Stream all the major talks & debates happening at DCD>Connect | Virginia

Talks Stage - November 7 Agenda

  • DCD>Talks inclusivity across generations with Greg Thompson | Vantage Data Centers

    • Talks Stage - November 7

    Speakers

    Tom Liddy

    Tom Liddy

    Sales Manager, DCD>Academy

    Gregory Thompson Jr.

    Chief Information Security Officer, Vantage Data Centers

    Greg Thompson Jr

    Gregory Thompson Jr.

    Chief Information Security Officer, Vantage Data Centers

    Greg Thompson, JR., is the Chief Information Security Officer at Vantage Data Centers.

    View full profile and related articles

  • DCD>Talks the illusion of choice with Cosimo Pecchioli | BP

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    bp.png

    Speakers

    Gabriella Gillett-Perez

    Content Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    DCDHeadshots-0306-(B&W) 2

    Gabriella Gillett-Perez

    Content Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    DCD>Talks the evolution of the data center energy model with Patty Solberg | Engie

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    engie 349x175 no gradient.png
    More details
    Cosimo Pecchioli

    IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director, BP

    Cosimo.png

    Cosimo Pecchioli

    IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director, BP

    Cosimo Pecchioli has been the IT Hardware & OEM Partnership Director at BO siince 2023. Previosuly, Cosimo was part of Alfa Laval since 2003, covering different roles in Europe and US.

    Originally from Italy, Cosimo has been living in California for 15+ year. He holds a Master Degree in Science & Technology. A member of the OCP for 2 years, since Jan 2022, he has been co-chairing the heat reuse incubation group

    View full profile and related articles

  • DCD>Talks best practices for direct-to-chip cooling with Michael Beatty | Ecolab (Nalco)

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Logos  (24)

    Speakers

    Michael Beatty

    Global Data Center & Microelectronics New Construction Team Leader, Nalco Water: An Ecolab Company

    Michael Beatty

    Michael Beatty

    Global Data Center & Microelectronics New Construction Team Leader, Nalco Water: An Ecolab Company

    Michael Beatty has over 30 years of experience in industrial water treatment and the Data Center industry, including 14 years of consulting experience on data center cooling and power design. He has managed various data center design/build projects, including live upgrades. Michael holds a Top Secret clearance with the U.S. Department of Defense, and has conducted energy and tier reliability audits for both U.S. Government and private-sector industry. He also has expertise in forensic analysis of equipment failures.

    Throughout his tenure with Nalco Water, Michael has advised and supported Data Center engineers and owner/operators regarding water-related issues. His scope includes site-selection assessments, cooling system design, water treatment and sustainable practices. In his current role, Michael leads a dedicated team focused on new construction projects for Data Centers and Microelectronics accounts.

    View full profile and related articles

    Matthew Welch

    Content & Project Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    MWelch180

    Matthew Welch

    Content & Project Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    Matthew Welch is the Content & Project Manager - Live Events, at Datacenter Dynamics.

    Prior to joining DCD, Matt produced international events across various industry sectors which included cybersecurity, IoT, renewable energy, global commodities, and sports betting.

    His interests include chess, Liverpool FC, and the Green Bay Packers.

    View full profile and related articles

    DCD>Talks powering up your colocation strategy with Tom Flanagan | Constellation

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    constellation-logo
    More details
  • DCD>Talks modular data center momentum with Sanjeev Verma | Black Box

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    blackboxred 349x175.png

    Speakers

    Sanjeev Verma

    President & Chief Executive Officer, Black Box

    SanjeevVerma180.jpg

    Sanjeev Verma

    President & Chief Executive Officer, Black Box

    Sanjeev Verma is the Executive Director of Black Box Limited and the President and CEO of Black Box Corporation, a 100% subsidiary acquired in 2019. As the architect of the company’s strategic vision, Sanjeev has elevated Black Box to a premier global IT solutions provider, known for its commitment to customer-centricity, innovation, and client success.

