Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Access the PDF version of the 2025 agenda here.

Pre-Conference Workshops

8:30 am - 9:00 am Breakfast & Registration

Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP A: Shared Services 101: The Essentials for a Leading Practice Organization

When shared services operate at their full potential, it transforms organizations—streamlining operations, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and unlocking new value through data and automation. Achieving this impact requires not just strategy and execution but a forward-looking approach that integrates technology and prioritizes customer-centric design. 

  • This workshop offers an actionable roadmap to help you launch or refine your shared services model with confidence. You’ll leave equipped with tools to: 
  • · Align shared services with organizational objectives, scope, and goals, and build a business case to demonstrate measurable outcomes 
  • · Incorporate customer-centric processes and user-focused design for better adoption and satisfaction 
  • · Integrate automation to unlock long-term value and leverage data analytics to drive informed decision making 
  • · Plan and execute transitions with precision, navigating change and securing stakeholder buy-in


Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Shared Services Fundamentals Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP G: Shared Services 501: Taking Your Shared Services Operations to the Next Level

The biggest threat to shared services isn’t external forces—it’s settling for “good enough.” In an era of rapid change, staying ahead means embracing innovation, from leveraging AI and automation to transforming processes with customer-centric design and data-driven insights.  

 

This workshop will explore actionable strategies to elevate the value you offer your organization. Whether you’re optimizing existing operations, incorporating next-generation capabilities, or further leveraging the reach of your Global Business Services (GBS) footprint, we’ll provide a roadmap to take your offerings to the next level. Topics include:  

  • Quantifying the impact of AI and automation to drive efficiency and cost savings  
  • Designing customer-centric processes and user experiences to enhance satisfaction  
  • Improving data management and analytics to support informed decision-making  
  • Addressing skillset gaps and fostering agility to meet changing demands  
  • Optimizing sourcing models to align with evolving organizational goals 


Workforce Management Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP B: Building Shared Services Versatility: Balancing Depth and Breadth in a Fast-Paced Environment
Ankur Dhingra - CEO, ProHance
Khiv Singh - Senior Vice President & Head Americas, ProHance

In today's competitive landscape, Shared Services organizations must excel in talent retention, process standardization, and digital transformation. While productivity remains a cornerstone of success, workforce analytics has emerged as a game-changing tool, providing leaders with unprecedented visibility into operational performance, health, and efficiency. With Zinnov's extensive consulting experience across diverse Enterprise & Shared Services operations and ProHance's partnerships with industry giants, this session delivers battle-tested insights on turning productivity data into strategic advantage. 


What you’ll learn: 


  • Learn how top Shared Services organizations approach productivity to stay on top of their game. 
  • Real-world case studies to showcase how industry leaders correlate efforts and outcome, for sustainable productivity. 
  • Strategic actions organizations can take based on their level of maturity. 


img

Ankur Dhingra

CEO
ProHance

img

Khiv Singh

Senior Vice President & Head Americas
ProHance

Workforce Management Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Workforce Management Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP H: Fostering Leadership Skills in Shared Services

Effective leadership within Shared Services is crucial for organizational success. Get equipped with essential soft skills to lead and motivate their teams effectively. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. 

Action Items: 

  • Identify key leadership competencies required for success in Shared Services and assess your own strengths and development areas. 
  • Develop a personal development plan to enhance leadership skills, focusing on areas such as communication, delegation, and team building. 
  • Implement at least one new leadership strategy or behavior within your team to foster a positive and productive work environment. 

Process Excellence Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP C: Facilitate Enhanced Value with “End-to-End” Process Behaviors
Dan French - CEO, Consider Solutions
Steve Fox - Process Excellence Leader, Consider Solutions

Sharing Best Practices from the “End to End” Process & GPO Playbook with interactive discussions and exercises, this workshop will challenge and inform GBS leadership, current or aspiring Global Process Owners (GPOs) and Service Delivery leaders with practical models and tools to elevate end-to-end process alignment and innovation across the organization. 

