2025 Annual Conference - Bios
Speaker Biographies
Sreedhar Arepally
Decision Analytics Manager, ZS
Sreedhar is a Decision Analytics Manager at ZS, based out of Boston, with over a decade of experience supporting pharma and biotech clients. He is passionate about using data to drive commercial decisions and has extensive experience on topics including go-to-market strategy, RWD, commercial operations and analytics. Sreedhar holds a Bachelor of Technology degree from National Institute of Technology Calicut, India.
Sagar Aswani
Associate Principal, ZS Associates
Sagar is an Associate Principal at ZS with over a decade of experience supporting pharma and biotech clients. He primarily works with small and mid-size biotech clients focused on rare diseases. He is passionate about using data to drive commercial decisions and has extensive experience on topics including go-to-market strategy, marketing strategy, commercial operations and analytics. Sagar holds an MBA from the University of California Berkeley (Haas) and a Bachelor of Technology from National Institute of Technology Karnataka, India.
Theresa Britt
Executive Director, Marketing and Sales Operations, Otsuka America, Inc.
Theresa is an experienced leader in the areas of sales operations, marketing operations, and technical operations. She is passionate about partnering with sales and marketing to remove barriers and challenge the status quo finding ways to accelerate, streamline, and optimize the way teams work and interact internally and with customers. She has led multiple strategic initiatives ranging from new technology implementations to customer engagement transformation. Beyond operations, Theresa champions leadership development at all levels and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership.
Ajay Chandwani
Head, Market Research and Advanced Analytics, Takeda Oncology
Ajay currently heads Global Oncology Strategic Market Research and Advanced Analytics at Takeda Pharmaceutical, where he has successfully integrated market research with advanced analytics. Ajay has over 25 years' experience in this space across a broad spectrum of initiatives from expediting clinical trial execution and business development to driving brand performance and sales execution across US and international markets.
Ajay holds multiple master’s degrees in business and engineering from respected institutions, reflecting strong analytical and strategic expertise.
Ayush Chauhan
Decision Analytics Manager, ZS Associates
Ayush is an Analytics Consultant with over 7.5 years of experience in delivering AI/ML and RWD-driven solutions for life sciences clients. He specializes in deriving insights from real-world healthcare data to inform commercial and medical engagement strategies. He works as an AI advisor, to help clients solve complex business problems by enabling cutting-edge and state-of-the-art advanced data science techniques and guides teams in adopting an AI-driven analytical mindset.
Emily Chee
Former General Manager - Americas; Novartis Gene Therapies (Retired)
Emily has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, she was General Manager at Novartis Gene Therapies overseeing this dynamic business in the US, Canada and Latin America. Early in her career she led a Management Science team at Novartis and also worked at ZS Associates. Emily enjoys traveling and earlier this year visited 7 countries in Asia.
Karin Chun-Hayes
SVP Analytics Products, OptimizeRx
In her current role, Ms. Hayes leads the development of innovative media solutions designed to optimize omni-channel healthcare marketing programs.
Previously, Ms. Hayes led product management for the Promotional Effectiveness and Media lines of business at ICON Symphony Health, working with some of pharma/biotechs' largest clients to support them in understanding unmet medical needs and commercial opportunities, building award winning sales and marketing software, and facilitating better diagnosis, earlier treatment and outcomes using AI and advanced modeling techniques. In addition, Ms. Hayes has over 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. After progressing through sales and sales management roles, her last role at Bristol Myers was leading a multi-departmental team to develop models and processes to enhance customer segmentation and predict marketing effectiveness. Karin is a recipient of the 2024 PM 360 Elite100 Award.
David Corsaro
VP, Escalent
For the past 25 years, David Corsaro has been the "go-to" guy in the business world when it comes to thinking outside the box on creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, David is an accomplished magician and mentalist, performing in 4 different off-Broadway magic shows in NYC and even appeared on the hit TV show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us”....and yes, he fooled them. Through the lens of magic, David will teach innovative ways to tackle your toughest business challenges.
Guillaume Coter
Senior ML Engineer, Komodo Health
Guillaume is a Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Komodo Health. His work focuses on creating intelligent AI agents that streamline complex healthcare analytics, making critical medical insights more accessible and actionable. Beyond his technical role, Guillaume is a dedicated AI advocate who actively promotes technological awareness by organizing local events that explore the transformative potential of AI.
