Rick Villars is IDC’s chief analyst guiding research on the future of the IT Industry. He coordinates all IDC research related to the impact of Cloud and the shift to digital business models across infrastructure, platforms, software, and services. He helps enterprises develop effective strategies for using their diverse portfolio of cloud investments and applications. He supplies early guidance on implications of critical innovations such as the shift to cloud-based control platforms for deploying/managing infrastructure, data, and code delivery as well as the emergence of AI as a critical IT workload and part of all IT products/services.

Tony Olvet is Group Vice President, Worldwide C-suite and Digital Business Research at IDC. His team’s global research focuses on the connection between business transformation and digital investments across enterprises. Tony’s analysis and insights help vendors, IT professionals, and business executives make fact-based decisions on technology strategy and digital business.

Tony has worked with clients across a variety of organizations including global IT manufacturers, enterprise software vendors, telecom service providers, financial institutions and public sector organizations. He has been quoted in major business and industry media including CIO Magazine, The Globe and Mail, CBC and The Financial Post.

He is also a frequent public speaker delivering keynote presentations at conferences, IDC webinars, and virtual events for clients. Tony is member of IDC Canada’s senior leadership team and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Jason Bremner is Research Vice President for IDC’s IT Consulting and Systems Integration Strategies program, providing research insights and thought leadership on the key issues and trends affecting the IT consulting and systems integration services markets globally. His core research includes analyzing customer demand and vendor offerings for IT consulting and systems integration services, and the services ecosystems for leading application software and infrastructure solution providers.

Jason has more than 30 years’ experience in the IT industry, including two decades as an IDC analyst. Jason has held marketing and sales roles for technology providers including IBM, HP, and others. Jason has worked with clients across a variety of organizations including services firms, global IT manufacturers, enterprise software vendors, telecom service providers, financial institutions and public sector organizations. Jason is based in Toronto, Canada.

Megha Kumar heads software and cloud services research at IDC Canada. As a research vice president, Megha is responsible for managing and delivering projects across technology areas such as cloud services, enterprise applications, software and digital transformation for the Canadian market. She manages both the Canadian Software as a Service (SaaS) and Canadian Cloud Platforms (PaaS and IaaS) research programs in Canada

In addition to research, Megha has aided vendors with go-to-market engagements to improve market awareness and provide end users with essential guidance on technology adoption. She regularly interacts with CIOs and IT decision makers regarding their technology preferences, priorities, and concerns.

She originally joined IDC in 2007 covering the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey region, based out of Dubai, U.A.E. In her previous role at IDC, she regularly provided insights on market dynamics, vendor strategies, and end-user trends across the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey for both global and regional ICT firms as well as public sector organizations.

Megha presents at various industry and vendor conferences. She is often quoted in the media, providing opinions on technologies and market dynamics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Marketing from York University, Canada.

Janet Lin is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Equitable Bank where she leads technical strategy and innovation, infrastructure and operations, enterprise technology and data and enablement, governance and information security. Her role is central to advancing the bank’s strategy and sharpening its competitive edge as Canada’s Challenger Bank.  

With more than 20 years of experience in digital transformation across banking, payments and retail, Janet brings a blend of technical depth and customer-first thinking. Since joining Equitable Bank in 2021, she has led major transformations in lending and payments technology, building the foundations for scalable digital growth. Prior to this, she helped shape the digital and financial technology stack at Loblaw and PC Financial, leading strategy, e-commerce, cloud transformation and identity systems for platforms like PC Optimum. 

Janet is passionate about using technology to enrich people’s lives. She has launched award-winning digital products and been recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and the Forbes Global 100 Outstanding Chinese list. She also serves as Chair of the Board for the Information and Communications Technology Council of Canada and is active in mentorship and community leadership through organizations like Women in AI North America and DMZ’s Women Innovation Summit. 

Janet holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of New Brunswick and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Fudan University.  

Lena Yam is the Assistant Vice President of Roadside Product & Innovation at CAA Club Group, where she leads a multidisciplinary team spanning data science, roadside application support, and business systems analysis. With over 13 years at CAA Club Group, Lena has played a pivotal role in overseeing the technology products that power Emergency Roadside Services, driving the evolution of internal dispatch systems to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. She also leads the company’s corporate innovation programme, fostering forward-thinking solutions across the organisation. Lena is passionate about Emergency Roadside Services and is committed to advancing the safety of all motorists through technology.

As Acres’ Vice President of Technology and Innovation, Mike Broadway leads initiatives that are revolutionizing how Acres delivers projects – quite literally, from the sky down.

Mike oversees everything from enterprise systems to emerging field technologies, helping Acres stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry. Under his leadership, the company has rolled out tools and workflows that make projects more efficient, transparent, and connected from start to finish.