  

The workshop will cover: 

  

  • “End to End” Process Context  
  • “Shift Left” Thinking & Behaviors 
  • Process Ownership vs Process Enablement 
  • Expectations, Barriers to Success 
  • “What Does GOOD Look Like” 
  • End to End Processes, WIIFM, Defects and Customer Experience (CX) 
  • The Stakeholder “Coalition” 
  • Stakeholder Segmentation, Communication, Cadence 
  • The “End to End” Process and GPO Playbook 


img

Dan French

CEO
Consider Solutions

img

Steve Fox

Process Excellence Leader
Consider Solutions

Process Excellence Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Process Excellence Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP I: From Chaos to Control: Data Integrity as the Backbone of Operational Efficiency

Explore the intersection of data management and process excellence within shared services. Dive into the critical relationship between IT and analytics teams and how to address challenges when strategy is lacking. Discussions will cover effective models for integrating Master Data Management (MDM) and data governance as foundational elements for success. Examine power dynamics in data creation, inherent biases, and their impact on analytical accuracy. While AI tools draw attention, this conversation emphasizes that robust data practices remain the backbone of successful automation and operational efficiency, ensuring reliable, bias-free analysis. 


Key Takeaways: 


  • Strategies for balancing IT and business roles in shared services to drive aligned data practices. 
  • Practical frameworks for establishing data governance that integrates smoothly across departments. 
  • Methods to identify and mitigate biases in your data sources before they influence key decisions. 
  • How to design operational processes that leverage strong MDM for faster, more consistent outcomes. 
  • Best practices for assigning data ownership to prevent the "garbage in, garbage out" problem. 

Finance Transformation Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP D: Elevating Service Quality Through Intercompany Excellence
Jim Tilk - Director of Solutions Strategy & Marketing (Intercompany),, Blackline
Quintin Dykes - Director, Intercompany Value Architecture, Blackline

Effective intercompany processes are critical to delivering exceptional service quality within shared services centers. By standardizing processes, improving communication, and implementing advanced solutions, organizations can resolve common intercompany challenges and elevate the overall quality of service provided to stakeholders. 


Join us as we explore strategies to optimize intercompany operations, focusing on reducing inefficiencies, enhancing collaboration, and leveraging technology to ensure seamless transactions between entities. We’ll highlight the impact of streamlined intercompany workflows on reducing errors, improving compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 


Learning Objectives 


  • Learn how intercompany operations contribute to overall service quality and efficiency of shared services centers.  
  • Explore best practices for optimizing intercompany workflows, enhancing communication, and leveraging technology to boost service quality. 
  • Discover how to use automation, data integration, and technology solutions to streamline intercompany processes and enhance service quality 


img

Jim Tilk

Director of Solutions Strategy & Marketing (Intercompany),
Blackline

img

Quintin Dykes

Director, Intercompany Value Architecture
Blackline

Finance Transformation Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Explore the role of Global Business Services (GBS) in Invoice-to-Cash (I2C) digital transformation. Uncover trends, strategies, and practical insights to navigate the complexities of this evolution. Industry experts will share best practices, case studies, and actionable techniques, providing participants with the tools to optimize finance processes for sustained success. 



img

Eric Joyner

Senior Solutions Marketing Manager
BlackLine

img

Tom Bangemann

Head of Data Development & Research
SSON Research & Analytics

img

Rich Pumphret

Managing Director
Deloitte Consulting

Digital Transformation Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am WORKSHOP E: Ensuring AI Readiness in your Next Transformation
Lee Coulter - Chief Transformation Officer, CHAZEY PARTNERS

This workshop provides strategy and tactics needed to ensure your company is building the core capabilities necessary to be successful with AI into the future.  


Transformation that includes AI readiness requirements is broader than even the “typical” transformations. It creates new departments, new jobs, new roles, new functions, and new processes. Functional leaders, GBS leaders, Global Process Owners, IT and Risk all have a part to play in this brave new AI enabled world. 


