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Day 1 • 11 June 2025
Master of Ceremonies
Opening, Session 1, Session 2
Javier Galbally
Senior Research Officer
eu-LISA
Dr. Javier Galbally has a M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research background is mainly focused on the security and performance evaluation of biometric systems, development of pattern recognition and machine learning applications, and the use of data science on large-scale IT systems. He has authored more than 100 scientific publications in the field of data science that have produced over 6,000 citations. He is the chair of the EAB-RPC conference and the recipient of a number of awards and distinctions in different scientific international peer reviewed conferences.
More about eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) was established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems.
The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. In addition, the Agency’s portfolio has been enlarged within the justice domain: with the development of the European Criminal Records Information System – Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the management of e-CODEX and the development of the Collaboration Platform for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).
Opening Remarks
Märili Mannik
Executive Director Ad Interim
eu-LISA
Marili Männik became eu-LISA's Deputy Executive Director on 16 August 2024. She has also been appointed interim Executive Director by the Agency's Management Board, a function she will hold until a new Executive Director is selected. Ms Männik is currently completing an Executive MBA at the University of Oxford, holding degrees from TalTech (BSc), EBS (MSc), and EM Strasbourg Business School (Dual MSc),
with a background in business, technology and finance. Ms Männik has extensive experience in consulting and audit, having held senior roles at PwC and EY, with expertise in public sector management, digital transformation and internal management.
More about eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) was established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems.
The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. In addition, the Agency’s portfolio has been enlarged within the justice domain: with the development of the European Criminal Records Information System – Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the management of e-CODEX and the development of the Collaboration Platform for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).
Ignacy Niemczycki
Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister
Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU
Ignacy Niemczycki is Secretary of State in the Polish Prime Minister's Chancellery. He holds degrees from University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Lancaster University, Bocconi University, and others. A former employee of the government administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Economic Development, he also worked in private sector and think tanks. He previously served as Undersecretary of State and now holds his current role, while also running an organic farm in Masuria, and is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State's IV LP program and Landecker Democracy Fellowship.
More about the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union represents the Government of Poland in the Council of the European Union, ensuring the country's interests are promoted and defended at the EU level. As part of its 2025 presidency, Poland plays a key role in shaping the EU's agenda and policies, including those related to digital transformation, innovation, and internal security. Under the motto "Security, Europe!", Poland's presidency focuses on enhancing European security across seven dimensions: external, internal, information, economic, energy, food, and health.
Session 1. Implementing Agile in the public sector – What does research tell us?
David Baxter
Associate Professor of Innovation
University of Southampton
David's research focuses on innovation processes, answering the question how do firms innovate successfully? This currently includes Agile as a philosophy and approach, learning, and customer insight methods. He also has varied consulting experience, helping teams to develop their innovation potential and empowering companies to maximise innovation and growth.
More about the University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a world-renowned public research university in the UK, consistently ranked among the top 100 globally. It's known for academic excellence, innovative research, and strong industry connections.
Ann Fugl-Meyer
IT Project Manager, External Lecturer
Copenhagen Business School
Dr Ann Fugl-Meyer is an interdisciplinary professional with a background in Civil Engineering and a PhD in Organisation & Leadership. Currently working as an IT project manager, researcher, and lecturer, she brings a unique blend of practical experience and academic insight to her work. With extensive international experience, Ann Fugl-Meyer has a keen interest in public sector digitalisation and organisational development. She particularly navigates the complexities of fostering a digital mindset, addressing challenges such as resistance to change and the integration of new technologies within established organisational structures.
Copenhagen Business School
Copenhagen Business School is a public university situated in Copenhagen, Denmark and is considered one of the most prestigious business schools in Western Europe and the world.
Session 2. New ways of working in IT in multidisciplinary, multicultural organisations: Agile, software factory, DevSecOps
Sascha Block
IT Architect
Rock the Prototype
Sascha Block is an IT architect and has several years of practical experience in digitization projects. As a business information scientist with a Master of Science in IT Management and Consulting from the University of Hamburg, Sascha combines his science-oriented approach with an agile mindset, practical experience, and hands-on mentality in Large-Scale projects to work on innovative and future-oriented solutions in a targeted manner. With the motivation to spread relevant information about digitization and realize ideas prototypically, he created the “Rock the Prototype” format, offering additional information via website, podcast, and YouTube channel.
More about Rock the Prototype
The "Rock the Prototype" project, led by IT architect Sascha Block, is an open-source, community-driven initiative that emphasizes agile software prototyping and collaborative development. It offers a platform for individuals to engage in hands-on projects, experiment with new technologies, and enhance their IT skills in a supportive team environment.
Jean-Pierre Grillon
Head of Technology and Software Engineering Unit
eu-LISA
Mr Jean-Pierre Grillon holds a Master degree in IT from the Telecom Paris Engineering school. He has worked for 10 years with Capgemini as a Software Engineer, mostly on large scale systems for the public sector in France. He then joined General Electric where he led large Software teams in the Medical Device area, implementing agile methodologies in a highly regulated industry. After joining eu-LISA in 2019, he has been appointed Head of Unit of Technology and Software Engineering in 2025, and is in charge of implementing the Software Factory of eu-LISA.
More about eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) was established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems.
The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. In addition, the Agency’s portfolio has been enlarged within the justice domain: with the development of the European Criminal Records Information System – Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the management of e-CODEX and the development of the Collaboration Platform for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).
Day 2 • 12 June 2025
Master of Ceremonies
Aleksandrs Cepilovs
Research Officer
eu-LISA
Dr. Aleksandrs Cepilovs is a research officer at the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) and a research fellow at Tallinn University of Technology, where he obtained his PhD in Public Administration/Technology Governance. Previously he has worked as a research fellow and project manager at Tallinn University of Technology and was a civil servant in Latvia.
More about eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) was established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems.
The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. In addition, the Agency’s portfolio has been enlarged within the justice domain: with the development of the European Criminal Records Information System – Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the management of e-CODEX and the development of the Collaboration Platform for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).
Session 3. Agile at scale: Scaling Agile in large, multidisciplinary, multicultural organisations
Thomas Quartier
Principal and Lean Agile Public Sector Expert
Capgemini
Thomas helps public organizations create and operate complex digital systems at the service of citizens. As SAFe Governement SPCT, he is an expert in Lean Agile and DevOps transformations contextualized to the public sector. His experience with major French ministries and public departments enables him to take into account the specificities of the sector, such as contractualization, public commitment and skills management. The subject of his doctoral research is the study of balanced triadic structures (BTS) in public IS projects to foster stakeholder commitment and alignment on the common goal.
More about Capgemini
Capgemini is a global leader in digital transformation, helping public sector organizations adopt scalable Agile frameworks like SAFe to drive mission agility and success. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the public sector, Capgemini will share valuable insights on how to effectively implement SAFe and achieve mission agility.
Jean-David Muller
Expert Partner Applications
Gartner
Jean-David Muller is an Expert Partner with Gartner Consulting’s Application practice for the NORDICS region, with over 30 years of experience with leading Consulting companies. Mr. Muller is an international Consultant and Project Manager with a working experience in over 13 countries. His key area of expertise is Enterprise Architecture (EA), application rationalization, application and vendor selection, IT processes, critical program management, IT strategy and Security & Risk Management (SRM). He joined Gartner in 2005 and works out of the Gartner offices in Espoo, Finland.
More about Gartner
Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) delivers actionable, objective insight that drives smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization’s mission-critical priorities. Our expert guidance and tools enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization’s mission-critical priorities.
Gartner is actively engaging with many EU entities to help them define and coordinate their digital transformation, and deal with emerging technology trends in a safe and controlled manner. Through a combination of Research and Consulting services, we provide a powerful blend of self-service and delivered insight, and leverage our independence to provide unbiased guidance on key decisions and transformation journeys.
Anamelia Morales
Associate Manager
NTT DATA
Business Transformation leader with 15 years of experience in process optimization and project management. Currently at NTT Data, leading strategic projects that drive efficiency and cost reduction. Holds an MBA and certifications in Agile, Digital Transformation, and Innovation. Has worked across logistics, banking, and insurance industries, delivering impactful results through data-driven decision-making. Expert in managing cross-functional teams and enhancing customer experience. Passionate about creating long-term value through automation and change management.
