Ashish Ahuja is a seasoned business leader with three decades of global expertise in the tech industry covering Telecom, Cloud, Data Centers, Networks, Undersea Cable Systems, ISPs, Interconnect and Peering with deep understanding of global markets. As a proven thought leader with a vision for the future, Ashish holds credentials of setting new regimes, policies and business models for industry to follow. Ashish has served in diverse leadership roles at Google, France Telecom (Orange) and Tata Communications with most recently being CTO of CtrlS Datacenters.
Ashish has been in diverse leadership roles at Google, France Telecom, Tata communications and CtrlS Datacenters covering business & corporate strategy, sales, partnerships, capacity planning, product management and building large scale infrastructure projects & high-performance teams to potentially transform the industries and economies at large. He excels in transforming complex challenges into focused growth solutions by integrating people, processes & technology and achieving ‘Growth Through Differentiation’.
As one of the pioneers of Google’s ‘Global Network Infrastructure’ group, Ashish holds the credentials of leading various global/regional strategic initiatives to build a state-of-the-art network and infrastructure projects (worth a few billion dollars) across various continents including being the driving force behind the build of IAX & MIST cable systems. As Director of Global Network Infrastructure at Google, he founded and orchestrated a multi-disciplinary team to build a new line of business with a potential to generate a few billion dollars in revenue.
Ashish’s market shaping activities include, founding managed optical fiber network (MOFN) model for developing markets (common industry practice globally by now), founder of France Telecom’s business in India & South-East Asia growing business to 20x over 7 years, being one of the founders of the telco interconnect regime in India and Opening/shaping up various markets in across the globe driving a few Billion dollar worth of investments covering Data Centers, Undersea Cables, Fiber and Telecom Networks.
Ashish holds bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and masters degree in marketing management. He has lived and worked across Europe, APAC, and the Americas, gaining deep understanding of cultural diversity needed to build global teams and businesses.
Dan Wagner is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience delivering real results in the TMT sector. As former CEO of CloudSmartz and COO of GlobalFusion.ai, and previously as President at XO Communications and CIO and President of Europe at Global Crossing, Dan has consulted for over 35 TMT companies, bringing a breadth of experience in driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across global enterprises.
Dan Wagner is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of delivering rapid, impactful solutions in the telecommunications, media, and technology sectors. With over three decades of experience, including roles as CEO of CloudSmartz and fastLight.ai, President of XO Communications, and CIO and President of Europe at Global Crossing, Dan has consulted for over 35 TMT companies, offering a breadth of expertise that spans across the industry. He has consistently driven transformative growth and operational excellence, leading billion-dollar business units, pioneering AI-driven network solutions, and executing large-scale digital transformations. His deep expertise in strategic development and operational optimization enables organizations to navigate complex challenges quickly, delivering measurable outcomes and lasting impact.
Ran Guron is a highly regarded and experienced CEO. With nearly three decades of experience in the Telecom and Communications Industry he accelerates growth and increases performance for industry leading telecommunication companies. Most recently, as CEO of Bezeq, the largest telecommunications group in Israel, he transformed corporate culture, executed multi-phased strategic planning initiatives, increased financial performance in established market sectors, and initiated several new and emerging technology sectors and service points.
Ran’s proven track record for corporate leadership and success lies in digital innovation, generating new revenues, streamlining, cost cutting, leading organizational change, and digital integration and growth has transformed the technology and communication industry in Israel.
Prior to being appointed CEO of Bezeq in 2022, he served as CEO (simultaneously) for three subsidiary technology companies: “Pelephone”, “Yes”, and “Bezeq International” driving businesses covering Fiber optics, Data Networks, Cellular/5G/IOT, Multi-channel TV – OTT & DBS, Business integration and Data centers.
At Bezeq, Ran was awarded the Marketing Man of the Year in 2009, for the product and brand innovation and serves as board member at the Meir Medical Center friendship association.
Ran also served as Mentor for Microsoft Ventures Accelerator Tel-Aviv program for startups and as Chairman of the Innovation committee for the Israel Marketing Association. Ran is also the founder of the Yair Guron Memorial Scholarship R&D Fund in the Arava region.
Ran is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School and holds bachelor’s degree in economics with MBA in Marketing & Information Systems.
Ran is an avid mountaineer and climber having participated in summit expeditions for Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc, Mount Elbrus and many more.
Sean is a global business leader and operator experienced leading E2E business and technology transformation across complex sales, delivery and operations in global B2C, B2B and B2B2X markets. He has worked internationally across multiple industries in start-up, large enterprise and Fortune 500 environments including the global hyperscalers, some of the world’s largest telecommunications, cable and satellite companies, and local and federal government.
Sean has held numerous global leadership roles at Laser Light Communications, Appen, Teleperformance, CSG and Teletech where he was responsible for global P&L management, GTM, Product Development, and Delivery and Operations. Sean has had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading TMT companies to provide cutting-edge solutions for Generative AI and LLM, AI/ML, Global Data Services and Transport, 5G, Marketing, Retail and Care Systems, Monetization and Billing, Enterprise Architecture and Monitoring, and BPO.
Michael Branco is a seasoned executive with 25 years of experience in creating innovative technology solutions and demonstrating strong financial acumen. He has founded multiple successful companies in IT services, e-commerce, and Insurtech, with a proven track record of scaling businesses from $0 to $10M+ in revenue. Michael holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School, has completed graduate studies in AI and Distributed Databases at Stanford University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate at Rutgers Business School.