Workshop Objectives 


  • Review the “field” of AI – it is far more than ChatGPT 
  • Understand where AI is most likely going to start in large enterprise 
  • Detail a whole new set of requirements that must be built 
  • Bring clarity on the role of GBS in this brave new world 
  • Look for existing enterprise transformations that can be adapted to significantly advance your AI readiness 
  • Go into detail on the big five must haves: 
  • GPO vision 
  • Cross functional coalitions 
  • Partnership with audit and control 
  • New IT for AI 
  • Job, roles, and processes 
  • And much more 

This workshop will arm you with real world advice that you can bring back to either start the conversation about AI readiness, begin to map your own journey or accelerate your existing plans! 



img

Lee Coulter

Chief Transformation Officer
CHAZEY PARTNERS

Digital Transformation Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Digital Transformation Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP K :GenAI and Agentic AI: From Buzzword to Business Advantage in Shared Service

As the boundaries between human and machine intelligence overlap, the potential of Agentic AI and Generative AI (GenAI) to revolutionize Business Operations is becoming increasingly evident. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation, GenAI is reshaping the landscape of Shared Services organizations in addition to other functions across the value chain. However, the successful integration of Agentic AI and GenAI, respectively requires a strategic approach that addresses both its opportunities and challenges. This workshop will explore practical applications of GenAI within targeted functions, providing attendees with insights and strategies to harness its power to effect impactful transformation.

Actionable Takeaways:

  • Identify GenAI Use Cases: Discover specific applications of GenAI that can deliver tangible benefits within Shared Services organizations, such as automating document generation, improving customer service, and optimizing processes.
  • Promote Security Awareness: Review privacy pitfalls to avoid with respect to purpose limitations and incorporating robust data governance with systematic reviews.
  • Overcome Challenges: Learn to address common challenges associated with Agentic AI and GenAI implementation, including data quality, ethical considerations, and workforce integration.
  • Develop a GenAI Strategy: Create a roadmap for integrating GenAI into your shared services operations, outlining key steps, resource allocation, and expected outcomes.
  • Measure and Optimize: Understand how to measure the impact of GenAI initiatives and continuously optimize your approach to maximize value.
  • Foster a Culture of Innovation: Explore strategies for cultivating experimentation within the Shared Services team, encouraging the adoption of new technologies.


Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

9:00 am - 10:30 am Workshop F: Unlock the Future of R2R: Exclusive Research Reveal at SSOW Orlando
Shak Akhtar - Executive Director, Finance Transformation, Redwood

Join us at Redwood’s exclusive workshop at SSOW Orlando, where we will unveil brand-new research findings from SSON Research & Analytics on what’s really holding R2R automation back—and how to fix it.

This is your first and only opportunity to access these insights before they’re published. We’ll explore the key automation gaps in today’s financial close and provide practical strategies to achieve a Touchless Close for greater efficiency, compliance, and control.


Why Attend?

  • Be the first to access exclusive research—SSON Research & Analytics will present never-before-seen insights into the real challenges and opportunities for R2R automation.
  • Tackle your biggest R2R pain points—Learn how to overcome manual errors, inefficiencies, and compliance risks that slow your financial close.
  • Maximize your SAP investment—See how leading enterprises optimize SAP to achieve 90%+ automation in their R2R processes.
  • Gain expert-led strategies—Hear from industry leaders who have successfully transformed financial reporting through automation.
  • Walk away with actionable takeaways—Get clear, practical steps to make your financial close faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective.

Don’t miss this chance to gain an edge in R2R automation and be part of the research launch.



img

Shak Akhtar

Executive Director, Finance Transformation
Redwood

Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

10:30 am - 11:00 am Morning Break


Problem Solving Clinic Workshops

11:00 am - 12:30 pm WORKSHOP L: Working With Your Outsourcing Provider: How to Get the Most Value from Vendor Relationships
Bhavdeep Singh Sethi - Vice President, Intelligent Automation, HCLTech
Bob Carroll - Senior Vice President, Digital Process Operations, HCLTech
Louie Pastor - EVP, Chief Administrative Officer & Global Head of Operations, Xerox

Due to the macroeconomic slowdown and multiple disruptions over the years, including new-age talent requirements, mounting economic pressures, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, organizations are required to ensure they are ahead of the curve. This interactive workshop would help you navigate unpredictable issues, actionable advice, digital-first strategies and maintain successful client-partner relationships.

