2–3 Mar 2026
Valencia, Spain
2–3 Mar 2026
Valencia, Spain
The energy transition is no longer a distant goal; it’s a journey well underway. The train has left the station, and there’s no turning back. Why should there be? A cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world awaits future generations.
Yet, we live in a time of profound uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, inflation, rising costs, cyber threats, and supply chain disruptions have intensified the challenge of ensuring a fair and affordable transition. The recent blackouts across the Iberian Peninsula in early 2025, however, underscored the urgency of accelerating grid modernization.
European utilities—many with global footprints, including in the U.S.—must rise above the noise. Disruptions to planning and investment cannot be allowed to derail progress. The path forward demands next-level collaboration among all stakeholders: utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology leaders, hyperscalers, and customers of every size. Now is the time for utilities to lead with purpose—by investing in equitable workforce development through trade schools, apprenticeships, and inclusive training programs.
Breakthroughs in technology over the past year, including in GenAI, have empowered leading utilities to leap ahead in their reinvention —enhancing resilience, efficiency, and stakeholder value. Together, we must harness this momentum to build an energy future that is inclusive, innovative, and unstoppable.
IDC European Utilities Xchange is an event that connects senior IT and business professionals from several industries and countries. We aim to create the best-in-class independent content based on insights from our analysts, external speakers, as well as industry, and thought leaders, who we invite to join our Advisory Board.
The event will provide you with industry trends, actionable recommendations, hands-on experience from external speakers and last but not least – a chance to connect and network with your peers from the biggest European companies.
Roberta Bigliani is a Group Vice President at IDC, and Global Lead for Energy Insights, Retail Insights, and the IDC Industry Hub.
She leads IDC’s global research, data, and custom delivery agendas for energy, utilities, and retail, and oversees the Industry Hub, which drives cross-industry initiatives and collaboration.
A recognized expert in industry and business transformation, with longstanding experience in energy and utilities, Roberta’s work centers on how AI and digital technologies are reshaping the industry – enabling new business and operating models, enhancing operations and customer experiences, and effectively integrating IT and operational technology.
Her work combines deep sector expertise with a cross-industry lens, helping organizations understand how disruption and innovation propagate across sectors and markets.
Roberta regularly advises senior managers and executives at both technology suppliers and end-user organizations, speaks at international conferences, and moderates executive-level discussions.
She is based in Milan, Italy.
Monday, March 2 2026 1:10 pm | Location:
Ms Gallotti joined IDC Energy Insights in 2007, prior to which she collaborated with IDC Manufacturing Insights and IDC Retail Insights.
Ms. Gallotti supports the IDC Energy Insights team by researching, writing standardized reports based on annual surveys on Utility end users and their IT industry-specific solutions, enterprise solutions, budget spending and decision making strategies. She handles the IT spending forecast models for the IDC Energy Insights’ Utilities coverage and writing the appropriate reports. Ms. Gallotti also conducts qualitative research for the quarterly updates for both the Utilities and Clean Energy sectors, covering topics such as Smart Grids, Capture Carbon and Storage, Renewable energies, Distributed Generation and Energy Efficiency.
Ms. Gallotti is involved in IDC Energy Insights worldwide customs projects, as well as in the preparation and delivery ad hoc presentations for industry conferences given throughout EMEA concerning current events in the EMEA Utilities and Clean Energy sectors.
Ms. Gallotti regularly contributes to the IDC Energy Insights blog on the IDC Energy Insights Community (http://idc-insights-community.com/energy) and tweets (@gaiagallotti). Ms. Gallotti graduated in May 2006 from the University of Puget Sound (USA) with a B.A. in both International Business and International Affairs with China. As part of her studies she spent six months in a study abroad program to Taizhong (Taiwan) and Beijing (PRC) attending Mandarin courses, Chinese politics courses and Chinese economics courses. Ms. Gallotti is bilingual Italian-English, fluent in French and proficient in Mandarin Chinese.
Jean-François Segalotto is the Associate Research Director for IDC Energy Insights in Europe. In his role, he is responsible for conducting region-focused research providing full coverage of the utilities industry value chain. Segalotto leads the “European Utility IT and Operational Technologies Strategies” advisory service, which provides full coverage of the utility industry value chain. In his role, Segalotto covers a wide range of industry-specific themes, including smart grids, mobility, Internet of Things, connectivity and networks, and business systems supporting smart customer operations and digital transformation.
Leading up to his role in IDC, Jean-François spent over nine years as a market analyst in the telecoms, broadcast and digital media sectors, working first at ThinkTel (Milan), and e-Media Research (Milan, London). He has also collaborated as a research fellow and co-author with the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department on monetary institutional frameworks and monetary policy.
Segalotto is bilingual Italian-French and fluent in English.
He is based at the IDC Italy office in Milan.
Fabrizio Degni is a distinguished AI Ethics and Governance researcher, technology evangelist, and President of the Italy Chapter for the Global Council for Responsible AI. Guided by his philosophy “Ask not if it can be done, nor how, but only if it should be done,” he is deeply committed to exploring technological frontiers while ensuring AI serves humanity’s common benefit through ethical, transparent, and accountable innovation.
Recent Recognition & Leadership: Degni was honored with the “Premio per l’Impegno Etico nella Cultura Algoritmica” (Award for Ethical Commitment in Algorithmic Culture) at the inaugural AI Awards Italy 2025, hosted by ENTE NAZIONALE per l’INTELLIGENZA ARTIFICIALE – E.N.I.A.® in Milano. This prestigious recognition celebrates his commitment to education and critical reflection on algorithms, ethics, and AI governance. As President of the Italy Chapter for the Global Council for Responsible AI, he leads a growing community of 500+ members across 71 nations dedicated to shaping responsible AI through ethics, transparency, and accountability principles.
Professional Expertise: As Chief of Artificial Intelligence, Degni’s research focuses on sociotechnical risks introduced by emerging AI technologies, particularly AI agents and autonomous systems. His analysis of AI agent systems in IBM’s 2025 AI Ethics Report highlighted critical challenges of opacity, complexity, and non-reversibility in autonomous systems, contributing to frameworks for evolved governance models and ethical oversight.
Certifications & Credentials: Degni holds the AI CERTs™: AI+ Executive Certification (scored 90/100, May 2025) and specialized certifications from Stanford University (“AI Awakening: Economic and Society Implications”), edX (“AI Ethics for Professionals”), Copenhagen Business School, Microsoft, and Politecnico di Milano. His advanced credentials include ISO 42001:2023 AI System Management / ISO 9001 certifications and designation as a Certified AI Ethics & Governance Professional (CAEGP).
Thought Leadership: A frequent speaker and panel participant, Degni recently contributed to the “Alfabetizzazione e Innovazione” (Digital Literacy and Innovation) panel, discussing human and digital memory alongside leading experts. His work encompasses value alignment, bias mitigation, transparency, and actionable governance frameworks for AI implementation across multiple sectors.
Monday, March 2 2026 1:50 pm | Location:
In 2024, at the “Power to Change” summit in Frankfurt, we acknowledged the dawn of the “AI Everywhere” era, where governance was identified as a top challenge by 16% of executives. In 2025, in Venice, we looked “Back from the Future,” celebrating over 150 operational use cases while facing a stark reality check: the persistence of governance gaps and the rising threats to data security and fairness. Now, as we gather in Valencia under the banner of “Powering Progress Together”, we must ask: Are we driving the technology, or is the technology driving us?This intervention analyzes the trajectory of the European Utilities sector, arguing that the prevailing “next is better” narrative risks leading us into a state of “Functional Stupidity”. Drawing on my research into cognitive atrophy and the industrialization of non-thinking, I will demonstrate how an uncritical adoption of AI creates “monocultures” of thought and opaque decision loops that threaten the very epistemology of our industry. When we delegate critical judgment to algorithms we do not fully understand, we risk transforming Utilities from providers of essential services into enforcers of algorithmic bias and “black box” decisions.
As Head of Digitalization & IT at the Swiss Electricity Industry Association (VSE/AES), Markus is a seasoned executive with a strong track record in leadership, management, and digital transformation. With extensive experience as a CIO and CDO in various industries, Markus brings a deep understanding of business strategy and IT strategy to the table.
Markus has a proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive digital business strategies and ecosystems. He is well-versed in agile methods and structures, strategic marketing, product management, and business development. Markus has led digital transformations and large-scale projects in international multicultural environments, developing data-driven business models to enhance competitiveness.
Markus’s expertise extends beyond digital transformation. He has led boards, steering groups, and task forces to orchestrate cultural change and develop winning digital experiences. He is also highly skilled in creating data strategies, governance models, and managing cyber security and risk & compliance (GRC).
Before joining VSE/AES, Markus served as an interim CIO/CDO and senior advisor for digital innovation and transformation in various organizations. Notably, he was the Global Head of IT and Digital Services for a global water system and e-mobility manufacturer, where he developed a digitalization strategy and roadmap, focusing on building a modern digital platform that includes e-commerce, IoT, connected vehicles, cloud services, big data analytics services, RPA, Industry 4.0 and ERP on SAP HANA for the shopfloor and corporate services.
Markus’s experience as the CIO at the Electricity Works of the Canton of Zurich (EKZ Group) has been instrumental in developing IT into a respected and valued business partner. He developed a customer-centric digital strategy that led to a high increase in EBIT contribution through annual operating cost reductions every year while improving business process efficiency and revenues through continuous digitalization and automation investments.
