George Mironescu is a Research Manager based in Milan, Italy, running IDC’s European Infrastructure & Private Cloud Services subscription service. In his role, George leads IDC’s research program around the European private/hybrid cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) services, including both professional services and cloud provisioning. He also advises clients on various strategic and tactic projects such as go-to-market design and localisation in Europe, competitive positioning, identification of prospects and opportunity mapping.

George joined IDC from Pierre Audoin Consultants (PAC), where he spend 12 years in a number of roles analyzing IT services and application software markets, including covering the cloud and platform services space in the UK and across Europe. George has led research in areas including packaged application services (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Salesforce), the UK IT services market, the European manufacturing IT landscape and the Iberian IT services market. He has led consulting projects in areas such as cloud orchestration, DevOps, cloud-based application delivery ecosystems and cloud vendor mapping & positioning. George has a BA from the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest in Marketing.

I began my IBM journey as a Level 1 Support Engineer specializing in Storage infrastructure. Being a tech enthusiast, I’ve always admired IBM’s legacy and innovative culture, a company that continuously sets technology trends over its impressive 100+ years.

I advanced through various support roles, eventually becoming a technical specialist supporting customers across Europe, traveling extensively to resolve critical infrastructure issues. Inspired by my passion for technology solutions, I transitioned into Technical Sales, educating clients about innovative infrastructure technologies and helping them overcome business challenges with tailored technological strategies. Eager to own the complete customer journey, I moved into a dedicated Sales role supporting top-tier customers across diverse industries, a position that allowed me to combine technical expertise with business acumen. Recognizing opportunities in integrating our portfolio offerings, I led an exceptional sales and technical team in the Netherlands, merging five distinct brands into one cohesive force equipped to navigate today’s rapid technological shifts.

Now, I am proud to lead the IBM Storage Brand covering the whole NCEE consisting of 35 countries, I focus on shaping a vibrant culture around this fast-growing brand through leading by example. Dad of 3, Online Gamer, Kitesurfing, Golf and techy.

Tatiana Vybostokova is AI Sales Leader for Northern, Central and Eastern Europe at IBM, where she helps clients turn AI and data ambitions into real business outcomes. With a background spanning data science, architecture, and watsonx, she brings both technical depth and commercial insight to enterprise AI transformation.

Cerasela Baiculescu is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, driven by a strong belief in the power of leadership to create sustainable impact. She studied at London Business School and completed an Executive MBA with ASEBUSS and Kennesaw State University, alongside extensive training in business management, corporate governance and sales.

Cerasela joined IBM in 2007 and has since held multiple customer‑facing and leadership roles, both locally and internationally, including the coordination of Central and Eastern Europe Technical Lifecycle Services. In 2022, she was appointed General Manager of IBM Romania and Moldova and currently serves as Vice President of the AmCham Romania Board of Directors.

With a strong business acumen, Cerasela is equally passionate about building organizations grounded in trust, responsibility and equity, and about using technology as a force for positive impact in society

Ana Maria Brânză is one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of Romanian fencing, an Olympic champion at Rio 2016 and a multiple World and European medalist in épée fencing. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she was named the world’s best épée fencer five times, becoming a symbol of excellence, discipline, and resilience. Beyond her Olympic, World, and European medals, her journey reflects courage, composure under pressure, and the ability to turn obstacles into motivation. Drawing from more than twenty years of competing at the highest level, Ana brings an authentic perspective on leadership, trust, and building a mindset focused on excellence, both in sport and in life.

From 1990, his profesional and business development has been bound to IBM. Initially employed by the IBM’s Alliance company in Romania – Romanian Business Systems (RBS), Paul started as customer engineer and soon after as IBM PC Business Unit Manager.
IBM has taken over RBS and IBM Romania SRL was born in 1995.
Until 2001, it has been offered him cumulative major responsibilities – IBM PC – Business Unit, Product Unit, Software Group and Marketing Manager.
From 2001 is leading SYSCO SRL, decisively contributing in implementing the business strategy and its reputation on the Romanian IT&C market.

After starting his career at IBM more then 20 years ago, Rafiq joined TD SYNNEX (formerly known as Tech Data / Avnet) in 2005 and has since held multiple leadership roles, both locally and internationally, including running the IBM business in Europe for TD SYNNEX the last 4.5 years. At the heart of enterprise technology, Rafiq knows the IBM ecosystem like few others do. He’s built business units, navigated complex partner networks across Europe, and turned strategic vision into real, measurable growth.

Today, as Senior Director IBM & Business Applications Europe, he leads the strategic direction and growth of our +2b$ IBM and Business Applications business across the region — bringing together commercial sharpness, deep channel expertise, and a genuine understanding of what it takes to move the needle in enterprise tech

Simona Sterea brings over 22 years of IT&C experience to the table — bridging the gap between complex technology and real business outcomes. As Channel & Alliance Growth Manager at ASEE, she specializes in building partnerships that last, driving digital transformation, and turning strategic relationships into measurable growth. A trusted voice at the intersection of technology, people and business.

Gabriel Ciucu is the Managing Director of ALEF Distribution Romania, a leading value-added distributor specializing in IT infrastructure, data, AI, and cybersecurity solutions. With extensive experience in the technology sector and a strong focus on the IBM ecosystem, he plays a key role in developing partner networks and driving business growth across the Romanian market.

Under his leadership, ALEF has strengthened its position as a strategic partner for global technology vendors, supporting organizations in their digital transformation journey through innovative solutions and value-added services.

Lana Ilović is General Manager and Technology Leader for Central and Eastern Territory at IBM,
responsible for operations across 22 countries and 8 offices, and Chair of the Supervisory Board of
IBM Croatia. She is an inspiring corporate leader and one of the most influential executives in the
region’s technology sector, with nearly 20 years of international experience in leading business
transformations, strategic management, and developing large-scale commercial systems.
She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management and has furthered her education at prestigious
international institutions including Boston University and London Business School. She is recognized
for her ability to inspire and mobilize teams, build a culture of trust and high standards, and for her
distinguished expertise in leading complex commercial negotiations.