Issue 7 2024 Featuring:
Welcome to the July 2024 issue of CEO Monthly. As always, CEO Monthly is dedicated to providing the latest news and features across the business world to our readership. By sharing knowledge, insights, expertise, and success stories from around the globe, we aim to inspire individuals and promote positivity in a world that is in a constant state of evolution. We rely heavily on the knowledge, skills, and dedication of a plethora of products and services from businesses with experience that carries them through times of uncertainty. Although we all experience the negative impacts of difficult situations, be it locally, nationally, or globally, we can each rest assured that there are still businesses which we can lean on for clarity and support. Here we showcase a fine selection of CEOs and their businesses who know just how crucial it is to be prepared for anything, with contingency and business continuity plans in place. They understand the importance of consistently reviewing, refining, and adapting strategies in order to make the most of opportunities and reduce any threats and challenges for anyone, anywhere around the world. Take a look at how you can improve your business’ resilience here. In this issue of CEO Monthly magazine, we are as thrilled as ever to be showcasing our awardwinning CEOs, inspiring and innovative leaders who know exactly how to leverage their business assets and support their teams in order to succeed. These expert leaders hail from industries such as software development, rail travel tech, IT, healthcare tech, and more. We hope you find the stories of these CEOs to be insightful and thought-provoking, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon for our August issue. Rebecca Scotland, Editor Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. News 6. Infona AG: Software Development COO of the Year 2024 (Europe): Bejan Choschnau 8. Total Facility Solutions Ltd / TFS Group: A Total Solution for Facilities Services 10. Healthcare CTO of the Year 2024 (USA): Zack Storer - Pioneering Technology, Improving Health Through Curiosity, and Lifetime Transformation 12. Rail Europe: Rounding off a Century in European Train Travel 13. Recenso Services: Leading the Way in Programme Modernisation 14. Petite Amélie: Industry Leader Proving the Power of Perseverance 16. Plumery: The Man Behind a Digital Banking Revolution 17. Hercules Building Systems: Where Strength Meets Innovation 18. Cefaly Technology: Trailblazing Migraine Treatment and Prevention 19. Negocios TV: Spain’s Trusted Source for Economic Media Contents
NNEEWSS NEWS Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jaehoon Chang Announced as New Co-Chair of Hydrogen Council
Renowned Industry Thought Leader Will Be Joining the Black Dragon CapitalSM Fintech (CUSO) Fund Team as Advisor, Bringing Extensive Expertise and Innovative Insights. Black Dragon CapitalSM, a multi-phased investment firm focused on advanced technologies in high growth segments that strengthen economic stability within communities, welcomes Mark Meyer as its newest Advisor to the Fintech (CUSO) Fund. Mark Meyer is CEO and President of the Filene Institute, a leading industry research and thought leadership organization. Under his leadership, Filene has thrived, influencing high-level industry thinking and innovative approaches. His visionary leadership has not only enhanced Filene’s reputation but also cemented its role as a pivotal player in shaping the industry’s future. “Filene and Mark are known for focusing on unique market insights that allow Credit Unions to perform better and connect to their communities. It is our honor to partner with such a recognized and insightful leader that understands the power of technology’s role in serving members better. His friendship, energy, and passion will be an exciting addition and consistent with the operationally led culture and performance history at Black Dragon CapitalSM”, said Louis Hernandez Jr., Founder, CEO and Managing Partner of Black Dragon CapitalSM. Black Dragon CapitalSM and Filene collaborate on research efforts to benefit the industry, and Mark’s insights will be invaluable as the Fintech Fund enables the industry to take advantage of technological advances both financially and operationally. With Mark’s expertise, the industry is well positioned to navigate and capitalize on these technological changes, ensuring sustained growth. His insights will be crucial in steering the industry towards a future where technology and finance seamlessly integrate for optimal outcomes. The Fintech (CUSO) Fund values Mark’s industry insights as it prepares to finalize its initial investor group this year. Black Dragon CapitalSM recently launched the Fintech (CUSO) Fund, a multiphase Fund that targets early-stage and buy-out financial technology companies where Black Dragon CapitalSM has operating and investment expertise. It has the goal of creating positive impact on the operations of these businesses, while also making direct and meaningful changes on the communities that credit unions serve. The Fintech (CUSO) Fund, under the leadership of its founder and former BECU and First Tech Credit Union CEO Benson Porter, will benefit the strategic goals of Credit Unions and other community based financial institutions. Black Dragon CapitalSM focuses on high-growth technology sectors that are undergoing accelerated digitization and creating operational and economic opportunities. These address the most complicated industry issues and have a positive economic and social impact on the communities they serve. Their operationally led model has produced above market returns and recognized technology companies. They continue to add proven operational executives and leaders to help identify, build and advance the most important technology companies successfully. Black Dragon CapitalSM Names Mark Meyer, President & CEO of Filene, as Advisor to the Fintech (CUSO) Fund • Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jaehoon Chang appointed as Hydrogen Council Co-Chair, building on Hyundai Motor Group’s legacy as key Council member • President and CEO Chang to actively engage in activities to promote the global hydrogen economy and propose solutions for future energy transition The Hydrogen Council has announced Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jaehoon Chang as its new Co-Chair, joining Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde. Together, the two Co-Chairs will work closely with Hydrogen Council member CEOs as the organization enters its next chapter, focused on unlocking the potential demand for a global hydrogen economy and creating a framework for international trade and accelerated