    With over two decades of global experience in Information Communications Technology (ICT), Sanjeev has played a pivotal role in expanding Black Box's global footprint and enhancing its data center capabilities. Under his leadership, Black Box's Data Center Practice has seen significant growth, driven by a unified global approach that combines centralized solution development with local technical expertise. His focus on innovation and operational efficiency has established Black Box as a leader in hyperscale data center construction, technical support, and advanced IT integration.

    Sanjeev's vision reflects a deep understanding of the complex demands of modern data centers. He has spearheaded the development of comprehensive infrastructure services, including structured cabling, advanced networking, and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM). His commitment to excellence is embodied in Black Box's modular global program, ensuring consistent quality and flexible, localized execution.

    Throughout his tenure, Sanjeev has held key roles, including CEO (Americas) and Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Business Operations, leading worldwide business operations and driving international expansion. Before joining Black Box, he held key management positions at Wipro, 3D Networks, and Global Tele Systems, gaining valuable experience in global markets. His visionary leadership continues to propel Black Box's success, reinforcing its position as a global leader in IT solutions.

    View full profile and related articles

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCDHeadshots-0512-(B&W)

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCD>Talks de-risking construction with Kris Lengieza & Pedro Gomez | Procore

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Procore_Logo_FC_Black_CMYK.jpg
    More details

    DCD>Talks powering AI and large-scale data centers with Joe Prudente | ABB

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    ABB_349x175.png
    More details
  • DCD>Talks fireproofing your supply chain with Joey Hougham & Dave McGrew | Trangistics

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Trangistics Logo

    Speakers

    Farah Johnson-May

    DatacenterDynamics

    Dave McGrew

    Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Trangistics

    Dave McGrew

    Dave McGrew

    Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Trangistics

    Currently serving as the Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Trangistics, McGrew specializes in providing innovative freight and procurement solutions for complex construction projects. His expertise in this arena extends particularly into high-specification builds such as data centers, semiconductor fabrication plants, and other controlled environment facilities, where he oversees logistics for top producers, general contractors, trades, and suppliers.

    With a career built on entrepreneurial spirit and a solutions-oriented mindset, McGrew thrives on overcoming challenges and finding creative solutions. Embracing the philosophy that "there are never problems, only challenges" and driven by a competitive edge that "hates losing more than he likes winning," he leads a high-integrity, global logistics operation that excels in transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.

    Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Linfield University and is a licensed real estate broker.

    View full profile and related articles

    Joey Hougham

    Joey Hougham

    CEO, Trangistics

  • DCD>Talks de-risking construction with Kris Lengieza & Pedro Gomez | Procore

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Procore_Logo_FC_Black_CMYK.jpg

    Speakers

    Pedro Gomez

    Director of NGEU Business, Ferrovial

    Pedro Gomez

    Pedro Gomez

    Director of NGEU Business, Ferrovial

    Pedro Gomez is an Economist and Executive Director leading the development of Digital Infrastructure and Data Center business for Ferrovial, a world-known infrastructure developer and operator. Pedro has 20 years of experience in countries such as Spain, UK, Poland and Australia where he has undertaken roles from Operations Management and Business Development to M&A and Corporate Restructure.

    His areas of expertise vary from Infrastructure Services and Energy Efficiency solutions for Infrastructure to Concessions for Public Administration. Along his professional experience, Pedro is an entrepreneur and start-up investor in the energy sector through a drone-based inspection system and a Professor at IE University in Madrid where he teaches at the University of Architecture.

    The focus of his activity today is on the Data Centers sector, where Ferrovial is one of the European leaders, having among his clients Hyperscalers, Collocators and Private and Public clients.

    View full profile and related articles

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCDHeadshots-0512-(B&W)

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCD>Talks modular data center momentum with Sanjeev Verma | Black Box

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    blackboxred 349x175.png
    More details

    DCD>Talks powering AI and large-scale data centers with Joe Prudente | ABB

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    ABB_349x175.png
    More details
    Kris Lengieza

    Global Technology Evangelist, Procore

    Kris Lenguiza

    Kris Lengieza

    Global Technology Evangelist, Procore

    Kris Lengieza, the Global Technology Evangelist at Procore Technologies, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the intersection of construction and technology. Previously serving as the VP of Global Partnerships & Alliances, Kris oversaw a diverse ecosystem spanning channel, ISV, public, and association partnerships. His recognition as one of the Top 40 Construction Professionals Under 40 by ENR and BD&C underscores his impact in the industry.

