Shari Lava is Group Vice-President, AI, Data, and Automation. Ms. Lava’s core research coverage includes the fast-evolving AI software market, as well as the Automation and Data foundations essential for deploying AI at enterprise scale. This includes deep analysis of market dynamics, adoption trends, and how these technologies converge to deliver superior business outcomes. She is based remotely in Toronto, Canada.

Previously at IDC, Shari led the integration and AI enablement research program within the AI, Data and Automation group, alongside the Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, enabling technology suppliers to better navigate the SMB ecosystem. Prior to IDC, she was Vice President, Marketing Intelligence at Greystone Managed Investments, an asset management firm, where she leveraged data analytics to drive success across the customer journey. Before that, Ms. Lava led the Vendor Advisory Services practice at Info-Tech Research Group, delivering actionable market insights to technology vendors. Earlier, she was a management consultant with Deloitte’s CRM and Information Management practices, specializing in implementing and integrating applications for clients of all sizes across diverse industries

Hoan Nguyen Khai graduated from the Academy of Finance under the Government of Federal Republic of Russia in 1999 and obtained a Ph.D. degree in economics, specializing in investment at the Institute of economics under the Academy of Sciences of the Russian Federation in 2003. He joined FPT in the same year.

At FPT Software, he worked as Chief Accountant from 2004 to 2005, and then Chief Financial Officer from 2005 to 2025, responsible for supervising and operating accounting and finance activities of FPT Software globally.