 

What questions will the workshop address:

  • In what ways can vendors bring maximum outcomes for organizations, particularly in their shared services journey?
  • Which best-in-class strategies and transformation capabilities do providers help enterprises to navigate their challenges?
  • How do outsourcing partnerships help enterprises, including setting up shared services, GenAI implementation, scaling with intelligent automation and AI/ML?


img

Bhavdeep Singh Sethi

Vice President, Intelligent Automation
HCLTech

img

Bob Carroll

Senior Vice President, Digital Process Operations
HCLTech

img

Louie Pastor

EVP, Chief Administrative Officer & Global Head of Operations
Xerox

SSOW Grand Opening

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Grand Opening of the Innovation Hub


12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Networking Luncheon and Grand Opening of Innovation Hub

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm SSOW Opening Remarks

2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Shared Services & GBS State of the Industry Presented by SSON Research & Analytics

Tom Bangemann - Head of Data Development & Research, SSON Research & Analytics

In this session, SSON Research & Analytics will present the key trends from our 2025 Global State of the Industry report. We'll delve into critical topics such as the role of Global Business Services (GBS) as a talent hub, balancing the cost-value equation, and the impact of automation and analytics. Additionally, we'll explore strategic location choices and the overall state of business services. Join us as we provide insights into these pivotal areas and discuss how we can elevate the industry to the next level.

img

Tom Bangemann

Head of Data Development & Research
SSON Research & Analytics

2:20 pm - 3:00 pm How Do We Get the Data?: A Multifunction Assessment of Workforce Efficiency

Christine Burrell - Vice President, Corporate HR and HR Compliance, BrandSafway
Rick Bridger - Director, HR Shared Services, BrandSafway

As an enterprise was faced with the challenge of how to change, evolve, and prioritize, HR took the lead to better understand how work was done in their organization and set the tone for the organization that led to analysis across multiple functions, including Finance, IT, Engineering, and Branch Operations, to examine headcount, labor cost, and efficiency of the organization. Use of the work activity analysis helped provide real insights to the organization as they made strategic shifts and decisions. This session will address how the insights of the assessment were used to make changes and lessons learned along the way. 



img

Christine Burrell

Vice President, Corporate HR and HR Compliance
BrandSafway

img

Rick Bridger

Director, HR Shared Services
BrandSafway

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm KEYNOTE SESSION: From Shared Services to CEO: A Leadership Journey with Steve Bandrowczak, CEO, Xerox

Steve Bandrowczak - CEO, Xerox

Have you ever dreamt of leading a multi-billion-dollar company? Many exceptional leaders begin their careers in the core engine of a business – the shared services organization. In this inspiring keynote, Steve Bandrowczak, current CEO of Xerox ana champion for the power of Shared Services and Global Business Services, will share his remarkable journey and how Shared Servies has played a key role in his executive strategies. He’ll address: 

  • SSOs/GBSOs: The Unsung Heroes of Business: Shared Services professionals are the backbone of any successful organization, ensuring smooth operations and financial efficiency. Steve will explore through a CEO lens why a strong SSO is essential for CEOs seeking to drive sustainable growth and profitability. 
  • Develop the Skills for the Top: Learn how the unique skillset he honed in Shared Services – process excellence, analytical thinking and a focus on results – can propel you to the C-Suite. Steve will offer other insights into the leadership qualities and experiences that prepared him for the CEO role. 
  • From Costs to Competitive Advantage: Hear how Steve has set Xerox’s own GBS organization in motion and the successes they’re already seeing across the enterprise. 

