Fireside Chat: Financial Agility – Why it’s a Necessity, Not a Luxury
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

Fireside Chat: Financial Agility – Why it’s a Necessity, Not a Luxury

Wetteny Joseph is executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company and a member of the Fortune 500. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the financial management, planning, operations and indirect procurement functions. Mr. Joseph also has oversight responsibility for the company’s Human Health Diagnostics business. During his career, he has worked across diverse and complex businesses; led finance functions, business units and business development; and managed relationships with stakeholders from customers and suppliers to investors.

Mr. Joseph joined Zoetis in June 2021, after having spent 13 years in executive positions at Catalent, a global leader in pharmaceuticals, biologics and consumer health products. Before joining Zoetis, he was senior vice president and chief financial officer of Catalent for three years, overseeing accelerated financial growth and value creation at the company through transformational acquisitions and organic capital deployment. He first joined Catalent in 2008 as corporate controller and held several senior finance positions until October 2015, when he was named president of the Clinical Supply Services business, responsible for $400 million in annual sales from the global business unit.

Before joining Catalent, Mr. Joseph held a variety of senior financial positions at the industrial distribution company HD Supply, including as chief financial officer of its $1.2 billion plumbing and HVAC business unit. He also served as corporate controller for Hughes Supply, a Fortune 500, NYSE-listed company that was acquired by Home Depot and became part of HD Supply. In his early career, Mr. Joseph spent six years at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an auditor and strategic financial advisor across a variety of industries.

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The Power of Global Perspective: Cultural Intelligence in Business Transformation and Operational Excellence
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

The Power of Global Perspective: Cultural Intelligence in Business Transformation and Operational Excellence

Dumi Martinez is the CFO of Mars Global Services (MGS), the global business services division of Mars, Incorporated. As CFO, Dumi oversees all strategic financial initiatives across Mars, including integration services, global portfolio management, and business development. His leadership is instrumental in actualizing the MGS OGSM and the success of the MGS finance team and its business partners. Dumi started his career at Mars in 2020 as the CFO of KIND and subsequently assumed the role of Global CFO, Health and Wellness, overseeing finance and strategy of this new division within Mars Snacking, which, under his leadership, reached $1.1 billion in sales across North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia in 2022. During his tenure, Dumi played a pivotal role in the integration of acquisitions such as KIND North America, Nature’s Bakery, and TrüFrü. Before joining Mars, he served as the CFO for Essity’s Professional Hygiene and Americas business units. Dumi earned his degrees in international management from Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico. Dumi is passionate about spending time with his family, coaching and mentorship, and travel. To date, he’s traveled to 67 countries (and counting)!

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CFOs: Don’t Let An Outdated Accounts Receivable Program Stifle Business Growth
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

CFOs: Don’t Let An Outdated Accounts Receivable Program Stifle Business Growth

Elliot leads business development and partnerships for Capital One Trade Credit. He develops relationships with enterprises to grow their B2B business and improve their working capital by leveraging the Capital One Trade Credit full-service accounts receivable (AR) solution. Prior to joining Capital One, Elliot led strategic partnerships and investments at JPMorgan Chase, where he created new capabilities through fintech partnerships. Before that, Elliot held several roles in corporate development and strategy at global banks and fintech firms.

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Spend Management Paradigm Shift: What It Is and How You Can Get Ahead
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

Spend Management Paradigm Shift: What It Is and How You Can Get Ahead

Emburse is the global leader in spend optimization. Our expense, travel management, purchasing and accounts payable, and payments solutions are trusted by more than 12 million business professionals, including CFOs, finance teams, and travelers. More than 18,000 organizations of all sizes in 120 countries, count on our intelligent automation, sophisticated analytics, and unmatched spend control to streamline processes, increase spend visibility, enhance compliance, for better financial outcomes.

We humanize work. We eliminate manual, time-consuming tasks, so our customers and their teams can focus on what matters most in their personal and professional lives.

For more information, visit emburse.com.

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FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

How to Make Finance Your Data Power Center: The MLB Network Story

Join a discussion with MLB Network to discover how they transformed their lean finance team from a data bottleneck into the network’s data innovation engine. Learn how they tackled scattered spreadsheets, manual reporting, and siloed systems to build a streamlined data infrastructure that now powers the entire organization. We’ll share practical steps to elevate your FP&A team from an underresourced, reactive function to a strategic leader in technology and innovation. Whether you’re wrestling with data challenges or looking to increase your finance team’s impact, this session will provide actionable steps to turn your finance department into a data powerhouse.