Most notably, Mike spearheaded Acres’ award-winning LiDAR Drone Program – an in-house innovation that’s changing how construction sites are surveyed. By pairing LiDAR-equipped drones with Trimble software and custom-built workflows, his team has dramatically improved accuracy, safety, and turnaround time – delivering results that used to take weeks in just a day or two.

For Mike, innovation always starts with purpose. “It’s not about chasing the newest tech,” he says. “It’s about solving real challenges on the ground.” That philosophy has helped Acres stay at the forefront of construction technology while staying true to what matters most: its people, its projects, and the communities it builds for.

Matthieu Houle is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the ALDO Group, responsible for the company’s IT strategy, digital technologies, data platform, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Since joining ALDO in 2018, he has led a major modernization of the company’s technology landscape, transforming IT into a strategic enabler of business growth.

Under his leadership, ALDO has leveraged data, AI, and omnichannel technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. Matthieu has also played a key role in driving innovation, establishing new revenue opportunities through AI-powered initiatives.

With a background in entrepreneurship, he brings a startup mindset to corporate innovation, fostering agility and strategic partnerships. Beyond ALDO, he is actively involved in the Montreal startup ecosystem, advising emerging businesses on technology and digital strategy.

Joseph Edward is the Founder, President, and Chief Digital Transformation Officer of INVORG, where he also serves as CEO & Chief People and Culture Officer. Guided by the belief that “not-for-profit and charitable organizations are the heart and soul of every community,” Joseph has devoted his 35-year career to uplifting humanity through technology.

A transformative leader and innovator, Joseph has successfully led digital transformation initiatives across the not-for-profit, charitable, and local government sectors — including the CIO Canada 2025 award-winning digital transformation project with PHSS. His work has enabled countless organizations to better serve vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience through modern, purpose-driven digital solutions.

Arriving in Canada as a refugee from Sri Lanka in 1983, Joseph experienced the generosity and kindness of strangers who helped him rebuild his life. In gratitude, he committed his life to giving back — sharing his time, talent, and treasure to empower hundreds of newcomers, unemployed, and underemployed individuals to advance their careers and build meaningful lives in Canada.

In 2021, Joseph extended his mission globally by launching an initiative to empower youth in Sri Lanka, especially those affected by civil conflict and social division. Through this effort, he has united young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering leadership, understanding, and friendship while creating employment opportunities for over 100 youth.

Joseph’s leadership philosophy is inspired by the flight of Canadian geese — moving together in unity, purpose, and shared vision. At INVORG, he nurtures a culture rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose, guiding his team to create lasting social and economic impact.

Through his work and wisdom, Joseph continues to bridge technology and humanity — inspiring a new generation of compassionate leaders and proving that with vision and heart, innovation can truly change lives.

Andre Rekhtine is a visionary technology leader and the Head of IT at Alpha Auto Group (AAG), the innovative core of Global Auto Holdings, one of the world’s largest consumer-facing automotive dealership networks. With operations spanning Canada, the United States, the UK, and Europe, AAG manages over 170 dealerships and distributes through more than 200 locations globally.

Andre has played a pivotal role in transforming AAG into a national digital leader, earning the company the prestigious 2025 CIO Award. His strategic foresight and executional excellence have positioned AAG at the forefront of automotive retail innovation, particularly through the deployment of VizAuto, a Qlik-powered analytics platform tailored for the industry. Under his leadership, AAG has achieved real-time visibility into financial and operational metrics, streamlined reporting processes, and enhanced cross-border data integration—critical for supporting the company’s rapid international expansion.

During the CDK Global ransomware crisis, Andre’s crisis leadership ensured uninterrupted operations across AAG’s network, leveraging VizAuto’s robust data continuity capabilities. He also led the cybersecurity alignment with Lookers PLC, establishing a unified, enterprise-grade security framework that meets the highest standards of resilience and compliance.

Andre’s initiatives reflect a deep commitment to data-driven decision-making, disciplined execution, and scalable innovation. His work has not only improved operational efficiency and financial transparency but also empowered employees and strengthened vendor partnerships through co-marketing and published use cases.

With a career marked by integrity, urgency, and results orientation, Andre Rekhtine exemplifies the modern CIO—driving transformation, enabling growth, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the automotive industry.

Marcela Vairo is responsible for leading the Americas Data Architecture Sales Team at IBM, helping customers with initiatives to successfully become AI Driven Businessesl driving innovation and growth across the competitive IT landscape.

Marcela has been working in the IT Industry for more than 25 years, leading diverse and high-performing sales and marketing teams and developing strategic ecosystem partnerships across the Americas. She is graduated in Industrial Engineering at University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Tara Tokatly is the Senior Vice President of Solution Engineering at Salesforce, where she scales Canadian teams that deliver transformative customer success. With over 25 years in tech, she advocates for women’s leadership and serves as a board member of the Forward Together Conference, empowering women to reach their full potential. 

