Macroeconomic flux, geopolitical instability, and shifting market dynamics are forcing procurement and supply chain leaders to rethink their strategies. Discover strategies to mitigate risk, strengthen resilience, and enhance transparency in your supply chain. Through thought-provoking keynotes and in-depth sessions on critical topics like Artificial Intelligence, Human Intelligence and Supplier Intelligence, N-tier mapping and Sustainable Procurement this event provides procurement and supply chain leaders with the insights and tools needed to navigate the complexities of 2025.
The registration period for our virtual summit has ended. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to access all the insights and sessions on-demand.
As Sphera’s founding CEO and president, Paul Marushka is responsible for providing overall strategic leadership for the company in developing, directing and implementing go-to-market, service, product and operational plans.
Paul has grown businesses by bringing innovative solutions to market, leveraging software, analytics and technology services. Prior to joining Sphera, Paul served as president of Marsh ClearSight, a business unit of Marsh & McLennan, which is a leading provider of software, services and analytics for enterprise risk management, safety and compliance management and claims administration. Paul also has held executive positions at software and data companies such as Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) and CCC Information Services.
During his career, Paul has developed and launched a variety of software and analytics products recognized by the Gartner Group for their impact on the industry. He has authored numerous articles in publications, including the United Nations Global Yearbook, on the use of analytics and technology in decision-making. He has spoken in a variety of forums including the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Gartner Technology Summit, the Environmental Leader Conference and the Risk and Insurance Management Society.
At the Environmental Leader & Energy Manager Conference (ELEMCON), Paul was recognized as an environmental leader for breaking new ground in creating solutions, programs, platforms and products to help companies achieve greater success in environmental management. He was also awarded an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2021 Midwest Award for his dedication and leadership.
Paul has a J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an A.B. from the College at the University of Chicago.
Paul is a board member of the Hyde Park Institute at the University of Chicago, which sponsors research and programs that advance the study and teaching of moral philosophical thinking with a focus on integrating intellectual, professional and moral development. In his free time, Paul enjoys traveling with his family and especially finding locations at which to race ATVs.
Heiko Schwarz has worked in the software business for 20 years, in various areas of strategic purchasing and supply chain. With his expertise in procurement, supply management, risk management, and digital transformation, Heiko has successfully helped supply chain and procurement organizations to implement solutions to increase performance, reduce costs, and minimize risks. In his position as Sales Director at IBM/Emptoris, he was responsible for global sales, thought leadership for strategic procurement and transfer of know-how for the “Supplier Management” product line.
Scott Lehmann is Sphera’s Vice-President of Product Management for Platform and the Operational Risk Management product line. He has responsibility for defining the market-driven direction, roadmap, vertical segmentation, and delivery of product in these areas. He has more than 28 years of enterprise software experience in the U.S and Europe with small, mid-size and large companies including Microsoft – as well as his own venture-backed startup. His focus is on empowering organizations to unlock the potential of digital transformation through forward thinking software solutions to enable the journey to digital operations. He initiated Sphera’s annual Safety Survey back in 2016 and has been published in industry and technology publications including, Hydrocarbon Processing, Harts E&P, Oil & Gas Journal, Plant Services, and many others. Scott has degrees from Tufts University and Georgetown University.
Gunjan Khera is the Vice President of Platform Engineering & Analytics at Sphera, where he drives the strategy and execution of the SpheraCloud Platform, aligning deeply with customer goals and product vision. With over two decades of experience, Gunjan brings a unique blend of enterprise-grade technology, product management, and AI expertise—shaped through leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognized organizations. A computer science graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Gunjan has collaborated with innovative teams at Accenture, Marriott, Walgreens, McDonald’s, Nielsen, and more. Outside of work, he’s passionate about cooking, photography, and engaging in spirited conversations around entrepreneurship, the future of technology, and the human journey.
John Manzella is a world-recognized speaker, author of several books, and an international columnist on global business, trade policy, labor, and the latest economic trends. His valuable insight, analysis and strategic direction have been vital to many of the world’s largest corporations, associations and universities preparing for the business, economic and political challenges ahead.
John’s views have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg, NPR, Newsday, Houston Chronicle, Denver Post, and other publications in China, Singapore, Mexico, Canada, Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. His books include “Global America: Understanding Global and Economic Trends and How To Ensure Competitiveness,” “Grasping Globalization: It’s Impact and Your Corporate Response,” and “Mexico and NAFTA: The Real Impact,” among others.
John is founder of the ManzellaReport.com, a premier source for global business and economic analysis, and Manzella Trade Communications, Inc., a public affairs, publishing and consulting firm. Additionally, he is chair of the Upstate New York District Export Council, a position appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, former Executive Director of goTRADE New York, an advocacy coalition sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Business Roundtable, and former CEO of World Trade Center BN.
Artem Melikian is a Senior Product Manager specializing in supply chain risk and procurement solutions, with a strong focus on sub-tier supplier visibility and resilience. He works closely with procurement, supply chain, and sustainability teams to develop products that provide deep insights into Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, enabling businesses to identify risks, mitigate disruptions, and enhance compliance. By leveraging AI-driven risk monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation, he helps organizations increase transparency and optimize supplier management.
Jamie Barsimantov co-founded SupplyShift and is the VP of Supply Chain Strategy at Sphera. He received his doctorate in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz, focused on environmental economics and resource management. Jamie has extensive consulting and academic experience in sustainability, climate action strategy, and responsible supply chains.
Alejandro Páramo is a Senior Product Manager specializing in supply chain sustainability and compliance solutions. With 10 years in supply chain and sustainability software, he works closely with procurement, supply chain, and sustainability teams to develop innovative products that provide deep insights into complex supply chains. His expertise enables businesses to identify risks, attain compliance, and drive meaningful supplier improvements across multiple tiers. Alejandro is passionate about helping companies build more resilient, transparent, and environmentally responsible supply chains that meet the demands of today’s market.
Achieving Full Transparency in Multi-Tier Supply Chains
Unlock the power of end-to-end supply chain visibility and gain deeper insights into every layer of your supplier ecosystem.
Leverage AI (Artificial Intelligence), HI (Human Intelligence), and SI (Supplier Intelligence) to revolutionize supply chain management enhancing decision-making, optimizing operations, and mitigating risk.
Prepare for the evolving landscape of global trade and economic uncertainty with proactive supply chain strategies in 2025 and beyond. Gain the insights you need to build resilience in an unpredictable world.