    Kris’s journey began with 15 years in construction, where he embraced technology as an early adopter. His mission? To seamlessly integrate data across all construction solutions, driving progress within the field. As a futurist and construction tech evangelist, Kris now collaborates extensively with industry innovators, tech organizations, and construction companies. Together, they explore transformative

    technologies that promise to revolutionize our work processes. Kris has played a pivotal role in Procore’s product strategy, delivering industry and technology insights to improve how Procore’s solutions serve the industry.

    In the ever-evolving landscape of construction technology, Kris Lengieza stands at the forefront, bridging the gap between innovation and practical implementation. His vision? To empower the industry, one groundbreaking solution at a time.

    View full profile and related articles

  • DCD>Talks costly mistakes in sensor system design with Mike Meyer | Standard Calibrations

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Standard ColaborationsI_Logo_Tagline_Matador

    Speakers

    Mike Meyer

    Mike Meyer

    President, Standard Calibrations Inc.

    Stephen Worn

    CTO and Managing Director, NAM, DatacenterDynamics

    stephen-worn.jpg

    Stephen Worn

    CTO and Managing Director, NAM, DatacenterDynamics

    Mr. Worn has been involved with industry-leading enterprises and clients around the world for over 25 years as an Industrial FMS and ICT Network and Facilities Engineer; with over eight years in Asia, across the Americas and again back on a pan-European level.

    Mr. Worn was the Head of Technology Services for Dimension Data UK, where he was also their acting Practice Manager for Data Centres and Intelligent Buildings. Stephen has held senior management roles in Nortel Networks as their EMEA Senior Director of Datacentres, at Japan's Nippon Suisan International, China's National Center for Industry and Technology, as well as with the Center for Special Economic Zones.

    Mr. Worn has supported DatacenterDynamics since its first conference as Chief Technical Advisor and Guest Conference Chairman. He is currently CEO of North America, Managing Director of AsiaPacific, as well as Global CTO for Data Center Dynamics. Mr. Worn holds two Masters Degrees. 

    View full profile and related articles

    Major Panel: Energy providers vs. data centers - Who holds the power?

    • Main Stage - November 7
    aecom_349x175.jpg
    More details

    DCD>Talks going green: Evolving onsite power generation with Patricia Nzioka | Cummins

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Logos  (42)
    More details
  • DCD>Talks about the now and the future of sustainability with Joel Wynn | Southwire

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Southwire Logo-TAGLINE (2)

    Speakers

    Joel Wynn

    Vice President, Data Centers & Mission Critical Solutions, Southwire

    Joel Wynn

    Joel Wynn

    Vice President, Data Centers & Mission Critical Solutions, Southwire

    Joel Wynn, Vice President, Data Centers & Mission Critical Solutions, is a sustainability leader within Southwire’s commercial team.  He is passionate about communicating Southwire’s Environmental, Sustainability and Governance goals built around Growing Green, Living Well, Giving Back, Doing Right and Building Worth. Through these core tenets, Southwire is committed to providing the industry standard in environmental sound wire and cable systems and solutions for power systems from 600 volt to High Voltage products and services. Prior to his current role,  Joel has held roles in direct sales of Southwire products and services, as well as enterprise product management, along with strategic sales management responsibility over a 16-year career.

    View full profile and related articles

    George Rockett

    Co-Founder & Board Member, Yotta Events & Datacenter Dynamics

    George Rockett

    George Rockett

    Co-Founder & Board Member, Yotta Events & Datacenter Dynamics

    George started his first technology publication in 1998, focused on the 'plumbing' of the Internet and has been building and connecting digital infrastructure communities all over the world,

    George is fascinated by the sheer scale of the digital infrastructure that is yet to be built, one that will support AI and a new world of accelerated computing; it is 'mission critical' to the future of every industry and every person on the planet and must be done sustainably.