 

Don’t miss this empowering session that will challenge your perspective on Shared Services and ignite your leadership potential. Learn the secrets to take your career from the back office to the boardroom! 

img

Steve Bandrowczak

CEO
Xerox

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Networking Break

Breakout Programs

There is no argument that transformation is difficult and that despite significant investments in transformation initiatives, many of these efforts fail to deliver their intended results. This no-holds-barred session with leaders from F500 SSOs and GBSOs will provide practical guidance on how shared services leaders can help their organizations avoid common blocks to transformation success, including: 

 

  • The most prevalent barriers to successful transformation, from internal resistance to only making superficial changes that don’t inspire 
  • How SSOs and GBSOs can leverage their unique position to drive adoption and alignment across the organization 
  • Strategies for establishing high-quality partnerships and engagement models 
  • Practical steps to define a clear narrative for transformation, measure the right KPIs and deliver sustainable business impact 


img

Isaac Knoot

VP, Global Business Services
Boston Scientific

img

Olga Thelliyankal

Senior Vice President, GBS, Finance Operations
Mastercard

img

AJ Wijesinghe

SVP, GBS
Ecolab

img

Hariprasad B K

Vice President & Business Head – Digital Business Services
Infosys BPM Ltd

Big Idea Stage

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Big Idea Stage

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Keynote Case Study: Nokia’s Value Re-invention & GBS Transformation Beyond Technology Deployment
Rod Lindsay - President, Nokia Business Services, Nokia

Few companies have experienced rise, fall and business transformation quite like Nokia. How is the spirit of value reinvention and resilience reflected in their GBS transformation? With all the focus on technology, AI, ML and Digitalization, what is needed for fundamental value creation? Join this inspirational and insightful keynote session to learn about the remarkable GBS transformation journey from Nokia:  

• Nokia’s journey of business reinvention and GBS transformation  

• Why is GBS/SSO in a pivotal position with the current market and corporate dynamics?  

• How is technology development and implementation speed impacting our environments and our mindsets on new skillsets?  

• Sharing good examples of value creation using technology-leading projects and mindset paradigm changes  

• How do you know you are still in the right job? Sharing the conclusions from three decades of transformation 

img

Rod Lindsay

President, Nokia Business Services
Nokia

Big Idea Stage

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Digital Transformation Program

4:10 pm - 4:40 pm Unlocking Measurable Value: Secrets for Year-over-Year Success
Liz Evans - Principal, Global Business Services, PwC
Mike Callender - Corporate VP Enterprise Business Services, FedEx

In the fast-paced world of Global Business Services and Shared Services, standing still is not an option. Join us as we explore how leading organizations continuously adapt and prove their value year after year. Discover the trends they are tackling, the strategies they employ, and the innovations driving their success. Can AI revolutionize the value equation, or does it complicate the annual challenge? Engage with industry leaders as they reveal the key drivers, tactics, and enablers for GBS and Shared Service organizations. 


Key Highlights: 


  • Discover the emerging trends poised to unlock future value.  
  • Uncover the secrets to accelerating value every year.  
  • Learn how to shift the conversation beyond ROI to sustained success. 


img

Liz Evans

Principal, Global Business Services
PwC

img

Mike Callender

Corporate VP Enterprise Business Services
FedEx

Digital Transformation Program

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Digital Transformation Program

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Digital Transformation in Shared Services

More details to come!



Digital Transformation Program

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Process Excellence Program

4:10 pm - 4:40 pm Process Excellence in Shared Services

More information to come!



Process Excellence Program

4:40 pm - 4:45 pm Transition


Process Excellence Program

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm End-to-End Process Integration for Optimal Organizational Transformation
John Dery - VP, Shared Services, Presidio

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, achieving seamless integration across all facets of an organization is more critical than ever.  In fact, according to SSON R&A research, 83% of leading Global Business Services (GBS) organizations recognize that end-to-end (E2E) process integration is vital for driving significant organizational transformation. This session provides a comprehensive exploration of strategies designed to align and optimize end-to-end processes, enhancing overall efficiency, agility, and performance. Key takeaways include: 