Amish Dhanani
Partner, Beghou Consulting
For more than a decade, Amish Dhanani has helped life sciences companies implement and execute strategies tied to data science and analytics, and omnichannel promotion. Currently, he leads AI and advanced analytics at Beghou. Amish helps companies extract deeper insights from their data through artificial intelligence and advanced analytics processes. He previously worked at Eversana Consulting, where he set up the firm’s data science team in Pune, and ZS, where he supported the firm’s omnichannel team. Amish earned an MBA from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics and instrumentation engineering from the Institute of Engineering & Technology, DAVV in Indore, India.
Lynne Erickson
Director, Business Insights & Analytics, Merck
Lynne Erickson is a Director of Business Insights and Analytics at Merck, leading a team of data scientists to deliver business insights to drive marketing strategy across our in-line and pipeline products. With over 15 years of pharmaceutical experience across advanced data analytics and marketing, she is passionate about leading teams focused on driving data-driven business decisions and transforming the commercial organization to adopt a data-first mindset.
Avgoustinos Filippoupolitis
Director AI Scientist, IQVIA
Avgoustinos leads the AI team of IQVIA Analytics Centre of Excellence, Patient & Practitioner Analytics. His group focuses on research and development of scalable machine learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI methodologies for a wide range of areas including but not limited to digital disease diagnostics, HCP segmentation and targeting, and decision support algorithms. He holds a PhD in Emergency Simulation and Decision Support Algorithms from Imperial College London.
Clara Gabbay
Consultant, ZS Associates
Clara is a consultant with over seven years of experience in the commercial pharmaceutical space, supporting clients across the full spectrum of marketing challenges from pre-launch planning to post-launch strategy. She specializes in healthcare provider (HCP) and patient market research, with a focus on applying innovative approaches to generate deeper insights that drive actionable, strategic outcomes.
Disha Gupta
Director, Omnichannel Centre of Excellence, Axtria
Disha currently heads the Omnichannel Centre of Excellence, India at Axtria. In this role, she leverages advanced analytics to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that drive impactful business decisions. She has over 15 years' experience in life sciences industry leading complex transformational programs in analytics, product technology service, and strategy consulting across US and international markets. Disha is passionate about harnessing AI to deliver impactful business outcomes and has a strong track record in building high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Ira Haimowitz
Vice President, Commercial Life Sciences, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Ira Haimowitz, PhD is a Product Vice President at Deloitte, leading development and delivery of analytics solutions for Life Sciences. He combines an AI and machine learning education from MIT with over 20 years of product leadership and consulting expertise. Prior to joining Deloitte, Ira drove product development and client delivery functions at Crossix Solutions, Information Resources, Wunderman, and Weber Shandwick. Ira has also led manufacturer marketing and sales analytics teams at Pfizer, Organon, and General Electric Research. Ira has served as President of the Pharmaceutical Management Science Association.
Ryan Hoffmeister
Life Sciences Innovation & Technology Studio Leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Ryan Hoffmeister is a Principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP and leads the Life Sciences Innovation & Technology Studio. He leverages Deloitte’s industry-leading life sciences and health care consulting practice, ConvergeHEALTH’s advanced software and digital platforms, and a robust ecosystem of alliances to shape the future of health. With over 20 years of experience across the life sciences value chain, Ryan specializes in the deployment of digital, analytics and AI solutions to support clinical development, real-world evidence, digital patient engagement, and commercial engagement.
Yan Hu
Director - Data Science, Novo Nordisk
Yan Hu, PhD in Computer Science, is the Director of the AI Innovation and Data Science team at Novo Nordisk, where she leverages her expertise in AI and machine learning to develop predictive models and GenAI solutions that support the company's digital transformation. With nearly a decade of experience in healthcare, she has led initiatives such as Patient/HCP identification, Patient Journey analysis, Sales Forecasting, and HCP Targeting, all aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Yan's commitment to data-driven solutions empowers organizations to make informed decisions and achieve their business objectives.
