develops and manufactures audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets.
Pete Wurman
Director, Sony AI America of Sony
Peter Wurman is the Director, Sony AI America
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About Acsibi Studios, Sony: Sony develops and manufactures audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets.
David Shedlarz
Member of the Board of Directors of Pitney Bowes
David Shedlarz, 65, retired vice chairman of Pfizer Inc. a pharmaceutical consumer and animal products health company. Formerly vice chairman of Pfizer Inc. 2005 – 2007; executive vice president and chief financial officer 1999 – 2005 Pfizer Inc. Director since 2001. (Also a director of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and The Hershey Company.)
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About : Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that powers physical and digital transactions that drive commerce.
Anna Alexander
Director, Market Analysis of Pitney Bowes
Anna Alexander is the Director, Market Analysis at Pitney Bowes.
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About Pitney Bowes, Pitney Bowes: Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that powers physical and digital transactions that drive commerce.
Sia Ea
Executive Creative Director, Global Ecommerce of Pitney Bowes
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About Pitney Bowes: Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that powers physical and digital transactions that drive commerce.
Anne Fuchs
Member of the Board of Directors of Pitney Bowes
Anne Sutherland Fuchs, 66, consultant to private equity firms. Formerly group president Growth Brands Division Digital Ventures a division of J. C. Penney Company Inc. a retailer November 2010 – April 2012; former Chair of the Commission on Women’s Issues for New York City 2002-2013. Director since 2005. (Also a director of Gartner Inc.)
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About : Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that powers physical and digital transactions that drive commerce.
Greg Harden
Sr Director, Operations Support of Pitney Bowes
Greg Harden is the Sr Director, Operations Support at Pitney Bowes.
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About Pitney Bowes: Pitney Bowes is a global technology company that powers physical and digital transactions that drive commerce.
Ryan Fagan
Senior Director Finance of Lowe’s
Ryan Fagan is the Director of Sales & Operations Planning at Lowe’s Home Improvement based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ryan is responsible for FP&A, Store Environment and Omni Customer Experience, along with all US promotions, in-store off shelf merchandising and commercializing emerging retail opportunities. Ryan’s passion for driving customer growth through improved CX routed in data driven strategies resulted in his development and implementation of Lowe’s Military loyalty program.
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About Lowe’s: Lowe’s provides the skills you need to manage your home, and offer the best customer services.
Jonathan Stanley
Director of Social Media of Lowe’s
Jonathan Stanley manages video content and influencer marketing for Lowe’s Content Studio, the award-winning branded content team and production house. Stanley leads the teams responsible for episodic content, how-to videos, product videos, influencer marketing and streaming TV devices, as well as Lowe’s YouTube channels. Best known for launching Lowe’s hit-series The Weekender, Jonathan is a creative-at- heart who spends most of his time trying to write a better biography than the one you’re currently reading.
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About Lowe’s: Lowe’s provides the skills you need to manage your home, and offer the best customer services.
Richard K. Lochridge
Board Of Director of Lowe’s
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About : Lowe’s provides the skills you need to manage your home, and offer the best customer services.
Dave Roberts
Director of Investigations of Lowe’s
Dave has been with Lowe’s since 1998, coming to Lowe’s from American Drug Stores in Chicago. He has worked as a RLPD for Lowe’s in Indianapolis IN and Seattle WA. From 1998 to 2002 Dave relocated to North Carolina and assumed the new role of Divisional LP Director in 2002. He worked as a Divisional LP Director from 2002 to 2009. In 2010 Dave assumed his current role as Director of Investigations. In his current role he manages Lowe’s Returns System, Background Screening, Internet Fraud, Organized Retail Crime and Internal Investigations. He currently is a member with Merchant Risk Council and International Association of Financial Crime Investigators and on the Client Advisory Board with First Advantage Background Screening. Dave is LPC Certified.
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About Lowe’s: Lowe’s provides the skills you need to manage your home, and offer the best customer services.
Bertram Scott
Board Of Director of Lowe’s
Bertram Scott is Board Of Director at American Stroke Association.
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About : Lowe’s provides the skills you need to manage your home, and offer the best customer services.
Ryan Bell
Marketing Director at Comcast SportsTech of Boomtown Accelerators
Ryan A Bell is recipient of the Presidential Award for his volunteer work with Special Olympics and the youth in Oakland. He is a writer for The Good Men Project and a branding/marketing specialist for companies of all sizes. He also happens to be the most connected man on Periscope.
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About Boomtown Accelerators: Boomtown’s bespoke accelerator programs help startups turn ideas into profitable, scalable businesses.
Jose Vieitez
Co-Founder, Director and Portfolio Manager of Boomtown Accelerators
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About Boomtown Accelerators, The Farm Atlanta: Boomtown’s bespoke accelerator programs help startups turn ideas into profitable, scalable businesses.
Christian Guirnalda
Director Verizon 5G Labs and Innovation Centers of Verizon Wireless
Christian Guirnalda joined Verizon Ventures in 2013 and currently focuses on Seed Stage Engagement and Portfolio Development. Before joining Verizon Ventures, he was part of the Innovation & Incubation team at Verizon Wireless, co-developing products with startups and running an internal VZW accelerator. Christian also worked for Patch/The Huffington Post to create hyperlocal content strategies, at American Express as a digital product consultant, and with IBM’s Strategy and Change group advising Fortune 100 publishers, broadcasters, and telecoms. He was a double major in Computing and Information Technology, and Manufacturing Management and Consulting at Carnegie Mellon and received his MBA from the University of Michigan.
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About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Anil Guntupalli
Executive Director Technology Strategy, Architecture & Innovation at Verizon of Verizon Wireless
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About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Alexander Khalin
Managing Director of Verizon Wireless
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About Verizon Ventures, Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Andrew Hendrickson
Director, Technology – Verizon Cloud Platform of Verizon Wireless
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About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Dhaval Thaker
Associate Director of Verizon Wireless
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About Verizon Wireless, Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Joe Chuisano
Director of Verizon Wireless
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About Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless offers wireless telecommunications services, devices, and solutions.
Kanwaljit S Bombra
Program Management Director of Dell
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Ujwal Rajbhandari
IT Director, Infrastructure Automation & Cloud Engineering of Dell
Ujjwal Rajbhandari is an IT director at Dell.
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Gary Radburn
Director of Virtually eVeRything of Dell
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Jason Chan
Sr. Director, Global Network Services of Dell
Jason Chan serves as a senior director at Dell.
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Todd Edmunds
Director Industrial IoT Strategy and Solution Architecture of Dell
Todd Edmunds is the Director of Industrial IoT Strategy and Solution Architecture at Dell Technologies where he has global responsibility for digital manufacturing solution development across the seven strategically aligned companies that make up Dell Technologies. Todd is an industry expert with 20+ years’ experience in industrial IoT and Edge Computing having worked for Cisco, Rockwell Automation and a leading nationwide solution integrator. Todd currently chairs the Edge Computing TG for the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) where he led the recent publication of the “Introduction to Edge Computing in IIoT” whitepaper and is heading up work on a more detailed technical report to be published later this year.
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Kirsten Billhardt
Marketing Director, Internet of Things of Dell
Kirsten Billhardt has been part of Dell’s IoT business since before there was a formal IoT business. Over the past five years, Kirsten has been listening, learning, writing and speaking about the evolution of IoT with our customers, partners and with Dell Technologies itself. Kirsten leads the team responsible for the global marketing campaign that supports the Dell Technologies IoT/Edge division. Kirsten has engineering degrees from Kettering University and Purdue University, and an MBA from Harvard. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband and three children.
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
David Bohl
Director Global Services Delivery Social Media Support of Dell
David Bohl serves as director of global services delivery social media support at Dell.
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
John Whittaker
Executive Director Product Marketing of Dell
John Whittaker is the executive director of marketing for Dell Software’s Information Management group, where he oversees marketing activities for a diverse portfolio of solutions spanning database management, data integration, business intelligence and big data analytics. Prior to joining Dell, he was the director of product marketing for Quest Software’s database management business. Whittaker has more than 20 years of experience with a variety of technology companies, including leadership positions with companies such as AlertSource, Trinent Internet Solutions and KnowledgeCentrix, among others. His areas of expertise include database management, business intelligence, advanced analytics, information security, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, managed services and E-Commerce.
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About Dell, Persistent Systems, SmartBear: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Jack McMichael
Director, Service Delivery, Mobile of Dell
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About Dell: Dell transforms computing and provides high quality solutions that empower people to do more all over the world.
Shyam Kota
Director, Product Management of Arista Networks
Shyam Kota is the director of the product management team at Arista Networks.
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About Arista Networks: Arista Networks is a computer networking firm delivering cloud networking solutions for large data center and computer environments.
Tim Alessi
Director of New Products of LG Electronics
Tim Alessi is Director of New Products at LG.
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About LG Electronics: LG Electronics is a multinational company which includes LG Electronics.
Lokesh Goel
Director of Platform Engineering & Core Technologies of LG Electronics
Lokesh Kumar Goel leads the webOS platform team at LG Electronics’s Silicon Valley Lab, where he and his team are responsible for delivering webOS platform and application frameworks for LG products as well as open source versions including the browser stack and web application runtime that are the heart of webOS and make HTML5 apps look, feel, and perform like native applications.
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About LG Electronics: LG Electronics is a multinational company which includes LG Electronics.
David VanderWaal
Senior Director of Marketing of LG Electronics
David VanderWaal is Senior Director of Marketing at LG.
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About LG Electronics: LG Electronics is a multinational company which includes LG Electronics.
John McHale
Board of Directors of TrackingPoint
Prior to forming TrackingPoint, John McHale founded a series of high-technology companies. McHale was founder, CEO and Chairman of NetWorth, Inc. NetWorth developed and manufactured high-speed networking infrastructure products for corporations and other large institutions. NetWorth was publicly traded on NASDAQ and was acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation. Mr. McHale subsequently founded and was CEO and Chairman of NetSpeed, Inc. NetSpeed was a pioneer in developing and manufacturing high-speed Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) infrastructure products enabling telecommunication providers to provide residential broadband internet services. NetSpeed was acquired by Cisco Systems. McHale also founded and was CEO and Chairman of TippingPoint, Inc. TippingPoint developed the first Intrusion Prevention Systems for protecting corporate networks from cyber-attack. TippingPoint was traded on NASDAQ and was ultimately acquired by 3COM Corporation. Additionally, McHale was founder and Chairman of BreakingPoint Inc. BreakingPoint developed and manufactured high performance test systems that enabled large institutions to stress-test their networks to ensure resiliency against cyber-attack. BreakingPoint was acquired by IXIA, Inc. Early in his career Mr. McHale was involved in the development of the guidance system for the TOW anti-tank missile and accuracy enhancements for various tank systems.
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About : TrackingPoint is focused on creating advanced technology optics that produce pinpoint accuracy when paired with quality firearms.
Karl Weaver
OEM Business Development Director of Rivetz
Karl is OEM Bus Dev Director (North America and Northeast Asia) for Oasis Smart SIM, Prior to Oasis, Karl worked for Rivetz Corp, Massachusetts start-up to promote developer tools for design-in of TEE-enables applications on Smartphones for payment and security. Karl also spent 5 years working in China for Gemalto (and Trustonic) as Rainmaker for design in of embedded Mobile NFC Payments & TEE security technologies to the OEM Smartphone/Tablet PC ecosystem. He possess a B.S degree in Business Management from Salve Regina University, Certification in Mandarin Chinese Language, Customs and Culture from National Taiwan Normal University – Mandarin Training Center and Certification in Broadband wireless communications from University of Washington (Seattle).
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About Rivetz: Rivetz is a developer of a hardware-based cyber-security system used to offer a simplified approach to cybersecurity.
Trina Cooley
Director of Talent and Growth, HR of VSC
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About VSC: We are a band of strategists, storytellers and data nerds obsessed with helping Davids crush a sea of Goliaths.
Julia Konstantinovsky
Director, Client Strategy of VSC
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About VSC: We are a band of strategists, storytellers and data nerds obsessed with helping Davids crush a sea of Goliaths.
Maggie Philbin
Associate Director of VSC
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About VSC: We are a band of strategists, storytellers and data nerds obsessed with helping Davids crush a sea of Goliaths.
Gwyn Stahlhut
Director of Operations and Finance of VSC
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About VSC: We are a band of strategists, storytellers and data nerds obsessed with helping Davids crush a sea of Goliaths.
Gwyn Stahlhut
Director of Operations and Finance of VSC
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About VSC: We are a band of strategists, storytellers and data nerds obsessed with helping Davids crush a sea of Goliaths.
Thomas Strat
Board of Directors of Tonbo Imaging
Tom received the B.S., M.S., and E.E. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from M.I.T., and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from Stanford University. He has published more than 100 scientific papers and has authored or edited numerous books on computer vision.
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About : Tonbo Imaging offers advanced imaging and sensor systems for military reconnaissance and the security of critical industrial establishments.
Taylor Goodman
Director Of Hardware Engineering of OpenTrons
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About OpenTrons: OpenTrons is a developer of a pipetting robot technology designed to automate experiments.
Jonathan Martinez
Senior Director of Sales of OpenTrons
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About OpenTrons: OpenTrons is a developer of a pipetting robot technology designed to automate experiments.
Paul Bernard
Director of Amazon Alexa Fund
Paul Bernard is the Director, Worldwide Corporate Development – Alexa Fund Lead at Amazon.
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About Amazon, Amazon Alexa Fund: Amazon’s venture capital fund investing in artificial intelligence, frontier tech, voice, robotics, and digital health.
Martha Brooks
Board Of Director of Jabil
Ms. Brooks is currently a Director of Bombardier Inc., Algeco Scotsman and Harley-Davidson, Inc. She is also on the board of CARE, a non-profit that fights extreme poverty through empowerment of women and girls. She was also a Director of International Paper from 2003 to 2009. From 2007 to 2009, Ms. Brooks served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Novelis Inc., a global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling. She served as Chief Operating Officer of Novelis from 2005 to 2007, after Alcan, Inc. completed a spinoff of Novelis. From 2002 to 2004, Ms. Brooks served as CEO, Americas and Asia Rolled Products Business and Senior Vice President of Alcan Inc. In addition, she was Vice President of Cummins Inc. from 1996 to 2002. Ms. Brooks holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and an M.B.A. in International Business from Yale University.
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About : Jabil is a product solutions company providing comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services.
Tim DeRosett
Director of Marketing, Additive Manufacturing of Jabil
Tim DeRosett is the Director of Marketing, Additive Manufacturing at Jabil, where he leads the strategic marketing activities for Additive Manufacturing products and services, including 3D printing. Jabil is accelerating the use of 3D printing technologies as a part of its manufacturing partnerships supporting many of the world’s largest brands. Tim has 20 years of experience bringing advanced technology solutions to manufacturing. Prior to joining Jabil, Tim served as the VP of Industrial Automation at Aethon, Inc.; and was the co-founder of Blue Ocean Robotics, LLC; as well as the director of strategic initiatives at YASKAWA Motoman. He previously held several positions at Adept Technology. Tim has been an advisor to startups, established companies and investors with an interest in the robotics and automation space. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Robotics Industries Association (RIA).
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About Jabil: Jabil is a product solutions company providing comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services.
Thomas Sansone
Board Of Director of Jabil
Mr. Sansone served as President of Jabil from 1988 to January 1999 when he became Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Sansone joined Jabil in 1983 as Vice President and has served as a director since that time. Prior to joining Jabil, Mr. Sansone was a practicing attorney with a specialized practice in taxation. He holds a B.A. from Hillsdale College, a J.D. from Detroit College of Law and an LL.M. in taxation from New York University.
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About : Jabil is a product solutions company providing comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services.
Jeff Porada
Director Lean Six Sigma of Jabil
Jeff Porada is the Global Director of Lean Six Sigma at Jabil. Jeff manages the “Business Process Re-engineering Team” from Jabil’s corporate headquarters, in St. Petersburg, FL. He is responsible for the strategically-driven transformation efforts of Jabil’s Corporate Functions and Capabilities, including: Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain Management, and Engineering Technology Services. Jeff has 20 years of professional experience of working in various industries with the ability to successfully influence and positively impact a culture at all levels of an organization to embrace a philosophy of continual improvement. Jeff has a demonstrated track record of driving business transformations resulting in significant financial savings and operational performance.
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About Jabil: Jabil is a product solutions company providing comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services.
Gary Key
Director of Marketing of ASUSTeK Computer
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About ASUSTeK Computer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc., usually referred to as ASUS, is a Taiwanese multinational computer hardware and electronics manufacturer.
Willy Pell
Director of New Technology of Blue River Technology
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About Blue River Technology: Blue River Technology employs computer vision and robotics technologies to build intelligent solutions for the agricultural industries.
Jules Malin
Director, Data Science & Analytics of GoPro
Jules Malin is a manager of product analytics and data science at GoPro, where he leads a team responsible for discovering product and behavioral insights from GoPro’s growing family and ecosystem of smart devices and driving product and user experience improvements, including influencing and refining data pipelines in Hadoop/Spark and developing scalable machine learning data products, metrics, and visualizations that produce actionable insights. Previously, Jules worked in product management and analytics engineering at Intel and Shutterfly. He holds a master’s degree in predictive analytics from Northwestern University.
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About GoPro, University of San Diego: GoPro is a brand of personal cameras used in extreme action video photography.
Abe Kislevitz
Senior Creative Director of GoPro
Abe Kislevitz is Senior Creative Director at GoPro where he’s worked in media production for the past 8+ years. He’s a media creator, tech geek, and an outdoor enthusiast. He spends his weekends in the mountains skiing or in the ocean surfing creating content for his social channels along the way.
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About GoPro: GoPro is a brand of personal cameras used in extreme action video photography.
Dan Larsen
Director of Software Engineering of GoPro
Dan Larsen is the Director of Software Engineering at GoPro.
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About GoPro: GoPro is a brand of personal cameras used in extreme action video photography.
Sean Tippett
Director of Business Development for Smart Cities & IoT of Silver Spring Networks
Sean Tippett is the Director of Business Development for Smart Cities & IoT at Silver Spring Networks.
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About Silver Spring Networks: Silver Spring Networks offers Smart Energy Platform™, enabling utilities to improve energy efficiencies, enhance services, and reduce costs.
Scott Weinbrandt
Director Dell GAM Sell-in of AMD
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About AMD: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a semiconductor company that designs and develops graphics units, processors, and media solutions.
Shawn Hurt
Director, Channel Partners of goTenna
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About goTenna: GoTenna is advancing universal access to connectivity by building intelligent and scalable mobile mesh networks.
Ben Gillette
Director of Operations of LifeFuels
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About LifeFuels: LifeFuels is changing the way consumers approach hydration and nutrition by empowering them to create personalized beverages on the go.
George McNamee
Director of iRobot
George McNamee has served as a director since August 1999; he brings extensive experience with the management of public and private companies, as well as deep financial expertise. Currently a private investor, McNamee served as a managing partner of FA Technology Ventures Corporation, an information and energy technology venture capital firm, from 2000 until 2012. He serves as chairman of the board of directors of Plug Power Inc., a leading fuel cell developer, and is a director of several private companies, a Sterling Fellow of Yale and a Trustee of the Albany Academies and The American Friends of Eton College. McNamee previously served on the board of directors of Broadpoint (now Gleacher) Securities as well as serving from 1984 to 2007 as chairman of its predecessor First Albany Companies and was also a board member of the New York Stock Exchange Inc., Maplnfo, Home Shopping Network, Inc. and the Meta Group. He holds a B.A. from Yale University. McNamee will be retiring from the board of directors and is not standing for re-election at this annual meeting.
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About AmberWave, iRobot, Plug Power, Yale University: iRobot is an American technology company that designs and builds behavior-based AI robots.
Gail Deegan
Member of the Board of Directors of iRobot
Gail Deegan has served as a director since May 2011 and brings extensive experience as a former chief financial officer of three public companies and director of five public companies, in addition to iRobot; she has served as Audit Committee Chair for three boards of directors. From 1996 until her retirement in 2001, Deegan served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Houghton Mifflin, a publishing company. She was previously senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs for NYNEX New England, and vice president and chief financial officer of New England Telephone. Earlier in her career she was senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer of Eastern Enterprises, as well as chief administrative officer of that company. Deegan is a former director of EMC Corporation, TJX Companies, Inc., and three other public companies. She brings deep experience with financial accounting matters for complex organizations, capital allocation, business transformation, and oversight of corporate governance requirements and financial reporting processes. Deegan holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from The College of Saint Rose, an M.S. in History from Ohio State University, and an M.B.A. from Simmons College School of Management.
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About : iRobot is an American technology company that designs and builds behavior-based AI robots.
Danielle Dean
Technical Director of Machine Learning of iRobot
Danielle Dean is a senior data scientist lead at Microsoft in the Azure Machine Learning product group. She leads a team of data scientists and engineers on end-to-end analytics projects using Azure ML, from automating the ingestion of data to analysis and implementation of algorithms, creating web services of these implementations, and using those to integrate into customer solutions or build end-user dashboards and visualizations. Danielle holds her Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied the application of multilevel event history models to understand the timing and processes leading to events between dyads within social networks
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About iRobot: iRobot is an American technology company that designs and builds behavior-based AI robots.
Stephen Drzewiczewski
Director of Collaborative Applications of iRobot
Steve has been with iRobot for 8 years and is the Sr. Manager of Collaborative Applications. One Steve and his team’s main responsibility is maintaining their Windchill implementation. Prior to iRobot – Steve spent 11 years’ experience as a PLM/MCAD Consultant & MCAD. University of Vermont graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
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About iRobot: iRobot is an American technology company that designs and builds behavior-based AI robots.
Ted Deffenbaugh
Sr. Director Of Product Line Marketing of Seagate Technology
Sr. Director Of Product Line Marketing at Seagate Technology.
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About Seagate Technology: Seagate offers consumers and businesses with data storage solutions to create, share, and preserve digital content.
Frank Biondi
Member of the Board of Directors of Seagate Technology
Frank Biondi has served as Senior Managing Director of WaterView Advisors LLC, an investment advisor organization, since 1999.
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About Waterview Advisors: Seagate offers consumers and businesses with data storage solutions to create, share, and preserve digital content.
Rags Srinivasan
Senior Director Growth and Customer Success – Cloud Business of Seagate Technology
Rags Srinivasan is Senior Director of Product Strategy and Marketing, Cloud, IoT and Video Surveillance for Seagate. He is responsible for market development, ecosystem partner development and storage solutions for video surveillance and IoT. He is passionate about solving data challenges and enabling businesses to manage data and harness its power.
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About Seagate Technology: Seagate offers consumers and businesses with data storage solutions to create, share, and preserve digital content.
Dambisa Moyo
Non Executive Director of Seagate Technology
Dambisa Moyo is a global economist and author who analyzes the macroeconomy and international affairs. In particular, her work examines the interplay of international business, technology, and the global economy, while highlighting the key opportunities for investment; capitalizing on her rare ability to translate trends in markets, innovation, politics, regulatory matters and economics into their likely impact on global business. Dambisa was named by TIME Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World and was the Thinkers50 Thinker of the Month in April 2015. She was an early investor in Silver Creek and is a keynote speaker at the 2015 Global Drucker Forum. Her writing appears regularly appears in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times, covering key topics for businesses in the 21st century and the relationship between technology, global economic growth, and the private sector.
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About : Seagate offers consumers and businesses with data storage solutions to create, share, and preserve digital content.
Robert Switz
Member of Board of Directors of Micron Technology
Robert Switz was the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADC Telecommunications, Inc., (“ADC”), a supplier of network infrastructure products and services from August 2003 until December 2010, when Tyco Electronics Ltd. acquired ADC.Robert Switz joined ADC in 1994 and throughout his career there held numerous leadership positions. Robert Switz holds an MBA from the University of Bridgeport as well as a BS in Business Administration from Quinnipiac University. Robert Switz also serves on the Board of Directors for Broadcom Corporation, Cyan Optics, Inc., GT Advanced Technologies and Leap Wireless International, Inc.He has served on our Board of Directors since 2006 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in February 2012.
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About : Micron Technology is a semiconductor company that produces DRAM, SDRAM, flash memory, SSD and CMOS image sensing chips.
Balint Fleischer
Senior Director – Near Data Computing of Micron Technology
Over 35 years of engineering management, strategy development and system design
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About Micron Technology: Micron Technology is a semiconductor company that produces DRAM, SDRAM, flash memory, SSD and CMOS image sensing chips.
Chris George
Director of Sales and Programs of Vinli
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About Vinli: Vinli is a universal car-to-cloud data computing platform that turns any car into a connected car.
Shayne O’Sullivan
Director of Engineering of Vinli
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About Vinli: Vinli is a universal car-to-cloud data computing platform that turns any car into a connected car.
Andrew Mitrak
Director of Marketing of HaptX
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About HaptX: HaptX is a leading haptics company that brings realistic touch to virtual reality for the first time with HaptX Gloves.
Alan Feldman
Member of the Board of Directors of JBT Corporation
Feldman served as the President and CEO of Midas, Inc. from 2003 to 2012 and as its Chairman from 2006 to 2012; previously held senior management positions within McDonald’s and PepsiCo; currently a Board Member of Foot Locker, Inc. and GNC Holdings, Inc.
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About : JBT Corporation is a global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries.
Maury Devine
Member of the Board of Directors of JBT Corporation
Devine served in various positions within Exxon Mobil Corporation from 1994 to 2000 including President and Managing Director of Exxon Mobil Norway and Secretary of Mobil Corporation; previously held positions within the U.S. Government; currently a Board Member of FMC Technologies, Inc. and Technip.
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About : JBT Corporation is a global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries.
Polly Kawalek
Member of the Board of Directors of JBT Corporation
Kawalek served as President of PepsiCo’s Quaker Foods Division from 2002 to 2004; previously held various positions for 25 years within Quaker Oats.
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About : JBT Corporation is a global technology solutions provider to the food processing and air transportation industries.
Anthony Turner
Director of Logistics of Freevi
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About Freevi: FlightDeck 3D delivers quality 3D viewing without the use of glasses.
Anoop Nannra
Director, Global Head of Blockchain Innovation of Cisco
Anoop Nannra is a technology strategist in Cisco’s Corporate Strategic Innovation Group. He is focused on identifying disruptive technologies and accelerating their adoption through business incubation via co-development, co-innovation, partnerships and acquisitions. Anoop has a proven track record of delivering world-first innovation disciplines including security, optics, service provider video, switching, IoT and currently lead Cisco’s blockchain efforts. Prior to joining Cisco, he led large initiatives at a service provider, was a co-founder at a video startup, ran several small businesses, and spent a number of years at Nortel Networks in Ottawa. Anoop is an avid photographer and DIY-er, making things long before the maker trend made DIY hip again.
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Brian Halla
Member of the Board of Directors of Cisco
Halla has been a member of the Board of Directors since January 2007. He served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of National Semiconductor Corporation from May 1996 to November 2009, and continued to serve as Chairman of the Board of that company until May 2010. Additionally, he served as President of National Semiconductor Corporation from May 1996 to May 2005. Prior to May 1996, Halla served in several executive capacities at LSI Logic Corporation, where, in his last role, he was the Executive Vice President of LSI Logic Products. Prior to that, he held a variety of management positions at Intel Corporation. Halla has leadership experience as the chief executive officer of a global technology company. His management and operational expertise is accompanied by a semiconductor industry background and technology acumen.
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About : Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Carol Bartz
Member of the Board of Directors of Cisco
Bartz has been a member of the Board of Directors since November 1996. Since November 2005, she has served as Lead Independent Director.Bartz served as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors of Yahoo! Inc. from January 2009 to September 2011 and as President of Yahoo! from April 2009 to September 2011. From May 2006 to February 2009, she was Executive Chairman of the Board of Autodesk, Inc. From April 1992 to April 2006, she served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Autodesk. Prior to that,Bartz was employed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. from 1983 to April 1992.Bartz previously served as a director of Yahoo! ending in 2011. Bartz brings to the Board of Directors leadership experience, including service as the chief executive of two public technology companies. These roles have required technology industry expertise combined with operational and global management expertise.Bartz also has experience as a public company outside director.
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About : Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Ari Winkleman
Director, Product Management of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Adnan Agboatwalla
Director of Product Management of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Basem Nayfeh
Director of Engineering of Cisco
Basem Nayfeh is the Director of Engineering at Cisco.
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About Cisco, CoRelation, Voicea: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Dharmesh Panchmatia
Senior Director of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Serpil Bayraktar
Distinguished Engineer/Director of Cisco
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About Cisco, Cisco, Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Eric Wenger
Senior Director, Technology Policy, Global Government Affairs of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Sujata Ramamoorthy
Sr. Director, Security & Trust Organization of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Bill Gerhardt
Managing Director – Strategy and Business Development of Cisco
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About Cisco, Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Tony Lopresti
Director Product Management of Cisco
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About BroadSoft, Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Cosimo Malesci
Director – Global IOT Sales of Cisco
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About Cisco, Fluidmesh Networks, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Alpesh Bhobe
Director, HW Engineering: RF/OTA, EMC Design/Simulations & Test, Power Design of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
David Wiener
Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence – CTO Team of Cisco
David Wiener runs Product at Workfit. Before co-founding Workfit, he was a Vice President at Oracle, where he oversaw Product, globally for the Oracle Data Cloud. During his tenure at Oracle he was responsible for pulling together the acquisitions of BlueKai, Datalogix, AddThis, and Crosswise. He ran 75+ person global team (US, UK, Israel), directing the work of 500+ engineers and data-scientists. Prior to Oracle, he oversaw Product at BlueKai (acquired by Oracle). Wiener makes sure that business is in check, that products ship, and that engineering keeps their house in order. Sometimes he makes a joke or two. He also gets pretty crafty when he needs a hotfix pushed out, and from time to time has a good idea.
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Renee Patton
Global Director, Healthcare and Education Industries of Cisco
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About Cisco, Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Kathryn Howe
Director, Healthcare Digital Transformation, Americas Sales of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Lori Osterback-Boettner
Chief of Staff, Senior Director, Supply Chain Operations of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Venkatesh Babu Kesavan
Sr. Director, Business Transformation, Customer and Partner Services of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Gary Hall
Senior Director – U.S. Public Sector Strategy, Operations & Market Access of Cisco
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About Cisco, RedLine Athletics: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Gustavo Sorgente
Cisco Systems – Latin America Managing Director of Cisco
Gustavo Sorgente joined Cisco Systems in 2011, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the IT industry. He currently serves as Cisco’s Managing Director, Sales for the Central America, Northern South America and Caribbean (CANSAC) region in Latin America. Mr. Sorgente led a critical transformation of CANSAC from sub-regions to segment-led to ensure sustainable growth, resulting in high dividends to the region, the team and the company. Prior to joining Cisco, Mr. Sorgente served in a variety of business management roles with Wang, IBM and Sun Microsystems (acquired by Oracle). He spent half of his career in the services side of the IT business building services delivery teams, as well as developing systems integration and tailor-made infrastructure solutions addressing specific business issues mainly in the fields of healthcare, transportation and finance. Mr. Sorgente then transitioned into the business world initially as a product sales specialist and then into the solutions-based space creating industry-focused teams as well as complex partner and alliance matrixes designed to fulfill state-of-the-art, end-to-end business solutions. While at Sun, he held leadership positions including Senior Vice President for Latin America, President and General Manager for South Cone, President and General Manager for Spanish Latin America and Caribe (merging the north and south regions of the LatAm organizations), and Partners and Alliances Director for Latin America and Canada, among other roles. He began his career as a computer engineer specialized in microelectronics and operating systems, and later in the areas of interoperability and application software development with a focus in knowledge-based systems. During his tenure at Sun, Mr. Sorgente was known for his ability to lead operations through deep organizational changes during high market or internal pressure, often involving multicultural teams working under complex matrix structures across every country in Latin America. Mr. Sorgente has a background in electronics and systems engineering and received his executive education at Columbia University’s Business School.
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Mark Nash
Managing Director, Webex of Cisco
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About Cisco, Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Emily Kong
Managing Director, Digitization & IoT, Cisco Greater China of Cisco
Ms Kong has over 26 years of experience in business management, professional services delivery, information technology strategic planning, architecture design and software application development, programme and project management of large-scale systems integration solutions in multi-vendor and end-user environments, with diversified industrial experiences. Leading Digital Transformation & Advanced Services organizations at Cisco Systems Inc., Ms Kong is managing a strategic professional services practice specializing in Digitalization and Internet-of-Everything Solution comprises of a vast portfolio of products ranging from hardware, software, services, and third-party offerings. Ms Kong has championed many iconic Smart City and Internet-of-Things engagements in the region, including Cisco’s flagship Smart & Connected Communities projects in South China, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. She also possesses in-depth expertise and experience of China marketplace with strong understanding and relationship with local government driving innovation projects at provincial and city level in the mainland. Prior to Cisco, Ms Kong held various directorship and senior management positions at renowned global companies. She holds membership at several industry forums and chapters, and serves as the technology advisor to government boards and committees. She is also a frequent speaker at public events.
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Craig Williams
Director Talos Outreach of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
Mandeep Dhami
Director, Software Developement of Cisco
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About Cisco: Cisco develops, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and other technology services and products.
