Virtual Customer Conference Nov 19 - 20, 2024

Mike Regan - VP, Business Performance • TIA. Mike Regan leads the activities of the Telecommunication Industry Association’s (TIA) QuEST Forum with a focus on business performance improvement standards and associated activities. Prior to joining TIA, Mike completed a successful 30+ year career as a senior engineering leader. He has led large development organizations delivering complex communications and networking products deployed in the business-critical production networks of premier public service providers, global cloud platforms, large enterprises and customer engagement centers. His diverse experience spans from being a founding team and early-stage member of multiple VC-backed start-up companies up to billion dollar enterprises. His responsibilities have included all aspects of product development: strategy and roadmap, technology assessment, architecture, development, maintenance, quality assurance, test automation, DevSecOps, systems integration, compliance, security, project management, product management, tooling, operations, technical publications, and vendor / partner management. Mike leverages his personal experiences in progressing the initiatives of the TIA QuEST Forum by working with industry participants, network operators and government agencies in the development and adoption of new standards for the Information and Communications Technology industry with a focus on product quality, software development, cyber-security and supply chain security. Mike holds a B.S.E.E. from Northeastern University, Boston.

Chad Kymal - CTO & Founder • Omnex Inc. Chad Kymal is the Chief Technology Officer and founder of Omnex Inc. , a global consulting, training, and software company based in the United States. He has a background in General Motors and KPMG before starting Omnex Inc. Chad has received awards for his quality achievements and has served on the Malcolm Baldrige Board of Examiners. As CEO of Omnex Systems, Chad has overseen the development of the EwQIMS Suite, which is utilized by major Automotive, Aerospace, and Semiconductor organizations worldwide, with over 250,000 users. This suite has evolved over the years, becoming AI and Machine Learning enabled in 2024. Chad is actively involved in various ISO committees related to Quality Management, Environmental Management, and Health and Safety Management Systems. He has contributed to the development of standards such as the Net Zero Standard IWA 42 and is an expert in Carbon Neutrality. Leading Omnex for three decades, Chad has made a significant impact on industries such as Automotive, Aerospace/Defense, Medical Devices, and High Tech/Semiconductor. He is dedicated to helping organizations improve and has a strong focus on innovation, including the integration of AI and Machine Learning. Chad has authored multiple books and papers on topics such as management systems distillation, Lean Six Sigma, and Net Zero. He holds degrees in industrial and operations engineering and an MBA cum laude, emphasizing his commitment to continuous learning and excellence.

Brian Kozumplik - Functional Safety Senior Systems Manager • Omnex Inc. Brian Kozumplik is an experienced Functional Safety Senior Systems Manager with concentrated skills in Parts 2 and 3 of the ISO 26262 Functional Safety standard, 2nd edition. He has written and conducted training for Functional Safety and Fault Tree Analysis. Brian has detailed experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier providing lateral motor control hardware and software. Brian holds the AFSP (Automotive Functional Safety Professional) certificate thru TuV SAAR, and had managed a team of functional safety engineers for 5 years. Brian is also a member of SAE’s ISO 26262 standard working group committee reviewing latest developments in Functional Safety, including SOTIF (Safety of The Intended Function), and COSSA (Controls Oriented System Safety Analysis). Brian has a BSME from Michigan State University (1980) and has completed numerous Masters Courses in Statistics from Oakland University (1991/92). Brian has a passion to ensure products are safe, reliable, and are developed on time with quality for our customers.

Ashwin Mohandas - Digital transformation leader worldwide beyond road business line. A unique professional with a rare blend of expertise across manufacturing, project management, and IT. His diverse background allows him to seamlessly bridge the gap between operational execution and digital transformation, driving innovative solutions in complex environments. With over 19 years of experience across various industries, including Locomotive, Oil & Gas, and Automotive, he has demonstrated a proven track record of versatility and leadership. His career has encompassed roles such as Senior Procurement Manager, Category Sourcing Manager, Project Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, and Business Process Manager. His expertise includes driving quality improvements, optimizing costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Currently, Ashwin leads global initiatives that enhance procurement, manufacturing, and supplier quality processes, streamline supply chain operations, and foster a collaborative environment. He thrives on the dynamic nature of switching roles and stepping out of his comfort zone, as it keeps him engaged and eager to learn. His approach is rooted in simplicity and fostering a collaborative environment, ensuring that colleagues feel comfortable and valued.

