Atty. Santos earned his Bachelor of Arts from the Ateneo De Manila

University in 1989. He later obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Lyceum of the Philippines, and his license to practice law, in 2002. Apart from his profession, he is also an accredited arbitrator with the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center.

Atty. Santos joined photo retailer Picture City in 1997 after a brief stint at another retail organization. Since then, his team made their company grow from an 11-store chain to over 50 branches today. In 2021, his Picture City team launched their company in the digital age by opening its e-commerce website. His company has been awarded the Outstanding Filipino Retailer prize by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) four times: in 2002, 2007, 2008, and 2013.

As an officer since 1998, and in 2002 as a director of the PRA, he first advised its board of directors on legal matters affecting the retail industry. Thereafter he began to represent the PRA before the legislative and executive branches of government and in 2011 became its spokesman. He was also entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the PRA’s flagship National Retailers Convention and Stores Asia Expo (NRCE) event on several occasions; in 2001 as a NRCE conference chair, in 2002 as a NRCE co-chair; then from 2003-2008 as a NRCE expo chair, then from 2010 to 2013 as NRCE overall chair. In 2015 he was appointed as a co- chair of the organizing committee on protocol and security of the 17th Asia- Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibitions as well. Today he is the Vice Chairman of the PRA after serving a two-year term as its president, from 2016 to 2018 and as Chairman from 2018-2020.

Samuel Powell was appointed as the CEO of HMR Philippines in 2023, after a decade of successfully growing the HMR Group’s auction company. During his tenure as CEO of HMR Auctions, he established the Philippine’s first live public automotive auction and developed the country’s largest online auction

platform – HMR Bid. Specializing in the liquidation of commercial assets.

Samuel now leads HMR Philippines, the industry leader in full-service asset management for retailconsumer returns. They offer the full range of reverse logistics services, including – refurbishment, repackaging, and an omni-channel sales solutions to extract maximum value from every surplus asset.

HMR help companies meet their ESG goals by transforming traditional supply chains into circular systems which minimizes landfill and reduces GHG emissions.

In his leisure time, Samuel enjoys playing tennis as well as co-managing a fantasy football team with his 11-year-old son.

Lorens Ziller is an Italian businessman and management consultant born in the German speaking region of South Tyrol, Italy.

Today he is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Infrastructure & Construction Focus Group (ICFG) and Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

He has worked in various management roles for several Multinational Corporations and served as Managing Director of a leading property brokerage firm based in Dubai and Italy and was the Chairman of a real estate investment company from Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates. Lorens also served as managing partner of the real estate & hospitality branding arm of Formitalia Luxury Group SpA representing the brands of Tonino Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz Style and Aston Martin Interiors. He moved to the Philippines in 2011 and there he served as the Director for Corporate Affairs of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) before taking over the position of Executive Director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines until 2019 after which he was elected as the Vice

President. He also served as Co-Chair of the EPBN (European Philippine Business Network) Infrastructure & Construction Committee, a project financed by the European Union.

Former Shop Host Turned CEO Hiyasmin Neri- Soyao changed the e-commerce game by co- founding and launching the country’s first award- winning livestream shopping network. Hiyasmin’s previous experiences in shop hosting, digital marketing, and video producing, set the foundations of Shoppertainment Live Inc.

For five years, Hiyasmin worked as a professional shop host for ACJ O Shopping. She was extensively trained by leading experts at the CJ Broadcasting Academy in South Korea. Aside from appearing on television as an actress and host, the former ABS-CBN Star Magic actress handled digital lifestyle brands as a Market Head in ABS-CBN’s Creative Programs Inc. Hiyasmin also worked as a content producer for various lifestyle publishers and channels in the Philippines such as ABS-CBN, One Mega Group, and ANC.

Hiyasmin is also named as one of Tatler Asia’s 2021 Generation T Leaders of Tomorrow and was also awarded with the “Innovator Award” by Cosmopolitan Philippines Women of Influence 2023 in partnership with Globe Business. Her firm Shoppertainment Live Inc. was recognized as one of the Top start-ups by LinkedIn in 2021 and was awarded with 4 Marketing Excellence Awards in 2022 including Gold and Silver for Performance Marketing.

Hiyasmin is also one of the few Filipino entrepreneurs who finished the Alibaba Global Initiatives’ Netpreneur program in 2021. She finished her undergrad studies from the University of the Philippines Diliman and her Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Joseph Albette “Albet” Roble-Buddahim, currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Primer Group of Companies and Consultant for Nestle Philippines’ Digital Transformation since 2022, is also the Co-founder of Katapult Digital Corporation and serves as the Chief Marketing Capability Strategist at Mansmith & Fielders.

His extensive expertise spans Marketing, eCommerce, Media, and Brand-building, gained from leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer of L’OREAL Group Philippines, Chief Digital Officer of IPG Mediabrands of InterPublic Group PH, Asia Digital Business Platform Leader of Procter & Gamble Asia, Business Development Head of AVON Philippines, and Digital Director of ZenithOptimedia under Publicis Group Philippines.

Noteworthy accolades include being named the Asia Digital Marketer of the Year 2020 by the Asia Marketing Federation and receiving the First Young Market Master Award for Digital Business Building in 2017.

Pavan Powar is a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in business and strategy roles.

He currently heads Strategy and Marketplace for SariSuki, a hyperlocal eGrocery platform that provides consumers with the freshest produce at the best value.

Prior to moving to the Philippines, Pavan was part of the growing startup ecosystem in India. He spent 3 years at Indian Ecommerce giant Flipkart in various roles across strategy and business development. Post which he's worked exclusively with early stage startups, helping them to drive sustainable growth.

Outside of work, Pavan is a PADI Certified Scuba Diving Instructor and also enjoys playing football, cricket and tennis.

Diana Manuel is currently the Associate Director for Offline Merchandising of edamama, one of the largest homegrown eCommerce companies in the Philippines. Diana is part of the leadership team that is bringing edamama from the digital space to the offline market with the opening of brick-and-mortar stores across the metro.

Previously the eCommerce Lead of SM Baby Company, who drove the business’ online expansion and growth during the pandemic; Diana is passionate about retail merchandising, the infants’ care industry and O2O dynamics. She is excited how the return to offline shopping amidst an empowered eCommerce space will enrich the consumer’s retail experience.

Diana earned her bachelor’s degree from Ateneo de Manila University and studied Japanese Language and Foreign Policy in Osaka University of Foreign Studies.

Gilbert has more than 11 years of combined professional experience in providing digital and IT transformation advisory, strategy and governance development, cyber maturity assessments, IT audit, risk consulting and more. He has a firm background in the government, private sector and international non-profit organizations.

He is also a contributing writer of the Philippine Star’s Top of Mind and Business Mirror’s KPMG Perspectives and has been a resource speaker for various topics on digital transformation, cybersecurity and audit of ISACA, IIA, PICPA, AAP, Escom, Ortus Club, and Digital Pilipinas, to name a few and also in various colleges and universities in the Philippines.

Trissy Rogacion will take charge of the M&A and corporate finance practice. She has over 15 years of combined experience in corporate finance, investment banking, financial audit and financial due diligence. She has worked on local and cross-border M&A deals, and on fund and capital raising transactions such as debt and equity issuances. Trissy is part of PwC Asia Pacific’s Deal Origination Team, as well as Venture Hub Philippines, the firm’s team that works closely with tech startups and investors. She helps lead PwC Philippines’ NextGen Club, an initiative for the next generation of family business leaders, and the firm’s projects with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Tourism, National Development Company and the Management Association of the Philippines. She started her career in audit, and shifted to advisory after two years when she joined the financial due diligence team. After a brief stint in an investment banking company, Trissy rejoined PwC Philippines. She graduated from De La Salle University Manila with Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Economics and Accountancy.

Yukiko Tsukamoto is a partner at Bain and Company, a global strategy consulting firm. Yukiko moved from Tokyo Japan to be a founding member of Bain Manila office.

She has more than 15 years of consulting experience across a range of industries in Japan, North America and Southeast Asia, including consumer product, retail, consumer finance, and transportation. Yukiko has deep passion for sustainability and is the leader of sustainability practice in South East Asia region.

After moving to the Philippines, Yukiko has been working together with local companies to develop strategy to outgrow the market and coaching companies talent with her team.

Yukiko earned her MBA from Harvard University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from Keio University.

JT Solis is the Co-Founder & CEO of MAYANI, an impact-driven agri-fisheries platform empowering smallholder farmers and fisherfolk through a tech-enabled "whole of value chain" service stack: access to markets, agricultural inputs, and financing.

Armed with a strong e-commerce experience, JT was the former VP of eCommerce logistics platform Xend with over half a million users including key partners such as Carousell, 7-Eleven, and Nestle.

For MAYANI, he spearheads growth, business development, and strategic partnership. Since their formal launch in 2019, MAYANI is now cited in the FoodTech 500 and backed by ADB along with notable venture capitalists AgFunder, Plug and Play Ventures, and Atlas Ventures.

Gemma Rose Dublan is a visionary leader with a passion for driving innovation and societal impact in the tech industry. As the CEO of Greywolf Technologies Philippines Inc., she spearheads a dynamic startup company founded just three weeks ago. With her strategic acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, Gemma is committed to leading Greywolf Technologies towards unparalleled success, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of the market.

In addition to her corporate role, Gemma serves as the Chief Engagement Officer for Cyber Society Philippines, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity initiatives and promoting digital safety within the community. In this capacity, she collaborates with stakeholders to drive awareness, education, and advocacy efforts, ensuring a safer and more secure cyber landscape for all.

With a profound dedication to driving positive change, Gemma Rose Dublan embodies the intersection of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to making a difference continue to inspire those around her, propelling both her startup venture and nonprofit endeavors to new heights of success.

Dane Marie Lacap is a seasoned marketing professional with seven years of diverse experience spanning retail, airline, and e-commerce sectors. She is the e-commerce manager of LG Electronics Philippines and a professor at the University of Santo Tomas. Dane brings a wealth of practical and academic knowledge to her roles. She earned her Master of Arts degree in 2022 and furthered her expertise with a postgraduate certificate in Digital Marketing from the Asian Institute of Management in 2024. Dane's journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence in her field.

Trina is a well-rounded Digital Professional with over 10 years of experience in retail (online and offline). She is now focused in Digital Commerce - D2C, B2C and B2B: particularly in Management & Strategy, Digital Marketing, Analytics, and Merchandising.

She has led and managed the E-Commerce team of several brands in the Philippines—one of which was awarded the #1 Home Appliance Brand at the Lazada Awards 2021 by leading all the mega campaigns of that year.

She is dedicated to helping organizations achieve their targets and goals by leveraging data and analytics to develop data-driven solutions, better business decisions, and strategies.

With over 15 years of experience in the retail industry, Leontina Bucur is a management professional with extensive experience in the home furnishing business. She has built her career in various roles across different cultures and organizations, in the same company IKEA.

She started her IKEA journey back in her home country Romania, in Sales and Range Department in 2007.After couple of years, she started her international IKEA carrier in countries as Serbia, South Korea and Japan.

She is currently the Country Selling Manager for IKEA Philippines. She attributes her success to her ability to listen to customers and prioritize their needs. Leontina's professional prowess extends beyond her adaptability and results driven nature. She is deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge, fostering the growth of individuals and businesses together, and investing in the unique talents and skills of the people.

Outside of work, Leo enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family, including her 3- year-old daughter.

With over a decade of experience in global reverse supply chain logistics, David specializes in forging strategic partnerships to advance clients' sustainable initiatives by working closely with organizations' cross-functional departments fostering innovative cultures of environmental stewardship to integrate sustainability and data security into all aspects of their business operations. Utilizing HMR’s multichannel hybrid marketplace and re-commerce platforms the net zero goal is to repurpose, harvest parts, and extend the lifecycle of all assets, merchandise, and materials and connect to everyday shoppers and entrepreneurs worldwide to gain access to the goods and tools they need at affordable prices, while reducing carbon footprint giving usable goods a second life and keeping assets in circulation

Myke James is the CEO and founder of MITCHELLEFRANKLINE, a retail brand renowned for offering high-quality and affordable products in the Philippines and abroad. Additionally, he heads MYMJ BRANDS ENTERPRISE INC, a dynamic company specializing in retail and manufacturing services.

Notably, Myke James has spearheaded the establishment of MJ.JUDY MEDICAL INC, MJJUDY MEDICAL AESTHETICS, and MJJUDY MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS, leading to the creation of a diversified family medical, aesthetic, and diagnostic clinic in Manila. He also founded GOLDENTRP INTERNATIONAL AND AESTHETICS TRAINING CORPORATION, an educational institution providing comprehensive aesthetic training for medical professionals, nurses, and aestheticians.

In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Myke James is an accomplished writer currently working on his first and second books, "The Strip of Greatness" and "The Re-Write History," slated for release in the upcoming year. His exceptional leadership and contributions to various industries have earned him a nomination for the APAC CEO award in 2024.

Nico is an enterprise innovator with a proven track record of successful transformative projects through the strategic implementation of business solutions, currently leading digital transformation for Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across marketing, leasing, operations, data analytics, and customer experience.

Tim's journey in the world of entrepreneurship began in 2017 when he joined the founding team of Ninja Van Philippines. Tasked with building and scaling their freight operations, Tim successfully navigated the challenges to deliver over 200,000 parcels daily, laying a solid foundation for the company's growth.

In 2021, driven by a passion for the intersection of agricultural supply chain and technology, Tim ventured into Thailand. Here, he became a pivotal member of Freshket, Thailand's leading agri-tech startup, catering to the needs of numerous restaurants with agricultural products.

Returning to the Philippines in 2022, Tim co-founded Supah, a revolutionary quick commerce company. In just six months, Supah made waves by delivering over 100,000 orders, boasting an impressive average delivery time of 8 minutes, setting new standards in the industry.

Currently, Tim holds the esteemed position of Head of Business Process at Sarisuki. Here, he spearheads the launch of innovative revenue streams, notably Sarisuki Food Solutions. This B2B arm of Sarisuki serves over 15 tons of fresh produce daily to more than 500 restaurants across Metro Manila, marking yet another milestone in Tim's entrepreneurial journey.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Tim is deeply involved in nurturing the startup ecosystem as an angel investor. His portfolio spans various sectors including logistics, agri-tech, retail, F&B, and hospitality, reflecting his commitment to driving innovation and growth in diverse industries.

Arnel is a seasoned supply chain executive who has considerable experience in various industries and disciplines which cover cold chain logistics, FMCG distribution, lighting solutions, private labels (OEM), retail distribution, and 3PL/4PL operations. He also has diverse supply chain expertise including demand planning, procurement, product development, business development, operations management, warehouse operations, transport management, capacity planning, network modeling and project management. A proven leader in professional circles having assumed various senior management and executive leadership roles in several reputable companies and respected supply chain associations like Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP).

Arnel is also a sought-after supply chain speaker in local and international forums where he mostly tackles strategic innovation, digital revolution, and retail best practices. He is a freelance management consultant to professional advisory networks such as GLG, Guide Point and Arches. He has done consulting work on supply chain transformation, business strategy, governance and control, leadership development, organizational development, among other areas for various SME’s.

He is a certified six sigma master black belt (CSSMBB), certified scrum master (SMAC) and an accredited project manager (APRM). He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply – Chartered Status (MCIPCS), a chartered fellow at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT), a certified management consultant (CMC), a certified Master Project Manager (MPM), and a fellow at the American Academy of Project Management (FAAPM). He has a post graduate diploma for logistics management from AOTS Yokohama Kenshu Center, Japan and a logistics qualification system diploma from AOTS Bangkok, Thailand. He is an industrial engineer by profession (BS IE), has a Master of Science in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MSc-PLSCM) and is currently pursuing his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctorate in Management (DM) degrees.

An accomplished Marketing professional and a known disruptor in his field with over 20+ years of experience providing increasing levels of leadership in marketing, loyalty, communication, brand, events and product management. He is currently the Vice –President for Corporate Marketing and Business development in Unioil Petroleum Philippines, the first and only company to introduce an all Euro 5 fuel line up. He has launched new and unique multiple customer loyalty, payment programs and campaigns that enhance customer experience which resulted to increased product profitability for Jollibee Food Corporation, Petron and Samsung among others.

An accomplished Marketing professional and a known disruptor in his field with over 20+ years of experience providing increasing levels of leadership in marketing, loyalty, communication, brand, events and product management. He is currently the Vice –President for Corporate Marketing and Business development in Unioil Petroleum Philippines, the first and only company to introduce an all Euro 5 fuel line up. He has launched new and unique multiple customer loyalty, payment programs and campaigns that enhance customer experience which resulted to increased product profitability for Jollibee Food Corporation, Petron and Samsung among others.

Glaiza is an accomplished Conference Project Head with a proven track record of orchestrating successful conferences and events. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for seamless event planning, She has consistently delivered outstanding experiences for attendees and stakeholders.

Glaiza is known for their dedication to excellence, ensuring that every aspect of an event, from venue selection to post-conference follow-up, is executed with precision. Their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions has earned them a reputation as a reliable and resourceful professional in the field.

As a Conference Project Head, Glaiza is committed to exceeding expectations, providing memorable experiences, and creating lasting connections for conference attendees. With a passion for the industry and a commitment to continuous improvement, Glaiza is poised to make their next conference a resounding success.