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Doing More with Less: The Challenges Non-Profits Face and Address Utilizing Best Practices — A Conversation with Mandy Jacomet of NeighborWorks Toledo Region
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE, PODCAST

Doing More with Less: The Challenges Non-Profits Face and Address Utilizing Best Practices — A Conversation with Mandy Jacomet of NeighborWorks Toledo Region

Mandy is the Chief Financial Officer for NeighborWorks Toledo Region located in Northwest, Ohio. NeighborWorks Toledo Region is a chartered member of NeighborWorks America focusing on community development initiatives by providing financial education, promoting homeownership, developing affordable housing, and performing Weatherization services for those who qualify in order to reduce energy costs, promote self-sufficiency, and improve the lives of individuals in our communities.
Mandy has 25+ years of financial and managerial accounting experience in a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, information technology, higher education and client services. She holds her MBA in Organizational Leadership and Development from Tiffin University and a Bachelor’s in Financial Accounting from the University of Findlay. Additionally, she is a licensed Mortgage Lending Officer and a HUD Certified Housing Counselor.

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Asking the Right Questions About EPM Systems  – A Conversation with Rob Konferowicz of CCH Tagetik
FINANCE, VIDEO, FINANCE

Asking the Right Questions About EPM Systems  – A Conversation with Rob Konferowicz of CCH Tagetik

At the 2025 edition of the North American Finance Executive Summit series we sat down with Rob Konferowicz of CCH Tagetik. A new generation of Enterprise Performance Management tools is coming online. As the older tools become less and less suited to a changing business landscape, many finance professionals are being asked to make informed choices in relatively short time frames about the technologies they will be using for many years to come. Should contracts be renewed for the next edition of the tried, tested, and true? What are the other options out there, and how do they compare? How should these executives gather the information they need to identify the best solutions to their organizations’ specific challenges and opportunities? What do they need to know, and what is the best way to get impactful, meaningful answers? For all this and more, give this episode a listen!

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Fireside Chat: Transforming Supply Chains into Competitive Advantages: A Strategic Vision for Medtronic
LIFE SCIENCES

Fireside Chat: Transforming Supply Chains into Competitive Advantages: A Strategic Vision for Medtronic

Greg Smith is Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Supply Chain at Medtronic. He is responsible for the performance and integration of all aspects of the company’s operations including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Supply Management, Operational Excellence and Transformation, Enterprise Risk and Facilities, and Operations Quality.

Before joining Medtronic in April 2021, Greg was the Executive Vice President of U.S. Supply Chain at Walmart, one of the world’s largest and most complex supply chains. Greg transformed Walmart’s supply chain to be best in class, developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy that drove sales, achieved operational excellence, reduced costs, and that created an engaging, enabling, and empowering work environment.

Greg is deeply committed to diversity, equality, and the belief that a diverse workplace where everyone feels included results in stronger teams and the highest level of service to our patients, customers, and employees. He was recognized as a 2020 Diversity Leader by Diversity Journal (opens new window).

Before joining Walmart, Greg was Senior Vice President, Global Operations at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where he was responsible for 52 manufacturing facilities across four business units around the world. He successfully led the company’s global optimization program and implemented an enterprise manufacturing operating system, a global procurement program, and an enterprise planning and logistics approach.

In his more than 35 years of supply chain and operations experience, Greg has also transformed manufacturing, procurement, and logistics programs at companies including ConAgra Foods, United Signature Foods, VDK Frozen Foods, and Quaker Oats.

Greg earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and he currently serves on the College of Business advisory board. He serves on the GS1 Management Board and is the Vice Chairman of its Board Committee for Healthcare. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for Advance Auto Parts, Inc. He is also a member of the Gartner Supply Chain Executive Advisory Board.

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Are Sustainable Supply Chains a Myth?
LIFE SCIENCES

Are Sustainable Supply Chains a Myth?

Paudie O’Connor is the Senior Vice President for Global Supply Chain at Boston Scientific, a position he has held since May 2022. In this role, he serves on the company’s Executive Committee and is responsible for leading the world-class Global Supply Chain team, comprised of thousands of colleagues guided by its purpose of delivering for patients. Paudie’s career in healthcare and medical technology has spanned over 26 years, serving in various roles across management, operations and engineering. Previously, Paudie served as Vice President, Planning and Customer Experience at Boston Scientific from January 2021 to April 2022 and multi-site vice president, Manufacturing from February 2015 to January of 2021. Prior roles in Boston Scientific included Vice President of the Clonmel, Ireland site from January of 2009 to February of 2015 and various engineering and operations positions in the U.S. and Ireland from 1998 to 2008. Prior, Paudie worked for Aer Lingus, PRI Automation and Integer. He is the current sponsor of the Massachusetts PRIDE employee resource group. Paudie earned a B.A. in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College in Dublin and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from University College Dublin.

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Regulatory Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Global Market
LIFE SCIENCES

Regulatory Strategy: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating the Global Market

Dina is currently the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for Terumo Medical Corporation where she oversees both US and global Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining Terumo in 2008, Dina spent 17 years at the FDA as a reviewer and later a branch chief in the Division of Cardiovascular Devices. She also spent some time as a Sr. RA consultant prior to joining Terumo.

