Dr. Jasmin Bigdon

CTO

Title

Transforming Rail with IoT and Big Data: A Technical Perspective

Sub headings

Challenges the rail sector faces (e.g. operational performance, economic pressure)
Opportunities for technical innovation in the railway industry
Three unexpected examples for the usage of IoT and Big Data in the rail industry

Bio

Dr. Jasmin Bigdon is currently the CTO at Deutsche Bahn, where she leads the company's technological advancements and innovation strategies.

She spent the past twelve years at SBB Cargo (the freight transport division of Swiss Federal Railways), including nine years on the Executive Board: three years as Head of Corporate Development and then six years as Head of Asset Management.

Prior to this, she worked as a manager at the consulting firm Arthur D. Little, specializing in advising automotive manufacturers and mechanical engineering companies, and holds a Ph.D. in business administration.

Annette Kvist

Director IT Development, Train Operations

Title

Innovate to Elevate Rail in Denmark

Sub headings

Leveraging AI for Operational Excellence: Explore how DSB is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to improve overall operational efficiency
Success stories using data from IoT devices, AI algorithms, generative AI and integration to existing application architecture
Driving Innovation and avoid getting lost in an endless maze of POC’s

Bio

Annette Kvist is an experienced IT leader, serving as IT Director at DSB. With a strategic vision and a passion for innovation, Annette has been driving digital transformation of Denmark's railway services. Annette has leveraged her expertise in IT management and her commitment to enhancing customer experience through technology. DSB has successfully implemented cutting-edge solutions to elevate and improve Operations. Annette's forward-thinking approach and her ability to foster a culture of continuous learning and agility have made significant contributions to DSBs transportation technology.

Maria Antonietta Zocco

CTO

Title

Advancing Rail Freight with IoT: Innovations and Impact

Sub headings

Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance for enhanced safety
Leveraging self-powered and wireless IoT solutions
Optimizing asset lifecycle and operational efficiency

Bio

Marianto Zocco is the CTO at Mercitalia Intermodal (Polo Logistica, FS Group). She has a long experience in the Railways sector after a significant experience in the supply chain at multinational corporates. Marianto is also the Head of Wagons Fleet at Mercitalia Logistics (Head of Polo Logistica, FS Group). Her main aim is to increase customer satisfaction, operational efficiency as well as cost optimization leveraging on innovation and digitalization for continuous improvement of the railway sector. Marianto launched the first Intelligent Freight Wagon in Europe and the European most innovative Smart Train; she is involved in many Research and Development projects at National and International level (Europe’s Rail, Most, etc).

David Shannon

General Manager

Title

Using railcar telemetry to improve north American freight rail service

Sub headings

Collaboration across stakeholders is key to success in complex North American rail freight network
There is no single silver bullet - stacking value is critical to broad adoption
Fostering innovation through focus on outcomes and data standard vs technical specifications

Bio

RailPulse was formed by a coalition of forward-thinking railcar owners, dedicated to developing, broadening and accelerating the use of GPS and other telematics technologies on railcars that aim to increase service, safety, efficiency, and visibility across North America’s freight rail industry. As General Manager, Shannon is responsible for leading the development and launch of the RailPulse platform, as well as managing the operations, strategy, and growth of the coalition. Shannon has over 25 years of experience in leading technology organizations, with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote condition monitoring. He has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance in various industries. Most recently, he was the Business Unit Manager for Parker Hannifin's Diversified Technologies Business Unit. There, Shannon’s team developed IoT-based sensor technologies and software platforms that lead to better, more accurate remote condition monitoring of industrial equipment. Prior to Parker Hannifin, he served as Senior Vice President for Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin company, where he led development and commercialization globally of IoT solutions for the defense, transportation, and logistics sectors. He is passionate about advancing the rail industry and creating value for RailPulse's customers and stakeholders.

Terence Reverdin

Head of Track Maintenance

Title

The life-cycle of track assets – is there a missing link?

Sub headings

Infrastructure and the track as a complex system
The challenge in the implementation of data-driven maintenance processes
Track data and its embedding in asset management processes

Bio

Railways have always had a special place for Terence : the romance of railway lines has led him to get involved in railway operations as a volunteer steam locomotive driver. As one has to pay bills, he trained as a civil engineer (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland and worked over six years on rail infrastructure projects in Switzerland - mainly in the design of track bed, drainage and coordination of technical services. In due course, Terence has taken a new position as head of track maintenance & technology at the Schweizerische Südostbahn, SOB. The track department is responsible for the day to day maintenance of track, pointwork and vegetation clearance as well as defining the technological standards to which the SOB wants to adhere and implement in future. Of particular importance to him is to make sure that digitalization should bring a simplification for the end-user and is implemented in a way such as to take into account the needs of individuals within the department.

Stephen Warner

Head of Business Intelligence

Title

Centralised V localised Business intelligence. Is there a way of having the benefits of both without the downsides

Sub headings

The challenges and the opportunities
What do our customers need from a business intelligence team / platform
Arriva’s approach

Bio

Steve Warner is the Head of Business Intelligence at Arriva's Trains Division, with over 40 years of experience in the transport industry. He recently led the deployment of a new Business Intelligence platform, replacing legacy systems and rebuilding over 300 dashboards for more than 40 departments, while onboarding 300+ users. His team is currently focused on integrating data from various systems, automating business processes, and collaborating with industry partners to share rail performance data, supporting the Department for Transport’s open data initiative.

Prior to Arriva, Steve held senior roles in commercial operations and franchise bidding, working with multiple Train Operating Companies and suppliers.

Outside of work, Steve is a passionate cyclist, having completed challenges like Coast to Coast in a Day. Now, he enjoys photography and the great outdoors—though three bikes still remain in his shed.

Konstantin Starkov

Group Maintenance Director

Title

Maintenance Innovations in Day-to-Day Operations

Sub headings

Maintenance a shadow guardian angel of successful operations
Reactivity, availability and precision interventions as key challenges for maintenance
Pain points-based innovation as key request

Bio

Konstantin Starkov Group Maintenance Director at Transdev graduated from HEC Executive Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and possesses Master’s degree in international relations from Moscow University. Having key skills in Fleet, Project and Asset management Konstantin started his maintenance career in 2013 at Alstom Moscow (Russia), when 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sotchi were on the horizon and ambitious industrial projects were on their way. In 2015 a new challenge emerged - building from scratch the 1,3BEur 25 years maintenance contract in beautiful and windy Astana (Kazakhstan) where Kazakh Railways signed a contract with Alstom for renewing their passenger and freight fleets before Expo 2017. In 2018 Konstantin continued his journey in the iconic Alstom Belfort site in France where the legendary TGV had been developed. Everything from heavy and mid life maintenance to modernization of rail assets was a part of the journey. In 2023 the new challenge of building new Transdev’s maintenance strategy was taken. Great mindset to build maintenance as key supporting asset for operating activities.

Dr. Christiane Ziegler

Head of Technical Strategy and Innovation

Title

Condition-based maintenance and planting an apple tree

Sub headings

Risk based approaches indicate the best seed in data-driven maintenance of assets
How to grow CBM when technology is analogue? – the case of signal boxes
Harvesting by combining automatisation of inspections

Bio

Christiane Ziegler has been responsible for technology and innovation strategy in German rail infrastructure since 2020. She has 16 years of experience in the rail industry, working in different roles for Deutsche Bahn, comprising logistics, passenger transport as well as asset and maintenance management in infrastructure.

Her current focus is on establishing condition-based maintenance by asset and sensor data as well as finding new approaches to prevent or detect asset failures at an early stage. Projects of the past have among others revolved around video gates for trains and cover currently for example sensor technology for interlockings or track stabilising measures.

Christiane has graduated in Business Studies and holds a PhD in R&D Management from Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena, Germany.