    View full profile and related articles

    Keynote: From theory to reality - Case studies in AI deployment and expansion

    • Main Stage - November 7
    More details

    Major Panel: Cool heads prevail - Strategies for efficient cooling in AI-optimized data centers

    • Main Stage - November 7
    More details
  • DCD>Talks powering up your colocation strategy with Tom Flanagan | Constellation

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    constellation-logo

    Speakers

    Tom Flanagan

    Senior Originator, Constellation

    Thomas Flanagan

    Tom Flanagan

    Senior Originator, Constellation

    Thomas Flanagan is responsible for identifying, structuring, and executing wholesale renewable energy power transactions across the United States. Tom is specifically focused on developing and growing Constellation’s integration of offsite renewable power purchase agreements into retail supply contracts.

    View full profile and related articles

    Matthew Welch

    Content & Project Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    MWelch180

    Matthew Welch

    Content & Project Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    Matthew Welch is the Content & Project Manager - Live Events, at Datacenter Dynamics.

    Prior to joining DCD, Matt produced international events across various industry sectors which included cybersecurity, IoT, renewable energy, global commodities, and sports betting.

    His interests include chess, Liverpool FC, and the Green Bay Packers.

    View full profile and related articles

    DCD>Talks best practices for direct-to-chip cooling with Michael Beatty | Ecolab (Nalco)

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Logos  (24)
    More details
  • DCD>Talks going green: Evolving onsite power generation with Patricia Nzioka | Cummins

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Logos  (42)

    Speakers

    Patricia Nzioka

    Director of Marketing & Strategy, Cummins

    Patricia Nzioka

    Patricia Nzioka

    Director of Marketing & Strategy, Cummins

    Patricia Nzioka is Director of Marketing & Strategy for the data center business at Cummins Inc.

    With over 18 years’ experience in power generation she is responsible for enabling and marketing of fit-for-market solutions that meet the evolving needs of the data center industry. One of her focus areas is on low carbon technologies that will enable environmental and economic sustainability while addressing emerging gaps in grid infrastructure. Patricia holds a masters in Electrical Engineering from Morgan State University and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

    View full profile and related articles

    Stephen Worn

    CTO and Managing Director, NAM, DatacenterDynamics

    stephen-worn.jpg

    Stephen Worn

    CTO and Managing Director, NAM, DatacenterDynamics

    Mr. Worn has been involved with industry-leading enterprises and clients around the world for over 25 years as an Industrial FMS and ICT Network and Facilities Engineer; with over eight years in Asia, across the Americas and again back on a pan-European level.

    Mr. Worn was the Head of Technology Services for Dimension Data UK, where he was also their acting Practice Manager for Data Centres and Intelligent Buildings. Stephen has held senior management roles in Nortel Networks as their EMEA Senior Director of Datacentres, at Japan's Nippon Suisan International, China's National Center for Industry and Technology, as well as with the Center for Special Economic Zones.

    Mr. Worn has supported DatacenterDynamics since its first conference as Chief Technical Advisor and Guest Conference Chairman. He is currently CEO of North America, Managing Director of AsiaPacific, as well as Global CTO for Data Center Dynamics. Mr. Worn holds two Masters Degrees. 

    View full profile and related articles

    Major Panel: Energy providers vs. data centers - Who holds the power?

    • Main Stage - November 7
    aecom_349x175.jpg
    More details

    DCD>Talks costly mistakes in sensor system design with Mike Meyer | Standard Calibrations

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Standard ColaborationsI_Logo_Tagline_Matador
    More details
  • DCD>Talks powering AI and large-scale data centers with Joe Prudente | ABB

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    ABB_349x175.png

    Speakers

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCDHeadshots-0512-(B&W)

    Emma Brookes

    Channel Manager, DatacenterDynamics

    DCD>Talks modular data center momentum with Sanjeev Verma | Black Box

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    blackboxred 349x175.png
    More details

    DCD>Talks de-risking construction with Kris Lengieza & Pedro Gomez | Procore

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    Procore_Logo_FC_Black_CMYK.jpg
    More details
    Joe Prudente

    Segment Leader- MV UPS, ABB

    Joe Prudente

    Joe Prudente

    Segment Leader- MV UPS, ABB

    Joe Prudente, Segment Leader MV UPS for ABB Power Protection, with over 40 years’ experience in the critical power industry. Prior to joining ABB, he has held various positions in engineering, project management, service, commercial sales, and channel management. Experience also includes data center design, commissioning activities, and buildouts, as well as principal equity ownership with systems design engineering and 3rd party commercial sales firms. He holds several advanced critical power protection certificates and a degree in Electrical Engineering.

