Luca ABATELLO

Luca Abatello is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Circle Group, a company he established in 2012. Under his leadership, Circle has become a prominent provider of digitalization and automation solutions for the port, intermodal logistics, and supply chain sectors. The company specializes in integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and AI to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of logistics operations.
With a background in economics from the University of Genoa and an Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi School of Management, Abatello brings over two decades of experience in ICT, business consulting, and digital marketing. He has held various leadership roles, including Chairman positions at Info.era, Progetto Adele, Aitek, and Log@Sea, all of which focus on technological innovation in logistics and transportation.
Abatello is actively engaged in European research and innovation programs, contributing to the development of smart logistics corridors and digital transport ecosystems. His work supports the European Union's objectives for sustainable and interconnected freight transport.

Giorgio ADAMI

Giorgio Adami, born on January 10, 1960, in Verona, has had an entrepreneurial career that began at the age of 23 when he founded his own transport company. He later led the family business to become a leader in the sector. Today, ADAMI Autotrasporti S.p.A. is in its fourth generation, demonstrating the importance of a solid past and a continuous projection towards the future. His innovative vision earned him the Domus Mercatorum award from the Chamber of Commerce of Verona, recognizing him as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 for his impact on the economic development of the territory. As the founding president of the ITS Academy LAST Foundation, Giorgio Adami promotes training in logistics and digitalization, showing a strong commitment to education and sustainable development in the sector. His leadership extends to key roles in Confindustria at both local and national levels, in the Regional Innovative Network for Logistics RIVELO, in the SPEEDHUB Foundation, in Quadrante Servizi srl, in the CCIAA of Verona, and in ANITA (National Association of Road Transport). These commitments highlight his tireless dedication to the evolution of the logistics sector while pursuing a sustainable and technologically advanced future for the world of transport and logistics.

Francesco BENEVOLO

Francesco Benevolo is the Managing Director of RAM – Logistica Infrastrutture e Trasporti S.p.A. Since 2005, he has overseen the development and implementation of national strategies aimed at enhancing intermodal logistics, maritime transport, and infrastructure planning. Economist by training, Benevolo previously served as Director of Economic Studies at the socio-economic research institute Fondazione Censis and as Director of Communication for the Italian shipping association Confitarma. He also held the position of Head of Development at Italia Navigando S.p.A. Benevolo has contributed to several national and European initiatives, including drafting the National Plan for the Development of Pleasure Boating and coordinating the first and second Sea Economy Reports in collaboration with Federazione del Mare. He is a member of the European Commission's Digital Transport and Logistics Forum and teaches Transport and Infrastructure Economics at the European University of Rome.

Federico BUIATTI

Federico Buiatti is the Chief Business Support Officer at Acciaierie Bertoli Safau (ABS), a leading Italian steel manufacturer and part of the Danieli Group. In this role, he oversees supply chain management, logistics, and the development of ABS Service, the company's dedicated service center aimed at enhancing customer support and operational flexibility.
Since joining ABS in 2002, Buiatti has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including roles in procurement, logistics, production planning, and operations management. He has been instrumental in implementing lean manufacturing practices and advanced production planning tools, contributing to significant improvements in efficiency and customer service.
Buiatti holds a degree in Management Engineering from the University of Udine and earned an Executive MBA from CUOA Business School in 2017. He also serves as Vice President of the Alumni Association of Management Engineers, reflecting his commitment to professional development and industry engagement.

Johannes BURGHOLD

Dr. Johannes Burghold is German, studied Economics and did his PhD at University of Augsburg. He is in Executive Search since 2007. He was Lecturer at the SIMTC, Shanghai Industrial Management Training Centre, the first ever established post-graduate business school in China. He held top management positions in international German and British companies in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, UK, and Hungary. He worked for FMCG and Commodity companies as well as financial services. He was member of the Supervisory Board of a German construction company. All together he has over 22 years in Executive Search and top management positions in Eastern Europe. He is Managing Partner Romania and Regional VP Eastern Europe within TRANSEARCH

Angelo CAVAZZANA

Angelo Cavazzana is the Logistics Director at Friul Intagli Industries S.p.A., a leading European manufacturer of furniture components based in Villanova di Prata, Italy. In this role, he oversees the company's complex supply chain operations, focusing on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. With extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management, Cavazzana has held various leadership positions in the industry. He is also a faculty member at the Università Iuav di Venezia, where he teaches in the Master's program in Global Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
Cavazzana has contributed to academic and professional discussions on logistics, including presenting on "Uncertainty Management in Logistics" at the ASA 2023 conference organized by the University of Bologna.

Marc CLEMENT

With over 25 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management, Marc Clément is a seasoned logistics leader known for driving operational excellence across the European fashion and retail sectors. Currently serving as Logistics Director at Widem Logistics, Marc has led the company’s day-to-day operations since 2016, focusing on team development, WMS innovation, project leadership, and strategic contract negotiations. Previously, Marc was Logistics Operations Manager Europe at Superdry, where they oversaw multi-channel European distribution, optimized logistics networks, managed budgets, and cultivated high-performance relationships with 3PL partners. His early career included a 13-year tenure at C.N.C. Collections, a distributor of well-established fashion brands, where he managed end-to-end supply chain functions, led warehouse teams, and spearheaded IT and ERP system improvements. Driven by operational efficiency and team empowerment, Marc has consistently delivered scalable logistics solutions in dynamic, high-growth environments.

