Akeneo PIM Summit 2019

Our Speakers

Keynote and breakout session speakers at the 2019 summit in Paris.

The programme brought together Akeneo leadership, industry voices and partner specialists to discuss PIM, Product Experience Management and the projects behind them. Sessions ran across Wednesday, February 6 and Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Carved linocut relief print of a panel of speakers seated on stage in silhouette against a warm amber backdrop, with deep brown and ochre tones and a calm, formal conference mood
Panel sessions formed part of the two-day programme.

Keynote Speakers

  • Fred de Gombert

    CEO of Akeneo / Co-Founder

  • Joe Pine

    Cofounder, Strategic Horizons LLP

  • Emilie Gieler

    Head of Product at Akeneo

  • John Evans

    Product Marketing Director

  • Virginie Blot

    Professional Service Manager at Akeneo

  • François Chaix

    Channel Manager – Northern Europe, Master of Ceremony

Breakout Session Speakers

Breakout sessions ran alongside the keynotes, with speakers from Akeneo partners and customer projects sharing practical experience.

  • Emile Bloemen
  • Emeka Nwosu
  • Boris Lokschin
  • Nicolas Metzke
  • Steven King
  • Josh Williams
  • David Wise

Session times and tracks are listed on the agenda.

Where to Find Them

Speaker appearances by day
Day Format Speakers
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Opening keynote Frédéric de Gombert
Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Keynote Joe Pine
Wednesday, February 6 & Thursday, February 7, 2019 Keynote and breakout tracks Emilie Gieler, John Evans, Virginie Blot, François Chaix

The full running order, including technical, business and sponsor tracks, is set out on the agenda page.

The annual gathering of product experience management professionals offers a unique opportunity to explore how organizations are reshaping their approach to product data and customer engagement. Attendees from marketing, ecommerce, and product management teams come together to share insights on building more compelling product narratives across digital channels. The two-day programme is designed to bridge the gap between technical implementation and strategic vision, ensuring that every participant leaves with actionable knowledge. From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking keynotes, the event provides a comprehensive look at the evolving role of product information management in driving business growth and customer satisfaction.

Industry leaders and practitioners alike take the stage to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing modern product organizations. Sessions delve into the practical realities of managing complex product catalogs, aligning cross-functional teams, and delivering consistent brand experiences at scale. The speaker lineup represents a diverse cross-section of expertise, from founding visionaries to hands-on project managers who have navigated real-world implementations. Each presentation offers a distinct perspective on how product experience management is transforming the relationship between businesses and their customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Networking moments are woven throughout the event schedule, allowing attendees to connect with peers facing similar product data challenges. These informal interactions often prove as valuable as the formal sessions, sparking conversations that lead to lasting professional relationships and collaborative problem-solving. The venue provides an intimate setting that encourages meaningful dialogue between participants, speakers, and sponsors. Whether discussing technical architecture or strategic roadmaps, these exchanges help build a community of practice dedicated to advancing the discipline of product information management across industries and geographies.

Breakout sessions offer deep dives into specialized topics that address the specific needs of different roles within product organizations. Marketing teams can explore how enriched product data fuels compelling campaigns, while technical professionals examine integration patterns and data governance strategies. These smaller forums enable presenters to engage directly with attendees, answering questions and adapting content to the group's interests. The workshop format particularly appeals to those seeking hands-on experience with new approaches to catalog management, syndication, and omnichannel content delivery that can be applied immediately upon returning to their daily work.

The event also recognizes outstanding achievements in product experience through dedicated awards that highlight innovative projects and implementations. These case studies demonstrate what is possible when organizations commit to transforming their product data into a strategic asset. By showcasing real-world successes, the programme inspires attendees to think ambitiously about their own initiatives. The celebration of excellence serves as a reminder that behind every great product experience lies thoughtful planning, cross-departmental collaboration, and a willingness to challenge established ways of working. This spirit of continuous improvement defines the community that gathers each year.