Keynote Speaker
Raul V. Rodriguez
Vice President, Woxsen University
Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez is Vice President at Woxsen University, India and Sir Cary Cooper Professor of Organisational Behaviour. A computational social scientist, he specializes in human-centred AI, AI governance, cognitive psychology, organisational behaviour, and the future of work. His work explores the intersection of technology, human decision-making, and organizational dynamics. Dr. Rodriguez has delivered approximately 180 invited keynotes, panels, and chaired sessions across six continents, including engagements with the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, World Summit AI, NASSCOM, CII, and IATA. He also serves as an expert with UNESCO and the European Commission. In 2026, he was named among the Best 40 Under 40 Business Professors by Poets & Quants.
Plenary Speakers
Dharam “DG” Gurbani
Chief Growth Officer, Ascendion
Dharam “DG” Gurbani is Chief Growth Officer at Ascendion, overseeing the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India. He leads revenue acceleration, market penetration, and operational scaling, supporting Ascendion’s growth as an AI-native software engineering company. With over 20 years of leadership experience across retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, and technology, he has built and managed billion-dollar P&Ls, transformed global operations, and delivered sustained growth at LTIMindtree, Mindtree, and Essentra. His specialties include growth strategy, large-scale P&L management, operational transformation, client development, and translating business needs into AI-powered outcomes. At Ascendion, he helps create client value by combining platforms, AI, and human ingenuity to improve speed, quality, cost, and risk. Known for building trust and delivering measurable results, he focuses on turning market complexity into competitive advantage.
Panelists
Nathalie Bernardo
Vice President and Site Head, Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines
Nathalie Bernardo is Vice President and Site Head of Sun Life Global Solutions Philippines, where she leads a multidisciplinary global capability center delivering technology, client care, and knowledge solutions across North America and Asia. Her expertise spans AI-enabled delivery, business transformation, operations, technology, human resources, and digital delivery, with a focus on combining technology with human judgment to create sustained business value. With over 25 years of experience, Nathalie has held leadership positions at Hewlett-Packard, Coca-Cola, and Accenture, leading transformation initiatives across various functions. She is also an advocate for globally competitive Filipino talent and women in technology. Her contributions to transformation and people leadership earned her the Woman Leader of the Year award at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards. She holds an MBA from De La Salle University and executive certificates from INSEAD and eCornell University.
Marco Escareal
Corporate Health Associate Director, Aon Philippines
Dr. Marco Escareal is Corporate Health Associate Director at Aon Philippines, where he advises employers on workforce resilience, employee wellbeing, and sustainable business performance. A physician with more than 25 years of experience across healthcare, the IT-BPM industry, medical education, workforce wellbeing, and organizational transformation, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of health, human capital, and business strategy. Drawing from leadership roles in corporate, healthcare, and academic settings, Dr. Escareal advocates for a human-centered approach to organizational transformation. His areas of focus include workforce wellbeing, adaptability, workforce readiness, and trust amid rapid technological change. He also explores how AI and emerging technologies can go beyond improving efficiency to create better work, unlock human potential, and support resilient, future-ready workforces.
Willy Lim
Vice President for Human Resources, Marketing and Talent Acquisition – APAC, Foundever
Willy “Will” Lim is Vice President for Human Resources, Marketing and Talent Acquisition – APAC at Foundever, where he oversees functions across the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as China’s country operations. He joined Foundever in 2004 and brings extensive leadership experience in human resources, talent acquisition, recruitment, talent analytics, workforce management, and shared services. Will specializes in building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and driving process improvement, innovation, and cost efficiency aligned with business goals. His experience spans complex, high-volume operations, from recruitment and workforce management to HR shared services and risk management. In recognition of his leadership, he was named to the 2024 PH Top Talent Leaders Bridge100 List and recognized by the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) in 2025 as one of the Most Inspiring Executives in Asia.
Gelo Madrid
President, Maya Bank
Angelo “Gelo” Madrid is President of Maya Bank, one of the Philippines’ leading digital banks. Before joining Maya, he served as Country Manager of Tala Philippines, a US-based fintech lending startup. He also held various roles at Citibank in New York, including co-founding a fintech startup with Citi Ventures that uses alternative data to help US consumers gain access to credit. His experience spans digital banking, fintech lending, credit innovation, and the use of alternative data in financial services. Gelo holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and a Juris Doctor degree from Ateneo de Manila University, as well as an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Dannah Majarocon
Managing Director, Jobstreet by SEEK
Dannah Majarocon is the Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK, leading the company’s AI-powered transformation of digital recruitment in the Philippines. Appointed to lead SEEK in the country in July 2023, she previously gained technology industry experience at Groupon, Globe, and GCash and became Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines at age 26. She has also completed INSEAD’s Advanced Management Program. Her specialties include digital recruitment, intelligent talent matching, automation, and the responsible use of generative AI. Under her leadership, Jobstreet by SEEK uses these technologies to help employers identify suitable talent more efficiently while supporting jobseekers with skills development and verification tools. Beyond her corporate role, Dannah champions coaching and mentorship, particularly for young women, by building programs and networks that prepare future leaders for an AI-enabled economy.
Saju Pillai
Senior Vice President, Sagility Philippines
Saju Pillai is Senior Vice President at Sagility Philippines, where he oversees operations, driving customer success, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and organizational development across a diverse portfolio. He is a business leader with over 26 years of experience in large-scale operations, client delivery, and business transformation across the healthcare and BPO sectors. Throughout his career, Saju has built high-performing teams, developed trusted client partnerships, and championed innovation while focusing on people and performance. Before joining Sagility, he held senior leadership positions at Concentrix, UnitedHealth Group/Optum, Aegis, Genpact, and WNS. His areas of expertise include operations leadership, client delivery, business transformation, organizational development, and operational scale. Saju holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from Delhi University and has completed executive management programs in India and the Philippines.
Josephine Romero
Senior Adviser, ASEAN Business Advisory Council
Josephine Romero is a business and public-sector leader with expertise in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, trade, and jobs and skills development. She serves as Senior Adviser for Digital to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines Chairman, Head Secretariat for the President’s Private Sector Advisory Council – Education and Jobs Sector Group, President of the Private Sector Jobs and Skills Corporation, and CEO of Zip Financial Technologies Inc. She is also a certified mentor for Go Negosyo’s Kapatid Mentorship for Micro Enterprise (KMME) Program, focusing on digital transformation for women entrepreneurs. Previously, Romero held various positions at the Department of Trade and Industry, including Assistant Secretary of the Foreign Trade Service Corps and Chief of Staff to the Trade Secretary. As Special Trade Representative, she headed DTI overseas posts in the United States and Brazil. She holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of the Philippines.
Moderator & Presenters
Jimbo Borja
President, S&P Global Philippines
Jimbo Borja is President of S&P Global Philippines, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s centers in Manila. Since joining S&P Global in 2014, he has strengthened operational frameworks and implemented strategic initiatives focused on efficiency and continuous improvement. His specialties include operational excellence, strategic execution, problem-solving, financial services, and business process outsourcing operations. Before assuming his current role, Jimbo held leadership positions across sales, marketing, and operations at SPI Global, a subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, and Citibank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management of Financial Institutions from De La Salle University. Beyond his operational responsibilities, he serves as Executive Sponsor of PRIDE and advocates for the CORE and Green Team initiatives, supporting workplace inclusion, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and community engagement.