DATA festival
The DATA festival Committee
Dr. Carsten Bange
Dr. Carsten Bange is the founder and managing director of BARC. He is one of the leading experts in the successful implementation of information technology for business intelligence & data management within the framework of the transformation to data-driven companies. As a neutral market observer he has been the coach & strategy consultant for companies of the most varied industries, frequent speaker at conferences, seminars and the author of numerous industry publications and market studies.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
LEARNING – PASSION – COMMUNITY
Why did you want to launch the DATA festival?
We wanted to create a forum for concrete learning from and exchange with fellow data lovers, combining honest and open know how exchange for data science, data engineering and data strategy with a fun experience to meet and share our passion for data, analytics & AI.
What was your best DATA festival-moment over the last years?
The DATA festival parties are surely well remembered but feeling the positive atmosphere and energy in the room when hitting the stage to kick off the festival still gives me goosebumps today…
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
Sharing our best practices and lessons learned as well as creating a platform for the best minds in Data & AI to share, learn and connect.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Analytics? Just kidding. My five children keep me busy when I am not working at and on BARC, the DATA festival and other entrepreneurial activities.
What is your festival must have?
Time, to postpone all the other important to dos and really concentrate on listening to the speakers and connecting with our fellow data lovers.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
might have become an academic in information science, or a mountain guide…
Alexander Thamm
Alexander Thamm, is founder, CEO and pioneer in the field of Data and AI. His mission is to generate real added value from data and to restore Germany’s and Europe’s international competitiveness. He is a founding member of the German AI Association, a wanted keynote speaker, and author of numerous publications. In 2012 he founded [at], the first data science consultancy in Germany. Today, the company is one of the leading Data and AI consultancies in the German-speaking region.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Data & AI, Leading community, Joy
Why did you want to launch the DATA festival?
5 years ago, data & AI wasn’t as much of a topic for European conferences as it is today. The ones focused on data & AI where either pretty boring with people in suits or not in Europe.
We wanted to create something cool and innovative for people to join and share their passion for data in a more festival-like and open and playful atmosphere. A safe place where the people really doing data & AI on a daily basis could share their successes and more importantly their failures. I was personally fed up with conferences where everybody shares fantastic ROI’s and high level results, where as an expert from the frontline you could easily see it’s fake. We are bringing together the “real” data AI community – people who have an impact with a slight focus on Europe.
And go deep, have advertising and vendor-content as low as financially possible.
What was your best DATA festival-moment over the last years?
I love our parties – we had a 4.95 of 5.0 evaluation last time in Munich – so I am not the only one who enjoyed them so far. Looking forward to March 2022 where we (fingers-crossed) can meet again.
Also, I was stoked to have more than 2000 people on our last online event – adding online events to our portfolio was great to reach more people and win some new bright minds for the community. Like Divya from Zattoo for example!
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I strongly believe that data & AI will change the world for good. Humanity is facing a lot of global issues like climate change and pandemics. Data & AI today is like the Internet before the Millenium – maybe even more of a disruptive potential than the Internet. It lies in the hands of a few “enlightened minds” who understand that and are generating huge profits and impact with this new technology already. Sharing this power – charged with human-centered ethics – will be elemental to create a democratic and sustainable future. The power of data & AI cannot ly in the hands of a few companies like in the US or dictated by the government like in China. Also, I would love to see Europeans to catch up in the race for data & AI.
What is your passion besides DATA?
My Son Leonard and my wife Cordula. Everything with a board under my feet and being outside in nature.
What is your festival must have?
The great people, open and honest sharing, the joint spirit of pushing the industry forward
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
would not be living in the present.
Dr. Alexander Borek
Alex is a data executive, advisor, author and speaker. As „Doctor Data“, he helped more than 30 organizations in Europe to advance on their data and AI journey. He is co-leading the Zalando Data Foundation, a tech team of 130 people, and drives the data analytics and data mesh transformation across the Zalando Group. Before, he led the global data strategy at Volkswagen Group and FS and advised Fortune 500 companies as a consultant at Gartner and IBM.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
DATA LOVERS GATHERING
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
It is a great way to engage with the data community and keep up with the current ways of thinking about data.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Alex Thamm and Carsten Bange and myself came up with the idea for the first data festival when we met at another conference. Alex came to me and said “The usual conferences are a bit boring. Let`s do something different, something cool.”
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I would like to contribute to the European DATA community by sharing and exchanging learnings on how to get data managed better and make AI scale so our companies in Europe stay at the competitive edge.
What is your passion besides DATA?
I love anything outdoors, in particular, surfing, snowboarding, hiking and climbing. Another passion is playing music and songwriting on my piano and guitar.
What is your festival must have?
