50 Heads of HR
from leading Asian and global companies
20 Heads of Executive Education
from top business school
Since 2017, MERIT has been a unique forum for HR and L&D directors of companies from different industries and Executive Education leaders to learn, share challenges and explore solutions together within an international professional community in a focused, highly interactive environment.
The MERIT Summit is a learning showcase, an ideas conference, and a hands-on strategy session with experts and peers, enabling participants to develop a culture of learning, innovation, and growth in their organisations.
Further to our mission to empower people and organisations The MERIT Awards have been designed to award impactful transformational initiatives in the corporate and higher education sectors
Sponsors
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PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
• Powerful Keynotes by academic and corporate leaders with a strategic vision to help organisations and people thrive in an ever-changing world.
• Interactive Workshops to dive deeper into key topics such as psychological safety, emotional intelligence, people analytics and sustainable careers.
• Unconference and Peer Consulting – participant driven formats to discuss ideas and find solutions to current challenges.
Venue
Address
Human + AI: Redesigning Work, Reinventing Skills, and Reimagining Leadership
08:30 – 09:00
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
09:00 – 09:20
WELCOME NOTES & ICEBREAKER - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
Christophe Coutat, CEO & Founder, Advent Group
Stéphane Ruiz, Malaga Campus Director, ESSCA
09:20 – 09:50
[KEYNOTE] Geopolitics, AI and the New Corporate Risk Map - Aula 1
Marcelo Carvalho, Global Macroeconomist & Senior Research Associate, Overseas Development Institute
09:50 – 10:20
[KEYNOTE] The Future of Leading Humans and Robots - Aula 1
Jeremie Brecheisen, Managing Partner, Gallup
10:20 – 10:50
COFFEE BREAK
10:50 – 11:20
[PANEL] Building Capability at the Speed of Change - Aula 1
Albian Albrahimi, Asst. Dean of Graduate Programs and Asst. Professor, Les Roches
Nina Haber, Head of University, SumUp
Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive Education
Moderator: Daniela Cassini, Global Head of Business Solutions, Talent Development, Sommet Education
11:25 – 12:10
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST - Aula 1
Agent J.ai – Microsoft – Stacey Herod
The AI Study Companion – IU International University – Quintus Stierstorfer
AI-powered negotiation simulation – LBS and IMELD - Jade Mountain, Mark Temple
AI Capability Engine – Future Group – Mohamed Adel
Online Stackable Master in Digital Transformation – IE University – Sophia Swain
12:15 – 13:15
WORKSHOPS
1) How people are really using AI - 3 years of research – Aula 12
Marc Zao-Sanders, Co-founder, Filtered.com
Sara Biuk, Co-founder and researcher, AI in the Wild
Grand Calder, CEO & Co-Founder, Flyt Coaching Platform
3) Rebuilding L&D for an AI-Driven World – Aula 5
Cedric Borzee, Director, Consulting & Advisory Services, NIIT
13:15 – 14:15
NETWORKING LUNCH
14:15 – 14:20
AFTERNOON ENERGISER
14:20 – 14:50
[KEYNOTE] The Human Advantage: Stronger brains in the age of AI – Aula 1
Dr. Nick van Dam, Senior Advisor & Faculty, McKinsey
14:50 – 15:35
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST – Aula 1
Leading, Inspiring and Fostering Talent – Generali - Karin Arzt
Weekly Learning Hour – Elaf Group - Alaa Mulla
Leading with Impact – TheFork - Victor Remy
The PEARLS Ecosystem – Leisure Qatar - Saberi Sepawi
15:30 – 16:00
COFFEE BREAK
16:00 – 17:00
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
Catalina Schveninger, Learning, and (AI) Skills Strategy Consultant, Emerge Education
Adela Cristea, CEO & Founder, Ascent Group
2) WORKSHOP: A Collective Design Lab for Organizational Capabilities in an AI World – Aula 7
Joan Vicens Sard, Associate Director for International Development, ESSCA School of Management
1) GROUP LEARNING: How organizations are using AI to improve productivity and decision-making while maintaining effective human collaboration – Aula 4
2) GROUP LEARNING: The best ways to use AI to increase your personal intelligence and capability – Aula 6
17:00 – 17:30
[KEYNOTE] What if learning is not enough? Connection as the X-factor you have been missing - Aula 1
Amanda Nolen, Board Member and Strategic Advisor
17:30 – 17:40
WRAP-UP DAY 1 - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
17:45 – 18:45
COCKTAIL - Atrium
20:30 – 22:30
GALA DINNER - La Pérgola del Mediterráneo (invitation only)
08:45 – 09:15
WELCOME COFFEE
09:15 – 09:20
OPENING DAY 2 - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
09:20 – 09:50
[KEYNOTE] Beyond Upskilling: Generative Leadership and the Human Side of AI - Aula 1
Monica Worline, Faculty Director, Center for Positive Organizations, Michigan Ross
09:50 – 10:35
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST - Aula 1
In-house Coaching Certification – Leisure Qatar - Saberi Sepawi
People Development in Times of War – PrivatBank - Stefan Arzner
AI Skills for Women – Founderz & Microsoft - Pau Garcia-Milà
It’s Not Just a Joke – Nespresso - Simona Liguoro, Chiara Buonvino
10:30 – 11:00
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 – 11:30
[PANEL] Redefining HR for Human+AI Organisations - Aula 1
Martin Barner, Head of EX & HR Transformation, Sandoz
Susana Garcia Bernal, People Director, MT Group
Sergey Gorbatov, Adjunct Professor Human Resources & Organisational Behavior, IE Business School
Moderator: Catalina Schveninger, Learning, and (AI) Skills Strategy Consultant, Emerge Education
11:30 – 12:30
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
1) WORKSHOP: The Three Narratives of AI Adoption: Innovation, Empowerment and Control - Aula 5
Dr. Jens Weinmann, Program Director, ESMT Berlin
2) WORKSHOP: Test, Learn, Lead: Designing Your AI Starting Point - Aula 7
Daniel Laya, Behavioral Sciences Lab Director and Adjunct Professor, IE University
1) GROUP LEARNING: The EU Pay Transparency Directive – Aula 4
2) GROUP LEARNING: Measuring the ROI of AI adoption beyond headcount reduction – Aula 6
12:30 – 13:00
[CLOSING KEYNOTE] Scaling Culture and Development with AI-Driven Insights - Aula 1
Francesco Pellò, Market Consultant - People Operations, Google
13:00 – 13:20
MERITS AWARD CEREMONY
13:20 – 13:30
SUMMIT WRAP-UP
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
13:30 – 14:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
16:00 - 17:00
Private Tour of Museo Picasso Málaga (limited tickets available)
Human + AI: Redesigning Work, Reinventing Skills, and Reimagining Leadership
08:30 – 09:00
REGISTRATION & COFFEE
09:00 – 09:20
WELCOME NOTES & ICEBREAKER - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
Christophe Coutat, CEO & Founder, Advent Group
Stéphane Ruiz, Malaga Campus Director, ESSCA
09:20 – 09:50
[KEYNOTE] Geopolitics, AI and the New Corporate Risk Map - Aula 1
Marcelo Carvalho, Global Macroeconomist & Senior Research Associate, Overseas Development Institute
09:50 – 10:20
[KEYNOTE] The Future of Leading Humans and Robots - Aula 1
Jeremie Brecheisen, Managing Partner, Gallup
10:20 – 10:50
COFFEE BREAK
10:50 – 11:20
[PANEL] Building Capability at the Speed of Change - Aula 1
Albian Albrahimi, Asst. Dean of Graduate Programs and Asst. Professor, Les Roches
Nina Haber, Head of University, SumUp
Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, Ivey Executive Education
Moderator: Daniela Cassini, Global Head of Business Solutions, Talent Development, Sommet Education
11:25 – 12:10
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST - Aula 1
Agent J.ai – Microsoft – Stacey Herod
The AI Study Companion – IU International University – Quintus Stierstorfer
AI-powered negotiation simulation – LBS and IMELD - Jade Mountain, Mark Temple
AI Capability Engine – Future Group – Mohamed Adel
Online Stackable Master in Digital Transformation – IE University – Sophia Swain
12:15 – 13:15
WORKSHOPS
1) How people are really using AI - 3 years of research – Aula 12
Marc Zao-Sanders, Co-founder, Filtered.com
Sara Biuk, Co-founder and researcher, AI in the Wild
Grand Calder, CEO & Co-Founder, Flyt Coaching Platform
3) Rebuilding L&D for an AI-Driven World – Aula 5
Cedric Borzee, Director, Consulting & Advisory Services, NIIT
13:15 – 14:15
NETWORKING LUNCH
14:15 – 14:20
AFTERNOON ENERGISER
14:20 – 14:50
[KEYNOTE] The Human Advantage: Stronger brains in the age of AI – Aula 1
Dr. Nick van Dam, Senior Advisor & Faculty, McKinsey
14:50 – 15:35
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST – Aula 1
Leading, Inspiring and Fostering Talent – Generali - Karin Arzt
Weekly Learning Hour – Elaf Group - Alaa Mulla
Leading with Impact – TheFork - Victor Remy
The PEARLS Ecosystem – Leisure Qatar - Saberi Sepawi
15:30 – 16:00
COFFEE BREAK
16:00 – 17:00
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
Catalina Schveninger, Learning, and (AI) Skills Strategy Consultant, Emerge Education
Adela Cristea, CEO & Founder, Ascent Group
2) WORKSHOP: A Collective Design Lab for Organizational Capabilities in an AI World – Aula 7
Joan Vicens Sard, Associate Director for International Development, ESSCA School of Management
1) GROUP LEARNING: How organizations are using AI to improve productivity and decision-making while maintaining effective human collaboration – Aula 4
2) GROUP LEARNING: The best ways to use AI to increase your personal intelligence and capability – Aula 6
17:00 – 17:30
[KEYNOTE] What if learning is not enough? Connection as the X-factor you have been missing - Aula 1
