Introducing "The Factory of the Future" Speakers

We are proud to introduce our distinguished lineup of speakers for our first annual conference, focused on "The Factory of the Future." Get ready to be inspired by their innovative ideas, cutting-edge research, and profound expertise. Scroll through their headshots and detailed bios below to learn more about their achievements and why we are so excited to host them at this year's conference! Conference registration runs through August 15th. Find more information and register at the conference website.

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Bill Good, Vice President of Supply Chain, GE Appliances, USA

Bill Good began his career in manufacturing on an assembly line while working his way through college. His experience sparked his passion and interest in manufacturing as a career, and he set a goal to one day lead manufacturing for a large U.S. company. Over the course of Bill’s 35-year career, he has honed his knowledge of supply chain management through his various roles of increasing responsibility at Tri-Glass, Charbroil, Whirlpool, and now in his dream job as the Vice President of Manufacturing at GE Appliances, a Haier company. Bill holds a BS in Operations Management from Auburn University and an MBA and a MS in Human Resources from Troy State University. Bill is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, with expertise in Theory of Constraints, HOSHIN Planning, and the Toyota Production System. He places a high value on employee engagement, building relationships, and leading transformational change. Currently, Bill and his team are focusing on expanding plant capacity, increasing automation in the supply chain, and implementing new digital tools to create a Zero Distance approach with consumers.

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Teresa Hayes, Human Resources Manager, Logan Aluminum

Teresa Hayes is the Human Resources Manager for Logan Aluminum in Russellville, Kentucky. Logan Aluminum manufactures aluminum sheet, currently providing over 45 percent of the aluminum used in the beverage can market. Teresa’s love for manufacturing started early with roles in supply chain and customer service. This experience validates the trust her colleagues have in Teresa’s HR expertise. Her well-established career in human resource leadership includes global organizations and greenfield start-ups. Teresa most enjoys using her diverse range of skills to support the success of individuals, teams, and leaders. She is passionate about solving workforce issues of today and the future.

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Vignesh Markandan, Head of Manufacturing and Consumer Goods, Hitachi Vantara

Vignesh Markandan is the Head of Manufacturing and Consumer Goods business at Hitachi Vantara. Vignesh has around 25 years of experience helping customers achieve successful business outcomes in Discrete and Process manufacturing industrials. He is passionate about solving business problems and has had multiple successes in helping his customers leverage the world’s most advanced digital technologies through business and technical consulting. Vignesh brings vast experience and expertise in digital transformation, new product development, service delivery management, practice incubation, and more. Prior to his current role, Vignesh held roles P&L management and sales, and as a practice and service delivery leader in IT and ITeS industries.

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Jai Sundararaman, Chief Transformation Officer, Intertape Polymer Group

Jai Sundararaman is Chief Transformation Officer at Intertape Polymer Group, global leader in packaging / protective solutions responsible for driving innovation, digital transformation & strategic initiatives. Mr. Sundararaman has served as Vice President, Transformation Office since 2015 spearheading capital planning/execution, acquisition integration & operational excellence. Prior to joining IPG, Mr. Sundararaman served 15 years at Dell Inc in a variety of leadership positions in Product Engineering, Lean Transformation/Manufacturing, and Acquisition Integration. Jai has coached, trained & mentored hundreds of Lean change agents & executives in driving transformation. Jai holds a Master of Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree from University of Texas, Austin and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Bharathiar University, India. Mr. Sundararaman also serves as Board of Governor with Manufacturing Leadership Council, part of National Association of Manufacturers, USA. As a long time meditator, he teaches mediation and ancient breathing techniques to manage stress & improve health in his free time.

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Maria T. Zuber, Vice President for Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Maria T. Zuber is vice president for research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she is responsible for research administration and policy, including research relationships with the federal government. She also co-chairs the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), appointed by President Biden in 2021. At MIT, she oversees more than a dozen interdisciplinary research laboratories and centers, as well as MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and leads MIT's Climate Action Plan. Her own research, as the E. A. Griswold Professor of Geophysics, bridges planetary geophysics and the technology of space-based laser and radio systems. She was the first woman to lead a science department at MIT and the first to lead a NASA planetary mission. She was appointed to the National Science Board under both the Obama and Trump administrations, chairing the board from 2016 to 2018.