investment. President and CEO Chang takes over from Yoshinori Kanehana, Chairman of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., who served as Co-Chair for the past two and a half years. His appointment follows Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, who led the Council from January 2019 to July 2020. Hyundai and its Commitment to Hydrogen Hyundai Motor has been dedicated to the development of hydrogen technologies since establishing a Fuel Cell research and development division in 1998. Through continuous investment and research, Hyundai Motor has strengthened its leadership in the hydrogen sector, including: • The independent development of a fuel cell stack in 2004 • The world’s first mass production of a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), the Tucson ix35 FCEV, in 2013 • Mass production of the NEXO, the first dedicated FCEV, in 2018; and the world’s first mass production of XCIENT Fuel Cell, heavy duty hydrogen-powered truck, in 2020. At CES 2024, Hyundai Motor revealed its plans to expand HTWO, the brand for its hydrogen fuel cell system. Originally introduced in 2020, HTWO encompasses the entire hydrogen value chain business for the Hyundai Motor Group, covering production, storage, transportation, and utilization. In May, Hyundai Motor shared its hydrogen vision and introduced its U.S. clean logistics business at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo 2024, consistently reinforcing its leading position in advancing the hydrogen ecosystem through diverse business projects globally. Also, XCIENT Fuel Cell electric heavy-duty trucks recently surpassed a cumulative driving distance of 10 million km in Swiss fleet operations — a testament to the world-class hydrogen fuel cell technology’s long-term reliability. As President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, Jaehoon Chang has been actively engaged in activities to promote the creation of a hydrogen economy and to propose practical solutions for future energy transition. In his new role as Co-Chair, he will discuss global hydrogen energy demand and closely cooperate with CEOs of the Hydrogen Council’s member organizations to accelerate global trade and investment. “The Hydrogen Council is a crucial initiative in our global energy transition effort,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “I am delighted to be appointed as Co-Chair and I look forward to working with fellow hydrogen leaders to drive innovation and advance deployment.”
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 6 Software Development COO of the Year 2024 (Europe): Bejan Choschnau I is a concept that has been around formally since the 1950s, defined as a machine’s ability to simulate human intelligence and problemsolving capabilities, particularly computer systems. It was in 1958 that H.A. Simon and Allen Newell predicted that “within 10 years, a digital computer will be the world’s chess champion” and “within 10 years, a digital computer will discover and prove an important new mathematical theorem”. By 1965, H.A. Simon was forecasting that “machines will be capable, within 20 years, of doing any work a man can do”. Then, in 1970, Marvin Minsky theorised in Life magazine that “in from three to eight years, we will have a machine with the general intelligence of an average human being”. Fast forward to 2024 and artificial intelligence is very much a thing that has found its way into almost every aspect of our lives, from chatbots Apr23017 For Bejan Choschnau, teamwork makes the dream work. Believing in the importance of collaboration and sharing ideas in order to create a better user experience for clients, Bejan is proud of what he and his team have accomplished with Infona AG. It is a team that comes together on the mission to streamline clients’ business processes through the development of advanced CRM/ERP solutions – and they come with an AI twist. Recognised within our C-Suite Awards 2024 for his remarkable contributions to Infona AG and the world of AI software development, we speak to Bejan himself to gain further insight. A to resolve customer queries, to ChatGPT to create written content and itineraries, to asking Alexa to provide an update on the weather, and even to self-driving cars. Each of these utilises machine learning algorithms in order to generate a human-like, or intelligent, response. Now, AI isn’t only playing a big part in our daily lives, but organisations around the globe are implementing it, too, in order to streamline their business operations. One such example is the all-in-one CRM/ERP solution, InfonaApp, created by the masterminds at Infona AG, which utilises AI to automate and manage work processes. With the comprehensive InfonaApp, users have access to a variety of revolutionary AI-powered features, including an internal app store which allows the downloading of more than 140 apps that communicate seamlessly with each other and support daily work; tailored industry-specific website homepage creation; automated accounting; and an integrated chat portal for video calling, messaging, and file sharing. Powered by the intelligent AI technology named “EllaAi”, this comprehensive CRM/ ERP platform caters for every industry and fulfils those tedious, time-consuming tasks so that team members can focus their time on more productive work. Observing and learning from users’ ways of working, EllaAi’s purpose is to enhance efficiency, working independently over a long period of time to get to know the business and its operations. By making work easier behind the scenes, this leads to a much-improved experience for the customer. Bejan Choschnau has been in his role of COO at Infona AG for two years, and having successfully implemented AI within the CRM/ERP platform, he feels this to be his greatest achievement to date. Bejan states, “My efforts have directly contributed to a notable improvement in customer satisfaction. By offering an intuitive, efficient, and powerful tool, we’ve helped businesses streamline their operations, leading to increased productivity and success, which in turn, fosters long-term loyalty and satisfaction among our clients.” In this, Bejan had a number of things he wanted to achieve with EllaAi and InfonaApp. First, he felt it important to enable the automation of those critical yet time-consuming tasks such as accounting and website creation. Thanks to EllaAi, this work can now be completed in a fraction of the time, with minimal human intervention needed, and it also reduces the potential for human error. Then comes the focus on customisation and scalability. By harnessing AI, Bejan has been able to facilitate the customisation of the platform to meet the unique needs of various industries, ensuring that the solution is not just effective, but also versatile and scalable. This adaptability has allowed Infona AG to support businesses of all sizes by adapting to them and enhancing their growth and efficacy. Alongside this, the integration of EllaAi into InfonaApp has significantly improved its data analysis capabilities, providing businesses with deep insights into their operations, customer behaviours, and market trends. As a result, clients are feeling empowered to make more informed decisions, with this optimising their strategies for better outcomes. Bejan believes that it is his leveraging of AI’s unique capabilities in Infona AG’s technology that truly distinguishes his role and contributions, and which makes him stand out from other c-suite individuals within the industry. By