Reem Gedeon joined Insight in 2023 as the senior vice president and general manager of Insight Canada. She leads a team of 550 teammates across seven Canadian locations and reports to Insight North America President, Dee Burger.

For more than 25 years, Gedeon has held senior leadership positions in the IT services sector. Before joining Insight, she served as vice president of public sector consulting services at IT and business consulting firm CGI, leading growth in the company’s Ontario public sector business.

Gedeon is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and overall operations of Insight Canada. She focuses on delivering exceptional client experiences and strengthening Insight’s position as a trusted technology advisor and the leading Solutions Integrator in the Canadian market.

Gedeon describes herself as a strategic and transformational leader with a passion for building and leading diverse and inclusive high-performance teams. She is an innovative thinker known for creating long-term relationships focused on driving mutual business value.

Victoria Vojnovich is a Global Industry Principal for AI-Led Legacy Modernization within HCLTech’s CTO Office and has been with the company for over 5 years. Previously, she led the Cloud Services Transformation Office, contributing to HCLTech’s strategic presence in cloud, while establishing HCLTech’s CloudSMART brand. Victoria is an international best-selling author, a Strategic Advisor to AI Futures Leaders, Inc., and is completing her dissertation focused on re-imagining the future of work with AI. She holds multiple AI and technology certifications and is a frequent speaker at industry events. She is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriavojnovich/

Brit Hennig leads Cisco Canada’s Data Center and AI strategy, helping enterprise and public-sector organizations build secure, scalable foundations for modern, AI-driven operations. With over 25 years of experience linking technology strategy to business outcomes, Brit focuses on turning complex innovation into practical advantage. Working closely with Cisco’s extensive ecosystem of partners, he is passionate about helping organizations simplify operations, strengthen resilience, and accelerate transformation. His primary mission: to enable business and IT leaders to move faster, operate smarter, and deliver measurable impact in an AI-powered world.

Lars Goransson is Vice President of Research, Worldwide Services at IDC. He leads IDC’s global research and advisory for IT and business services, focusing on how technology suppliers and buyers can navigate market shifts, innovation, and business transformation. Lars’s research explores the evolving dynamics of the worldwide services landscape, providing clients with trusted tech intelligence and evidence-based insight to make confident decisions in a fast-changing digital economy. His work illuminates the path forward for organizations seeking to anticipate demand, validate investments, and seize new opportunities.

With more than 25 years at IDC, Lars has held senior leadership roles across Canada and Latin America, building and leading high-performing teams and driving innovation in services research. He is recognized for his expertise in global research leadership, strategic planning, and cross-regional operations, as well as his ability to foster strong client and stakeholder relationships. Lars has a proven track record of expanding IDC’s footprint, guiding large-scale change, and supporting the development of IDC’s global strategy and long-range financial plan. His leadership in services research enables clients to stay ahead of market trends, understand buyer needs, and navigate the complexities of digital transformation with confidence.

Lee Rennick is the Vice President, Tech Evangelist at IDC, where she hosts CIO Leadership Live in Canada, the UK and US. She interviews senior technology leaders to discuss leadership, current topics, and technology trends for weekly interviews on cio.com. She participates in events, moderates round tables and writes blogs to cover technology industry topics. Lee is passionate about DEI&A, women in leadership and supports Hackergal a charitable organization whose vision is to pave the way for a technology industry that is diverse and inclusive of girls and underrepresented groups across Canada. She also is a Leader for the Foundry ERG group, I Stand with Her. Lee lives on a farm, and has horses, goats, chickens and bees, and a llama named Poppy.

Shane Schick tells stories that help people innovate, and to manage the change innovation brings.

As a content marketing consultant, Shane has helped organizations ranging from the world’s most recognized technology brands to the smallest agencies and startups to tell more authentic and engaging stories about the communities they serve.

Allice Shandler, a seasoned event management professional, orchestrates captivating and seamless experiences in the technology, hospitality, entertainment, and manufacturing industries. With a proven track record spanning the past 25 years, she skillfully designs and executes a multitude of events, both virtual and in-person, to bring together like-minded individuals for the purpose of sharing knowledge and forging connections. She is an energetic leader who enjoys leading with empathy and embodying the science of emotional intelligence.

From her time as an Assistant Cruise Director with Princess Cruises to her role as the National Virtual Events Manager and subject matter expert during the pandemic at KPMG Canada, and currently as the Director of events with IDC and Foundry, Allice’s journey reflects a mastery of marketing integration, project logistics, and alignment with sales strategies, all underscored by her meticulous attention to detail. Allice Shandler exudes a passion for hosting and connecting with peers both on the stage and during carefully crafted industry events. She brings an unmatched ability to curate engaging experiences that resonate across industries and captivate audiences around the globe.