Ewa J. Kleckzyk, PhD
Senior Executive, Target RWE
Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a distinguished healthcare analytics leader, currently serving as a senior executive at Target RWE. She has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including the PMSA's Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and the Top 50 Women in Healthcare Technology Leaders (2024). She actively publishes, speaks at conferences, and mentors aspiring leaders. She strongly advocates for STEM education, supporting initiatives that empower women in analytics and technology. Dr. Kleczyk received her Doctorate Degree in Economics from Virginia Tech.
Stacey Levas
SVP Business Development and Marketing Communications, OptimizeRx
Stacey Levas is a seasoned marketing and business development leader with over 25 years of experience in B2B and health tech marketing. She has a proven track record in leadership, strategic planning, and execution across various marketing disciplines, including sales enablement, market strategy, SEO, content marketing, brand management, and lead generation. Stacey has held senior positions at companies including OptimizeRx, Prognos Health, DataBank, Cambrex, and Health Market Science where she has consistently driven growth and innovation.
She holds a BA in Art History and Psychology from New York University and an MS in Marketing from Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. Additionally, she has completed various professional development programs in digital marketing, solution selling, and strategic selling.
Yunpeng Liu-Lupo
Director, Commercialization Data Science Excellence & Evolution, Bristol-Myers Squibb
I am passionate about leveraging machine learning and AI to empower business decisions across the lifecycle of drug development and commercialization. I currently lead efforts to optimize clinical operations and accelerate drug development through AI. In my most recent position, I led a team of data scientists and data engineers to develop and deploy ML models that generate HCP engagement recommendations, the adoption of which significantly increased revenue and efficiency. In my previous roles I had also spearheaded computational design of mRNA vaccines and conducted comprehensive data analyses to support the development of new vaccine candidates. My academic background includes a PhD in Computational and Systems Biology, during which I developed algorithms to identify new drug candidates for cancer treatment.
Jackie Markle
Senior Director, Sage Therapeutics
Jacqueline Markle is Senior Director of Commercial Data Science and Analytics at Sage Therapeutics, where she leads efforts to deliver strategic insights across the organization. With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical analytics, Jacqueline has worked across a range of therapeutic areas, driving decision-making through data. Prior to joining Sage, she held analytics leadership roles at MediNatura and Astrzeneca. She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics from Penn State and is passionate about applying data science to solve real-world commercial challenges.
Yair Markovits
Partner, Beghou Consulting
Yair is an expert in real-world data, enterprise data strategy and patient solutions. His experience spans therapeutic areas and includes rare and ultra-rare diseases. His core areas of focus include data strategies, patient analytics and digital therapeutics, and joins Beghou after spending 10+ years at IQVIA, ZS Associates and Axtria. Yair earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Business and a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel.
Ajit Menon
Vice President, Customer Engagement and Digital Transformation, Johnson & Johnson
Ajit is the Vice President of Customer Engagement and Digital Transformation in the North America Innovative Medicine Business of J&J. In this role, Ajit leads innovation and transformation initiatives to drive business impact across commercial, medical affairs, patient services and market access for all therapeutic areas and functions. Ajit and his team lead the design, development and delivery of fit for purpose data and AI products and solutions against the highest impact use cases and imperatives for the business.
Pete Moutvic
Principal and Head, Global Omnichannel Business, Axtria
Pete is a Principal and Head of Axtria’s Global Omnichannel Business, where he focuses on helping clients build nextgen capabilities and designing and optimizing omnichannel and commercial engagements. He has over 25 years of experience leading global digital and customer experience organizations, and envisioning and driving digital transformation. In addition to his tenure in professional services, he has served as Chief Digital in his corporate roles.
Pete is passionate about being a trusted advisor to life science clients, deploying AI to drive value and improved CX, and nurturing an agile customer mindset.
Ramaa Nathan
Vice President, EVERSANA
Ramaa Nathan is the Vice President of RWE Insights and Data Science at EVERSANA with several years of experience in the financial and healthcare industries. Ramaa is a data scientist and statistician with extensive programming, statistical, and data analysis skills. She holds a PhD in Computer and Information Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a MS in Applied Statistics from Penn State. At the helm of EVERSANA's Data Science and RWE Insights team, Ramaa works to transform raw data into actionable insights. Collaborating with the National Institutes of Health and a consortium of academic researchers, Ramaa spearheaded real-world data research on multiple rare diseases. As a leader of a global team of data scientists, Ramaa has actively contributed to development of sophisticated analytic models. Combining machine learning and traditional statistical methods, she has enhanced predictive studies and paved the way for advancements in patient care.
