Entrepreneur & Thought Leadership Awards Judging Committee
Chair:
Atul Punj, Chief Executive Officer
IBSFINtech USA Inc., Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States
Atul Punj is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in digital transformation, global delivery, client engagement, and treasury management solutions. As the CEO of IBSFINtech USA, he spearheads the company’s expansion into the United States, driving the adoption of its cutting-edge Treasury Management System to revolutionize corporate finance operations. His leadership is centered on leveraging digital solutions to optimize financial performance, enhance compliance, and empower organizations to make real-time, data-driven decisions.
Throughout his distinguished career, Atul has led large-scale technology transformations, forged strategic partnerships, and successfully expanded businesses into new markets. His expertise spans across IT infrastructure, cloud computing, managed services, and cybersecurity, making him a key driver in the digital evolution of enterprise solutions. His leadership philosophy is rooted in fostering innovation, collaboration, and agility, ensuring businesses stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Before joining IBSFINtech USA, Atul held leadership roles in top-tier global organizations, including Persistent Systems, Birlasoft, Wipro, and IBM. As AVP of Sales at Persistent Systems, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, expanding client engagement, and delivering high-impact IT solutions. His tenure at Birlasoft as Head of North America Sales further solidified his expertise in IT outsourcing, cloud transformation, and enterprise solutions, where he built and nurtured relationships with Fortune 500 clients. During his time at Wipro and IBM, Atul successfully led global delivery and business transformation initiatives, managing complex digital engagements across industries. At IBM Global Business Services, he served as DGM and Director Representative for Sales Engagement, where he was instrumental in expanding market share, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless transition management for global enterprises. His tenure saw him leading high-impact initiatives in mobility, IT services, and cloud infrastructure, helping businesses modernize their technology ecosystems.
Committee:
Nick Chandi, CEO & Co-Founder
Forwardly, Claymont, Denver, United States
Nick is the CEO and Co-Founder of Forwardly, the award-winning instant business payments provider for small businesses and accountants in the United States. As CEO, Nick oversees all levels of the organization. He is a serial entrepreneur and built and exited multiple successful businesses during his two decades in accounting technology and finance.
Rob Franssen, Analytics Manager
Exxon Mobil, Houston, Texas, United States
Rob Franssen is a data analytics manager at a major energy company and has extensive experience in digital projects. He has led teams of product owners, data scientists, data architects, and developers in designing, developing, and implementing digital solutions for complex business problems.
Ramzy Merrach, Head of Innovation & Product Architect
City Global, Los Angeles, California, United States
Ramzy Merrach, born in France, has established himself as a dynamic and accomplished leader in the supply chain industry. With an impressive educational background, Ramzy graduated from UC Berkeley, where he earned a Master's degree in Management. This educational foundation equipped him with a solid understanding of business principles and strategic management.