Pradeep Seneviratne - President & CEO • iReprogram, Inc. Pradeep is an accomplished software executive with an impressive track record of founding, leading, and growing successful technology companies. Currently, he serves as the President and CEO of iReprogram, a cutting-edge software firm, and also sits on the board of Campfire Interactive. Prior to his current roles, Pradeep co-founded Campfire Interactive, guiding the company as President and CEO until it was acquired by RKCA. Before that, he was a co founder of Virage, which went public, as well as a co-founder of Imageware, a company he helped lead that was later acquired by Siemens and had its entertainment software division purchased by Microsoft. With over 30 years of experience in building and selling software businesses, Pradeep has developed deep expertise in areas like mathematical modeling, estimating, and forecasting that have enabled him to strategically grow companies across diverse industries. His technical acumen is complemented by a strong educational background, including a BSE in computer science from Princeton University and a MSE in computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence from the University of Michigan. Pradeep's proven track record of founding successful ventures, his technical mastery, and his extensive leadership experience make him a formidable force in the software industry.

Nikhil Unnikrishnan - Project Manager, Electric & Autonomous Vehicles • Omnex Inc. Nikhil Unnikrishnan is a Consultant with extensive experience in collaborating with automotive clients on hardware, software, and mechanical systems design and development. He has a track record of implementing best practices in ISO 26262 Functional Safety, Automotive SPICE, ISO/SAE 21434 Cybersecurity, and SOTIF to enhance processes efficiency. His work includes conducting assessments, developing process documentation, and overseeing roll-outs for top automotive Tier 1 and 2 companies. Projects he has been involved in range from Electric Battery packs to Autonomous driving technology and ADAS sensors. Nikhil is a certified Principal Assessor, Lead Auditor, Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma, and Quality Process Analyst with a rich background in Automotive Quality Management Systems. He also serves as a trainer for Automotive SPICE, Functional Safety, and IATF integration at Omnex. Nikhil holds a post-graduate degree in Systems Engineering and Management from the University of Texas at Dallas, along with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Amrita University in India. In addition to his consultancy role, Nikhil is the Project Manager for Omnex’s Electric and Autonomous Vehicle projects and contributes as a subject matter expert for the EVAV platform’s product development.

Juan Pimentel - Principal Cyber Security Consultant • Omnex Inc. Juan Pimentel, Omnex principal Cyber Security consultant. He is a member of the US technical Advisory Group for ISO 21448 and writer of the standard. He has extensive Engineering, Safety and Cybersecurity experience. He is also the author of many papers on the safety and security of automotive systems ranging from drive-by-wire systems to ADAS to automated vehicles. He has developed and conducted professional training courses on safeguarding process control systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), protecting industrial systems including relevant standards (IEC 61508, IEC 61511, and ISO 26262)

Andrei Samoila – Director of Global Software Implementations Andrei Samoila is a consultant with a broad range of experience in working with automotive, aerospace, High-Tech, medical and electronics customers involved in the design & development of hardware, software, mechanical systems and components in multiple industries. His experience was gained working with cross-functional teams and directly with board of directors in business management, development and quality assurance by managing International Teams & Programs in multiple countries. Mr. Samoila also has a strong background on Automotive Quality Management Systems and is certified in various areas, including being an Exemplar Global certified Lead Auditor for IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015. He also holds certifications in Process and Product Auditing (VDA 6.3 & VDA 6.5) as well as Decision-Making Strategies and Developing Value Creation Strategy from London Business School. He is also a trainer and lead implementer for multiple integrated modules of EwQIMS Suite at Omnex Systems supporting multiple customers globally.