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 7 integrating EllaAi into Infona AG’s core operations, he has demonstrated a commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovative leadership. With access to AI-driven insights and automation capabilities, the company can make informed decisions, streamline its own processes, and offer unparalleled service quality. As such, this technology is enhancing his own team’s sense of empowerment in their daily work, too, saying, “Unlike traditional executives who may focus on direct management, my approach has been to empower my team by deploying EllaAi to handle routine and complex tasks. This allows our human talent to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives, thereby enhancing job satisfaction and productivity.” Bejan also emphasises his belief in teamwork and the importance of everybody having the opportunity to contribute their ideas. He expresses his pride in their dedication and passion, with them working relentlessly hard, and even volunteering to stay late in order to get things done. In this, he tells us how he feels assured that he is a good leader and that he is doing everything correctly. But where did it all begin? Bejan’s expertise and experience is vast, and he started out in his career by spending five years as a Computer Scientist at FLÜCK IT, before joining an insurance company as CIO for almost three years. He tells us how, when working at the insurance company, he found there was a lot of paperwork and therefore a lot of steps for the customer to complete – and that’s how Infona AG came about. He recognised the need for change within the industry, with this leading to the development of the all-in-one solution we know today as InfonaApp. During our conversation, Bejan goes on to acknowledge the question that he has noticed coming up a lot with regard to AI and the job market: “Will AI steal your job?” Bejan sees the positives here, pointing out that although one job might become obsolete due to technology, that’s not to say that this doesn’t open up a spectrum of new opportunities. For example, IT is one of the biggest industries in the world and with the ever-changing nature of technology, there are always new and exciting roles coming into existence. In line with this, Bejan knows how crucial it is to remain up to date in terms of skills and knowledge in the evolving world of tech, whether completing courses or mentorship programmes with AI-focused companies. He adds, “Theory is crucial, but nothing beats hands-on experience. Work on projects that allow you to apply AI in real-world settings, whether through internships, personal projects, or as part of your job. This will deepen your understanding and enhance your problem-solving skills. “[And] while technical skills are fundamental in tech and AI, soft skills like leadership, communication, and strategic thinking are equally important. A successful leader in this field must be able to bridge the gap between complex technical concepts and business applications.” Meanwhile, Bejan and the team at Infona AG have once again achieved something innovative: the launch of the “Infona Academy”. With this new initiative, the company aims to foster young talents and acquaint a broad audience – from novices to experienced computer scientists – with the world of artificial intelligence. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” explains Bejan. “The Infona Academy is not just a place of learning, but an innovation hub that prepares participants directly for the challenges of the real world.” The Academy offers a series of courses that cover both practical and theoretical aspects of AI. At the end of each course, there is an exam, and successful completion is rewarded with a certificate. “We want to ensure that our graduates leave not only with knowledge but also with proof of their skills for the working world. It is especially important to us that these educational opportunities are completely free of charge, to include everyone,” Bejan adds. The idea for the Infona Academy arose when the Infona AG team was increasingly approached about the prominent “Artificial Intelligence for Business” inscriptions on their vehicles. These encounters led to many interesting perspectives and sometimes fears about artificial intelligence. “It was a real ‘aha!’ moment when we realised how great the hunger for high-quality education in this rapidly growing area was,” recalls Bejan. In addition to training young talents, Bejan sees the Academy as an opportunity to further strengthen Infona AG’s position as a leading innovator in the technology industry. “By fostering knowledge and innovation, we not only strengthen our own position but also elevate the entire industry to a higher level,” emphasises Bejan. With such ambitious plans, it’s clear that Infona AG and the Infona Academy have a lot ahead of them. Ultimately, it is easy to see how Bejan Choschnau has come to be named our Software Development COO of the Year 2024 (Europe), being the strong leader and extraordinary visionary he is. As our conversation with him comes to a close, he is keen to share some advice for those who might be looking to follow a similar career path to himself. He tells us that one should: embrace continuous learning, gain hands-on experience, develop technical and soft skills, cultivate a problem-solving mindset, build a strong network, be adaptable and resilient, understand ethical implications, focus on user-centric design, champion innovation, and last but certainly not least, prepare for leadership. Company: Infona AG Contact: Bejan Choschnau Email: [email protected] Website: infona.app
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 8 enowned for its professional cleaning services across its homebase of Liverpool and the rest of the UK, TFS Group specialises in the likes of commercial cleaning services, infrastructure, facilities management, and support services. With a particular affinity for services of the sustainable variety, TFS Group has had a huge impact on the sector in recent years, such as when it could be seen carrying out frontline preventative cleaning and decontamination efforts at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. As the world recovers from the pandemic, people require intelligent, cost-effective solutions, and this is something that the company is passionate about providing. Champions of innovation and highly influential in this sector, the team continue to set the bar concerning technological advancements. One example of this saw the further enhancement of TFS Group’s highly intelligent facilities management model, as the company partnered with Siemens and utilised its leading-edge sensor technology to gauge the occupancy of facilities. At the helm here is CEO Luke Martin, whose approach to management revolves around the bigger picture, drawing on key insights across every element of an operation to foster an environment thriving on continuous learning, growth, and development. He explains, “recognising the distance between my position and the shop floor, I consider listening to feedback an essential skill. The more attentively I listen, the more knowledge I acquire, drawing from diverse sources such as employees, clients, and vendors.” It is Luke’s experience operating across the industry that has instilled this ethos in him and shaped his approach to management. Beginning his career in the field of facility management, this as a business development manager for a sizeable corporation, it was not long before Luke’s dedication to his craft saw his region expand to include both the UK and Ireland. This led to an opportunity at a smaller SME firm down the line, and after increasing that company’s turnover by 50%, Luke’s path to the boardroom was clearer than ever. After holding this executive-level position for several years, Luke tells us, “I decided to follow my vision of establishing a facilities management business centred around data, where the speed of service and response was crucial, thereby introducing technology to an A Total Solution for Facilities Services Total Facility Solutions Ltd, trading as TFS Group, is one of the UK’s leading providers of integrated facilities services. Headed up by Luke Martin, recognised here as the Most Influential CEO 2024 - North West England (Facility Services), TFS Group strives to deliver maximum value across all of its offerings, managing the facilities of its clients and caring for their people. On the back of this, it is the company’s ultimate vision to provide sustainable services that far exceed the expectations of clients. industry that was once considered outdated and traditional.” TFS Group was created shortly after, and from its Liverpool headquarters, TFS Group today employees more than 800 highly trained professionals and works in every major city throughout the UK. Overseeing such a sizeable operation is no easy task, but Luke has a number of approaches up his sleeve that ensure uniform quality and success. From leading from the front, to guiding rather than coercing, as well as engaging with members of staff individually, Luke knows what it takes to drive his team forwards. Trust in both his leadership team and their respective departments is equally key, and by consistently demonstrating his own commitment and diligence, Luke leads by example as opposed to just issuing commands. The family culture that runs throughout TFS Group means that a new member is joining a team and not simply becoming a cog in a machine. Offering incentives like industryleading training, comprehensive employee satisfaction surveys, as well as regional/ national awards and engagement events, Luke is passionate that the competence of his company is reflected in the quality and dedication of his employees. As he so eloquently puts it, “success harbours no secret; it is the result of persistent hard work and the willingness to take calculated risks.” As TFS Group continues to operate at the forefront of the facilities services sphere, making the most of the likes of cutting-edge AI technology to enhance its robotic and mapping capabilities, its CEO remains steadfast in his commitment to his employees and customers alike. With a competitive spirit that thrives on the fear of failure, Luke Martin strikes the balance between being a kind, decent, and approachable person whilst also possessing a knack for making the difficult decisions that see his company continue to thrive. R Contact: Luke Martin Company: Total Facility Solutions Ltd / TFS Group Web Address: www.tfsgroup.co.uk
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 9 02 8599 7998 (Australia) 1800 223 378 (Australian Toll Free) +61 2 8599 7998 (International) [email protected] https://brullen.com.au/ Lvel 1, 1-5 Link Road, 136 Epsom Rd, Zetland NSW 2017 AUSTRALIA Brullen Pty Ltd Awarded Most Influential CEO 2024 - Australia (Frozen Dessert Machines) Justin Fischer
Healthcare CTO of the Year 2024 (USA): Zack Storer Improving the World’s Health Through Curiosity and Pioneering Technology
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 11 May24586 The drive to improve communities, families, and individual lives is at the heart of Zack Storer’s lifetime of endeavors. This passion was even further cemented in 2021 when acute myopericarditis nearly took his life, and he was supported by skilled ER and nursing staff, ultimately making a full recovery. Deeply appreciative of the thousands of actual lives saved when burnout and healthcare worker turnover was highest during the second wave of the pandemic, Zack resolved to further give back to an industry that will see unprecedented demand over the next decade as the US population ages. In an era where technological advancements are as crucial as medical breakthroughs, Zack Storer has immersed in the broader industry and worked to achieve for the common good. Recently named Healthcare CTO of the Year (USA), his journey from the tech trenches to the pinnacle of ecosystem innovations is a testament to the power of visionary leadership bringing scaled engineering into the heart of a business. His adaptability and innovative mindset have made him a beacon of progress across technology sectors and have multiplied the impact through his early-stage investment firm, Angel Equity. “Zack possesses a unique blend of deep technical understanding, strategic business thinking and strong leadership skills. His energy and love for people make him a solid change agent and operator. Zack makes big ideas happen.”-Chad Jackson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Product, The Kroger Co. | 85.41 Zack’s leadership has not only generated billions of dollars in value but also improved millions of lives worldwide. His lifetime of working to improve societal health spans diverse verticals including: launching early digital Health & Wellness solutions, eCommerce/Fulfillment, and Mobile capabilities at the Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR), striving to make food healthier through computer vision systems/IoT and the elimination of harmful products used in traditional food production through Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), investments in personal and mental health startups through Angel Equity, and now helping grow the healthcare worker population through international nursing and education at Health Carousel. “Zack entered Health Carousel at a time of great change for the industry and the organization. His expertise in technology, paired with high business acumen, helped evolve what was a traditional IT organization into an embedded digital group that is core to business strategy, product creation, and solution delivery for clients and customers. Zack is a driver, a creative thought partner, and a systems builder; one of the most noteworthy: a culture of empowerment. While we’ve crossed paths over the years, it’s been a pleasure to get the chance to work closely, learning and building together.” -Tony Blankemeyer, Head of Product Planning & Analytics, Health Carousel Under his leadership, Health Carousel has undergone a revolutionary overhaul of its technological strategies to significantly advance omni-channel nursing platforms and scale. While Storer’s career spans leading in high-stakes arenas, from multibillion-dollar public retail giants to advising and investing in high growth companies, he is currently investing his time directly in the healthcare industry. His recent accomplishments have distinguished him as a Healthcare CTO of the Year and recent CIO of the Year Orbie finalist. The healthcare landscape, still grappling with the effects of a global pandemic, faces numerous challenges. An aging population, increasing complexity of healthcare needs, and a shortage of skilled professionals are just the beginning. At the helm of Health Carousel’s technological innovation, Storer has been pivotal in deploying cutting-edge solutions to get healthcare workers when and where they are needed most and partnering to improve access to healthcare services across the United States. Health Carousel has fully embraced digital transformation with the launch of ‘On Demand’, a platform that uniquely enables a native end-to-end digital journey for healthcare workers filling critical roles across the industry. These platforms streamline the process of staffing and managing healthcare professionals, ensuring that the right skills are available at the right time, thereby significantly enhancing service delivery and patient care. Storer’s influence extends beyond strategic foresight; his operational tactics deliver lasting value and foster an infectious culture of innovation. His approach, focusing on scalable, sustainable innovative solutions, has driven growth and positioned companies he is passionate about to be market leaders. The results speak for themselves: dramatic increases in growth, improved health and wellness, and mentoring industry talent that further fuel cutting-edge advances across planet. “Zack’s vision for enabling users with a new experience, above and beyond just the technical change, allowed the value of the new platform to be understood and supported at the executive level of the organization. His ability to communicate this vision was a key driver to the success of transformation.” -John West, Sr. Architect, Microsoft Beyond the boardroom, advisory, and digital transformation, Storer’s impact is profoundly personal. His dedication to improving the health and lives of people across all areas and walks of life is palpable. He brings a unique blend of technical acumen and empathetic leadership to the table, endeavoring to resonate deeply with his teams and the communities they serve. “Zack truly embodies the modern leader. He listens more than he speaks, he supports his team doesn’t try to bend them and he uses his unusually wide and deep industry experience to digitally transform aging companies. On a personal note, Zack is my mentor and has helped me selflessly grow my career in a sustainable way.”- Ateesh Vankayala, AI Product Strategy Leader, Stealth One of the standout aspects of Zack’s journey is his relentless pursuit of learning and adaptation. His academic pursuits at institutions like Stanford, Cornell, UC, and MIT, coupled with his rich hands-on experience across multiple industries, have equipped him with the rare ability to navigate and lead through complex challenges across every sector. This adaptability and drive to learn are crucial in an industry as dynamic and impactful as healthcare especially with the rise of democratized AI. As a visionary leader in technology and digital transformation, Zack stands out prominently in an ever-evolving AI data and math-driven healthcare landscape with a relentless focus on growth and impact. “Zack came to lead the technology team at Bowery at a critical time during the pandemic. Very quickly, he helped build stronger relationships across the team, address key recurring resource gaps, and position us well for the future. I truly appreciate the charisma he brought to the team and the impact he made in helping the team unify to progress towards a better future, and a better planet.”-Caleb Reed, Staff Data Scientist, Duolingo To get in touch with Zack Storer regarding keynote requests, board advisory, or philanthropic partnerships, inquiries can be made through LinkedIn or www.relentlesscuriosity.com. Awardee’s Company: Health Carousel Media Contact: Brian LeCount Website: www.healthcarousel.com / www. relentlesscuriosity.com
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 12 Rail Europe provides train booking services across a multi-national catalogue of railway networks. Across France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and beyond, it makes ticket booking a simple experience with a seamless digital platform, firstclass customer support, and competitive pricing. Founded in 1932, the company was originally intended to fulfil a specific purpose: to promote French rail routes to North American Travellers. The first route was sold between Paris and Lyon, and this remains one of the service’s most popular journeys to date, together with the Paris to London route operated by Eurostar. In 1959, the first Eurail passes were added, expanding travellers’ opportunities using the service. It’s since modernised, grown a thriving customer support team, and continued to improve its array of railway networks. Appointing Björn as CEO is among its latest developments. Rail Europe’s mission is to make train travel easy, and under CEO Björn Bender, it’s striding confidently into the future. Fuelled by a culture of continuous improvement, the company has sprung to become a global entity in the rail booking industry and an answer to European sustainability concerns. Björn is a mobility expert, having spent 20 years improving rail travel and gaining valuable experience across a breadth of roles including sales and management positions. He’s regularly invited to lecture at the University of St. Gallen, owing to a blend of first-class education, career success, and sector experience. Today, he’s proud to steward the future of Rail Europe’s remarkable journey. “For me, this transformation combines today’s strengths with tomorrow’s opportunities, that’s what makes us special.” As CEO, Björn considers it a responsibility in all he does to act according to the company’s values. As a business strategist, leader, and even in day-to-day interactions with the team, he promotes a passionate, diverse, and sustainable workplace. It’s Björn’s view that passion breeds creativity, and that building a culture of diverse individuals and voices is key to understanding a wide variety of customer needs, from all over the world. As part of the company’s mission under Björn, Rail Europe operates as sustainably as possible. Simply by advertising rail travel and expanding the convenience of booking services, the company plays a role in aligning Europe’s travel habits with environmental demands and continent-wide sustainability goals. It’s a viable option for many travellers instead of relying on more polluting modes of transport, and the business enthusiastically promotes this benefit. “Rail is already the most sustainable mode of travel, and we believe rail travel has the potential to become the mobility backbone for all of Europe, replacing more and more air travel and individual transport in a very convenient way.” Promoting sustainable travel is an industry challenge that Rail Europe embraces. They demand that a business understands the evolving needs of travellers and aligns its offering to both these and current regulations. Björn is confident that by bettering its offering, the company will continue to affect real change, swaying consumers towards a more convenient rail service, and ultimately act as part of the wider solution to environmental concerns. Rail Europe’s goal is simply to become the best rail booking platform. Through constant technological innovation allowing travellers to book seat reservations for rail passes and maintaining excellent relationships with its customers, its services are constantly improving. Alongside this, it also boasts a renewed, ultra-modern website and app, and it has recently incorporated providers iryo and Regiojet, making constant strides to provide the best possible service and largest inventory. The company has grown 60% over the past year, and this appears to be a forecast of things to come. The team’s continued motivation is only fuelled by this success, and its members all work towards the shared goal of leading the market in train travel booking. Björn, the team, and its partners all look forward to shaping the future of European train travel. When the stakes are as high impact as encouraging eco-friendly habits across the continent or as personal as facilitating memorable journeys, it’s Rail Europe’s pleasure to be a part of. Contact: Justine Rohée Company: Rail Europe Web Address: www.raileurope. com / agent.raileurope.com Rounding off a Century in European Train Travel
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 13 Leading the Way in Programme Modernisation Recenso Services helps Communications Service Providers (CSPs) to transform and digitalise their operations. Its team aligns its goals with CSP stakeholders and customers to audit programmes and improve their functionality, testing procedures, cybersecurity, and overall alignment with their intended goals. By focusing on enhancing business outcomes and profiles, it aims to modernise services in line with the latest environmental practices, reimagining workflows for the utmost sustainability. The organisation is ultimately people-centric, aiming to benefit everyone involved with each digital service it creates and improves. It’s committed to ensuring that no one fears AI replacing human employees and tackles the concern that digitalisation can complicate user experience. By leveraging best-practice and pragmatic use of AI, the team enhances customer experience while enabling and empowering employees. The team runs automated tests to identify software risks and bottlenecks to improve function and digitalise purposefully, ultimately enhancing business outcomes and profiles. Alberto has gone the extra mile in his role, earning Most Influential CEO 2024 – South East England (Digital & IT Modernisation). Alberto steers the business according to the core values at its heart: integrity, action, quality, and trust. Recenso is keen to provide transparent, honest service and takes responsibility for ensuring the best possible outcome. The team is constantly monitoring performance internally, developing in line with this and evolving to provide an everimproving client offering. It’s committed to identifying risks and bottlenecks to deliver ontime, on-budget, and with client satisfaction in mind. Alberto takes a hands-on approach to leadership. He aims to foster a collaborative, creative, and innovative work environment, taking every opportunity to provide learning and development to ensure an up-to-date skillset. The company thrives on its culture of client-centric attitudes and Alberto’s priority to support and empower staff at every level. “Our approach means that programme staff come into work smiling – motivated to do their best work – and leave the day smiling, feeling a sense of achievement and personal fulfilment.” As CEO, Alberto doesn’t alienate himself from teams within the business, instead aiming to empathise in all he does and maintain positive internal relationships. He demonstrates this attitude in part by showing trust in staff, delegating responsibility generously, and rewarding it well. It’s all about transparent communication and approachability for this CEO, though he recognises that there’s always room for improvement. A willingness to solicit and accept feedback forms an important part of this attitude. He’s always committed to serving his staff and recognising their service to the company, believing that respect and service should never