Giacomo COPPI

Head of Supply Chain Management – SAP Italia Giacomo Coppi joined SAP Italy in 2014 and has taken on increasing responsibilities over the years. He is currently Head of Supply Chain Management for the Italian market. Coppi began his career at CD-group, which became part of the Infracom group in 2004. In 2005, he was awarded Best Channel Sales Executive for SAP in Italy. In 2007, when Infracom was SAP Italy’s leading Value Added Reseller, he was promoted to Area Manager for Central Italy. In 2009, he joined Artoni as Sales Director for the logistics division. He later took on the role of International Channel Director, while also being entrusted with the Artoni China project, aimed at expanding the group’s operations in the Far East. In 2014, he joined HP as a Client Principal. Coppi holds a degree in Economics and Business from the University of Bologna and completed a specialization program at the University of California, San Diego.

Fabio CROSTELLI

Fabio Crostelli is Project Development Manager at Tristar Engineering Consulting Logistic SA, where he plays a key role in developing integrated logistics solutions for clients across Europe. With a strong background in logistics and operations, he has over ten years of experience in managing complex supply chains, optimizing transport processes, and supporting international clients in achieving greater efficiency and sustainability in their logistics networks. Throughout his career, he has held various roles of increasing responsibility, combining strategic vision with hands-on experience in the fields of transport planning, logistics coordination, and supply chain consulting. His expertise includes intermodal transport, operational management, and the implementation of advanced logistics systems tailored to specific industrial needs. Fabio Crostelli regularly collaborates with stakeholders in both the private and public sectors and contributes to discussions on the modernization of European logistics infrastructure.

Zeno D'AGOSTINO

Zeno D’Agostino is the President of Technital S.p.A., a leading Italian engineering firm based in Verona. Born in 1968 in Verona, he holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Padua. With over two decades of experience in logistics, transport, and infrastructure management, D’Agostino is recognized as one of Italy’s foremost experts in port and intermodal systems From 2015 to 2024, he served as President of the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, overseeing the ports of Trieste and Monfalcone. During his tenure, he transformed the port system into a model of intermodal integration and international investment, emphasizing rail connectivity and inland logistics hubs. In 2020, Forbes recognized him among Italy’s Top 100 Managers and Successful Entrepreneurs

Francois D'IVERNOIS

François d’Ivernois is the Business Development Manager for European operations in the Source to Ship program for manufacturers. Previously, he led sales with OEMs at Pirelli ITR in Europe and co-founded SourcingParts, a SaaS Cloud platform for supply chain efficiency in manufacturing. He later joined Blume Global as Associate Vice President of Business Development in Europe. Over the past 20 years, François has built web platforms for enterprise supply chains, covering supplier management, strategic sourcing, quality, order management, program execution, and transport & logistics. François joined WiseTech with the Blume Global acquisition

Antonio ERRIGO

Antonio Errigo is the Deputy General Director of ALIS, Italy's leading association promoting sustainable and intermodal transport. He also serves as the Coordinator of ALIS Europe and Head of International Relations. Errigo is a member of the Executive Committee of SeaFocus International (Finland), the Committee for Transport and Logistics in Sicily (Italy), and the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea. He has also served as a lecturer at Italian training institutes, business schools, and the European School for Intermodal Transport in Barcelona (Spain). From 2013 to 2015, he collaborated with the European programming office of the Port System Authority of the Central Northern Tyrrhenian Sea on secondment on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport at the Permanent Representation of Italy in Brussels (Belgium).

Davide FEDELI

Even before earning my degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano in 2005, I came into contact with the world of logistics as a machine designer, where I had the opportunity to oversee aspects of manufacturing, installation, and testing. I then became increasingly involved in the fascinating field of logistics and plant engineering, gaining experience in various areas, from sales to project management. Throughout my professional career, I have worked for both Italian SMEs and multinational corporations, allowing me to operate in international environments and contribute to the completion of over 50 projects across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, fashion, grocery, express courier services, and airports. In 2018, I joined the KNAPP Group, initially as a Project Manager and later in my current role as Head of Operations for the group’s Italian branch.

Michele FERREIRA

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil 38 years ago. With a degree in Intl Trade, a postgraduate degree in Finance and Data Science, I built my professional career in multinational companies, always in roles related to Trade Compliance and Logistics. In these 18 years of experience, I have worked in different sectors, such as food and beverages, fashion, supply chain consultancy, and most recently, in the automotive, at Iveco Group, as Global Customs Operations Manager. To be successful in this area, I consider the main skills to be interested in learning and the ability to establish networking, as it is a very dynamic universe, in which information plays a fundamental role in the reliability of your strategic plan.

Andrea FURLANETTO

Andrea Furlanetto is the Director of Business Development for South-Western Europe at TICONTRACT GmbH, a leading digital platform for transport procurement and logistics tendering. With over 25 years of international experience in supply chain and transportation management, he has led major projects including multi-billion-euro logistics tenders, European distribution network redesigns, lean production transformations, and modal shifts aimed at reducing environmental impact. In addition to his corporate role, Furlanetto serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at MIB Trieste School of Management, where he teaches Operations and Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, and e-Sourcing. His expertise bridges practical industry knowledge with academic insight, contributing to the development of future leaders in logistics and operations.

Fabrizio GEMMA

Accenture | Supply Chain lead for Energy market, Italia, Centro Europa e Grecia.

Fabrizio Gemma is a Senior Manager at Accenture in Milan, specializing in guiding energy sector companies through the digital and sustainable transformation of their supply chains. With over 15 years of experience in procurement, transport planning, and warehousing, he leads strategic projects across Italy and Europe.

Steven GERARD

Steven Gerard is the Sales Director for France, Switzerland, and Belgium at Blume Global, where he leads strategic growth initiatives in digital supply chain solutions. Previously, he headed sales for the automotive and electronics sectors across Europe at Transporeon and served as CEO and founder of Cinatis, a SaaS transport collaboration platform. Over the past 25 years, Steven has held leadership roles in consulting, education, and enterprise logistics, building digital platforms to enhance supply chain execution, transport visibility, and customer satisfaction. Steven joined WiseTech through the Blume Global acquisition.

Gabriele GHINI

Gabriele is a senior Executive Search Consultant with about 30 years of experience as Head Hunter for top level positions both at Italian and international level. Before entering in the search business, Gabriele spent the first 10 years of his career in three chemical Multinationals (Du Pont, Uniroyal and Rhone Poulenc Agrochimie) working as international sales and marketing manager, holding responsibilities over multiple geographies for strategic products in the EMEA region. His experience in the search business begun in 1989 with the start up of a Swedish recruiting company in Italy, which in a few years became a market leader in its area of business. This experience was followed by several years in Spencer Stuart as a core member of the Industrial practice and as Executive Vice President responsible for the launch an internet-based recruitment division which in a few years grew to the 30% of the company’s turnover. In 2005, Gabriele joined Heidrick & Struggles as a Partner in the Industrial and Supply Chain Practices to participate in the development of a new strategy focused on global practices and strategic worldwide accounts. In 2013, Gabriele joined Transearch - one of the top ten leading international networks in the Executive Search Industry worldwide - as the Managing Director for Italy. Since 2022 Gabriele has been named Board Member of Transearch International Partner LTD. Gabriele has a vast experience in leading assignments both for Multinationals and Family owned companies. Since 2016, Gabriele has been Adjunct Professor of Personal Branding and Reputation Management at the International Department of the Catholic University of Milan. Gabriele holds a Master degree in Agricultural Sciences and a doctorate in Phytopathology. Author of the book: “Diario di un Cacciatore di Teste. Oltre Social e Algoritmi” – Este 2020. Co-Author of the book: “Ceo Branding in the Reputation Economy” – Egea – 2022 Co- Author od the book: “Perché I Nani non diventano CEO e alter 7 tossicità aziendali” - Este 2024

Angelo GIORDANO

Angelo Giordano is the Chief Research and Innovation Officer at ARS – Adriafer Rail Services, a leading company specializing in rail logistics and intermodal transport solutions in Gorizia, Italy. With a strong background in research and innovation, he plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable and efficient logistics practices within the company. Giordano holds a degree from Sapienza University of Rome and has extensive experience in the logistics and transportation sectors. His expertise encompasses the development and implementation of innovative technologies aimed at optimizing supply chain operations and promoting environmental sustainability. Under his leadership, ARS is actively involved in various projects aimed at enhancing intermodal connectivity and reducing the carbon footprint of logistics operations. Giordano's work contributes significantly to the company's mission of providing integrated and eco-friendly transport solutions.

Paolo GUGLIELMINETTI

Paolo Guglielminetti is a Partner at PwC Italy and serves as the Global Railways and Roads Leader within the firm's Transportation & Logistics practice. With over 25 years of experience in transport planning, infrastructure assessment, and regulatory policy, he has led numerous strategic projects across Europe, the Mediterranean, and North America. Holding a PhD in Transport Engineering from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a degree in Civil Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino, Guglielminetti has a strong academic foundation. Before joining PwC in 2001, he worked as a university assistant at the Transportation and Planning Institute (ITEP) of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. He has also contributed to over thirty publications on transport and logistics topics. Since 2014, he has been the team leader for the implementation support of the Mediterranean TEN-T Core Network Corridor on behalf of the European Commission.

Aldo ISI

Aldo Isi is the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), the company responsible for managing Italy’s national rail infrastructure. He has over 25 years of experience in the transport and infrastructure sector within the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane Group. Graduated in Civil Engineering from the University of Parma, Isi began his career at RFI in 1999 and held various technical and managerial positions in infrastructure maintenance, operations, and investment planning. He has led complex infrastructure projects, including the development of conventional and high-speed railway lines, technological upgrades, and intermodal facilities. Before becoming CEO of RFI in 2025, Isi served as CEO and General Director of Italferr and later as Managing Director and General Manager of Anas S.p.A., where he oversaw national road infrastructure initiatives.

Jon F. KIRCHOFF

Ph.D. (University of Tennessee), is Chair of the Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department, an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, and a Research Associate for the Bureau of Business Research in the College of Business, East Carolina University, North Carolina. Kirchoff is a guest lecturer for the Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, Italy. His primary areas of research include sustainable supply chain management, healthcare supply chain management, and functional integration. He has published articles in Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Supply Chain Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, among other academic and professional publications including Harvard Business Review. Prior to academia, he worked 15 years in global purchasing and logistics management at Fortune 500 companies, including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Dish Network.

Thomas KOFLER

Thomas began his professional career in logistics, implementing software solutions across Asia for a Swiss-based freight forwarder. In 2000, he founded his own company, focusing on consulting businesses to optimize their supply chain and logistics processes.

In 2009, Thomas transitioned into software sales, joining Amber Road (now E2Open) to drive Go-to-Market (GtM) efforts in Europe. After successfully scaling operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he shifted focus to support various U.S.-based start-ups entering the European market. Among these were Elementum, Tradeshift, and ClearMetal (now P44), where he contributed to their Go-to-Market strategies.

In 2021, Thomas joined Everstream Analytics, managing sales for the DACH region and Asia-Pacific. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for a Swiss-based software company, where he developed and executed the Go-to-Market strategy. He is also founding member and acting president of the CSCMP Roundtable Switzerland (Council of Supply Chain Management Professional)

Riccardo MANGIARACINA

PhD in Management Engineering, Riccardo Mangiaracina is Full Professor at the Department of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches “Management of Logistics and Production Systems”, “Logistics Management” and “Digital Business”. At Politecnico di Milano Riccardo is one of the founders of the B2c Logistics Center, Head of scientific research of “Digital B2b”, “B2c eCommerce” and “Extended Reality & Metaverse” Observatories. He is author of more than 50 papers published on international journals and conference proceedings, mainly about Logistics, Supply Chain Management, B2c and B2b eCommerce

Gianmarco MANGILI

Gianmarco Mangili is KIKO Milano Supply Chain Director.

As Industrial Engineer, he started as a supply chain consultant for a leading company in the Automotive industry before focusing on Fashion and Fashion Retail. In this role, he supported transformation programs both from process evolution and IT new system introduction in the hole supply chain spectrum such as Merchandising Planning, Forecasting, Assortment Planning, Budgeting, Procurement, Distribution Planning, OTB Planning, S&OP.

He then joined a key leading eyewear company as Global Planning Director, also responsible for the process design and evolution and the IT transformation.

In KIKO Milano he is responsible for the service level for all the sales channels, the inventory level in all the distribution networks managing the process of demand planning, purchase planning and execution, allocation, and replenishment. He is the owner of the Supply chain evolution program focusing on all the processes and the IT system of support.

Massimiliano MATACENA

Massimiliano Matacena serves as Director of Value Engineering at Celonis, contributing to driving the entire customer value cycle—from the sales phase to value realization, renewal, and expansion. Matacena is part of a team that stands out for its focus on direct business impact, helping clients transform data into strategic decisions and achieve tangible results. His work is positioned in one of the most dynamic and innovative areas of Celonis, integrating technology and business strategy to maximize customer value.

Marco MAZZARINO

Marco Mazzarino is an Associate Professor of Transport Geography and Logistics at the University Iuav of Venice, specializing in global supply chains and sustainable urban mobility. He co-founded Bestever Supply Chain (BSC), a university spin-off focused on supply chain innovation and leads the Sustainable Logistics Unit (SLU) at Venice International University.
With a background in Economics from the University of Trieste, Mazzarino has held visiting researcher positions at the World Maritime University in Malmö and the University of Leeds. His research encompasses urban logistics, multimodal transport, and the integration of digital technologies in supply chains.
Mazzarino actively contributes to the logistics community through speaking engagements and webinars, focusing on topics such as decarbonization and the optimization of transport systems.

Anna Chiara MAZZOTTA

Change & Strategy Director, Supply Chain Transformations office, Philips Personal Health Italian, graduated with Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Economics in 2005, at Polytechnic of Milan, Anna Chiara started her career in Sales, with successful track record in Bosch Automotive, Manuli Rubber Industries and Philips.

Over the past 10 years, Anna Chiara worked in different Philips global scale transformations, shaping the deployment, change management strategy and execution. She owns several certifications in Project Management, Leadership Coaching and another Master in Food Science.

In the last 5 years she has been leading multiple transformative projects within supply chain, i.e Sales & Operation Planning, supply chain operating model implementation, marketplaces activations, etc. leading the change management, leadership enablement and people engagement in the impacted supply chain employees of Philips Personal Health across the globe.

Pilar MOLINA

| Maire | Group Supply Chain Transformation Head of Department

Federica MONTARESI

Engineer Federica Montaresi currently serves as the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, overseeing the ports of La Spezia and Marina di Carrara. Appointed Secretary General in October 2022, she has been instrumental in advancing the ports' digitalization, sustainability, and intermodal transport initiatives.
With a degree in Civil Engineering specializing in Transportation from the University of Pisa, Eng. Montaresi has been part of the Port Authority since 2007. Her roles have included Head of Special Projects, Innovation, and External Relations, where she led significant European projects such as WiderMoS and contributed to the development of the APNet Port Community System.
In November 2024, she was appointed President of the "Intermodality and Logistics" Commission of the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), reflecting her commitment to enhancing port efficiency and connectivity across Europe.
Montaresi's leadership has been recognized with the "Oscar dei Porti" award in 2025, honoring her contributions to the maritime sector.

Alberto NAVA

is a Principal at INVERTO, based in Milan, where he advises leading companies in the consumer goods sector on procurement and supply chain transformation. With a strong track record in delivering sustainable value, Alberto specializes in embedding ESG principles into sourcing strategies, supplier collaboration, and operational models. His experience spans sourcing of raw materials, packaging, and logistics services — with a focus on enabling traceability, transparency, and resilience also in line with evolving European regulations.

Carlo NIGRI

Solution Advisory Manager - EMEA Supply Chain Management | SAP With a background in Engineering, he began his career in the oil & gas sector, focusing on optimizing operational performance and managing assets. He later transitioned into management consulting at Accenture, where he contributed to large-scale digital transformation projects in asset-intensive industries. During this time, he completed an Executive MBA specializing in IT Strategy and Innovation Management, further enhancing his leadership and strategic skills.

In 2016, he joined SAP as a Solution Advisor and has progressively taken on leadership roles. After supporting Italian industrial clients, he led the SCM advisory team in Italy and now manages strategic advisory activities across the EMEA region. Today, his focus is on helping businesses drive transformation at scale, aligning SAP’s strategies with tangible outcomes and sustainable value. Passionate about technology and innovation, he believes that generative AI and agent-based AI can revolutionize decision-making and enhance operational performance on a global scale.

Stefano NOVARESI

Graduated from the Politecnico di Milano MSc Management Engineering in 1990. Master courses at SDA Bocconi ‘94, Hult International Business School-Ashridge in the UK 2000 and IESE in Barcelona 2013-14 For over 28 years C-level Executive and General Manager in national and multinational companies in the field of pharmaceutical distribution and automation. Lean Management initiatives in complex Supply Chain and Retail in Europe. Board Member in Italian associations (ADF Ass.ne Distributori Farmaceutici), VP of AILOG (Italian Association of Logistics and Supply Chain Management), VP Consorzio DAFNE, CSCMP Italy Enlarged Board and European associations such as the GIRP of Brussels. Adjunct Professor at Catholic University Milano, Master MEGSI Member of the Advisory Board Master Digital Supply Chain Management Graduate Business School Politecnico di Milano GSoM. Member of the Advisory Board of Studies in Management engineering Università di Bergamo Member of the SCM Club of MIT of Boston Collaborations as lecturer with Politecnico di Milano and member of the Healthcare Expert Group, SDA Bocconi, Liuc Castellanza, Bergamo University, Politecnico Torino, 24Ore Business School, Author of numerous articles and promoter of conferences on the topics of the pharmaceutical supply chain and healthcare 4.0 (Logfarma), Learning Organizations, Leadership, Lean management, Technological innovation, Artificial Intelligence. Member of the technical/scientific committee of “Logistica Management” and “Impresa Sanità” magazines. Currently KNAPP Italy CEO.

Alessandro PANARO

Transport Economist, with special reference to ports, shipping and logistics. Head of Service of the Research Area of SRM (study center linked to the Intesa Sanpaolo Group) called “Maritime & Energy”. Coordinator of Researches and Reports involving Italian and Foreign Universities and Research Centers in teams including the Universities of Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Copenhagen, the Shanghai International Shipping Institute, the Korea Maritime Institute, the Egyptian Arab Academy, the Hong Kong Polytechnic, Certet Bocconi, Prometeia, Bank of Italy. Author of articles and essays in national and international scientific and specialized journals. Lecturer at training courses and master's degrees. Board member of the International Propeller Club of Naples, member of GEI (Group of Business Economists). Member of the Scientific Committee of the Freight Leaders Council, the Sustainable Logistics Association (SOSLOG), the LNG Conference and IRGIT (Research Institute on the Geography of Territorial Innovation) under the Federico II University of Naples.

Speaker at numerous national and international conferences, conventions, seminars and meetings on the topics of ports, logistics, maritime transport, intermodal transport, SEZs and shipping

Arduino PANICCIA

Professor Arduino Paniccia is an Italian expert in military strategy and geopolitics, with extensive experience in international conflict zones. He is the founder and president of the School of Economic Warfare and International Competition (ASCE) in Venice, which collaborates with institutions such as Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and the University of Trieste to provide advanced training in strategic analysis, negotiation, and international competition.
Professor Paniccia's field experience includes participation in peacekeeping and reconstruction missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. He has served as a Senior Advisor to UNCTAD for the "Mediterranean 2000" project and led UNIDO cooperation missions in Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.
An accomplished author, Professor Paniccia has published works on globalization strategies, China's integration into the World Trade Organization, and the development of pan-European transport corridors. In recognition of his contributions, Professor Paniccia has been honored with the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and has served as Honorary Consul of Spain in Venice.

Federico PITTALUGA

Federico Pittaluga is the Managing Director of Medlog Italia and Medway Italia, the logistics and rail freight divisions of the MSC Group in Italy. Since assuming leadership in 2020, he has played a pivotal role in advancing intermodal transport solutions, emphasizing the integration of rail services to enhance supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
Born in Genoa in 1972, Pittaluga began his career as a naval officer in the Italian Navy. He later transitioned into the private sector, gaining extensive experience in maritime operations and logistics management. His professional journey includes serving as Logistic & Operation Executive Manager at Agenzia Marittima Le Navi and becoming a licensed ship agent in 2014.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Pittaluga serves as Vice President of Fermerci, an Italian association dedicated to promoting rail freight transport. In this role, he advocates for modal shift policies and the development of integrated logistics corridors across Italy.
Under his leadership, Medlog has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing intermodal connectivity, including the introduction of new rail corridors linking key ports to inland industrial hubs. These efforts align with European sustainability goals by reducing road congestion and lowering carbon emissions.

Mauro PESSANO

Mauro Pessano is the President of FerCargo, the Italian association representing freight railway companies and promoting the liberalization of the rail freight sector. He began his career at Bain & Company before transitioning to the logistics sector. He has held significant positions such as Central Director of Marketing, Communication, and Business Development at the Contship Italia Group, and CEO roles at MarCo and Hannibal. He also served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Crossrail Group and CEO of Crossrail Italia. Since 2011, Pessano has been the CEO of Captrain Italia and Cargo Docks, both part of the SNCF Geodis Group, where he has been instrumental in advancing rail freight services and intermodal logistics solutions.

Zeno POGGI

Zeno Poggi is the President of the AWOS – A World of Sanctions association, the first Italian project that integrates export controls investigations, geopolitical risk analysis, and predictive monitoring of sanction regimes into a public-private platform. He is the President and CEO of ZPC Srl – Società Benefit, a company specializing in international trade consultancy. He is a trainer, speaker, and author of publications on foreign trade, international sanctions, customs aspects, compliance, and product safety. He co-edited with Paolo Quercia “L’Italia e le sanzioni. Competere in un mondo complesso” (AWOS 2018), “L’Italia e le sanzioni” (AWOS 2019), and “Geopolitica e commercio estero” (Rubbettino 2020).

Guido PORTA

Guido Porta is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of InRail S.p.A., an Italian private railway company specializing in freight transport across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Established in 2009, InRail has expanded its operations under Porta's leadership, obtaining the Single Safety Certificate from the European Union Agency for Railways, enabling services across multiple European networks. With over four decades of experience in the transportation and logistics sector, Porta has held significant roles, including CEO of Serfer Servizi Ferroviari Srl, where he managed rail terminal operations for industrial and maritime combined traffic. He also serves as Chairman of FuoriMuro Servizi Portuali e Ferroviari Srl and CEO of Metrocargo Italia Srl, companies focused on port rail services and intermodal logistics. Porta's career spans public and private sectors, including positions in major public companies like ITALSIDER and multinational groups such as Vivendi. He is a founding member of FerCargo, the Italian association of freight railway companies, advocating for the liberalization and competitiveness of rail freight transport.

Alessandro PREGEL

Alessandro Pregel is Corporate Key Account Manager at Samskip, a leading European logistics company specializing in multimodal transport solutions. In his role, he focuses on developing and managing strategic partnerships, particularly in the UK and Northern European markets, to enhance sustainable and efficient logistics services. With a strong background in intermodal transport, Pregel has been instrumental in advancing Samskip's integrated logistics offerings, combining road, rail, and sea freight to optimize supply chain operations. His expertise has been pivotal in navigating complex challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit, ensuring continuity and resilience in cross-border logistics. Pregel holds a degree in Business and Finance from Harvard University, complemented by studies in International Business at Hult International Business School and Economics at the University of Genoa. His international education and professional experience position him as a knowledgeable figure in the logistics and supply chain industry.

Suzanne RICHER

Is a recognized global authority on trade compliance and supply chain risk, advising multinational companies on building and operationalizing enterprise-wide trade compliance frameworks. With deep expertise in harmonizing regulatory strategies across jurisdictions, she helps organizations navigate evolving global trade regulations, including ESG mandates, CTPAT, AEO, and forced labor compliance.

An accomplished author, Suzanne, has written 14 books on global trade and regularly contributes to leading supply chain publications, including the European Procurement and Supply Chain Journal. She is a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing insights on emerging issues such as the role of AI in supply chain transformation and responsible sourcing.

Suzanne has conducted on-site compliance assessments and developed supply chain maturity and risk strategies across more than 35 countries. Her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable strategies makes her a trusted advisor to global brands navigating today’s increasingly regulated trade environment.

Alessandro RIZZOTTI

Has built a distinguished career in international logistics, specializing in optimizing supply chain operations from upstream to downstream across multiple industries. As Outbound Logistics Manager at Gruppo Teddy, he oversees the efficient movement of goods across global markets, ensuring seamless coordination between supply chain stakeholders and delivering operational excellence in a rapidly evolving industry.

With a broad professional background spanning fashion retailing, packaging, and heating and cooling products for both residential and professional sectors, Alessandro has developed deep expertise in E-commerce operations, distribution strategies-particularly in Push and Pull replenishment - and store operations. His ability to adapt to different industries has enabled him to implement innovative approaches that enhance operational efficiency, supply chain resilience, and retail performance.

Beyond his corporate role, Alessandro is actively engaged in academia. He is currently pursuing an Industrial PhD at the University of Verona (graduating in 2025) as part of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management research group. His research focuses on On-Shelf Availability and the Design Science approach, addressing key challenges in inventory management and retail performance. He also collaborates with international scholars from leading institutions, including Aalto University and the University of Tennessee, contributing to global discussions on supply chain innovation and efficiency. His research bridges industry challenges with academic rigor, providing valuable insights into logistics and inventory management.

In addition to his research, Alessandro is deeply involved in teaching and knowledge dissemination. He lectures at ITS Last (Verona), LogiMaster at the University of Verona, and Luiss (Belluno), where he shares his expertise with the next generation of logistics and supply chain professionals.

Luca ROSTAGNI

Luca Rostagni is the Head of Group Logistics at the Pittini Group, a leading European steel manufacturer headquartered in Osoppo, Italy. In this role, he oversees the group's logistics operations, focusing on enhancing intermodal transport solutions to improve supply chain efficiency and sustainability.
Under his leadership, the Pittini Group has significantly increased its use of rail transport, with inbound shipments reaching 50% by rail and outbound shipments at approximately 25%, aiming to grow to 30% in the near future. This shift underscores the company's commitment to reducing environmental impact and optimizing logistics.
Rostagni actively participates in industry events, sharing insights on logistics strategies and intermodal transport developments.

Carla SALVADO'

Carla Salvadó is the Deputy General Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Port of Barcelona, where she leads commercial strategy, logistics development, and cruise operations for one of Europe’s premier maritime hubs. With a career spanning over three decades in the port and cruise sectors, she has been instrumental in positioning Barcelona as a leading global cruise destination. Salvadó began her tenure at the Port of Barcelona in 1992, initially focusing on retail operations. She transitioned to the cruise sector in 2003, eventually serving as Marketing and Cruise Director. In 2016, she joined Global Ports Holding as Director of Cruise Marketing, before returning to the Port of Barcelona in 2020 to assume her current role.
Her leadership extends to the international arena, having served as Secretary General and later President of MedCruise, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports. Salvadó holds degrees in Economics and Business Management from Pompeu Fabra University and ESADE Business School.
In her current capacity, she champions initiatives in digitalisation, sustainability, and international collaboration, reinforcing the Port of Barcelona’s role as a key gateway between Europe and the Mediterranean.

Nicola SOMENZI

is the Head of Responsible Sourcing at Ferrero, where over the past three years he has lead the creation of the department with the objective to “embed sustainability into the business”. After getting a Bachelor's degree at the Univeristy of Parma and becoming a researcher at Bocconi, Nicola worked for the Boston Consulting Group for over ten years, living in Hong Kong, Instanbul, Dubai and Milan. He joined Ferrero in 2017 where he initially helped to set-up the Risk Management team and later designed the new hazelnut industrial footprint

Philip SWEENS

Philip Sweens serves as the Managing Director of HHLA International GmbH, the international division of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA). In this role, he oversees HHLA's terminal operations across five countries, including key facilities in Estonia, Ukraine, and Italy.
With over two decades of experience in maritime logistics, Sweens has held senior management positions at United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) and has a background in transportation sector consultancy.
Under his leadership, HHLA International has pursued strategic initiatives such as the pilot project with FERNRIDE in Tallinn, Estonia, focusing on automated and sustainable container handling solutions.
Sweens also led HHLA's crisis response team for the Odessa terminal during the onset of the Ukraine conflict, ensuring the safety of personnel and continuity of operations.

Michel STEKELENBURG

Michel Stekelenburg is a seasoned supply chain professional with an impressive 25-year career in supply chain technology. He has worked with leading vendors such as Precision Software (QAD), Amber Road (E2Open), FuturMaster, and project44. Michel is an expert in TMS, WMS, IBP, and GTM, and currently holds the position of Senior Sales Director EMEA at ArchLynk. Michel's dedication extends beyond his professional role. He has been a CSCMP Benelux RT board member for over 6.5 years and served as President for nearly 3 years. His passion lies in leveraging technology to help supply chains evolve, becoming more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.

Federica STUFANO

Federica is an experienced Gartner Supply Chain Management Analyst with a more then 12 years demonstrated history of working in consulting firms and other industries. Skilled in Digital and Business transformation applied to Planning, Transportation, and Warehousing areas across different industries, functional and digital areas, geographies, environments. Oriented to project work involving Supply Chain processes analysis and design with a direct impact on business transformation, cost reduction, productivity increase, and savings generation.

Gianmaria TIROTTO

Business Development e Operations Manager Italy Gianmaria is a transport and logistics enthusiast with more than 35 years of experience. He has both operational and commercial experience, starting with warehouse activities in the 1990s and managing a large number of people. He is a trainer for a recognised organisation and has experienced every aspect of the logistics and transport sector, from operations to development and real estate His passion for this field leads him to use great energy and concentration. Comparison with all is part of its characteristics

Vittorio TORBIANELLI

Dr. Vittorio Torbianelli is the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, encompassing the ports of Trieste and Monfalcone. Appointed in June 2024, he previously served as Secretary General from April 2021, contributing significantly to the strategic development and internationalization of the port system.
Born in Trieste in 1968, Dr. Torbianelli holds a degree in Transport Economics and a Ph.D. in Transport, Traffic, and Environment from the University of Trieste. He is an Associate Professor of Applied Economics at the same university, where he teaches Maritime Economics, Urban Economics, and Applied Economics for Planning. His research focuses on maritime and port economics, regional development, and the socio-economic impact of infrastructure. Dr. Torbianelli has consulted for various international and national institutions, including the European Union, Mercosur, and several Italian port authorities. Notably, he served as a transport planning expert for the Ministry of Transport and Communication of the Sultanate of Oman between 2014 and 2015.
Dr. Torbianelli has also contributed to European projects such as URBACT-CTUR and URBACT-UseAct, focusing on the relationship between cities and cruise tourism, and urban sustainability.

Karen VAN BRUSSEL

Karen Van Brussel serves as the Project Coordinator at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, where she leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of global supply chains. In this role, she oversees projects that focus on digitalisation, energy transition, and workforce development within the maritime sector. Notably, she coordinates the ePIcenter project, a Horizon 2020 initiative funded by the European Union, which aims to develop innovative solutions for global supply chain logistics.
Karen is also instrumental in organizing events such as "Port Talks," a virtual conference launched by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to discuss key themes including digitalisation, energy transition, and building a resilient workforce.
With a strong background in logistics and project management, Karen Van Brussel is committed to driving forward-thinking solutions in port operations and international trade.

Charles Guowen WANG

Dr. Charles Guowen Wang is a recognized expert in regional economy, industrial development planning and well-known expert in logistics and supply chain management. He is awarded the title of ‘Top 30 Logistics Expert in China’ ‘Top 40 Logistics and Transportation Expert in China’ in 2018. Dr. Wang serves as Director of Center for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at China Development Institute, CDI, a leading think tank (Top 25) on policy advisory and strategic consulting in China. He is also Vice President of China Society of Logistics, China Chief Representative of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, CSCMP, Expert Member of Shenzhen Advisory Committee, and FTZ Expert Committee member of Chengdu and Yingkou City. He served as Chairman of Expert Committee on Blockchain Application in Logistics and Supply Chain (under CFLP), Chairman of CFLP Green Logistics Expert Committee. Dr. Wang has been project advisor/consultant for World Bank, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Convener of China at APEC Supply Chain Alliance (A2C2). He also serves as independent director on board of public listed companies in China and Hong Kong. Dr. Wang has over 37 years of working experience in logistics business management, research and consultation. He acted as business manager of Chiwan Container Terminal in Shenzhen, Manager of shipping company and General Manager of freight forwarding and international logistics company. He has been on board of directors for several public listed companies in China and Hong Kong. Dr. Wang started working as senior research fellow at CDI since 2001. As supply chain thought leader, he introduced supply chain process standard and knowledge system into China. He has been project leader/main wirter of over 300 significant research and consultant projects, cover logistics policy, regional logistics planning, 3PL strategy, investment feasibility, as well as supply chain processes optimization and performance benchmarking for business and government agencies, blockchain application in supply chain, green supply chain, AI and Big Data analytics in supply chain management.

Dr. Wang is the author/chief editor of 16 books and over 80 academic papers. He holds doctor degree in world economics of Nankai University and fulfilled post-doctoral research in supply chain management in Guanghua School of Management, Peking University. He is guest professor of Nankai University, Beijing Jiaotong University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Dr. Wang has been editor on board for Supply Chain Quarterly, Port Economy, and Journal of Beijing Jiaotong University. Dr. Wang is a popular and welcomed speaker in China and the logistics world with more than 300 keynote presentations delivered in China and abroad.