The HotTopics Regatta

The ultimate team experience

Set sail on the stunning Sardinian waters in our regatta, designed to challenge and enhance your teamwork, strategic thinking, and sailing prowess. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice, expert instructors will guide you through this exhilarating adventure, ensuring it's accessible, enjoyable, and memorable for all. Join your peers in this unparalleled opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories amidst the breathtaking Mediterranean backdrop.

Tues 24th June
Wed 25th June
Thurs 26th June

12:00 → 18:00

Arrivals

Experiences and welcome

18:00 → 19:00

EU Advisory Board Cocktail Reception

19:00 → 22:00

BBQ beach dinner

Breakfast

Networking

09.15 → 09:45

From Fortune 500 to FinTech scale-up: C-Suite leadership lessons on adaptability and growth

KEYNOTE

At The Studio Sardinia, Felipe Peñacoba Martinez, CIO and board member at Revolut Bank UAB, shares leadership lessons from a 30-year career that has spanned traditional banking giants and fintech scale-ups.

During this opening keynote, Felipe reflects on his leadership journey from Accenture and Santander to Finastra and Revolut, the importance of accountability and adaptability in fast-growing businesses, and the need for team unity, efficiency, speed and customer centricity to drive frictionless growth.

Felipe Penacoba Martinez

CIO - Revolut

09.45 → 10:15

Building for tomorrow: The evolution of leadership at the intersection of AI, IQ and EQ

Thought leadership

As AI starts to reshape organisations and entire industries, the leaders of tomorrow will be those who are able to skilfully balance cognitive (IQ), emotional (EQ) and social (SQ) intelligence. From navigating automation’s impact on workforces to fostering adaptability in AI-driven organisations, our panellists will discuss leadership attributes, balancing technical expertise with ‘soft’ skills and human-led decision making, and winning hearts and minds to build high-performance teams.

Mark Bramwell

CDIO and Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships - Saïd Business SchoolUniversity of Oxford

Richard Corbridge

CIO - Segro

Mauli Tikkiwal

CIO - CWS Hygiene

10:15 → 10:30

Networking break

10:30 → 11:00

Energy + grit = longevity: How to sustain peak performance in leadership

ASK-ME-ANYTHING

Is relentless work the only path to success, or can sustained performance come from a more balanced approach? This discussion explores the idea that peak leadership is about managing energy, focus, and productivity for long-term impact. Can leaders afford to keep pushing without burning out, or is there a smarter way to lead?

Tia Cheang

CDAO - Gallagher

11:00 → 11:30

The Big Debate: The technology executive will never be CEO

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

How can leaders make sound, strategic decisions when clarity is compromised? This session challenges the conventional approach to decision-making, arguing that resilience and mental sharpness are key to navigating complex challenges. Can executives afford to overlook the importance of mental clarity, or will their lack of focus derail growth and profita

11:30 → 11:45

Networking break

1145 → 12:15

TechGirl stories: Perservance, and empowering tomorrow's talent

FIRESIDE

Joanna Pamphilis

SVP, CIO, Global Head of Investments and Securities Digital Products - UniCredit

Joanna Drake

CTO - THG Ingenuity

12:15 → 13:15

Networking roundtables

14:30 → 18:30 pm

The Regatta

08:00 → 09:00

Breakfast

09:15 → 09:45

The secrets of C-suite longevity: Grit and perseverance

KEYNOTE

09:45 → 10:15

Balance, movement and leading with wellbeing

FIRESIDE

What does it take to keep top talent engaged and loyal in a fast-changing world? This discussion challenges the idea that leadership can thrive on profit alone, highlighting the importance of well-being in fostering a positive organisational culture. How can leaders prioritise well-being to boost engagement and retention, or are they unintentionally driving talent away?

Thomas Zuliani

Global CISO - Arla Foods

10:15 → 10:30

Networking break

10:30 → 11:00

Leaders of tomorrow: Inspiring the next generation

Joanna Drake

CTO - THG Ingenuity

11:00 → 11:30

C-suite stories

PANEL

Mark Bramwell

CDIO and Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships - Saïd Business SchoolUniversity of Oxford

Tia Cheang

CDAO - Gallagher

11:30 → 11:45

Networking break

11:45 → 12:15

Thriving Under Pressure: The Resilient Leader’s Playbook

FIRESIDE

When crisis strikes, is your leadership focused or reactive? This session dives into how resilient leaders handle stress and uncertainty. Do you have the fortitude to guide your organisation through disruptions with calm and precision, or will pressure push your decision-making into chaos?