Isidoros Sapounas

Head of Digitalization

Title

The transformation in the field of maintenance and how the railway can benefit from digital maintenance possibilities

Sub headings

Efficiency through Digitalization & CBM
Changing Roles and Agility with pragmatic solutions for the maintenance
Data Partnerships and Target State (Know-how Integration)

Bio

Born in Greece, he completed his studies as a mechanical engineer with a focus on simulation of production tools to optimize processes and quality. His passion for academic and scientific careers led him to Germany, where he was sought after as a project scientist in railway technology. His initial entry into the workforce at Deutsche Bahn in 2017 allowed him to integrate, manage, and sustainably shape technical innovations principles within the maintenance organization. His achievements include the migration of IP for interlocking and predictive maintenance projects.

Over the years, he deepened his knowledge in maintenance processes, particularly in change management and digital transformation within the railway ecosystem. By founding the international “Data Analytics and Digital Solutions” team at Deutsche Bahn (DB) under the DB ECO Group, he had the opportunity to showcase his know-how to foreign railway operators. He served not only as a consultant for international projects (such as Sweden, the United States or Saudi Arabia) but also as a trainer at the DB Rail Academy, focusing on diagnosis and analysis in the railway international domain (such as Mexico and Brazil).

Today, he leads the division responsible for projects, processes, and digitization in CFL’s maintenance organization. In his vision, he aims to model the digital transformation in maintenance through effective requirement management, which assesses the add-value of digital products within the organization.

Maximilian Eichhorn

CEO

Title

Asset Intelligence for Improved Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability in Rail

Sub headings

Tangible value is delivered from real-time data
What’s next for Asset Intelligence?

Bio

Max Eichhorn is the CEO of global Asset Intelligence innovator Nexxiot. Max has worked previously in various strategic roles in the rail and transport technology sector. These include working for Siemens, where he focused on digital transformation, automation and product innovation. He also worked more recently for Knorr-Bremse as ‘Vice President Digital Products and Services’.

With his background in the military and his experience in startups, scale-ups, and driving innovation across diverse corporate environments, Max is now focused on facilitating Nexxiot’s continued expansion and growth. The company's unique integrated technology ecosystem transforms assets like railcars and shipping containers into Intelligent Assets and empowers clients to exceed their growth and sustainability goals.

With over 25 years of driving innovation, Max is experienced in steering digital innovation and creating scalable value for rail clients. He is committed to accelerating ROI through powerful hardware, analytics, and AI.

Gerhard Paal

Head of Digital Services Sales

Title

Maintenance Execution and Operation Support enabled by Railigent X

Sub headings

The power of choice for maintenance optimization, automation and operations support
Combing the real and digital worlds for superior operation support and maintenance execution
Railigent X applications support essential tasks and workflows in maintenance – perfectly interlinked with operations

Bio

Gerhard Paal is the Head of Digital Services Sales within Siemens Mobility Customer Services since 2015.

His focus and passion are Digital Services, which includes the Railigent X Application Suite for rail systems. Railigent X helps to improve the maintenance and operation process and increases the availability of rail assets.

Gerhard has studied Industrial Engineering at Muenchen University of Applied Science. He has worked over 25 years in the field of IT, Telecommunication and Digital Services for Siemens and Nokia, where he was responsible for the sales of various IT and Digital Services solutions.

Robin Antoine

Product Manager

Title

Smart High-Speed Grinding: on board inspection for next level maintenance optimization

Sub headings

Train based rail inspection: latest developments at Vossloh
Visualization of large-scale rail condition datasets and anticipating rail defects
How Simulation of rail maintenance shifts improve efficiency

Bio

Robin Antoine is a seasoned professional in product development at Vossloh Rail Services. With extensive experience in the rail industry, he has contributed to the advancement of innovative products and services that enhance railway operations and safety. His expertise encompasses project management, engineering, and strategic planning, enabling him to effectively lead cross-functional teams and drive product innovation. Robin's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has been instrumental in delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of the rail sector.

Dr. Uwe Jasnoch

Director EMEA for GTD

Title

Gaining the edge: linking digital twins with enterprise asset management

Sub headings

What makes a Digital Twin for Rail Infrastructure special
What information of a Digital Twin is relevant for enterprise asset management – and vice versa
How to improve your Asset Performance by using Hexagon’s technology

Bio

Dr. Uwe Jasnoch joined Hexagon in 2007, and is currently director, EMEA government, transportation and defense for the Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division. His prior roles at Hexagon include global vice president for business development, as well as director, pre-sales for APAC; EMEA industry leader for government, transportation and defense; and sales manager, government and defense for DACH.