Tom Nowlan
Associate Director, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Tom Nowlan leads strategic initiatives across analytics, market research, and AI-driven solutions at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Currently, he serves as the lead for KPI and Performance Reporting across all of Jazz commercial operations by standardizing best practices within Jazz Analytics. He has previously driven advanced analytics and market research within the Jazz Sleep Franchise to deliver competitive insights and shape strategic decisions.
Abhishek Pandey
Director, Oncology Data Science & AI Products, AstraZeneca
Abhishek is the Director of Oncology Data Science & AI Products (AZBrain) at AstraZeneca US. In this role, Abhishek leads and collaborates with high-performing teams to develop AI/ML-driven solutions that enhance the understanding and treatment of Lung, GI, and GU cancers via Immuno-Oncology regimens. He is actively involved in patient journey analysis, identifying care gaps, and addressing health equity issues to improve health outcomes. Abhishek also oversees strategic initiatives to integrate AI/ML solutions into AstraZeneca's commercial and medical operations, driving alignment and innovation across the organization for achieving better health outcomes. Before joining AstraZeneca, Abhishek held strategic roles at Aktana and Axtria, leading analytics and consulting engagements, and supporting global commercial biopharma teams.
Balaji Polepalli Ramesh
Director, Data Science & AI, AstraZeneca
Balaji is Director of AI in AstraZeneca. He has a PhD in Biomedical and Health informatics and has 11+ years of experience applying AI/ML techniques to real world challenges. He has a track record of building impactful and innovative data science powered products in the life sciences and financial industries.
Ethan Poris
Associate Director, Analytical AI Clinical Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb
Since joining Bristol Myers Squibb in 2021, I've driven innovation across multiple high-impact projects and high-performing analytics teams—from developing predictive models that enabled operations to decrease cell therapy turnaround times for critical patient treatments, to creating bottom-up product development cost forecasting pipelines that enhanced portfolio optimization, to most recently building suggestion engines to drive HCP engagement and significantly increase revenue across our brand portfolio. I'm now excited to transition to my new role in which I'll be optimizing clinical operations to accelerate drug development and deliver new advanced medicines to the market faster than ever. Before joining BMS, I received my BSc in Cognitive Psychology from Western Ontario University and a Master's in Business Analytics from Ivey Business School.
Shubhendu Pyne
Senior Enterprise Architect, Tiger Analytics
Results-driven leader in life sciences, with a proven track record of delivering transformative solutions across data management, commercial operations, market access, medical affairs, patient services, and digital marketing. I specialize in partnering with pharmaceutical data and analytics leaders to drive digital transformation initiatives that spark innovation, elevate decision-making, and boost business performance.
With deep expertise at the intersection of domain and technology, passionate about leveraging data-driven strategies to solve complex challenges, improve patient outcomes, and enable strategic growth. My collaborative mindset and commitment to delivering actionable insights empower organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Experienced professional with a strong foundation in data engineering, big data, software development and machine learning. I bring a creative, solution-oriented approach to every engagement also excel in designing and implementing robust data pipelines, conducting deep analytics and data mining, and developing advanced predictive models using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques.
Skilled in statistical analysis and software engineering, I translate data into valuable insights that inform business strategy and decision-making. I have a demonstrated ability to optimize operations, increase process efficiency and revenue, and reduce deployment time through the strategic application of innovative, data-driven solutions.
Igor Rudychev
Johnson & Johnson
Igor Rudychev have 30+ years of AI.Data, and Analytics experience and 25 years of pharma AI experience. Igor is leading Data Strategy, Partnerships, and Innovations with Johnson & Johnson. Previously. Igor was heading Analytics & AI with Amgen, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. Igor has a PhD in theoretical physics and MBA in Analytical Finance and Marketing from University of Chicago.