be one-sided in a relationship. Like any industry, Recenso’s has suffered hardships throughout its life. Economic fluctuations, recruitment issues, and rapidly advancing technology have all posed challenges to the company, especially those related to recycling and sustainable practices. Recenso takes every step it can to work in an ecofriendly manner, and this often comes at the cost of finding creative solutions to problems, adapting quickly to adopt new technologies and meet everevolving industry demand. The business takes these issues in stride, expanding into new markets and investing heavily in cutting-edge recycling technologies, reducing environmental impact wherever possible. Atop its suite of sustainability initiatives, it’s also agile, adapting to market trends, and engages in plenty of outreach to raise awareness of eco-friendly practice. Recenso is dedicated to keeping up with the latest regulations and takes pride in the responsibility, constantly striving to stand alongside market leaders in sustainable IT services. “I aspire to become a thought leader in the recycling industry by sharing my expertise, insights, and experiences through public speaking engagements, panel discussions, and publications.” Recenso has quickly risen to become an authority in in programme assurance, consulting, and system integration. Thanks to an expert team and Alberto’s leadership, the company is set to improve the offering of more communication service providers, and it will no doubt continue to excel within the sustainability sphere, bettering clients’ products and services, and the recycling industry as a whole. Contact: Alberto Bellofatto Company: Recenso Services Web Address: www.recensoservices.com May24468 Under CEO Alberto Bellofatto, Recenso Services (Recenso) operates strategically, sustainably, and delivers its best work for the benefit of stakeholders and end users alike. He takes a personal interest in the company’s journey from daily operations to its financial health, all according to a mantra of sustainable innovation. Here, we speak with Alberto to find out just why his leadership approach is so effective.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 14 Industry Leader Proving the Power of Perseverance ounded in 2010, Petite Amélie is the story of a mother’s personal journey in designing and manufacturing unique accessories for baby and children’s rooms. Founder Joanna was left transfixed by a classic pram in her childhood, and as an adult she sought to create a crib inspired by that same beautiful pram. It was in her father’s studio that she designed the Petite Wagon, the first of a stunning crib collection subsequently made in that same brocante style. Thereafter, Petite Amélie was born. “At Petite Amélie, we believe every child has the right to an inspiring and magical childhood. Our timeless, elegant children’s furniture, thoughtful toys, and highquality textiles are all designed to stimulate imagination and create a safe and creative environment where families can make special memories together,” Patrick tells us. The company’s mission is to inspire families to create such spaces for their children through Petite Amélie’s products. The company strives to be the most beloved brand in the children’s industry worldwide, continually pushing for sustainable innovation and a strong customer focus. Petite Amélie aim to inspire families through its products, combining timeless design with French charm to create a warm and stylish atmosphere. The company hopes to help families create precious memories, preserving Jun24274 Petite Amélie is the leading brand in children’s furniture, crafting timeless and elegant furniture that does not compromise on functionality. Helmed by CEO Patrick Miami, Petite Amélie has gradually expanded its range to encompass a comprehensive collection designed to uplift and enhance the nursery. Below, we speak with Patrick to learn more about the ways in which he has driven Petite Amélie to remarkable success. F the magic of childhood with products that exude magnificent craftsmanship. Patrick joined Petite Amélie in 2023 and has steered the company from strength to strength ever since. Though, his journey to brilliance was not always easy, as Patrick recalls, “Growing up, I often felt misunderstood in school. My quick thinking and fastpaced learning style didn’t fit into the traditional educational mould, leaving me frustrated and underappreciated. Teachers couldn’t keep up and I frequently felt like the system couldn’t see who I was.” But this didn’t stop Patrick. Rather than letting these challenges become obstacles, he allowed them to motivate him. He realised early on that his potential was larger than a classroom setting and turned his focus outside, seeking knowledge from real-world experiences and allowing these moments to shape his future. With experience spanning across all facets of the retail sector, Patrick has developed a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and how it can be influenced. “From the sales floor to executive management, each role taught me invaluable lessons and helped me develop a keen sense of market trends and business strategies,” he tells us. Patrick embraced the fast-paced world of eCommerce early on, driven by an insatiable curiosity of the market. He reports that becoming a digital professional has spurred his desire to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging innovative technologies, further enhancing customer experiences, and driving the growth of the business. Now, Patrick strives to encourage and inspire his team, fostering a culture where innovation can thrive, and everyone can achieve success. He hopes that his journey will motivate his team and testify the importance of resilience, because there is limitless potential within each of us. “Today, as the CEO of Petite Amélie, I lead with a philosophy rooted in my journey. I focus on inclusivity, trust, and openness, creating an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered. My story is proof that traditional paths don’t define success. It’s about believing in yourself, embracing your strengths, and turning challenges into opportunities,” Patrick says. Initially, Patrick would be described as a detailedoriented manager, who was deeply involved in each aspect of his company’s operations. While this approach ensured precision, he also found that it limited his ability to see the bigger picture, and subsequently his ability to leverage the full potential of his team. Over time, he realised that authentic leadership requires placing trust in others. Patrick had to learn to delegate his responsibilities, which empowered his team members to take ownership of their roles.
CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 7 2024 15 While his team were given the space to excel in their areas of expertise, Patrick was now afforded the time to focus on strategic vision and innovation. Looking back, he says, “This transformation wasn’t easy, but it was essential. I became a more effective and inspiring leader by embracing a leadership style centred on trust, inclusivity, and openness. Today, I lead Petite Amélie with a focus on empowering others, and I am confident in the collective strength of our team.” The strength of the team is something that Patrick ensures is well-known, opting to create an internal atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work. The culture is vibrant and inclusive, made to reflect the company’s diverse international staff. Each day, Patrick holds a joint lunch so that the team can gather to share their food and personal stories. Such events strengthen intrapersonal bonds within the team and blends professional dedication with personal connection. Patrick attributes this balance of hard work and camaraderie within the team as critical to the company’s success. Promoting such a hardworking culture within the team has certainly been advantageous when presented with complex industry challenges. With many new players entering the market, Patrick notes that many are accompanied by less stringent safety and quality controls. Such companies often prioritise cost over compliance, and manufacture products that do not meet the same rigorous standards upheld by Petite Amélia. This proses potential risks to children, which in turn undermines consumer trust in the entire market. However, Patrick informs us, “At Petite Amélie, we are committed to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. Children’s products should be crafted with the utmost care and integrity, ensuring they are safe and durable. To navigate these challenges, we continuously advocate for stricter industry regulations and emphasise the importance of transparency and accountability.” Transparency is vital across all areas of Petite Amélie’s operations. While forming strategy, Patrick must not only account for rigorous risk assessment and financial analysis, but also consider stakeholder management. He dedicates himself to maintaining an elevated level of transparency between himself and stakeholders, ensuring that they not only remain informed but also feel valued and included. Balancing risks, finances, and stakeholder expectations can be challenging, but Patrick knows that sustaining such a balance will only drive himself and the company to greater heights. He says, “I strive to achieve steady growth while upholding our unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in the children’s market. This commitment is not just a statement but a guiding principle that ensures our stakeholders remain not just confident but also inspired and aligned with our directions and decisions.” This commitment to building strong relationships is not reserved for Petite Amélie’s stakeholders, but also for its customers. The company prides itself on its unwavering commitment to customer centricity and aims to support its customers on their exciting journey of becoming parents. Petite Amélie strives to create lasting connections and trust with customers, ensuring that the brand is synonymous with excellence and care in the children’s market. Patrick remarks that his first year as CEO at Petite Amélie has been smooth, bringing him minimal challenges. He says, “This ease is a testament to the incredible team I inherited, who were more than ready to embark on our shared journey. Their dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm have made the transition seamless, allowing us to focus on innovation and growth. Together, we continue to build a bright future for Petite Amélie, driven by a collective vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.” Looking ahead, Patrick predicts that 2025 will be a transformative year for Petite Amélie, as the company prepares to integrate with Jollein, another well-known brand in the group. This integration will take place under Patrick’s leadership and promises to build a solid foundation for the company’s future success. Combining systems, as well as cultures, values, and strengths, is sure to create a unified powerhouse fit to lead the baby and children industry. With Patrick at the helm, the integration will no doubt be a tremendous success for the company. For displaying such creativity, innovation, and dedication, Patrick has been deservedly recognised in our Most Influential CEO Awards 2024. Speaking of the future, Patrick tells us, “As I embark on this exciting journey of integrating Petite Amélie with Jollein, my commitment to our shared success is stronger than ever. As one team, we aim to excel in all aspects of our business, prioritising and supporting our customers through the incredible journey of becoming parents and delivering our goals to all stakeholders. “And about what’s next for me after this thrilling chapter? I look forward to facing the future with the same curiosity and enthusiasm I have always shown.” Company: Petite Amélie Web Address: www.petiteamelie.com
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