Finance leaders roundtable

24^th

June 2025

09:00 AM
EST

Balancing Innovation with Financial Discipline: The AI Investment Paradox

As artificial intelligence reshapes finance operations, finance leaders face a critical challenge: investing in transformational technology while maintaining fiscal discipline. With voices from seasoned finance executives at global brands, this roundtable explores how to evaluate AI investments with uncertain ROI, restructure governance for iterative technology projects, and prepare finance teams for an AI-augmented future.

Join us as our panellists explore:

Innovation Investment Frameworks: Moving beyond traditional ROI metrics to evaluate AI initiatives with transformational potential but uncertain timelines
Practical AI Applications: Real-world implementations in cash flow forecasting, financial planning, working capital optimization, and predictive analytics
Risk Management & Governance: Maintaining financial discipline while funding experimental, iterative AI projects that don't follow linear implementation paths
Organizational Transformation: Managing cultural change, upskilling finance teams, and building trust in AI-generated financial insights
Future-Proofing Strategy: Balancing quarterly performance pressure with long-term competitive positioning in an AI-transformed landscape

This interactive conversation will surface battle-tested strategies from leaders who've navigated multi-million dollar AI decisions-whether you're evaluating your first AI investment, scaling existing implementations, or preparing your finance function for an algorithmic future.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear how financial leadership is being redefined by executives at the forefront of the AI transformation.

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About the Speaker

Host: Michel Combes

EVP at Claure Group | Chair of the Audit Committee at Phillip Morris International

Michel is a renowned technology and telecommunications executive with over 30 years of global leadership experience. Currently Executive Vice President at Claure Group and Chair of the Audit Committee at Philip Morris International, Michel has led industry giants including SoftBank Group International, Sprint, Vodafone Europe, Alcatel-Lucent, and Altice. He is celebrated for orchestrating transformative mergers and digital innovations?most notably the Sprint?T-Mobile integration and the Alcatel-Lucent acquisition by Nokia.

A trusted board member and advisor across sectors such as AI, cloud, and digital media, Michel brings strategic insight to global companies including WeWork, OneWeb, and SoFi Technologies. His ability to align emerging technologies with business value continues to shape the future of global tech and telecom.

Host: Ankit Goyal

Senior Vice President - Innovation & Solution Development, Polestar Analytics

With 14+ years of consulting experience, Ankit Goyal leads innovation and solution development at Polestar Analytics, driving value creation across Finance, Sales, and HR planning for global clients in Manufacturing, CPG, and Technology. Known for his deep expertise in Enterprise Performance Management and his pivotal role in establishing Polestar Analytics' award-winning Anaplan practice, Ankit brings a practitioner?s perspective on what it takes to translate technology into business impact. As the host for this session, he'll bring his signature blend of energy, insight, and curiosity to spotlight the intersection of strategy, transformation, and AI in today's enterprise landscape.

Guest Speaker: Madhu Ranganathan

President & CFO | Board Director & Audit Chair | Author & Advocate for Special Needs

Madhu is a seasoned global executive and board leader with over three decades of experience in strategic finance, M&A, business transformation, and operational excellence. She most recently served as President & CFO at OpenText, a global leader in enterprise information management. Madhu is a Board and Audit Committee member at Akamai Technologies (AKAM) and Bank of Montreal (BMO), including Chair of Audit Committee at Akamai. Madhu serves leadership and advisory boards including Neythri and Perkins School for the Blind. A passionate advocate for women in leadership and Gen Z empowerment, Madhu is known for her ability to drive impact at the intersection of business growth and purpose

Guest Speaker: Juan Carlos Gesto

Senior FP&A Director at Coca-Cola

Juan is the Senior Director of FP&A at The Coca-Cola Company, bringing over 25 years of global experience in finance, accounting, and commercial strategy. With a proven track record in managing multi-billion-dollar revenues across Latin America and Africa, Juan is known for leading financial transformation, driving P&L optimization, and mentoring high-performing teams. He holds an MBA in Corporate Finance and certifications from Wharton and Harvard Business Publishing. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, he is passionate about driving strategic growth through data and innovation.

Guest Speaker: Giuseppe Lombardo

SVP Strategy & Finance, North America at Oatly

Giuseppe is a seasoned finance executive with over a decade of experience spanning investment banking and strategic finance leadership. Currently Senior Vice President of Strategy & Finance, North America at Oatly, Giuseppe has rapidly progressed through senior finance roles across EMEA and North America, driving strategic financial planning for the leading plant-based food innovator. His investment banking career at Credit Suisse focused on M&A and capital markets within the Retail & Consumer Group.

With an MBA from Georgetown University and proven expertise in scaling consumer brands, capital allocation, and navigating high-growth environments, Giuseppe brings valuable strategic insights to discussions on finance, growth strategy, and market expansion in today's dynamic business landscape.