  • Learning effective methods to dismantle organizational barriers and achieve seamless integration across departments. 
  • Leveraging cutting-edge tools and technologies to enhance end-to-end visibility and streamline workflows. 
  • Fostering techniques for building a collaborative culture that drives continuous improvement and innovation. 
img

John Dery

VP, Shared Services
Presidio

Process Excellence Program

5:15 pm - 5:20 pm Transition


Future of Business Services Boardroom (Invitation Only)

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm What Can GBS Organizations Do Today to Ensure They Are Here Tomorrow?
Shane Abeyratne - SVP, Global Business Services, Cardinal Health
Stefan Schmid - COO, Allianz Services
Maria Saggese - Global and EMEIA GBS Lead Partner, EY

The GBS model has been a cornerstone of operational efficiency for decades. However, forces like new C-Suite leadership, talent retention challenges and lack of quantifiable sustainable ROI have caused some companies to opt to dismantle their GBS structures. Not to mention the bulldozer that is Generative AI convincing some in the C-Suite that it can replace a GBSO.  

 

Attendees will debate how they stay relevant to the Enterprise. 

  • Hybrid models including outsourcing, digital workers and multi-hub strategies 
  • Investment in technology and genAI, driving their own siloed benefit cases 
  • Increased focus on customer experience 
img

Shane Abeyratne

SVP, Global Business Services
Cardinal Health

img

Stefan Schmid

COO
Allianz Services

img

Maria Saggese

Global and EMEIA GBS Lead Partner
EY

Future of Business Services Boardroom (Invitation Only)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Driving Business Value with Service Experience Management: A New Paradigm for GBS
Christof Fahr - Head of GBS Americas, Siemens
Chris Nicholas - Vice President - Head of TBS US and EUCAN Finance Solutions & Site Lead Exton, Takeda Business Solutions
Nitee Gupta - Senior Manager, EY

Service Experience Management (SX Management) has emerged as a transformative approach to elevate GBS into a more strategic business partner. With only 57% of GBSOs having this capability according to SSON Research and Analytics, there is clearly room for more widespread adoption. What are the roadblocks? This discussion will delve into key contributions SX Management can make within a GBSO including: 

 

  • Stakeholder centricity to make sure services are aligned with key internal and external stakeholders 
  • Governance frameworks for existing and new services 
  • Agility and scalability depending on the changing needs of the organization 
  • Change management as SX Management works across aisles and must be sensitive to all stakeholders’ needs 
img

Christof Fahr

Head of GBS Americas
Siemens

img

Chris Nicholas

Vice President - Head of TBS US and EUCAN Finance Solutions & Site Lead Exton
Takeda Business Solutions

img

Nitee Gupta

Senior Manager
EY

Closing Sessions

The potential of AI in transforming finance functions is undeniable. However, not all AI solutions are created equal. This session will demystify the concept of "smart AI" and highlight its critical role in driving value and measurable impact for shared services and GBS organizations. We will explore the key characteristics of smart AI, contrasting it with the limitations of "dumb AI" often found in the market. Attendees will gain insights into how to identify and select AI solutions that can effectively address the unique challenges faced by finance teams. 

Key takeaways: 

  • Understanding the difference between smart and dumb AI 
  • Identifying the critical features of a smart AI solution 
  • Assessing the potential impact of AI on finance processes 
  • Evaluating AI solutions based on measurable outcomes 
  • What does it take to enable AI in the first place? 


img

Nathanael L'Heureux

Chief Solutions Ambassador
Oversight

img

Srini Cherukumilli

Head of Global Business Services
Tropicana Brands Group

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Break for Dinner & Dressing

8:30 pm - 10:30 pm SSOW Glow Party!!

Join us for SSOW Glow Party, an upscale corporate  party where elegance meets excitement. With a chic white dress code and vibrant neon elements illuminating the venue, this exclusive event promises a night  of unforgettable fun. Dance the night away, enjoy top-tier entertainment, and indulge in delicious food and drinks—all set against a glowing, high-energy atmosphere. It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and celebration!