Global

The Consumer Goods Industry in the Age of AI

Join Swissnex for a discussion on AI-driven consumer engagement and the future of commerce, featuring Swiss startup Wecheer, followed by networking with industry leaders and entrepreneurs.

Hosted by Vontobel SFA, Swissnex invites you to an exclusive event exploring how AI is transforming the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry and reshaping market dynamics. Traditionally, CPG brands have relied on retailers and intermediaries to reach consumers—but in today’s data-driven landscape, AI offers new opportunities to reclaim control over consumer relationships. What are the real business implications of this shift, and who will emerge as the new power players in commerce?

The evening will feature a panel discussion with CPG experts, including Swiss startup Wecheer, which is revolutionizing consumer engagement through AI-powered solutions. The discussion will explore AI-driven consumer engagement, evolving market power, and the future of brand strategy. The panel will be followed by networking with industry leaders and entrepreneurs.

This event is part of Swiss Startup Dialogues NYC, a series of networking and roundtable events aimed at fostering a supportive community for Swiss-affiliated entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders in the New York metropolitan area.

Agenda

  • 6:00pm – Doors open
  • 6:20am – Welcome remarks
  • 6:25pm – Panel discussion
  • 7:00pm – Networking
  • 8:00pm – End
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Event start time

  • New York

    6:00PM

Speakers

  •

    Bio

    Albert Baladi

    Former CEO, Beam Suntory

    Albert Baladi is a global chief executive with a track record of leading premier consumer companies, including PepsiCo, Yum! Brands, Procter & Gamble, and Beam Suntory. A seasoned expert in CPG, he has driven brand innovation, market expansion, and strategic growth across diverse consumer categories. With deep expertise in business transformation, brand growth, M&A, and ESG, he has successfully shaped corporate strategy, mentored world-class teams, and fostered mission-driven cultures across developed and emerging markets. A true global citizen, he has lived in seven countries across four continents, speaks four languages, and excels in leading diverse, multicultural organizations.

  •

    Bio

    Jaime Halprin-Oesch

    Senior Director Consumer Experience, Kellanova

    Jaime Halprin-Oesch is  an experienced brand leader with a strong track record of revitalizing brands through strategic vision, consumer insights, and data-driven decision-making. With expertise in CPG marketing across North America, Europe, China, and Russia, she specializes in crafting high-performing communication plans tailored to diverse global markets. Passionate about consumers and teams, she thrives on connecting the dots between consumer needs and brand opportunities to drive impactful growth.

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    Bio

    Vala Dormiani

    Co-Founder, Ludis Analytics

    Vala Dormiani is an entrepreneur specializing in data platforms and AI-driven analytics. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Ludis Analytics, an AI-powered data intelligence platform serving customers across multiple industries, including sports. Ludis enables organizations—including teams and leagues—to leverage data for off-field fan and customer analytics, on-field performance optimization, and strategic decision-making. He is also the Managing Partner of a seed fund that invests in businesses founded by aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly from Stanford and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Originally from Australia, Vala began his journey at Stanford University at just 14 years old, earning multiple degrees before launching his career in Silicon Valley. With a background in product and strategy at Cloudera (big data management platform, IPO in 2017) and Slice (consumer analytics startup, acquired by Rakuten), he brings deep expertise in data analytics, AI, and venture investing.

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    Bio

    Karim Choueiri

    Co-Founder, WeCheer

    Karim Choueiri is the Co-founder and CEO of WeCheer, pioneering the first-ever Customer Experience Management (CxM) platform for indirect sales. With over a decade of experience in the CPG industry, he understands the complexities of route-to-market strategies and is dedicated to creating disruptive solutions that empower brands, retailers, and consumers. Passionate about innovation, Karim is transforming the sales journey to be smarter, more efficient, and data-driven.

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    Bio

    Crystelle Desnoyer

    Board Member, La French Tech New York

    Crystelle Desnoyer is a seasoned operator and business strategist with a strong focus on scaling tech organizations and CPG brands. She has helped grow 26 global companies, leveraging her expertise in operations, marketing, and business development. Her background spans e-commerce, venture capital, and management consulting, bringing a multi-layered perspective to fast-scaling teams. A member of CHIEF and CEOX, she actively supports female leadership in tech and business.

Host

Vontobel SFA is the largest SEC Registered investment Adviser headquartered in Switzerland. Founded in 2004, it has offices in Zurich, Geneva, New York, and Miami. It serves the investment needs of US and Canadian residents.