Amanda Nolen, Board Member and Strategic Advisor
17:30 – 17:40
WRAP-UP DAY 1 - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
17:45 – 18:45
COCKTAIL - Atrium
20:30 – 22:30
GALA DINNER - La Pérgola del Mediterráneo (invitation only)
08:45 – 09:15
WELCOME COFFEE
09:15 – 09:20
OPENING DAY 2 - Aula 1
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
09:20 – 09:50
[KEYNOTE] Beyond Upskilling: Generative Leadership and the Human Side of AI - Aula 1
Monica Worline, Faculty Director, Center for Positive Organizations, Michigan Ross
09:50 – 10:35
CASE STUDIES – MERIT AWARDS SHORTLIST - Aula 1
In-house Coaching Certification – Leisure Qatar - Saberi Sepawi
People Development in Times of War – PrivatBank - Stefan Arzner
AI Skills for Women – Founderz & Microsoft - Pau Garcia-Milà
It’s Not Just a Joke – Nespresso - Simona Liguoro, Chiara Buonvino
10:30 – 11:00
COFFEE BREAK
11:00 – 11:30
[PANEL] Redefining HR for Human+AI Organisations - Aula 1
Martin Barner, Head of EX & HR Transformation, Sandoz
Susana Garcia Bernal, People Director, MT Group
Sergey Gorbatov, Adjunct Professor Human Resources & Organisational Behavior, IE Business School
Moderator: Catalina Schveninger, Learning, and (AI) Skills Strategy Consultant, Emerge Education
11:30 – 12:30
WORKSHOPS & GROUP LEARNING SESSIONS
1) WORKSHOP: The Three Narratives of AI Adoption: Innovation, Empowerment and Control - Aula 5
Dr. Jens Weinmann, Program Director, ESMT Berlin
2) WORKSHOP: Test, Learn, Lead: Designing Your AI Starting Point - Aula 7
Daniel Laya, Behavioral Sciences Lab Director and Adjunct Professor, IE University
1) GROUP LEARNING: The EU Pay Transparency Directive – Aula 4
2) GROUP LEARNING: Measuring the ROI of AI adoption beyond headcount reduction – Aula 6
12:30 – 13:00
[CLOSING KEYNOTE] Scaling Culture and Development with AI-Driven Insights - Aula 1
Francesco Pellò, Market Consultant - People Operations, Google
13:00 – 13:20
MERITS AWARD CEREMONY
13:20 – 13:30
SUMMIT WRAP-UP
Summit Chair: Ana Gloria Sanchez, Founder Work Edit
13:30 – 14:30
NETWORKING LUNCH
16:00 - 17:00
Private Tour of Museo Picasso Málaga (limited tickets available)
Speakers , June 2026
About ESSCA School of Management
Rooted in humanist values, the school is committed to developing responsible leaders with a focus on sustainability and social impact. ESSCA offers specialized International Executive Education programs across campuses in France, Spain, China, Hungary, and Luxembourg.
Holding the prestigious “Triple Crown” accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS), ESSCA belongs to the top 1% of business schools worldwide.
The school collaborates with over 2,500 companies and has a global network of 21,500 alumni.
About ESSCA Malaga
The ESSCA School of Management Malaga Campus is a newly inaugurated international campus of the French business school ESSCA, located in the historic center of Málaga, Spain. It’s housed in a beautifully restored former convent on Calle Marqués de Valdecañas, blending cultural heritage with modern, sustainable design.
Message from the Director, Stephane Ruiz:
“Welcome to Spain! At ESSCA’s Malaga Campus, we are offering cutting-edge programmes in business management designed to meet the demands of today’s global environment. Our training provides in-depth insight into digital transformation within organisations, with a particular focus on cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence, combined with leadership development in cross-cultural contexts.
All programmes are delivered in English, enabling us to attract and support international talent committed to shaping the future of business in Malaga and beyond”
Hotel Recommendations
Make the most of your stay in Malaga during the MERIT Summit & Awards with our selection of hotels near ESSCA School of Management. Please note that no preferential rates are available; however, these hotels have been carefully chosen for their quality, convenience, and proximity to the venue.
Please click here for details.
Discover warm hospitality and attention to detail in pleasantly spacious rooms and apartments, where surprising details come as standard at the La Suite Dubai Hotel & Apartments
Experience an exceptional Dubai stay, with the city’s world-famous attractions and business districts within easy reach. Find Palm Jumeirah’s exceptional beaches, shopping and lifestyle just a short drive away from our convenient location on Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Internet City right on our doorstep.
As a valued member of the MERIT community, we are delighted to extend an exclusive preferential rate for your stay.
“Kindly note that this offer is subject to promotional availability on a first-come, first-served basis."
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