From 2003 to 2007, he served as a curator for the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics.

In 2001, he founded the company GIStec and was the managing director.

Between 1998 and 2005 he served as reviewer for the European Commission.

From 1992 to 2003, he was head of the Geographic Information Systems department of Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics.

Jochen Reiss

Executive Director, Presales HxGN EAM EMIA, Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence

Title

Gaining the edge: linking digital twins with enterprise asset management

Sub headings

What makes a Digital Twin for Rail Infrastructure special
What information of a Digital Twin is relevant for enterprise asset management – and vice versa
How to improve your Asset Performance by using Hexagon’s technology

Bio

Jochen Reiss is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience specializing in enterprise asset management (EAM). As Executive Director of Presales EAM EMIA for Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division, Jochen helps organizations transform their asset management strategies through technology, including predictive maintenance, IoT, machine learning and AI.

Throughout his career, Jochen has guided companies across EMIA in optimizing their asset management capabilities to reduce costs, improve reliability and meet evolving business demands. His expertise spans a range of industries, including nuclear energy, where he previously managed EAM projects. Jochen holds a degree in Business Informatics from the University of Mannheim.

John Smith

CEO

Title

Don’t fall flat on your interface – a digital systems approach to managing infrastructure assets

Sub headings

A systems approach
Advances in digitization
Benefits to the rail industry

Bio

John graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from where he joined Jaguar Cars as a graduate trainee. He enjoyed 18 years in the automotive industry working in a number of senior engineering, manufacturing and product strategy roles.

John joined the rail sector in 2009, leading the Intelligent Infrastructure programme at Network Rail, one of the most extensive applications of asset condition monitoring in the international rail sector.

Since April 2018 John has held the position of Chief Executive Officer for voestalpine Signaling UK, a centre of excellence for rail infrastructure monitoring and part of the voestalpine Railway Systems Digital Track Solutions group.

As an engineer, John is passionate about the global transformation of railways through the safe, reliable and innovative application of digital technologies.

Benjamin Krause

System Architect Driver Advisory Systems

Title

Leveraging multiple data sources to provide best in class energy efficient rail operations

Sub headings

A success story: the driver advisory system LEADER of Knorr-Bremse goes “connected”
How traffic, track and train model data are used to optimize our customers´ freight train operations
Discover chances and risks of future DAS products

Bio

Benjamin is responsible for the Driver Advisory Portfolio at Knorr-Bremse Rail Vehicle Systems, with a focus on the customer side as well as the technical architecture.

He has studied Automotive Engineering and Computer Science in Munich. From 2017 he was developing driving functions for highly automated cars, that are now entering the market. In 2022, he joined Knorr-Bremse to bring his knowledge and expertise into a similar market: Driver Advisory Systems for railway application. Benjamin generally is fascinated by any advanced technology, but improving the energy efficiency for railway, while optimizing the traffic flow is the perfect combination. It fulfills the customer demand nowadays and heads towards a more sustainable and eco-friendlier world.

Damon Thomas

CEO & Founder

Title

New Developments in the digitisation of Freight Rail

Sub headings

Taking a flexible and modular approach to IoT integration in freight
The value of aggregated data - placing value on outcomes not data
Building the business case - the benefits of adoption versus the cost of inaction

Bio

Damon is the CEO of SENSEi IoT, a specialist IoT solutions provider and development house providing best in breed IoT PaaS and SaaS solutions to enterprise and public sector customers.

Having worked at the forefront of digital innovation in the UK for the past nine years, Damon is recognised as a visionary who combines valuable thought leadership with extensive hands knowledge and an ability to inform, shape and help clients executive successful digital transformation strategies across different sectors.

Under Damon’s leadership SENSEi have developed the CONTX Digital Wagon which leverages IoT and AI technologies to provide flexible digital condition monitoring solutions for rolling stock. CONTX Digital Wagon fuses a combination of sensors, wireless connectivity, IoT management, data orchestration AI and analytics tailored around individual operator requirements with the simple goal of enhancing safety, and optimising operations & asset management.

Gerhard Loots

CEO

Title

How rail operators are boosting safety with precision monitoring

Sub headings

IoT’s impact on managing speed restrictions, reducing derailment risks and maintaining safety in weather events
A roadmap to implementing predictive maintenance across your network
Learnings and actionable insights from real-world applications at Aurizon and Yarra Trams

Bio

Gerhard is a recognised leader in IoT and digital transformation, driving innovation across multiple industries, including heavy haul rail. As CEO of Kallipr since 2021, he has spearheaded the development of advanced IoT solutions, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in rail infrastructure monitoring. His strategic vision has been instrumental in expanding the company’s impact in real-time rail temperature monitoring, delivering measurable improvements in safety and cost reduction.

Before joining Kallipr, Gerhard was Global Head of IoT at Telstra, where he led the development of internationally recognised software products and drove significant business growth. He also served as General Manager at RODE Microphones, where he developed a globally successful wireless product range.

Below is a rough idea of the presentation. We will definitely refine this closer to the time but it’s a general idea.

Anthony Ashbrook

CEO

Title

Using AI and AR for game-changing navigation of workers and vehicles on track, delivering new levels of safety and efficiency for inspection and maintenance

Sub headings

Game changing navigation for track workers based on AI and AR
How Fault Navigator is improving safety and productivity of ultrasonic testers in the UK
A glimpse into the future of autonomous inspection and maintenance

Bio

Anthony is a technology entrepreneur specialising in computer vision and machine learning, with a track record of commercialising leading-edge vision technology across different industries.

He received his PhD in computer vision in 1996 and worked for three years as a postdoctoral researcher at the prestigious department of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh and at the University of Glasgow. His real passion is working with customers to solve difficult real-world problems using the latest vision technology, which he has been doing for the past 22 years.

Anthony’s successes span many sectors including bio-tech, finance, medical, gaming and film post-production, image-based search and augmented reality for smartphones and clothing manufacture. Notable world firsts including the first example of augmented reality on a mobile phone and creating the first 4-dimensional movie. His latest venture into the railway industry follows a number of years of work on autonomous driving.

Jarek Rosinski

CEO & Founder

Title

Intelligent Railway Systems: How AI is Powering Trains with Brains®

Sub headings

Transforming OLE monitoring with real-time AI insights
Smart solutions for track monitoring, including points and crossings
Enhancing rolling stock and freight performance with AI analytics

Bio

Jarek Rosinski holds an MSc in Vibroacoustics and PhD in machine dynamics. He started his career as a lecturer of machine dynamics at the Institute of Mechanics and Vibroacoustics in Krakow. In 1989 he joined the National Gear Technology Centre at Newcastle University. As an internationally renowned consultant in the field of instrumentation, machine dynamics, power transmission systems, he then founded Transmission Dynamics in 1996. He worked extensively with industry solving highly complex cases across all industrial sectors. In 2006, after 18 years of service, Jarek left Newcastle University, to pursue his company Transmission Dynamics full time.

Jenny Hudson

Business Development Director

Title

Intelligent Railway Systems: How AI is Powering Trains with Brains®

Sub headings

Transforming OLE monitoring with real-time AI insights
Smart solutions for track monitoring, including points and crossings
Enhancing rolling stock and freight performance with AI analytics

Bio

Jenny Hudson (BA, MBA) is Business development Director at Transmission Dynamics, who specialise in Industrial Internet of Things solutions that utilise advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence to support remote condition monitoring of high value assets globally. Having spent her career supporting SMEs to grow through innovation, she has been with Transmission Dynamics since October 2020, helping them take scale up deployment of their technologies to all critical industrial sectors around the world. Jenny’s day to day role is to support this extraordinary multi-disciplinary team and their clients, with the highest level of relationship, project and business.

Krzysztof Wilczek

Head of Track Analytics

Title

Data-Driven Track Maintenance: Risks, Challenges, and Opportunities

Sub headings

Navigating complex environments: Operating heavy machinery in harsh conditions while ensuring safety and precision
Impact on lifecycle costs and safety: How track quality directly influences operational costs and system reliability
Bridging the skills gap: Using digital technologies to enhance workforce capabilities and meet increasing operational demands

Bio

Krzysztof Wilczek is the Head of Track Analytics at Plasser & Theurer, where he oversees the development of data-driven solutions to optimize railway maintenance and operations. He previously led the implementation of the swissTAMP system at SBB and managed the data laboratory for infrastructure projects. Krzysztof’s experience spans roles at ÖBB and the Graz University of Technology, focusing on asset management and track lifecycle. He holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and Vienna University of Economics, as well as a Master’s in Tunneling from Montanuniversität Leoben.

Alan Dittrich

Head of Digital Solutions, Rail Drive Systems

Title

ZF connect@rail – the digital revolution of a condition monitoring system

Sub headings

Sustainable Rail Transport: How ZF Connect@Rail enhances maintenance processes for sustainability
Impact on Preventive Maintenance: The disruption and benefits of condition monitoring systems
Reality of Digitalization: Assessing the revolutionary impact of successful digitalization

Bio

Alan Dittrich studied Mechanical Engineering with a focus on automotive engineering at the University of Applied Sciences in Constance, Germany, until 2007. He began his career at ZF Friedrichshafen AG as a system engineer for hybrid drives for trucks before moving to the Rail Drive Systems Product Line in 2013. As Head of Project Management, he was responsible for the development of digital products for rail vehicles at ZF until the Digital Solution department was founded in 2019. Today, as Head of Digital Solutions Rail, Alan Dittrich is responsible for the development and operation of digital products for the rail industry at ZF.

Plasser & Theurer - has influenced the progress in the construction and maintenance of railway tracks more substantially than any other company. As a full-range supplier operating worldwide, the Austrian family business supplies track maintenance machines of almost all kinds and sizes and provides high-quality services over the entire life cycle of the machines. Our success story began with the production of tamping machines that stood out from all other products on the market due to their technical superiority. To this day, Plasser & Theurer tamping machines are the standard in track maintenance. Over decades, new machine models have been added to the machine programme. Today, the machines we offer cover almost all works to be performed when maintaining, laying and renewing railway tracks. In addition to machines for all track gauges in all parts of the world, we offer machines in all output categories meeting our customers’ needs. From a classic machine manufacturer to a modern full-range supplier.

Today, Plasser & Theurer is more than just a machine manufacturer. As a full-range supplier collaborating with 19 partner companies around the world, Plasser & Theurer offers comprehensive after-sales services, covering training, spare parts supply and technical service. The farreaching innovations in mechanised track maintenance not only involve new machine technologies, but also set new standards for the cost-efficient operation of machines. Developed by Plasser & Theurer, the PlasserSmartMaintenance initiative provides digital solutions that ensure greater transparency, connectivity and efficiency for both the maintenance of individual machines and entire machine fleets.

Sustainable quality increases cost-efficiency The contributions we make towards the cost-efficiency and sustainability of the railway system define our success. We set store by quality, innovative technologies and solutions providing the customers with real economic benefits.

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Meet the Speakers

SPEAKERS IN 2025

Jasmin Bigdon

Gvlgvl Satya Kumar

Chris Stanley

Redouane Amti

Asim Abdullah Al Atani

Tomasz Majewski

Annette Kvist

Maria Pinheiro

Maria Antonietta Zocco

David Shannon

Terence Reverdin

Holger Bartels

Stephen Warner

Konstantin Starkov

Malte Bieler

Dr. Christiane Ziegler

Benedict Houben

Giuseppe Carcasi

Isidoros Sapounas

Maximilian Eichhorn

Gerhard Paal

Robin Antoine

Dr. Uwe Jasnoch

Jochen Reiss

John Smith

Francis Vander Ghinst

Benjamin Krause

Damon Thomas

Gerhard Loots

Anthony Ashbrook

Jarek Rosinski

Jenny Hudson

Sam Bussey

Francesco Lamboglia

Krzysztof Wilczek

Pedro Conceição

Alan Dittrich

José Antonio Marcos

Simon Giovanazzi

Manuel Simon