    View full profile and related articles

  • DCD>Talks the evolution of the data center energy model with Patty Solberg | Engie

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    engie 349x175 no gradient.png

    Speakers

    Gabriella Gillett-Perez

    Content Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    DCDHeadshots-0306-(B&W) 2

    Gabriella Gillett-Perez

    Content Manager - Live Events, DatacenterDynamics

    DCD>Talks the illusion of choice with Cosimo Pecchioli | BP

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    bp.png
    More details
    Patty Solberg

    Product Manager, ENGIE

    PS180

    Patty Solberg

    Product Manager, ENGIE

    Patty Solberg is a Sr. Advisor for Solutions Innovation in ENGIE’s Energy Solutions Americas team. She focuses on developing customer offerings consistent with ENGIE’s global ambitions aligned for North American market. Patty is responsible for market research, solution definition and development, and strategic partnerships to enable new offerings.

    Patty brings more than 20 years’ experience in product management and business development, first in telecommunications equipment, and then energy management. She began working in energy management at a startup focused on Industrial Demand Management, including AutoDR. Patty has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Loyola Marymount University.

    View full profile and related articles

  • DCD>Talks retaining industry talent with Sandhya Mutreja | Yondr

    • Talks Stage - November 7
    dcdacademy

    Speakers

    Sandhya Mutreja

    Global Head of People and Int Comms, Yondr

    Sandhya Mutreja

    Sandhya Mutreja

    Global Head of People and Int Comms, Yondr

    Sandhya Mutreja is a visionary global HR leader with over a decade of transformational experience, including 3+ years in the data center industry. She has lived, worked, and led diverse teams across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, bringing a unique global perspective to every aspect of her work. With a proven track record spanning both Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups, Sandhya excels at aligning human capital strategies with business imperatives to drive workforce optimization, operational scalability, and the creation of high-performing, resilient teams in rapidly evolving environments.

    Her expertise spans across the full HR spectrum, including strategic talent acquisition, talent and performance management, learning and development, executive compensation design, Total Rewards and Operations. Sandhya is a key architect of digital HR transformations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and employee experience. She has played a pivotal role in ensuring the strategic readiness of go-to-market teams—spanning sales, implementation, and customer support—ensuring seamless execution of business strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.

    Throughout her career, Sandhya has successfully navigated organizations through complex, high-stakes transitions, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and IPO readiness, positioning businesses for sustained growth and success.

    Sandhya’s consistently provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to boards and executive teams, helping shape long-term business objectives. Her analytical acumen, combined with a profound understanding of workforce dynamics, drives informed decision-making helps propels organizational growth and performance.

    A passionate advocate for fostering inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces, Sandhya champions a culture of belonging and holistic well-being. She is dedicated to mental health and wellness initiatives, serving on the Board of Vaughan Social Action Council in Toronto, a non-profit organization committed to driving mental health awareness and securing funding for community programs through federal and provincial partnerships.

    In the data center industry, Sandhya’s key priority is in addressing the war for talent, with a primary focus on building a future-ready workforce to meet the growing demands of the sector. Her goal is to be a thought leader in developing robust talent pipelines for the future within the data center industry and partner with peers and industry leaders in addressing the challenge.

    View full profile and related articles

    Darren McGrath

    Managing Director, DCD>Academy

    1602588888788.jpg

    Darren McGrath

    Managing Director, DCD>Academy

    Darren is Managing Director of DCD’s education business - DCD Academy, a leading global provider of mission critical learning and development services to the data center industry . 

    Darren was previously leader of Learning and Development at SoftwareONE, Capita, Bureau Veritas and SGS and has in-depth experience of the full learning and talent development lifecycle and understands how L&D is integral to impact the wider strategic objectives of organisations.

    View full profile and related articles