More about NTT DATA
NTT DATA, Inc. is a trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We're committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. Our R&D investments help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.
Martin Aspeli
Partner
Deloitte
Martin Aspeli is Deloitte's engineering leader in the UK, and an experienced Agile delivery expert. He has led and advised on complex, large-scale technical projects in a range of industries, including Retail, Banking, and – most significantly – the UK Public Sector, with a focus on Borders and Immigration. Internally, Martin is responsible engineering excellence with a focus on quality, consistency, and innovation, overseeing 1000+ practitioners across a range of engineering disciplines.
More about Deloitte
More information coming soon.
Session 4. Automation in IT/ software development platforms
Simon Melotte
Cloud Solutions Architect
Palo Alto Networks
After twelve years in networking and security at BNP Paribas Fortis, Engie, and NRB, Simon transitioned in 2019 to a Public Cloud Architect role, meeting growing demands for cloud infrastructures and microservices. He now works as a Cloud Solutions Architect at Palo Alto Networks, focusing on simplifying multi-cloud deployments and enhancing security.
Driven by automation, Simon leverages Infrastructure-as-Code tools like Ansible and Terraform to optimize and secure deployments. He also develops websites occasionally, proficient in Python, PHP, and Laravel.
Simon explores AI-driven innovations, integrating cutting-edge models to boost functionality and efficiency in software applications.
More about Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity leader that helps organizations confidently embrace the digital age. Through an integrated platform and services, it secures users, applications, and data across clouds, networks, and endpoints.
By combining advanced threat intelligence, automated security operations, AI-driven analytics, and an industry-leading SOC automation platform, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to prevent cyberattacks before they happen. With offerings that span next-generation firewalls, endpoint protection, SOC Automation and cloud security, the company delivers centralized visibility and consistent policy enforcement. Its commitment to innovation drives continuous development of solutions designed to anticipate and counter evolving threats. As a result, Palo Alto Networks helps organizations operate securely.
Brecht Seifi
Lead Advisor European Institutions
SAS
Brecht Seifi started his career in analytics consulting, where he combined his passion for leveraging data with artificial intelligence to improve the technological capabilities of large public sector organizations. Today, Brecht is lead advisor for the European Institutions, helping them to become more data driven by translating their business needs into analytics and AI solutions that can help EU institutions to improve policy design, efficiency and implementation.
More about SAS
SAS is a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI), providing innovative solutions that transform data into actionable insights. With expertise in AI, machine learning and advanced analytics, SAS empowers organizations across industries to solve complex challenges, enhance decision-making, and drive growth. From improving business operations to advancing sustainability initiatives, SAS’s technology enables customers to leverage the power of data for better outcomes. Trusted by governments, financial institutions and major enterprises, SAS is known for its deep commitment to customer success and fostering a data-driven future.
Jan Van Wassenhove
Technical Director
Sopra Steria
Jan Van Wassenhove is the Technical Director for the Belux Business Line Design & Develop at Sopra Steria, where he leads a team of architects delivering innovative technological solutions, including AI, big data, and DevSecOps. With a strong foundation in Java development, Jan has grown into a seasoned architect and project manager, experienced in Agile methodologies. He has successfully driven projects across both public and private sectors, with a particular emphasis on banking and government.
More about Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria is a leading European tech company in consulting, digital services, and software development. We support clients in enhancing efficiency and achieving sustainable growth through innovation. A long-standing partner to European Institutions and several EU Agencies, including eu-LISA, we deliver end-to-end digital transformation using agile, DevSecOps, and software factories. By combining cutting-edge technologies, including AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, we offer tailored solutions that meet evolving business needs. With 60,000 professionals in over 30 countries, Sopra Steria is committed to excellence and building lasting partnerships through high-quality, future-ready services.
Jason Langone
Senior Director, Global AI Business Development
Nutanix
Jason is an enterprise technology leader who helped scale Nutanix during its early growth. After eight years there, he led GTM efforts in multi-cloud SaaS networking and enterprise generative AI. He also guided a generative AI startup from seed to Series A, gaining deep expertise at the intersection of AI and enterprise infrastructure. In 2024, Jason returned to Nutanix to lead its AI business, helping global enterprises operationalize AI at scale.