The Data Festival party! I really look forward to next year when we meet all again in person.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
I would probably be a songwriter.
Marcel Kling
Marcel Kling, an industrial engineer, is Senior Director and Head of Digital Sales at Lufthansa Cargo. He has been the program lead of SMILE, one of the central strategic digitalization programs of the Lufthansa Network Airlines – which is now developed and scaled into the Data Driven Customer Journey. His Lufthansa story started in 2008 as graduate management trainee, where he was subsequently responsible for teams in the areas of strategy and business intelligence, pricing as well as revenue management.
„Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts“
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Different Passionate Personalities
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
What do you want from a usual summer festival? You want to be inspired by the bands and the feeling of freedom.
I wanted to curate insights for all festival goers with a “different” line up that is both inspiring and relevant content alike.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Honestly, being a founding member of the committee, I don’t remember too well. I might have been made drunk?
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I would like to overpronounce two factors: one being impact. I strongly believe your whole ideas and methodology – even the most brilliant – are only good if you get them out of your head and see what they can do.
The data community needs to realize it needs to take charge more and more – and take pride in impact.
For the second – we need to talk at the festival over a drink.
What is your passion besides DATA?
That would be music in all forms and any kind of water – Lakes, creeks and the ocean.
What is your festival must have?
I am a big fan of the idea that at every data festival, we should bring in any new accessory or feature that reminds us that this is more than just your usual conference – but a festival.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
…guess I would not work at all. But more importantly: That I do is not sufficient – I would try to convince everyone around me to work with data.
Dr. Holger Kömm
Dr. Holger Kömm is Expert Associate Partner @ Bain & Company. He started his career as data scientist during his doctorate, before he joined adidas AG. There he worked as lead data scientist in the Big Data department and later as Senior Director of the Advanced Analytics Hub & Lab. His background covers Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science & Statistics, especially Forecasting. He holds a Ph.D. from the Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt in Applied Statistics and is a passionate swimmer.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Open-Minded, Cutting-Edge, resonating
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
To select the best speakers and deliver the most convincing story.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Day 1 committee member.
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
Connect leading thinkers and doers having a passion for results.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Analytics.
What is your festival must have?
A panel about most burning topic of the day with experienced panelists.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
would work on start using data.
Walid Mehanna
As the Group Data Officer for Merck Group, Walid Mehanna is driving Data & Analytics strategy, implementation, architecture, governance, and culture across all its businesses. Previously, he became Mercedes-Benz Car’s first Chief Data Officer. With more than twenty-five years of technology experience and twenty years in consulting and major corporations, he still enjoys always working at the intersection of business and technology.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Community, Exchange and MAD (that is Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence & Data 😉)
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
I love participating in Data & AI conferences, I love speaking at Data & AI conferences, so being on the committee of a Data & AI conference felt like a natural evolution. And what better conference to be on than the DATA festival?
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
That’s not too fancy: Carsten asked me, and I said “sure”! 😉
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
For me, it is a give and take: I want to exchange ideas and experiences with the community and expect the same in return. I strongly believe that this is the best way to evolve as a larger German, European and even global community and raise the overall maturity altogether.
What is your passion besides DATA?
I have two amazing daughters and an equally amazing wife! I would love for them to have a more equal world and workplace in the future. Therefore Diversity, Equity & Inclusion are extremely important to me, and I strive to be the best ally that I can be.
What is your festival must have?
New ideas and new inspiring contacts! What is a conference without new impulses to challenge and evolve our well-worn patterns of thoughts and action?
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
… would be playing video games for a living as a game tester.
Jan Zawadzki
As long-time Head of Artificial Intelligence at Cariad SE, the central software development company of Volkswagen AG, Jan focused on building up the engineering AI Hub’s in Germany and China. His leadership led to safe and scalable AI solutions in the infotainment and autonomous driving areas. Beyond this, Jan created the AI project Canvas, which is publicized in print and utilized for AI project management around the world. Jan is a member of various Data & AI leadership committees, has given guest lectures at both Oxford University and ESMT Berlin, and his insights shared on “Towards Data Science” have been read several hundred thousand times.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Fun AI Stories
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
To shape the content of future DATA festivals and to discuss and exchange with great fellow committee members.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Was kindly asked by Alex and Carsten to join (:
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I believe that data-driven software development will have a profound impact on future value creation opportunities across industries. Through sharing knowledge and best practices with the AI Community, I hope to advance the overall AI maturity across industries and help to bring more AI-based products in the real world.
What is your passion besides DATA?
I watch way too much NBA basketball.
What is your festival must have?
Engaging speakers and new content to keep the zoombie audience engaged.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
would happily try to make a living running a cozy coffee shop.
Divya Bokaria
Divya is heading the Data and Analytics department at Zattoo, a tv streaming platform. She stumbled upon the data world by chance 8 years ago and fell in love with how much advantage data can give to businesses. She has setup data warehouses, reporting and complex data algorithms in multiple companies and helped businesses make better data based decisions to grow their top and bottom line. She is passionate about enhancing the data culture in companies as with the ubiquity of data, it is important that all functions know how to use its power to advance the business.
“Data can also help us in the journey for women empowerment and workplace equality :)”
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
rejuvenating, inspiring, learning
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
To be able to bring out the topics that I see as challenges discussed with the data community to understand different approaches people took to solve them and to get inspired by the same.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
I was part of a panel for 2020 DATA festival and was invited to become a committee member. I see this as an excellent opportunity to get to know the fellow data leaders better and to learn from each other.
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I hope that we are able to discuss topics where people can understand what path to take for their current challenges that they face in data as it is corroborated by fellow data people.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Understanding human biases and how it impacts us especially in the context of gender equality.
What is your festival must have?
Music 😉
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
would probably be a banker as that was the path I was going before data happened!
Dr. Christian Essling
Chris is heading the global data unit within EON. Together with his team of data scientists and data engineers he helps all entities within the corporation to use data for automating processes, smartifying products, and accelerating the energy transition. Before that, Chris was the Chief Data Officer at E.ON Germany where he was in charge of the data strategy, aimed at creating a more data-driven culture, and used algorithms to optimize and automate processes for his colleagues and their 14M customers.
Prior to joining E.ON, Chris was Director Analytics at BurdaForward where he built up the Data Science team from scratch, establishing infrastructure, processes and a data-driven innovation culture. While at Burda, his team used data to create a personalized user experience for Germanys largest online news portal with more than 22M users. Chris joined Burda from Alexander Thamm, a Data Science consultancy, where he managed the development and implementation of large scale data projects.
Chris holds a PhD, MBR and masters degree in Economics from the university of Munich. He co-founded (and now serves as chairman of) the Munich Datageeks e.V., one of Europes largest Data Science communities and was listed as one of the Global Top100 Innovators in Data & Analytics in 2020.
Dr. Lydia Nemec
As Head of the ZEISS AI Accelerator, Dr. Lydia Nemec and her team work closely together with all ZEISS businesses to create fully operational machine learning products that drive business success for ZEISS. Coming from academic research in high-performance computing and numeric algorithm development, Lydia started her exciting career path in theoretical and computational physics as a post-doc at Fritz Haber Insitute of the Max Planck Society and TU Munich. Before joining ZEISS, Lydia worked as a Senior Data Scientist on Machine Learning development and cloud-based data products at Knorr-Bremse. As part of the ZEISS Data & Analytics unit, Lydia leads the ZEISS Data Science team and is at the forefront of ZEISS´ next generation of AI-infused product and service innovations.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Community, Learning, Fun
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
As part of my daily work, I keep track of the progress the data & Machine Learning (ML) community makes in integrating ML into a traditional manufacturing company. I love sharing my experiences and contribute to the ML community to accelerate the integration of ML into Europe’s amazing industry.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
I had the pleasure to meet some of the members of the DATA festival committee and the humor and attitude just clicked.
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
Being in a central ML/ data role in a highly innovative, yet traditional manufacturing company gives me unique insights into the challenges and opportunity we as a data community face. I like to bring in my experience, enthusiasm for Data/ ML and energy.
What is your passion besides DATA?
I love Dancing in particular Ballet and Jazz Dance, I am an enthusiastic gym bunny 🐰, re-discovered playing my violin during the Corona crisis and for me there is nothing more recuperating than hiking in the alps.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
…would be a Scientist and share my love for maths and physics with students. If we like to let my fantasy run wild a principal dancer at London’s Royal Opera and the New York City Ballet.
Barbara Engerer
In her role she is globally responsible for the Data and Analytics system landscape, Master Data Management, as well as the enabling of analytical capabilities for data usage in the areas of Reporting and Analytics, Data Science and AI and Data culture and transformation in order to create value from data. Her deep believe is, that “PEOPLE lead TECHOLOGY” That means for „data and analytics“: Inspire and enable people to join and shape their „data and analytics journey”!
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Experts, Passion & Sneakers
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
The committee enables a passionate event for data enthusiasts, leaders and experts. The committee includes brilliant data and analytics leaders sharing and shaping this culture. I am proud to join, share and shape.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Judith approached me, if I would want to join, which is my pleasure!
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
I will share from my experiences about how we unleash data and empower analytics and looking forward to learn from every exchange and sparing between each other.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Sports, esp. Indoorcycling!
What is your festival must have?