Dina holds a BS in Biomedical Engineering from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

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Transforming Supply Chain Quality Processes in the Digital Era
LIFE SCIENCES

Transforming Supply Chain Quality Processes in the Digital Era

Aileen Barreto Rivera is a transformational global leader with extensive experience in Supply Chain and Quality within the Medical Devices and Pharmaceuticals industry. Since joining Johnson & Johnson in 1995, Aileen has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility across various business units including Orthopedics, Vision Care, Diabetes Care and Innovative Medicine with direct accountability of Manufacturing, Lean, Engineering, and Quality functions. Her professional journey spans across key locations, including Puerto Rico, Europe, and the United States.

Throughout her tenure, Aileen has successfully led numerous strategic projects, including operational readiness for key product launches, site start up strategies and significant efficiency improvements within the manufacturing landscape. Her leadership has facilitated remarkable accomplishments, during acquisitions, compliance improvements initiatives, as well as significant contributions to community initiatives, reflecting her passion for people. Aileen’s commitment to excellence is evident in her ability to drive performance and engagement while maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, as well as an alumni of notable leadership programs at J&J.

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From Complaints to Patient Breakthroughs: Harnessing AI to Capture Voice of Customer and Accelerate Medical Device Innovation
LIFE SCIENCES

From Complaints to Patient Breakthroughs: Harnessing AI to Capture Voice of Customer and Accelerate Medical Device Innovation

Zillery A. Fortner is a respected professional in the life sciences industry with over 30 years of experience. She has held roles like surgical assistant, quality assurance specialist, regulatory affairs expert, and accreditation professional. Now, she is the Industry Business Development Director, SME at Honeywell, advocating for customers.

Her dedication to innovation is evident in her involvement in professional organizations and her numerous patents. Zillery’s extensive knowledge helps drive digital innovation and ensure regulatory compliance in the industry.

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Panel Discussion: Navigating the Journey to Quality and Regulatory Mastery
LIFE SCIENCES

Panel Discussion: Navigating the Journey to Quality and Regulatory Mastery

Evaluating the effects of new regulations on the medical device sector
Providing guidance on creating and deploying efficient quality management systems
Examining the careful balance between innovation and safety mandates
Sharing approaches for conducting quality risk assessments and taking proactive measures
Charting a future course for the medical device industry with best practices and learned insights

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Performance Management Beyond Limits: Elevating Operations Excellence Globally
LIFE SCIENCES

Performance Management Beyond Limits: Elevating Operations Excellence Globally

Chester Zelaya is the Senior Vice President of Implant Network Global Operations at Edwards Lifesciences, overseeing global facilities that support both Surgical Heart Valve and Trans-Catheter Divisions. With over 30 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, Chester has a proven track record of driving operational excellence across diverse, multi-plant environments. Prior to joining Edwards, he held senior roles at Shire and Baxter, where he managed large-scale plasma manufacturing operations and led significant global initiatives. Chester also serves as a board member for Heart to Heart Global Cardiac Care, helping to expand access to life-saving cardiac treatments in underserved regions. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and commitment to building high-performing teams contribute to his success as a leader in the healthcare industry.

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How a Global MedTech Leader Operates to Unlock the Future Medical Device Manufacturing
LIFE SCIENCES

How a Global MedTech Leader Operates to Unlock the Future Medical Device Manufacturing

In his role, Viju is responsible for global operations, including manufacturing, direct procurement, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, sustainability, integrated business planning, logistics and advanced operations such as additive manufacturing technology development.

Prior to joining us, Viju served as Chief Supply Chain Officer and Senior Vice President at Verizon. Before his work at Verizon, Viju held key leadership roles at Intel in technology, supply chain and manufacturing operations.

Viju earned his doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania and dual graduate degrees (MBA, S.M. in electrical engineering) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Leaders for Global Operations program. He also holds a graduate degree (M.S.E. in computer science engineering) from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Kerala, India.

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The Journey from Quality Remediation to Quality Excellence
LIFE SCIENCES

The Journey from Quality Remediation to Quality Excellence

David Kunz was appointed Senior Vice President, Global Quality and Regulatory Affairs in May 2017. He is responsible for providing strategic and operational direction to achieve Quality and Regulatory Excellence across the organization and he chairs the Company’s Quality Excellence Steering Committee. Mr. Kunz joined the Company (then Zimmer) in 2011 as Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance for the Spine division. He was appointed Senior Vice President, Global Quality, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs in April 2016. Prior to joining Zimmer, he served as Vice President, Quality Assurance of Ecolab, where he led a supply chain network including nine chemical plants and two equipment plants. Previously, he spent 13 years at Guidant/Boston Scientific Corporation in a variety of leadership positions, most recently as the Director of Supplier Quality Assurance for the CRV Division. He began his career at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Headquarters as a mechanical engineer. Mr. Kunz holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. He is a certified Nuclear Engineer and previously was a certified Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer.

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