The Architect
supply chain scientist for Amazon.com, Russell was not just a thought leader for Amazon’s operations and logistics teams since 2000 but also built a team of analytic experts supporting initiatives in operations globally. Russell has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in practice, management, and research of OR/MS at Amazon. He is one of the most influential scientists in the field of logistics and fulfillment systems for e-commerce. He has used a combination of data analysis, modeling, simulation, optimization, and process control methods to tackle complex challenges and improve the efficiency of Amazon’s operations. Over the last 24 years, he has focused on problems including network design and facility location, inventory planning, order assignment, equipment and process design, vehicle routing, and process control within and across facilities. Ideas and algorithms developed by him and his team have returned billions of dollars to Amazon’s bottom line. Prior to joining Amazon.com, Russell worked in applied R&D for Bayer AG in Leverkusen, Germany, o chemical processes—including creating a manufacturing process for the iconic red color for Legos. A recognized leader in his field, Russell received the 2016 Martin K. Starr Award for his contributions to Production and Operations Management and has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering and as an INFORMS Fellow. Russell holds a PhD in chemical engineering from MIT and a bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Princeton.
The Retail Tech Visionary
Sanjay is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience turning disruptive ideas into scalable, production-ready systems. As the VP of Checkout and Identity Solutions at Amazon, he led the development of groundbreaking retail technologies, including Just Walk Out, a multimodal AI system that integrates data from cameras, weight sensors, and other inputs to deliver a seamless, checkout-free shopping experience. He also spearheaded the creation of the Dash Cart, which uses computer vision and sensors for smart shopping, and Amazon One, a biometric identity and payment solution powered by advanced AI. The AI behind Just Walk Out leverages transformer-based models to process multimodal data streams in real time, ensuring accuracy in complex scenarios such as overlapping shopper interactions or obscured views. Its self-learning capabilities enable it to adapt to diverse store environments, delivering scalable and frictionless retail experiences globally. Earlier in his career, Sanjay led the global deployment of Amazon’s Demand Forecasting System, a pioneering innovation that analyzed massive datasets spanning millions of products and transactions. By applying advanced machine learning models, this system optimized inventory, improved supply chain efficiency, and minimized waste across Amazon’s vast e-commerce operations. At Auger, Sanjay is tackling an even bigger challenge: rebuilding the supply chain from the ground up with AI-driven platforms.
The AI Pioneer
Brian is an AI pioneer with over 30 years of experience at the forefront of data science, machine learning, and leading-edge AI technology. As Co-Founder and CEO of Plunk, he built the first generative AI home analytics platform, transforming residential real estate into “the Bloomberg of real estate” using cutting-edge AI and computer vision. Brian previously founded Medio Systems, a cloud-based mobile analytics company serving 440+ million users, which was acquired by Nokia, where he became CTO and led its tech strategy. Earlier, he established Amazon’s first AI and data mining group, developing technology that continues to drive significant sales. Brian also founded Intelligent Results, introducing innovative predictive analytics for the financial services sector. Brian is both a National Science Foundation Fellow as well as a Department of Defense Office of Naval Research Fellow. A Stanford alumnus and co-founder of the “Mining Data at Stanford” lab, which helped incubate Google’s search engine, he holds over 10 patents and serves on the Founding Board of the University of Washington Information School.
General of Growth and The Deal-Maker
Alex is a visionary high-tech leader with a proven track record of driving complex, high-impact strategies across global markets at leading technology companies. During his 16-year tenure at Amazon and former VP of WW Corporate Development, he led strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions in the US, Europe, India, and the Middle East with a focus on Worldwide Operations and Logistics. Among his key accomplishments, he orchestrated and led Amazon’s acquisition of Kiva Systems (now Amazon Robotics), the warehouse robotic system that revolutionized Amazon’s global delivery network and delivered billions of dollars in operational savings—and many other acquisitions. Alex also built and led a team that structured and negotiated key strategic partnerships with private and publicly traded companies to support multibillion-dollar operations and logistics initiatives including the creation of Amazon Air. To accelerate innovation in industrial automation and robotics, he launched the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund, a $1Bn corporate venture fund. After Amazon, Alex served as Chief Corporate Development Officer at NuBank and as the President of Wyze Labs Inc. Earlier in his career, he worked as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan New York specializing in M&A and private equity and held leadership positions in operations management at Kraft Foods. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and an M.B.A from Harvard Business School.
The Connector of Data and Driver of Results
Parikshit is a seasoned expert in databases and data platforms, with over 15 years of experience driving innovation across support, consulting, sales, and product development at Microsoft. With a global perspective gained from roles across three countries, Parikshit most recently led the 0-to-1 development of a managed open-source database service for Microsoft Azure. This groundbreaking service leverages cloud technology to streamline database management and deliver significant cost savings to customers, showcasing Parikshit’s strategic vision and technical leadership in creating scalable, customer-centric solutions.
The Innovator. Creator. Builder of What’s Next.
With over 20 years of experience in product development and supply chain technology, AJ has a proven track record of transformative innovation. During her 13-year tenure at Amazon, she played a key role in launching Amazon Prime Now, the company’s pioneering one-hour delivery service, and led initiatives like real-time map tracking and delivery photos, redefining consumer delivery expectations worldwide. Before joining Auger, AJ was Chief Product Officer at project44 advancing its supply chain visibility platform and served as EVP of Enterprise Product & Technology at Flexport where she drove global supply chain solutions. Her early career at Expeditors, a global freight forwarder, gave her a foundational understanding of complex logistics.
Ther
Jen has a unique blend of legal expertise and people experience gained through supporting rapidly scaling teams and organizations. She spent more than a decade as an attorney at Amazon where she built global teams and pioneered legal support for innovative businesses like Prime Air (both drones and airplanes). In her last role as Director and Associate General Counsel, she led support for Amazon’s operations and transportation businesses in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, managing a team of nearly 20 lawyers and legal professionals. She most recently was VP of HR at a Series F pharmacy, and she began her career as a technology licensing associate at Wilson Sonsini, advising top tech and life sciences companies.
The Story Alchemist
Caitlin Dietrich is a seasoned communications leader with nearly 20 years of experience crafting strategies and narratives for pioneering companies and visionary founders. She played a key role in launching early Kindle devices for Amazon, then Caitlin later managed high-profile communications at Amazon for Bezos and other senior leaders on complex, high-stakes topics. Known for her strategic expertise across consumer, business, and government sectors, Caitlin has shaped impactful narratives for some of today’s most influential companies and leaders.
The Talent Whisperer
Jessica is an HR and people analytics leader with over a decade of experience in talent strategy and team scaling. She began her career at Amazon where she specialized in attracting top talent and empowering leaders with robust people insights, before moving to high-growth startups where she built the HR function from the ground up. Prior to her HR career, Jessica held leadership roles in political campaign management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington.