NITIN BAHL

NITIN BAHL

CHAIRMAN

Finance Business Partner, Stolt Tank Containers B.V., Netherlands

Biography

Nitin Bahl, a finance business partner at Stolt Tank Containers, has over 20 years of diverse experience in the BPO sector, specializing in finance and accounts, particularly in P2P and T&E processes. He has been a finance transformation consultant for AstraZeneca. Astelas, Mondelez, and DSM. His career includes roles as a business process improvement consultant, service delivery leader, and project manager at prestigious firms like FedEx, Genpact, and AstraZeneca. With extensive international exposure across Europe and the USA, Nitin is also a Neuro Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Coach, and Licensed Behavioral Trainer, enriching his professional repertoire with invaluable insights into human behavior and organizational dynamics.

Biography

Alpar Toth is, an innovative business leader currently serving as Director of Global Order to Cash (OTC) at Pandora Global Business Services (GBS). With over 18 years of experience in finance operations and GBS, Alpar has a rich background. He has spearheaded over 20 transformation journeys across five different European countries. Beyond his stints in consulting and BPO, Alpar’s expertise lies primarily in the retail and e-commerce domains, with a keen focus on enhancing GBS capabilities through strategic alignment. Notably, he has successfully extended the scope of the GPO function beyond traditional GBS/Finance realms, end-to-end processes. This expansion has fortified GBS with additional operational strength.

Alpar Toth

Alpar Toth

Director Global Process Owner Order-to-Cash Global Business Services

Speaker

Alice Bednaříková

Alice Bednaříková

CFO, Delivery Hero/ Foodora Czech Republic

Speaker

Biography

This case study will highlight Foodora’s finance transformation journey in the Czech Republic, providing a real-world example of innovation and progress. It will explore how the transformation began with the implementation of a new SAP system, replacing manual, paper-based processes, and laying the foundation for AI-powered automation in invoice processing, which will be shown to have significantly improved efficiency. The session will also showcase how billing operations were enhanced through the integration of Salesforce, which streamlined the tracking of billing-related queries and improved customer support. Additionally, it will reveal the second phase of the transformation: the transition of operational tasks to the Shared Service Center (SSC). This phase will demonstrate how processes became more effectively tracked and managed, while also addressing the challenges and benefits experienced by the local team. Ultimately, the move to the SSC will be presented as a successful business case, illustrating cost savings, scalability, and a model for wider European implementation.

Biography

This masterclass will explore the critical role of Master Data Management (MDM) in the Finance 4.0 digital transformation strategy. It will cover the journey from Master Data Maintenance to Master Data Governance, emphasizing the importance of business ownership in governance through SAP-MDG in S/4 HANA. The session will address the gap between expectations and reality in implementing Master Data Governance (MDG) and examine how data quality acts as a key enabler for sustainable business growth. Attendees will gain insights into best practices and practical strategies for leveraging MDM to drive business success.

Andreas Tagkalakis

Andreas Tagkalakis

Head of Global Master Data Management

Speaker

Carlos Garrido Pedraz

Carlos Garrido Pedraz

CEO, European Business Services (EBS) Holcim

Speaker

Biography

Carlos Garrido Pedraz has over 20 years of international experience in Business Transformation, Analytics, Performance Management, and Global Business Services. As Head of the Holcim Business Centre in Europe, he oversees key functions like
finance, procurement, HR, and RPA for 22 countries. Carlos has led large-scale transformation initiatives, including creating Global Centres of Excellence for Analytics & Reporting and Robotics & Process Automation. With a strong foundation in
engineering and finance, he focuses on implementing practical solutions, streamlining operations, and enhancing organizational performance through effective use of technology and data-driven strategies.

Biography

Csaba Szende is the Senior Director of Shared Services at HelloFresh, based in Berlin, Germany. Previously, Csaba was Head of Business Operations, Europe at Delivery Hero, and Managing Director for Shared Services at Trivium Packaging, where he
established a European Business Services Center remotely during the pandemic. With extensive leadership experience across multiple industries (IT, Telecommunication, Energy sectors), Csaba specializes in setting up and managing Business Services
Centers and driving operational excellence. A published author and frequent speaker, he shares insights on business transformation and service innovation.

Csaba Szende

Csaba Szende

Senior Director, Shared Services HelloFresh

Speaker

Dimitar Bogoev

Dimitar Bogoev

Global RTR Operational Excellence Leader, Cargill

Speaker

Biography

Dimitar Bogoev leads Global R2R Operational Excellence at Cargill GBS Bulgaria.
leveraging over 13 years of finance and operations expertise. As Global Operational
Excellence Lead for R2R, he drives efficiency initiatives by collaborating with global
process management to standardize processes and eliminate waste. Previously at
Cargill, Dimitar optimized statutory reporting, reduced costs, and implemented global
governance models.   Dimitar’s commitment to streamlining processes,
implementing controls and fostering partnerships yield tangible results, driving
organizational success.

Biography

Faisal Al Ghamdi is the VP of Shared Services at Othaim Holding Corporation, with over 16 years of expertise in Human Capital and Shared Services across industries including investment management, consulting, AI, oil & gas, logistics, and machinery. He
drives corporate transformations, offering strategic business advisory to enhance efficiency. Specializing in business-driven programs aligned with global trends, Faisal provides strategic guidance for growth and profitability. A proponent of sustainable growth, he actively contributes to executive and advisory committees, fostering innovation and operational excellence.

Faisal Ahmed Al Ghamdi

Faisal Ahmed Al Ghamdi

VP, Shared Services Othaim Holding Company

Panelist

Gaurav Garg

Gaurav Garg

Director, Global Payroll & Finance Shared Services

Panel Moderator

Biography

Gaurav Garg, Franklin Templeton’s Director of Global Payroll and Finance Shared
Services, is a technology-driven leader with an entrepreneurial mindset. He has
established leading global capability centers (GCCs) at top organizations. Gaurav
excels in driving strategic value and leading large, matrixed teams, overseeing cost-efficient, scalable global operations. Managing payroll across 39 countries, he
champions empowering businesses with best-in-class support and cutting-edge
technologies, consistently aiming for business excellence.

Biography

Hash Mahendran currently serves as the Global Process Owner at London Stock
Exchange Group, overseeing the Sales Compensation Division, which spans 60
countries and comprises more than 2,200 employees worldwide. Hash is an
accomplished leader who has amassed a wealth of experience in finance and
operations. He has held prominent roles involving OTC & PTP processes at Accenture,
BDO LLP, and Expedia Group. Hash’s portfolio showcases key roles in leading finance
strategies from startups to multi-billion-dollar international divisions. Additionally,
Hash sits on the board of trustees for one of London’s best-performing schools.

Hash Mahendran

Hash Mahendran

Global Process Owner

Speaker

Janos Andrasi

Janos Andrasi

Director of HR - Workforce Solution Partner Strategic Markets Kyndryl

Panelist

Biography

Janos Andrasi is the Director of Workforce Management for Strategic Markets at Kyndryl, leading transformative workforce solutions and driving innovation in cloud services and automation. His strategic vision has fostered a customer-focused culture
while supporting the growth of over 16,000 employees. With expertise in large-scale IT service operations, Janos has strengthened client relationships and ensured operational excellence. His leadership drives new business development and aligns with Kyndryl’s mission to deliver world-class technology solutions through innovation and strategic planning.

Biography

Julia Cabrita currently serves as Head of Order-to-Cash Operation at Organon. With nearly 20 years of expertise in Finance and Global Shared Services, she is a proven leader in establishing and managing Global Shared Services (GSS) operations, particularly in Order-to-Cash (O2C) and Procurement-to-Pay (P2P). Her industry experience spans the Chemical, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical sectors, where she has successfully driven transformation and delivered measurable value through strategic initiatives. Julia is deeply passionate about people management and is recognized for leading diverse, global teams to achieve organizational goals. She has a strong track record of leveraging automation, optimizing processes, and deploying innovative tools and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Her leadership style and strategic insights consistently empower teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Julia Cabrita

Julia Cabrita

Director Global Order-to-Cash Operations Organon

Workshop Facilitator

Ludvík Polcar

Ludvík Polcar

Chief Financial Officer Centre of Administration & Operations, Czech Academy of Sciences Czech Republic

Panelist

Biography

Ludvík is a seasoned executive with over 10 years of senior management experience, currently serving as CFO of the shared service institution of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Specializing in finance, project processes, and change leadership, he has a proven track record in Central and Eastern Europe, excelling in driving financial goals, improving economic efficiency, and enhancing operational reliability. Ludvík also brings expertise in clinical research and GCP-compliant auditing. As CFO, he has led financial operations and managed teams of up to 56 people, delivering outstanding results for regional businesses with annual revenues in the tens of millions.

Biography

Jens Schumacher serves as CFO of Makro CZ, a leading Czech Foodservice Wholesaler focused on gastronomy and independent traders. With over 20 years at Metro AG in Finance and IT across multiple geographies, he is a strategic leader shaping Makro’s
future and value. Previously CFO of Makro Netherlands, Jens has led teams of 100-150 FTEs across Finance, BI, IT, and Legal. Experienced in finance transformation and GSC collaboration, he is passionate about turning data into insights to drive business
understanding and performance.

Jens Schumacher

Jens Schumacher

Chief Financial Officer Makro Cash & Carry Czech Republic

Panelist

MIguel Macias

MIguel Macias

Global HR & GBS Evangelist

Speaker

Biography

Miguel Macias, Sandoz’s Global Head of P&O Operations, blends engineering and
finance expertise, holding a master’s from UANL-EGAII, Monterrey, Mexico. With a
stellar career spanning PepsiCo, Hewlett-Packard, and Novartis, his leadership
shines globally.  Certified in PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, ITIL, CPP, and Toastmaster,
Miguel fosters employee engagement through storytelling and mentors emerging
talents and champions Latino culture. A D&I ambassador, he advocates mindfulness at Sandoz and beyond. Based in Munich, Germany, Miguel treasures
family travels with wife Elizabeth and son Sebastian, enriching life with cherished experiences.

Biography

Preeti Ahuja is the CEO of Mpower, a Pune-based HR advisory firm, with two decades of global HR experience across Atlas Copco, Alfa Laval, Peak AI, Lear Automotive, and Larsen & Toubro. Specializing in leadership development, culture transformation, and business partnering, she holds degrees in Statistics, Labor Laws, and an Executive Development Program from XLRI. Known for her data-driven approach and mental health advocacy, Preeti is a featured speaker at ETHRWorld, People Matters, and more. Recognized among the Top 50 Most Influential HR Leaders (2024), her work is highlighted in Sighting Plus, Business Manager, and other major HR publications.

Preeti Ahuja

Preeti Ahuja

CEO Mpower U

Speaker

Vladimiro Ferreira

Vladimiro Ferreira

Head Automation CoE (IA, AI) & IT Services SEG Automotive Germany GmbH

Speaker

Biography

Vladimiro Ferreira has served as the Head of Automation CoE at SEG Automotive’s GBS in Vila do Conde, Portugal, since 2018. He leads initiatives in Process Automation, Intelligence, and AI across key business areas, including Procurement, Finance & Controlling, Engineering, and IT. With over 20 years in the automotive industry focused on innovation and process improvement, Vladimiro is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance people’s work and lives. A member of the VOCAL Council since 2023, he frequently speaks on Automation and AI topics and values the power of idea-sharing.

Biography

Wioletta Strączek is Senior Director, GBS Finance Transformation and Lean Partner at Jacobs, specializing in project management, automation, and optimization to achieve significant financial outcomes. A University of Economics graduate, she brings over 15 years of expertise in finance and accounting. As a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma, Wioletta excels in leading transformation projects and integrating Lean methodologies with certified Prosci change management strategies. Known for driving sustainable improvements, she fosters a culture of excellence and continuous growth. Wioletta’s proven track record highlights her dedication to delivering impactful results and advancing organizational efficiency.

Wioletta Strączek

Wioletta Strączek

Senior Director, GBS Finance Transformation and Lean Partner Jacobs Engineering, Cracow, Poland

Speaker