Clare Hillis is the Partner Sales Director for Microsoft Ireland and is a key member of the Microsoft Ireland Leadership team. She is dedicated to harnessing groundbreaking technologies like AI and cloud computing to unlock the fullest potential of both partners and customers. She is responsible for driving partner engagement, facilitating connections, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance Microsoft’s partner across the island of Ireland.

Since joining Microsoft in May 2022, Clare held the position of Channel Sales Lead where she was instrumental in helping partners grow their business and in supporting our mutual customers to drive digital transformation across both the public and private sectors. Her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion has seen her champion numerous initiatives, where our partners are supported and engaged. Clare’s dedication to promoting women in tech has fostered a more inclusive and innovative community.

Before joining Microsoft, Clare held various senior roles across the UK and Ireland within the technology industry for both BT and Vodafone. Most recently she served as Country Manager for Vodafone in NI, where she was responsible for overall business revenue and margin growth. Clare’s tenure at Vodafone was marked by significant contributions to the company’s success, particularly in the Enterprise business across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Data Scientist currently working on building Generative AI, Natural Language Processing and Multimodal solutions.

With a strong background in Computational Statistics & Linguistics, Machine Learning and Business Intelligence, some key highlights of my work have been;

• Designing and implementing machine learning pipelines for predictive models.
• Building and deploying LLM-based applications and custom AI solutions.
• Owning delivery of analytical projects and high-quality business intelligence solutions.
• Using data to drive operational excellence and develop sustainable business growth strategies.

As CEO of Deanta, I lead a dynamic team dedicated to reshaping the publishing industry through innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology. With over 20 years in publishing services, I have developed strategic expertise in leveraging AI, XML-first workflows, and global production methodologies to empower publishers in the academic, STM, legal, and professional sectors.

At Deanta, our focus is on providing tailored solutions that simplify workflows, improve efficiency, and enable digital transformation, ensuring clients can meet the demands of modern readers and authors alike. I’m passionate about building lasting partnerships, fostering innovation, and creating systems that deliver measurable outcomes for businesses worldwide.

Rob Grundy is the Director of Innovation Partnerships at Catalyst, an organisation he has collaborated with and admired for over a decade. His appointment marks both a return to familiar ground and an exciting new chapter in his career. With a deep belief in Catalyst’s mission, he is committed to helping shape Northern Ireland’s economy through innovation, enterprise, and entrepreneurship.

Alongside his role at Catalyst, he continues to contribute to the life sciences sector as a Senior Advisor to Intelligent OMICS Ltd, a company at the forefront of AI-driven biomedical discovery. His work bridges the worlds of science, business, and innovation, with a passion for creating opportunities and meaningful impact.

Before this, Stephen was Head of Project Delivery, responsible for managing multiple workstreams of activity to ensure the successful delivery of the Momentum One Zero project. His background cuts across the negotiation and set up of complex innovation projects with private sector and government, evidence-based policy development, and hands-on research.

Dr Aislinn Rice has over 25 years’ experience in leadership positions across small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and global organisations in the technology sector. She was appointed to the Board of QUBIS from 2012 to 2018, the commercialisation arm of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Aislinn is currently Director of Software NI and Non-Executive Director at Analytics Engines. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from QUB. More recently, Aislinn was awarded with the Digital DNA Special Recognition Award for continued commitment and contribution to the NI Technology ecosystem.

Having gained 15+ years’ experience of operational management and strategy development before selling his first company Gareth, alongside Ireland and Ulster Rugby International Andrew Trimble, founded Kairos, a sports technology company optimising the performance of elite sports teams by empowering athletes with scheduling, communication and athletic planning tools.

Scott is also a certified data ethics professional from the Open Data Institute, and he applies this knowledge with customers across the public and private sector, focusing not only on areas of data ethics, but also the ethical and responsible usage of AI.

As a Data Scientist at Analytics Engines, I specialise in leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and traditional machine learning techniques to drive AI innovations that directly align with strategic business objectives. My expertise spans developing end-to-end AI solutions, from advanced virtual assistants and conversational AI to automated document processing, anomaly detection systems, and evaluation frameworks.

I bring a balanced skill set that combines deep technical acumen in machine learning, statistical modeling and data processing with strategic thinking and project management. My approach is rooted in data science methodologies, rigorous model assessment, and insightful analysis, ensuring that every AI solution delivers impactful, data-driven results.

Beyond technical development, I excel at translating complex AI concepts into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences. Whether I’m leading AI strategy workshops, mentoring teams on best practices in prompt engineering and model evaluation, or engaging with stakeholders to optimize process improvements, my goal is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI applications and real-world business needs.

I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve and continuously strive to contribute to innovative, scalable solutions that empower organizations to make smarter, faster decisions.

Michael Casement serves as an Account Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he partners with strategic and high-value customers to create multi-horizon technology roadmaps. With deep insight into both business goals and industry trends, he guides organizations through digital transformations that drive cloud adoption, operational efficiency, and innovation.

A trusted advisor, Michael collaborates across internal teams and ecosystems—engaging with product, engineering, and partner networks—to deliver end-to-end solutions aligned with client objectives. He specializes in anticipating technical blockers, optimizing adoption strategies, and translating complex technology landscapes into actionable, high-impact initiatives.

With a strong record of blending strategic oversight and hands-on execution, Michael ensures each engagement advances Microsoft’s mission and delivers measurable value to customers.

Mike is responsible for helping drive digital and AI innovation across DCC.

DCC operates in 21 countries, supplying products and services used by millions of people every day. Building strong routes to market, driving for results, focusing on cash conversion, and generating superior sustainable returns on capital employed enable the Group to reinvest in its business, creating value for its stakeholders.

As a proven business leader with expertise in business development, digital strategy, and large-scale problem solving, Mike has built successful ventures in AI, Supply Chain Software, Mobility, Fin-Tech, and e-Commerce. His entrepreneurial spirit and mission-driven approach have consistently fuelled success in dynamic, fast-paced industries.

We are excited to have Mike share his insights and expertise at Big Data Belfast.

As founder and CEO of Vulcan Consulting I am responsible for day to day operations, client relationship management, growing our business and ensuring that our clients receive a top class service across a range of sectors. I split my time between our offices in Dublin and Brussels and regularly travel for conferences and client meetings in other parts of Europe, as well as the United States.

As founder and CEO of Vulcan Consulting I am responsible for day to day operations, client relationship management, growing our business and ensuring that our clients receive a top class service across a range of sectors. I split my time between our offices in Dublin and Brussels and regularly travel for conferences and client meetings in other parts of Europe, as well as the United States.

As head of business development, Byran focuses on the company’s priority growth initiatives, including new markets, segments and client engagement. Previously, Bryan worked at LMAX Group, as director US Institutional Sales, having also worked in senior commercial roles at Nasdaq, Cboe Global Markets, and Old Mission. Bryan is on the board of directors for the SIFMA Foundation.

At DailyPay, we are building a new financial system, one paycheck at a time. We’ve built a best-in-class, trusted, first-of-its-kind technology platform that dynamically changes how money moves—changing pay, for good.

I’m a strategic, commercially driven technology executive passionate about scaling high-impact teams, driving profitable growth, and building inclusive cultures that empower people to do their best work.

Most recently, as Regional Head of Synechron Northern Ireland, I built and scaled a 100+ person multidisciplinary practice spanning Data & AI, Cloud, Digital, and Engineering. Under my leadership, we consistently delivered strong revenue growth, a 47% average margin, and lasting enterprise-level client impact — combining commercial success with a commitment to people and community.

I bring a unique blend of operational leadership and commercial acumen, aligning go-to-market strategy, delivery, and cross-functional execution to fuel sustainable business growth. I’m deeply experienced in business development, client engagement, and forming strategic partnerships — always with a focus on customer value and long-term retention.

Known for turning complex challenges into scalable, market-driven solutions and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures, I’m now focused on pursuing Chief Commercial Officer or other growth-focused C-suite roles—full-time or fractional—where I can lead transformative growth journeys locally and globally.

As a board member and advisor, I’m committed to strengthening the tech ecosystem by bridging industry and academia, nurturing talent pipelines, and driving innovation through collaboration.

Whether it’s scaling businesses, shaping commercial strategy, or fostering cultures of performance and inclusion, I bring energy, vision, and a relentless focus on growth and impact.

Raymond Mulligan is an Azure Technical Solutions Professional for Microsoft Ireland. He has worked in the technology and application development space since 2001. He is responsible for showing the value of Microsoft Cloud and reducing road blocks that may prevent customers from transitioning their workloads to the cloud. He is passionate about large scale digital transformation in the modern world.

Tom Zglobicki, based in London, England, United Kingdom, is currently a Senior Director, Data Analytics Consulting | Head of Data and Analytics Gb,ie,me at Epam Systems. Tom Zglobicki brings experience from previous roles at Epam Systems, New Signature, London Borough of Redbridge and Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Tom Zglobicki holds a 1997 – 2002 MA in Sociology @ UMCS . With a robust skill set that includes Business Insight, Business Transition, Business Strategy, Healthcare Information Systems, Customer Management and more.

Stephen McKeown is Global Vice President at Allstate and Managing Director at Allstate NI since February 2023. Stephen previously was Divisional CIO and Director at Allstate Technology and Strategic Ventures. Prior to Allstate he held a number of board level roles and has acted as a technical advisor to the European Commission’s Horizon Research and Development program and UK Technology Strategy Board. He is an experienced senior technology executive having worked with firms from large multinationals to niche specialists in the areas of business transformation, digital product development and operations.