Markus holds an IT Degree, a degree in Business Engineering, and an Executive MBA in International Management from the University of Applied Sciences in Bern. He is knowledgeable in M&A due diligence and post-merger integration projects and holds a Strategic Marketing Certificate from the University of Cambridge. Markus has also completed the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme at Said Business School, University of Oxford.
As Senior Vice President Strategy & Business Development Kristofer is responsible for questions related to strategy, new business development, M&A, Business execution & operational excellence and the collaborative work with the start-up / innovation clusters in the energy & climate space.
With the changing energy landscape a pivotal part of Kristofer’s work is dedicated to tightly collaborate with Ellevio customers and stakeholders to develop new offerings and solutions that will help Ellevio’s customers to successfully drive their journey within the energy transition and decarbonize there climate footprint. Kristofer also serves as a Board Member of Triangelbolaget AB, a company working with offering dark fiber solutions to international and national customers
With a background from leading positions at several management consulting firms Kristofer joined Ellevio in 2016. He has an international career mainly focusing on energy, industrial equipment’s and international trade. He holds a MSc. in Industrial Engineering & Management from the Royal School of Technology and a MSc in Business Administration from Stockholm University.
John Diklev, born in 1994 and raised in Stockholm, is the founder and CEO of Flower (short
for Flexible Power). The idea for Flower began to take shape during John’s final year at the
Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). After his ideas were rejected at Vattenfall – where he
completed his degree project – John instead chose to found Flower, driven by a mission to
enable the energy system of tomorrow.
At its core, Flower leverages industry-leading software to make renewable energy stable and
always available by optimizing and trading flexible energy assets such as battery systems,
solar and wind farms, EV chargers, and more. Today, Flower is the market leader in the
Nordics, employing more than 130 people and operating across eight countries. The
company has been named one of the world’s top 100 impact companies and has secured
total funding exceeding €100 million.
Regis is a recognized authority in the smart grid domain, bringing over 25 years of experience in advancing utility operations across North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
His expertise lies in seamlessly integrating Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to enable the digital transformation of power systems.
Throughout his career, Regis has held pivotal roles in project management and sales leadership, contributing to the successful implementation of some of the world’s most advanced control centers. His track record reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence and innovation.
Since November 2025, Regis has served as Vice President of the Power & Grid Segment, where he leads the strategy, promotion, and delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed for utility customers. His mission is to accelerate the energy transition by providing reliable, scalable, and future-ready technologies that strengthen grid resilience and sustainability.
Regis is widely respected for his strategic vision, cross-cultural leadership, and profound technical insight into the evolving energy landscape
Monday, March 2 2026 1:30 pm | Location:
The next decade will redefine DSOs, moving beyond the era of grid management into a future where utilities act as the backbone of a net-zero industrial economy. This transition is no longer just about integrating renewables or digitizing assets; it is about orchestrating a new digital environment where AI‑augmented operations and autonomous systems bridge the gap between volatile markets and a decentralized grid. By 2035, DSOs must evolve from passive infrastructure providers into proactive catalysts of industrial flexibility and grid resilience.
This keynote explores the roadmap for the next ten years, addressing the immediate hurdles of aging infrastructure and skyrocketing demand from data centers and heavy industry. We will dive into how embedded intelligence, moving beyond simple digitalization allows DSOs to turn raw data into real-time decision intelligence. By placing the customer at the heart of the system and mastering the complexities of the low-voltage grid, leaders can transform energy management from a cost center into a definitive strategic advantage for the entire European ecosystem.
Yann Fromont is a seasoned industry leader with 30 years of experience across the global electrical landscape, spanning low- to medium-voltage applications. Throughout his career at Schneider Electric, he has held key leadership roles in commercial strategy, marketing, production, factory management, and M&A.
Currently specializing in industrial affairs and standardization, Yann is a prominent voice in international energy policy. He holds several high-level mandates within the European energy sector, including:
Louis Hennequin, Sales Director for Europe leads Schneider Electric’s utility software sales teams. With 15 years of experience supporting utilities worldwide in their Digitalisation journey, Louis is passionate about energy related questions. Successfully unlocking the full economical, societal and geopolitical potential of energy projects is the objective that he always aims to keep in clear sight.
Paolo joins Gentrack as Chief Revenue Officer for EMEA, bringing over 25 years of international leadership experience in scaling revenue, building high-performing commercial teams, and driving digital transformation across the SaaS, telecom, and utilities sectors.