More about Nutanix
Nutanix is a global cloud software leader, providing a unified platform to run applications and manage data across datacenters, public clouds, and edge locations. Its software-defined architecture integrates compute, storage, AI model authorization and model serving, virtualization, and networking, supporting a wide range of hardware and cloud environments. With built-in flexibility, scalability, and resilience, Nutanix simplifies operations, enhances performance, and gives enterprises control over their workloads wherever they run.
Session 5. Monitoring and data analysis tools for continuous delivery in Agile software development environments
Mustafa Musaji
EMEA Principal Solutions Architect
Red Hat
Mustafa works at Red Hat supporting some of the largest European organisations in adopting and scaling open source technologies successfully. As a Principal Solutions Architect, Mustafa has a deep understanding of core business challenges and needs. He applies his technical expertise to support solving real business problems using the best open source solutions. His ability to understand teams and organizations and create high-performing teams and tools to support them has been honed during his tenure at Red Hat.
More about Red Hat
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and high-performing Linux, hybrid cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Red Hat helps customers integrate new and existing IT applications, develop cloud-native applications, standardize on our industry-leading operating system, and automate, secure, and manage complex environments. Award-winning support, training, and consulting services make Red Hat a trusted adviser to the Fortune 500. As a strategic partner to cloud providers, system integrators, application vendors, customers, and open source communities, Red Hat can help organizations prepare for the digital future.
Jose Rui Teixeira Nunes
Solutions Architect
Amazon Web Services
Jose Rui Teixeira Nunes is an experienced Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), based in Brussels, Belgium. In his current role, he works closely with European institutions and agencies, guiding them through the complexities of cloud migration and digital transformation. With over 20 years of expertise in the information technology field, Jose has developed a deep understanding of the unique requirements and challenges faced by public sector organizations.
More about Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, offering over 200 fully featured services. Millions of customers, including startups, enterprises, and government agencies, use AWS to lower costs, increase agility, and innovate faster. With 114 Availability Zones across 36 geographic regions, AWS provides the most secure, reliable, and high-performing cloud infrastructure. AWS continuously expands its 200+ services spanning compute, storage, databases, analytics, machine learning, IoT, and more, empowering organizations to support any workload in the cloud. AWS's unmatched experience, maturity, and operational expertise make it the trusted choice for mission-critical applications.
Olivier Ménil
Strategic Advisor
Fortinet
With a strong technological background in perimeter security he successfully moved from a technical consulting position to different management roles as technical director or cybersecurity business development manager.
During the last years Olivier's position evolved again into a strategic advisory role; focusing mainly in the defence sector and European's institutions. Being regularly consulted as a trusted advisor he likes to develop, explain and implement successful security strategies.
More about Fortinet
Founded more than 20 years ago in Sunnyvale, California, Fortinet continues to be a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Securing people, devices, and data everywhere is our mission. To that end, our portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products is the largest integrated offering available, delivering proven cybersecurity everywhere you need it. More than 805,000 customers trust Fortinet solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry.
Closing remarks
Philippe Harant
Head of the Strategy, Capabilities and Coordination Unit
eu-LISA
Philippe Harant has been the Head of Unit for Strategy, Capabilities and Coordination in eu-LISA since 2020. The Unit is in particular in charge of research and innovation activities in the Agency and as such in charge of the organisation of the Industry Roundtable.
He has extensive experience, working in international organisations, and managerial experience at national level and in other EU Agencies for the past 15 years. He holds degrees in political sciences from ‘Sciences Po’ Bordeaux, a post-master degree in public law from University Montesquieu in Bordeaux and a diploma in management from the French EHESP School.
More about eu-LISA
The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA) was established to provide a long-term solution for the operational management of large-scale IT systems.
The Agency currently manages Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the Visa Information System (VIS). Further to these, eu-LISA is developing the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS). These systems and the pre-existing ones are being built/adapted to ensure Interoperability - improved access to information stored in EU information systems and identity management at an EU level. In addition, the Agency’s portfolio has been enlarged within the justice domain: with the development of the European Criminal Records Information System – Third-Country Nationals (ECRIS-TCN), the management of e-CODEX and the development of the Collaboration Platform for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs).