Tools & Platforms
China’s AI acumen, vision to be showcased at WAIC in Shanghai amid fierce race with US
The annual three-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), which starts on July 26, would showcase more than 3,000 hi-tech products, 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices and 60 intelligent robots, according to the organisers. Most of the displayed AI solutions and products were developed by Chinese institutions and businesses, they added.
The gathering this year would attract 800 enterprises, including Siemens and Schneider, according to the briefing, though organisers have not yet released a detailed list of participants and speakers.
In past years, the speaker list included Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Tencent Holdings’ chairman Pony Ma Huateng and Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk, who attended in person in 2019 and delivered video speeches in 2020 and 2023. Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech in 2024.
Tools & Platforms
DataBahn.ai Announces New Chief Security and Strategy Officer and Two New Sales Leaders » Dallas Innovates
Left to right: Preston Wood, Payman Faed, and Trevor Crompton [Photos: DataBahn]
DataBahn.ai has appointed Preston Wood as chief security and strategy officer of the Dallas-based provider of a security-native data pipeline platform built for modern enterprise workloads.
Wood brings 25 years of leadership experience in cybersecurity to his new role. He will help drive DataBahn’s mission to transform security data management and enable intelligent automation across global enterprises, the company said.
“I’ve always believed that security and IT teams need the right data, at the right time—enriched with context and real-time analytics—to make smarter, faster decisions,” Wood said in a statement. “DataBahn’s platform is uniquely positioned to solve persistent challenges in data discovery, ingestion, and real-time visibility. I’m excited to join a team so deeply focused on customer success and innovation, and I look forward to helping advance DataBahn’s mission to deliver secure, intelligent, and highly scalable data solutions.”
Wood has served as a three-time chief information security officer and two-time chief technology officer at major financial institutions, including Zions Bancorporation, Bank of the West, and City National Bank. The company said that Wood is known for aligning security and technology strategies with business goals, and he has led the development of robust security frameworks, real-time threat detection programs, and advanced analytics initiatives.
At DataBahn.ai, Wood will partner with engineering and product teams to expand the platform’s strategic vision and deepen customer relationships, the company said.
Wood will lead the development of next-generation solutions, such as intelligent, AI-powered Data Broker workflows, that bring automation, context, and precision to enterprise-scale data orchestration, the company said. DataBahn said that Wood will draw on his dual experience as CISO and CTO in serving a dual role: evangelizing DataBahn’s innovation to enterprise customers while channeling next-generation customer requirements back into the product roadmap.
Sales leadership additions
In addition to Wood, DataBahn.ai said it strengthened its go-to-market capabilities with two key sales leadership appointments.
Payman Faed joins as SVP of sales, West, bringing over 15 years of enterprise cybersecurity sales and leadership experience. He has held senior roles at leading MDR and SIEM providers, including Lumifi and Castra. Faed is recognized for building high-performing teams and scaling partner-first go-to-market strategies, the company said.
At DataBahn, Faed will oversee strategic accounts across the Western U.S., accelerate national expansion, and lead a team of account executives focused on customer value and revenue growth.
Trevor Crompton has been appointed vice president of sales, EMEA. Crompton has more than 30 years in the IT industry—nearly half spent building and leading startup organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa—and he brings deep expertise in helping security professionals gain visibility into complex data environments.
At DataBahn.ai, Crompton will lead the company’s expansion in EMEA, helping customers address growing data complexity while reducing storage costs and simplifying operations.
“With the addition of Preston, Payman, and Trevor, we’re assembling a powerhouse leadership team that combines technical excellence, deep customer empathy, and proven go-to-market execution,” Nanda Santhana, co-founder and CEO of DataBahn.ai, said in a statement. “Their collective experience across security, data management, and global GTM strategy positions us to accelerate our growth and deliver even greater value to enterprises worldwide.”
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Sheriff T.K. Waters discusses AI facial recognition technology use – Action News Jax
Tools & Platforms
California IT Leaders to Talk AI, Security and More at State of Technology
On Aug. 7, IT leaders from across the California state enterprise will gather to talk tech at the annual State of Technology — California Industry Forum.
The event will feature several California tech leaders, including:
The one-day event will cover subjects including procurement, innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Joe Morris, chief innovation officer for the Center for Digital Government*, will give a breakdown of the California budget.
Industry Insider — California members will receive a discount on registration. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and the event ends at 5:15 p.m. The event will take place at Hilton Sacramento Arden West. For questions or registration, contact Brad Loebs.
*The Center for Digital Government is part of e.Republic, Industry Insider — California’s parent company.
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