Sameer Saraf
Principal Data Scientist, McKesson Compile
Sameer Saraf is a Principal Data Scientist with 8 years of experience in the field of Artificial Intelligence, specializing in optimization algorithms, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, and Generative AI. He is focused on developing a comprehensive data knowledge fabric for healthcare data, creating an integrated foundation that enables data augmentation and standardization of complex healthcare datasets. Essential for building Generative AI applications, this framework enhances healthcare outcomes by integrating advanced AI with practical challenges, driving decision intelligence and elevating patient care standards across the provider ecosystem.
Saurabh Sarker
Director & AI/ML CoE Lead, Axtria
Saurabh heads the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Center of Excellence at Axtria. He has over a decade and a half of experience in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. He has worked with pharma companies of all sizes and types across commercial operations, managed markets, insights and analytics, and artificial intelligence/machine learning. He has served as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders, supported launches, led large-scale reorganization initiatives at a large pharma company, and served as a subject matter expert across a diverse range of engagements.
Mehul Shah
Bausch & Lomb
Mehul is an accomplished pharmaceutical industry leader with over 20 years of experience spanning Marketing, Advanced Analytics, Payer Analytics, and Sales Operations. He has played a pivotal role in numerous successful product launches across therapeutic areas including Oncology, Diabetes, Dermatology, and Ophthalmology. Known for his ability to blend deep analytical expertise with strategic foresight, Mehul consistently strives to drive optimized business performance and sustainable growth. He currently leads the Insights and Analytics function at Bausch + Lomb, where he continues to influence data-driven decision-making across the organization.
Rachel Silvestrini
Vice President, Business Insights and Analytics
Rachel Silvestrini, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Global Business Insights and Analytics (BI&A) at Eli Lilly and Company. In this role, Rachel leads a high-performing team of data engineers, data analysts, data scientists, ML engineers, and business integrators. Together, they deliver analytical insights and cutting-edge AI solutions that drive impactful business decisions in the commercial space. Before joining Eli Lilly and Company, Rachel was an Associate Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University, and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University.
Abhishek Sinha
Senior Director, D&A – Global Head of AI CoE, Sage Therapeutics
I am an experienced Analytics Leader with expertise in creating enterprise analytics capabilities by establishing Center of Excellence, multiple geography delivery models and deploying automation in business process at bulge bracket US Banks.
I have a proven track record in, program management of Digital Transformation, thought leadership in developing data products to improve Customer Experience and new revenues for my clients.
As a champion of business decisions driven by data science, I strive to influence C-Level executives and am a consensus builder of all stakeholders to achieve organizational transformations in Consumer and Investment Banks.
Additionally, I have broad knowledge of Capital Markets and success with data analytics in Post Trade operations of Investor Services, leveraging technology environment particularly with high volume, high-velocity trading applications.
Smita Mitra
Executive Director, Commercial Data Science and Gen AI Capabilities, Merck
20 years in Pharma spanning R&D and Commercial organization. Past 11 Years in Commercial Data Science leading Medical and Commercial OMNI Channel solution teams. In current role, leading a Capabilities team that builds AI/ML and GenAI products for Merck Human Health
Vasu Taunk
Associate Director, Datazymes
Vasu Taunk is an Associate Director at DataZymes with a decade of experience in decision science and AI-driven analytics. He leads initiatives that transform complex data into actionable insights, developing scalable platforms that optimize workflows and deliver multimillion-dollar efficiencies. Prior to DataZymes, at ZS, he worked on commercial analytics projects like marketing mix attribution models and sequencing analytics that helped clients optimize promotional strategies. Vasu specializes in leveraging AI to solve complex business challenges and creating innovative commercial solutions that drive measurable value.
Jean Patrick Tsang
President, Bayser Consulting
Jean-Patrick Tsang is the Founder and President of Bayser, a Chicago-based consulting firm dedicated to sales and marketing for pharmaceutical companies. JP is an expert in data strategy and advanced analytics. JP has published 25+ papers, given 80+ talks at conferences, and completed 250+ projects. In a previous life, JP deployed Artificial Intelligence to automate the design of payloads for satellites. JP earned a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from Grenoble University, advised 2 PhD students, and earned an MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He was the recipient of the 2015 PMSA Lifetime Achievement Award.