Shaping the Future of Zug's Digital Ecosystem

Join us for an inspiring event as we celebrate our Zug Chapter's 1st anniversary.  

This event will be a gathering of pioneers, uniting influential figures in the Zug digital ecosystem. Industry leaders, public advocates, and key players from various sectors will convene, offering a unique opportunity for collaboration and networking. Our focus is on bridging diversity and inclusion to foster a thriving digital economy in Zug. By bringing together a diverse group of participants, we aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute to and benefit from the digital revolution.

André Wicki, the Mayor of Zug will open the event with insights on the region's progress. Leaders from Thomson Reuters, Jelena Laketić and Piritta van Rijn, will share their perspectives on innovation and the future of the industry. Additionally, Barry Dequanne, director International School of Zug and Luzern will discuss nurturing the next generation of trailblazers.

Professionals seeking to expand their network and gain new insights, students exploring exciting career paths, and advocates eager to be part of the change will all find something interesting. It’s an opportunity for everyone to connect, learn, and celebrate the diverse and inclusive digital future we’re building in Zug.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a groundbreaking event that bridges diversity and inclusion for a prosperous digital economy. 

Speakers

André Wicki, Mayor of Zug - Kurzporträt André Wicki  

Mayor of Zug since 2023. From 2011 to 2018, he headed the City of Zug's Building Department and from 2019 to 2022 the City of Zug's Finance Department. In the private sector, he worked in the international consumer goods sector at Metro, Johnson & Johnson and most recently as a member of the Executive Board of Estée Lauder Switzerland. During his time in office to date, he has made a significant contribution to making the city of Zug one of the most innovative cities nationally and internationally with its digitalization and smart city strategy. For example, Bitcoin has been accepted as a means of payment in Zug since 2016 and the eZug app, a platform for digital identification and a wide range of services for the people of Zug, has been available since 2021.

Piritta van Rijn, Head of Product Management – Tax, Accounting & Practice, Thomson Reuters

Piritta joined Thomson Reuters in 2021 and leads the global product management teams who create TR’s tax, accounting, audit and practice management offerings. In the US, this includes UltraTax and the CS Suite of products, Cloud Audit Suite, Confirmation and Onvio. She has over 15 years of experience in software product delivery and innovation across industries including professional & consumer tax, accounting, financial management and fintech. She is focused on building high-performing teams that leverage customer-driven innovation to uncover opportunities and deliver great user experiences that leverage the latest technologies and innovations.

Jelena Laketić, Distinguished Engineer, Thomson Reuters

Jelena Laketić joined Thomson Reuters as the first Distinguished Engineer in March 2022. Detail-oriented engineering professional and strategic technologist with 22+ years of experience, Jelena created and launched the Distinguished Engineer program for Thomson Reuters in May 2022. The program is designed to recognise Thomson Reuters’ outstanding technologists, establish a technical career path and strengthen their engineering culture.  As a result of the Distinguished Engineer program, following the rigorous selection process designed by Jelena, she was joined by the first cohort of Distinguished and Principal Engineers in 2023. Drawing upon her passion for innovation, the culture of diversity, cross-functional collaboration, and engineering excellence, Jelena also developed a Global AI Hackathon for Thomson Reuters in September 2023. 

Jelena's passion extends beyond technology, she is deeply committed to fostering the growth of young minds and advocating for women’s empowerment across industries. Engaged in various initiatives over the years, she consistently brings value to these causes.  Jelena has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and numerous software and management certifications.

Barry Dequanne, Director of the International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL)

Barry Dequanne is currently serving as the Director of the International School of Zug and Luzern (ISZL). Barry has 30 years of international leadership and teaching experience, working in schools in various parts of the world. An important focus of his work with school communications has been with equity, inclusion, intercultural development, and belonging.

Sponsors

Thomson Reuters

In times of constant change, the world looks to professionals to lead. But as complexity grows, even professionals risk being overwhelmed.

Thomson Reuters clarifies today’s complex landscape with AI and technology, deep subject-matter expertise, and content the world has trusted for over 150 years — giving professionals the confidence to know today, navigate tomorrow, and lead a fast-evolving world.

We empower professionals to reduce inefficiencies so they can do more of the work that matters, act decisively to add greater value for critical stakeholders, and anticipate future challenges to face the unexpected.

As the future arrives faster than ever, we’re standing alongside professionals, ready to fulfill our purpose: to inform the way forward.

WDS is a community of modern leaders who leverage collaboration and elevate diversity to advance careers and create business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy. By leveraging the power of our community, Women in Digital Switzerland (WDS) advances careers, supports organizational transformation leaps, and creates business opportunities in the Swiss digital economy and beyond. Be part of the change. Become a supporter. If you are passionate about expanding and bringing WDS community together and creating insightful events in Geneva, get in touch with us via our website. We are currently looking for Chapter Leads in Geneva.

Please be advised that photographs will be taken at the event for use on the WDS website and in the press, WDS marketing materials, and all other WDS publications. By entering this event, you consent to the WDS photographing and using your image and likeness.

WDS events are open to all. We strive to foster inclusive spaces for individuals of all genders and backgrounds who want to join our community, support our mission, and share a passion for digital innovation.

Entrance to this event is free. However, any donation helps us to run the organization and to continue to hold these insightful events. For a free ticket, you should type 0 into the donation field. Thank you for your support!