Prior to Gentrack, Paolo served as CRO at triPica, a fast-growing cloud-native BSS scale-up, serving both telecom and energy clients. He previously held senior executive roles at Ericsson – most notably Regional CEO for India, and Global Head of OSS/BSS and Professional Services – where he managed large P&Ls, scaled delivery and go-to-market teams, and oversaw M&A activities and portfolio strategies.
Paolo also worked as an advisor to several software scale-ups and early-stage investors, drawing on his commercial and operational background to support international expansion.
Ted is the Chief Product Officer at Bidgely, leading product strategy, innovation and AI-driven solutions to empower utilities worldwide. With 15+ years of experience scaling organizations and delivering enterprise-grade products, he combines a builder’s mindset with a strategic, data-driven approach. Ted is passionate about creating impactful customer experiences and driving measurable business outcomes.
Nipun leads strategy, growth and partnerships across the EMEA and APAC regions for Bidgely. With 20+ years of global experience managing P&L, consulting and business transformation, he combines a strategic, multicultural mindset with deep expertise in infrastructure and utilities.
He is always committed to building long-term client partnerships by driving measurable business impact.
Ian Dennis is the Director of Operational Performance at Cadent, the UKs largest Gas Distribution Company with 11 million customers. Bringing over 20 years of experience in the energy industry.
He leads transformational and regulatory performance programmes and is shaping the future of operations.
His remint includes technology-driven transformation, strategic planning, and the development of commercial services.
This is alongside accountability for asset data, operational resilience and fleet and logistics operations across the UK.
Ian also plays a leading role in Cadent’s European partnerships for shared learning and innovation, renewing and developing MOUs with organisations such as Italgas and GRDF and representing Cadent in the pan European Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) group which is focused on developing a decarbonisation strategy and the evolving role of gas networks in delivering net zero.
Monday, March 2 2026 3:10 pm | Location:
In this session, Cadent Gas shares how it is addressing the growing complexity of managing mission-critical field operations amid aging assets, workforce constraints, and increasing service demands.
By modernizing its field service approach partnering with OverIT, Cadent is improving operational coordination, emergency response readiness, and workforce effectiveness. Attendees will hear first-hand lessons learned from this journey and gain practical insights applicable to other power and utility organizations.
Andrew Huckerby serves as Head of Gas Escape Management at Cadent, bringing extensive operational leadership experience across the organisation. He has led large teams across multiple networks, delivering major change programmes and driving improvements in customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and regulatory performance.
His career includes senior roles in Gas Emergency and Repair operations and Investment Planning. He has contributed to award‑winning customer performance and helped develop new operating models and digital tools that reduce risk and enhance service delivery
Monday, March 2 2026 3:10 pm | Location:
In this session, Cadent Gas shares how it is addressing the growing complexity of managing mission-critical field operations amid aging assets, workforce constraints, and increasing service demands.
By modernizing its field service approach partnering with OverIT, Cadent is improving operational coordination, emergency response readiness, and workforce effectiveness. Attendees will hear first-hand lessons learned from this journey and gain practical insights applicable to other power and utility organizations.
Paolo Bergamo is the CEO and Chairman of OverIT, a global leading company in Field Service Management software.
He holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Ferrara and began his career at UCLA, working in the research group led by Leonard Kleinrock, widely known as the “Father of the Internet.”
In 2004, Paolo transitioned from academia to the startup world, joining Sendia, a mobile technology company focused on enabling enterprise applications on smartphones. Sendia was acquired by Salesforce in 2006, now one of the world’s leading software companies.
During his tenure at Salesforce, Paolo played a pivotal role in the design and evolution of several key products, with a strong focus on mobile innovation.
In 2008, Steve Jobs selected Paolo and his team to develop one of the first five applications launched on the original iPhone App Store.
In 2017, Paolo led the launch of Salesforce’s Field Service Management business unit, scaling it into a global market leader by 2020.
After nearly 20 years in California, Paolo returned to Italy in 2021 to become CEO of OverIT, with the ambition of transforming the company into a global SaaS player.
Paolo is also a Senior Advisor to Bain Capital, one of the most important private equity firms in the world.
Mar Jorba is the Product Manager at Ferranti Computer Systems, where she leads the development of MECOMS 365, a cloud-based platform tailored for the energy and utilities sector. With a focus on integrating customer information systems, billing, and smart metering, she ensures that MECOMS 365 aligns with evolving industry needs and regulatory requirements. Her work supports the transition towards more flexible and sustainable energy systems, including the adoption of renewable energy sources and the implementation of dynamic pricing models. In addition to her role at Ferranti, Mar contributes to industry discussions on digital transformation, sharing insights on the integration of AI and the development of customer-centric solutions in the utilities sector.
Tuesday, March 3 2026 10:25 am | Location:
C/ d’Eugènia Viñes, 22, 24, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 Valencia, Spain
gdelapaz@idc.com
kgodskesen@idc.com