A beer with data friends.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
maybe optimize logistics?! So…again, data.. 🙂
Xavier Lagardere
Xavier Lagardère is the Lufthansa Group Chief Data Officer, leading the airline group´s transformation towards a Data-centric company.
As a travel & transportation executive he holds board-level roles in travel startups such as Hopper, the #1 most downloaded travel app in North America.
His previous roles include leading the Lufthansa Group´s airline retailing and payments unit as the Group Head of Distribution; managing Groupon´s travel business in France as well as product development and R&D roles with tech giants Amadeus and HP.
A French national, Xavier holds a MBA from INSEAD and a Master´s Degree in Computer Science from the Grenoble National Superior School of Applied Mathematics and Informatics.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Smart, down-to-earth, funny
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
People: I love to develop the DATA festival community & highly value the engagement and exchanges with my committee peers.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
Talked to Carsten 🙂 discussed our ambitious Data transformation roadmap at the Lufthansa Group, and was very happy to first speak at the DATA festival, and then join the committee.
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
Help drive our agenda to tackle cutting-edge and ambitious content.
What is your passion besides DATA?
I really love music across all genres, from hip-hop to indie rock to classical.
What is your festival must have?
A cool wristband to carry around with pride 🙂 For the DATA festival, continuous engagement with the community throughout the year.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
Would be a musician, or a math teacher.
Thorsten Kranz
Thorsten Kranz works as Head of Data Science Implementation at DHL Data & Analytics. He contributes his share to the intelligent digitalization of Deutsche Post DHL’s logistic business by integrating AI into the core processes and driving the adoption of data driven automation and decision making. Thorsten has a background in physics and cognitive neuroscience and has been working for almost a decade as a data science consultant for companies from all major industries, covering the data value chain from machine learning to business strategy.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Innovative, Inspirational, Fun
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?
Throughout my career, I profited a lot from the data community around the world, so I’m happy for every chance where I can give something back.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
I have been an active contributor to the festival for some years, and then the team asked me to join the committee – and I couldn’t resist.
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
Help in the compilation of a great program, bring in ideas for additional formats and contributors, take active roles in the events.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Photography, running, home automation, wood working, cooking – and foremost my family.
What is your festival must have?
Surprise encounters with amazing people I didn’t know before.
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
would be working more with wood.
Claudia Pohlink
Having a background in Data Science, Data Management as well as Innovation Management, Claudia Pohlink seamlessly connects business and Data Science aspects of Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As Head of Data Intelligence Center at Deutsche Bahn, she drove forward the Group’s central data topics such as Data Strategy, Governance, Data Management and Data Catalog. She also deals with current trends such as Data Mesh or Data Centric AI. Currently she is Director Data & AI (Chief Data Officer) at FIEGE Logistik.
Previously, she led the Machine Learning team at T-Labs, Deutsche Telekom’s research unit. Her team mainly focused on the use of machine learning in network-relevant use cases, in the field of cyber security as well as across the board in the research field of quantum computing. She led successful projects such as Data Cockpit or Robust AI. As co-founder of #startupnight, #DigitalWanderlust and #AI4DiversityHackathon, she strengthened the transfer of science to business. Her previous stations include MTV Networks and Jamba/Rocket Internet. Her diverse resume unites her curiosity for innovative trends and numbers.
On the side, Claudia Pohlink is also an active speaker and author, she is committed to the education of children and young people in the field of AI and regularly shares her knowledge at Conferences as well as at colleges/schools. She has been a board member of the AI working group at BITKOM since 2020 and its chair since 2022. In 2019, she was honored as one of the Global Women Leaders in AI and in 2023, as one of 30 global outstanding women in Data.
Julia Sterling
Julia Sterling is Head of AI Strategy & Governance within Big Data & Advanced Analytics at Commerzbank AG. She is developing the company’s efforts on AI & ML Strategy, implementing and designing AI Governance principles. This includes ensuring trustworthy AI and taking ethical considerations into account as well as fostering AI Literacy across all areas. Moreover, she founded the European Cloud User Coalition.
With which three words would you describe the DATA festival?
Trends and Insights
Why did you want to be a part of the DATA festival committee?Since I loved the spirit and the conversations at the past Data Festival, I am more than happy to shape future discussions joining a bunch of inspiring people.
How did you join the DATA festival committee?
I got an offer I could not refuse from the existing committee 😉
How would you like to have an impact on the DATA community?
An AI Strategy and Governance is key to success to each company. The latter is often perceived to be boring, which is definitely not true. Sound AI Governance is what will make a real difference to a company, its employees and customers alike. I want increase awareness that AI Governance is important and interesting at the same time.
What is your passion besides DATA?
Classical Music
What is your festival must have?
My entrance badge
If I would not be working with DATA, I…
might still be in the bond and swap markets.
Any questions? Contact us!