Michael Branco has 25 years of executive experience, transforming startups from concept to thriving businesses. He founded several companies from scratch, including entities in IT services, e-commerce, commercial property, Insurtech, IT services, and Web3 & AI advisory. Notably, two of these entities grew to $10M+ in revenue while Michael was CEO.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Michael played key roles in acquiring and rebranding companies, advising SaaS and HealthTech startups, and serving as an advisor for a Cleantech Fund. Michael has been involved in over 12 startups, showcasing his extensive experience and expertise in entrepreneurship.
As Managing Partner of Celeste Ventures, Michael oversees a diverse portfolio, providing strategic advisory services and leveraging his expertise in startups, technology, operations, and finance. Celeste Ventures invests in both Bermuda-based and international companies, reflecting Michael’s broad investment acumen. Michael has the ability to create innovative technology solutions, build people-centric organizations, and solve problems; fueled by coffee and hands-on technology skills.
Michael holds a Computer Science degree from Western University and pursued graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Databases at Stanford University. He earned his MBA from the Richard Ivey Business School and is a doctoral student at Rutgers Business School, working towards completing his DBA in 2026. Additionally, he completed Board of Directors training at Stanford Law School. Michael is a professional speaker on Practical IT and AI. He is a Justice of the Peace and Past Chair of YPO Bermuda, earning best Chapter nomination twice during his two-year tenure.
Michael is a board member for Coinbase International and Iribisio Fund, both BMA-regulated entities. He also advises Laser Light Communications, a global multi-domain optical network provider, focusing on operations and market management.
Mike has 30 years experience in the Internet infrastructure business, with a blend of technical, business, and public policy skills. This includes 14 years at Google, where he led the teams on interconnection, Content Delivery Networks, and telecom business partnerships, across Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Mike’s 30 years of experience includes founding, growing and exiting an early Internet hosting and colocation company during the “dot-com” years, and stints as CTO and COO at Internet Service Providers and Voice over IP companies. He also spent 9 years as a non-executive director of the London Internet Exchange.
He joined Google in 2009 as the first member of their interconnection and content delivery team in Europe, and built a team that managed massive growth in traffic demand for Google services across Europe, Middle East and Africa, bringing new infrastructure and capabilities to countries for the first time, navigating business, technical and regulatory challenges. He then led the broader telecoms partnerships team, building C-level relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with the largest telecoms operators across the region.
Regarded as an industry expert, and passionate about the benefits and potential of the Open Internet, he is now an independent consultant, working closely with regulators, governments, and industry, and contributes to, amongst others, forums at the ITU, WEF, and OECD on Internet infrastructure and investment topics.
Mike holds an MA in Engineering and Computer Science from Cambridge University, and an MBA from Warwick Business School.
Praveen is a seasoned Telecom & IT industry professional with expertise & experience of more than 37 years in policy analysis & advocacy, regulation and compliance, regulatory litigation, network implementation, testing & validations, technology training and has served in the various leadership roles at Department of Telecommunications-India, BSNL,MTNL, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Reliance Infocomm and Tata Communications.
Praveen has been in the field of regulation of telecom and IT services, representing varied organizations in various roles shaping telecom policy, regulation, defining licensing terms, compliance norms, security covenants, technology roadmap, inter-working norms, and overseeing complex rollouts.
His journey equips him with diverse exposure – education (at Government Education Institute), Administration (Department of Telecom), complex operations (at the then incumbent operators MTNL, BSNL), at Regulator (TRAI), building up new entrants (Reliance Infocomm), and leadership at marquee Enterprise Service Provider serving international clients and segments (Tata Communications).
Some of his pioneer work includes:
Public Policy and Government/Regulatory Affairs in telecommunication industry
Spectrum strategy and allocations, Interconnection, Licensing, Litigations, Regulations, etc
Security issues in the telecom and IT sectors, e.g. Network Security, data privacy, data localization, etc.
Regulatory Litigation, Enforcement, Compliance of License and Regulations.
ITU Expert Trainer
Ashish has been in diverse leadership roles at Google, France Telecom, Tata communications and CtrlS Datacenters covering business & corporate strategy, sales, partnerships, capacity planning, product management and building large scale infrastructure projects & high-performance teams to potentially transform the industries and economies at large. He excels in transforming complex challenges into focused growth solutions by integrating people, processes & technology and achieving ‘Growth Through Differentiation’.
As one of the pioneers of Google’s ‘Global Network Infrastructure’ group, Ashish holds the credentials of leading various global/regional strategic initiatives to build a state-of-the-art network and infrastructure projects (worth a few billion dollars) across various continents including being the driving force behind the build of IAX & MIST cable systems. As Director of Global Network Infrastructure at Google, he founded and orchestrated a multi-disciplinary team to build a new line of business with a potential to generate a few billion dollars in revenue.
Ashish’s market shaping activities include, founding managed optical fiber network (MOFN) model for developing markets (common industry practice globally by now), founder of France Telecom’s business in India & South-East Asia growing business to 20x over 7 years, being one of the founders of the telco interconnect regime in India and Opening/shaping up various markets in across the globe driving a few Billion dollar worth of investments covering Data Centers, Undersea Cables, Fiber and Telecom Networks.
Ashish holds bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and masters degree in marketing management. He has worked & lived in Europe, APAC & Americas being well versed with cultural & diversity needs to build global teams & businesses.