Monday, March 16, 2026: Agentic AI in Shared Services Bootcamp

Agentic AI in Shared Services Bootcamp

8:20 am - 8:50 am Registration

8:50 am - 8:55 am SSOW Welcome

8:55 am - 9:00 am Chairperson Remarks

9:00 am - 9:15 am Presentation | State of the Industry for Agentic AI in GBS: SSON Research and Analytics Report Findings

Naomi Secor - Global Managing Director, SSON Research & Analytics

Agentic AI is at the center of a shift in how shared services and GBS organizations operate. But what is the reality of how current organizations are deploying the technology? This session will share data from SSON Research and Analytics on what Agentic AI currently means to the industry. This insight-packed session will:

  • Showcase the evolution of Agentic AI within current SSOs and GBSOs
  • Explore how Agentic AI is redefining operational capabilities, enabling the transition from transactional support to strategic business enablement.
  • Analyze the role of data, automation, and AI in building intelligent, adaptive service delivery models.
  • Identify the most disruptive trends shaping the future of GBS, with Agentic AI at the center of next level value creation. 

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Naomi Secor

Global Managing Director
SSON Research & Analytics

9:15 am - 9:35 am Presentation | The Agentic Frontier for Shared Services

Peter Galik - Head of Innovation, Analytics and Automation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals

The Agentic AI era is upon us, with the power to redefine the future of enterprise operations. This session explores how Agentic AI is revolutionizing shared services by driving operational efficiency, accelerating outcomes, and enabling intelligent cross-functional coordination. Attendees will gain insights into the real-world applications, implementation challenges, and governance models required to deploy these systems responsibly and effectively.

Join us to discover how to harness the power of Agentic AI to create self-directed, resilient operations that scale.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the core capabilities and mechanics of Agentic AI
  • Explore use cases in shared services functions and workflows
  • Identify challenges around oversight, compliance, and goal alignment
  • Learn best practices for implementation, monitoring, and control
  • Prepare for the shift from automation to autonomous orchestration 

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Peter Galik

Head of Innovation, Analytics and Automation
Takeda Pharmaceuticals

9:35 am - 10:05 am Use-Case | Practitioner Purview

Marshall Tokheim - VP, Process Orchestration & AI, Ecolab

We’ve moved past basic automation — now we’re piloting agentic AI that can reason, decide, and collaborate across shared services like finance, HR, and procurement. From the seat of a practitioner, they’ll share what it really takes to make this shift: where AI agents are helping, where they’re falling short, and how we’re rethinking roles, governance, and tech stacks to support them. Expect real use cases, lessons learned, and a grounded take on scaling agentic AI in complex enterprise environments. 

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Marshall Tokheim

VP, Process Orchestration & AI
Ecolab

10:05 am - 10:35 am Panel | Streamlining as a Value Creation Mechanism: A Framework for Operational Excellence

Valquir Correa - Vice President, Corporate Finance, Baha Mar

Shared services have long been seen as necessary cost centers—but Agentic AI is changing that. By enabling systems to act autonomously in pursuit of defined objectives, agentic AI unlocks new levels of efficiency, agility, and strategic impact, with the potential outcome of redefining who is necessary for SSOs.

This session focuses on how organizations can leverage autonomous AI agents to move beyond transactional processing and deliver measurable business value. We’ll explore how agentic AI can optimize operations, accelerate service delivery, and surface innovation opportunities across finance, HR, IT, and procurement. Attendees will learn how to identify high-value use cases, calculate ROI, and ensure scalability, accountability, and responsible adoption.

Whether you're looking to reduce operational overhead, improve service levels, or create new strategic capabilities, this session will equip you with the vision and tools to turn shared services into a value-generating powerhouse.

Key Takeaways:

  • Discover how agentic AI drives tangible cost savings and operational efficiencies in shared services
  • Learn to identify AI initiatives that unlock new revenue streams and strategic opportunities
  • Understand how to quantify business value through ROI metrics tied to service quality and speed
  • Explore approaches to scaling AI responsibly while maximizing long-term organizational impact
  • Gain tools to align AI-driven transformation with broader enterprise goals for sustainable growth 

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Valquir Correa

Vice President, Corporate Finance
Baha Mar

10:35 am - 11:05 am Use-Case | Driving Measurable Value through OE Agents and Digital Enablement

Jesús Villalobos - Operational Excellence Lead GBS Americas, Kerry
Hector Alderete - Head of GBS Americas, Kerry

This session will explore how Operational Excellence (OE) Agents deliver tangible value by integrating digital tools, enhancing problem solving capabilities, and driving process standardization across the organization. At Kerry, over 250 employees have adopted digital solutions that accelerate transformation and investment into 70 White, Yellow and Green Belts. Additionally, the development of more than 70 White, Yellow, and Green Belts, has significantly improved problem resolution speed and effectiveness within their business. And that is just the start. In this session, you will:

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how digital agents like OMP Assistant and CMBOT are transforming day-to-day operations
  • Understand the role of Lean Six Sigma trained OE Agents in accelerating problem solving through operational excellence resolution assistants that define, measure, analyze, improve, and control
  • Build scalable strategies and standardize work using tools like the standard operating procedure and work instruction coaches
  • Demonstrate key metrics that show measurable value delivered by OE initiatives
  • Lessons learned and success factors in deploying OE tools and training at scale 

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Jesús Villalobos

Operational Excellence Lead GBS Americas
Kerry

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Hector Alderete

Head of GBS Americas
Kerry

11:05 am - 11:35 am Networking Break

Agentic AI in Shared Services Bootcamp

11:35 am - 12:05 pm Panel | The Conundrum of Build or Buy

As Agentic AI moves from concept to capability, Shared Services leaders face a critical question: should we invest in an off-the-shelf platform or build a custom, in-house solution?

This session details the strategic, technical, and operational trade-offs of each path. Participants will explore how to evaluate organizational readiness, assess internal capabilities, and compare long-term value between buying and building agentic AI. We’ll also cover key factors like integration complexity, data governance, scalability, and total cost of ownership.

Through guided discussion and practical frameworks, attendees will walk away with clearer criteria for decision-making—plus concrete next steps for piloting or procuring agentic AI solutions tailored to their organization’s needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the core differences between off-the-shelf and custom-built agentic AI solutions
  • Learn how to assess your organization’s readiness and internal capabilities for AI adoption
  • Explore critical factors such as integration challenges, data governance, scalability, and total cost of ownership
  • Gain frameworks to evaluate long-term value and ROI for buy vs. build decisions
  • Receive practical guidance on next steps for piloting or procuring agentic AI tailored to your environment 

12:05 pm - 12:35 pm Use-Case | Preparing Your Data: Identifying the Inputs That Drive Results

As shared services embrace autonomous AI agents to streamline operations, the success of these systems hinges on one key factor: data. Examine why high-quality, well-governed, and interoperable data is essential for agentic AI to function effectively across business functions. Discover how data enables decision-making, compliance, and adaptability in AI agents—and what organizations must do to prepare their data ecosystems. Real-world examples and practical guidance will help you turn data into a strategic asset for AI-driven transformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the critical role of data quality, governance, and interoperability for agentic AI
  • Learn how robust data ecosystems enable AI decision-making and regulatory compliance
  • Discover common data challenges and practical solutions in shared services contexts
  • Explore strategies to prepare data infrastructure for scalable, autonomous AI agents
  • Gain examples of successful data-driven AI implementations and lessons learned 

12:35 pm - 1:05 pm Use-Case | Practitioner Purview

We’ve moved past basic automation — now we’re piloting agentic AI that can reason, decide, and collaborate across shared services like finance, HR, and procurement. From the seat of a practitioner, they’ll share what it really takes to make this shift: where AI agents are helping, where they’re falling short, and how we’re rethinking roles, governance, and tech stacks to support them. Expect real use cases, lessons learned, and a grounded take on scaling agentic AI in complex enterprise environments. 

1:05 pm - 2:05 pm Networking Lunch

2:05 pm - 2:10 pm Short Transition to Interactive Discussion Groups

Head on over to our interactive discussion groups to connect more in-depth with your peers. Start with one session and then after 30 minutes, switch to the other! 

Interactive Discussion Group 1

2:10 pm - 2:40 pm Winning Executive Suppport

Agentic AI offers transformative potential—but without a strong business case, even the most promising initiatives stall at the executive table.

This session is designed to help leaders translate technical promises into strategic value. We’ll explore how to frame Agentic AI investments in financial terms, using ROI modeling, cost avoidance, scalability assessments, and risk-benefit analysis. Participants will learn how to connect AI initiatives to enterprise goals such as service excellence, productivity gains, and long-term value creation.

Whether you’re preparing a board presentation or shaping internal consensus, this discussion will equip you with the language, metrics, and framing needed to advocate for agentic AI with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how to quantify Agentic AI’s impact using clear financial metrics
  • Understand how to articulate AI investments in the context of strategic enterprise goals
  • Explore methods for evaluating scalability and risk alongside expected benefits
  • Gain frameworks for crafting persuasive, data-driven business cases
  • Develop communication strategies tailored for executive audiences and stakeholders 

Interactive Discussion Group 2

2:10 pm - 2:40 pm Mastering Continuous Workforce Upskilling

Concerns about AI replacing jobs are real—but the future of work is one of collaboration, not competition. As agentic AI takes on routine tasks, employees will increasingly work alongside autonomous agents, leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, reduce repetitive work, and concentrate on strategic, human-centered activities.

This session explores how organizations can prepare their workforce for this new dynamic. Learn how to develop the skills, mindsets, and tools employees need to partner effectively with AI—turning disruption into opportunity and driving innovation and efficiency in shared services.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to identify where AI literacy is needed
  • Skill sets needed to create an AI centric team
  • Understand how agentic AI shifts job roles and creates new opportunities for employees
  • Discover effective strategies for workforce upskilling and mindset shifts
  • Learn how to build a culture that embraces AI as a trusted partner
  • Gain practical advice for integrating AI readiness into talent development and change management 

Transition to Second Interactive Discussion Group

Interactive Discussion Group 1

2:40 pm - 3:10 pm Winning Executive Suppport

Agentic AI offers transformative potential—but without a strong business case, even the most promising initiatives stall at the executive table.

This session is designed to help leaders translate technical promises into strategic value. We’ll explore how to frame Agentic AI investments in financial terms, using ROI modeling, cost avoidance, scalability assessments, and risk-benefit analysis. Participants will learn how to connect AI initiatives to enterprise goals such as service excellence, productivity gains, and long-term value creation.

Whether you’re preparing a board presentation or shaping internal consensus, this discussion will equip you with the language, metrics, and framing needed to advocate for agentic AI with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Learn how to quantify Agentic AI’s impact using clear financial metrics
  • Understand how to articulate AI investments in the context of strategic enterprise goals
  • Explore methods for evaluating scalability and risk alongside expected benefits
  • Gain frameworks for crafting persuasive, data-driven business cases
  • Develop communication strategies tailored for executive audiences and stakeholders 

Interactive Discussion Group 2

2:40 pm - 3:10 pm Mastering Continuous Workforce Upskilling

Concerns about AI replacing jobs are real—but the future of work is one of collaboration, not competition. As agentic AI takes on routine tasks, employees will increasingly work alongside autonomous agents, leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, reduce repetitive work, and concentrate on strategic, human-centered activities.

This session explores how organizations can prepare their workforce for this new dynamic. Learn how to develop the skills, mindsets, and tools employees need to partner effectively with AI—turning disruption into opportunity and driving innovation and efficiency in shared services.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to identify where AI literacy is needed
  • Skill sets needed to create an AI centric team
  • Understand how agentic AI shifts job roles and creates new opportunities for employees
  • Discover effective strategies for workforce upskilling and mindset shifts
  • Learn how to build a culture that embraces AI as a trusted partner
  • Gain practical advice for integrating AI readiness into talent development and change management 

3:10 pm - 3:40 pm Networking Break

Agentic AI in Shared Services Bootcamp

3:40 pm - 5:10 pm Demos | Use Case Blitzes

Agentic AI in Recruitment

Discover how agentic AI is transforming recruitment by automating and orchestrating the entire hiring lifecycle with minimal human intervention. This session explores real-world use cases where AI agents source talent, coordinate interviews, and streamline decision-making to accelerate hiring and enhance candidate experience.

Agentic AI in Processing

Explore how agentic AI is revolutionizing invoice processing by autonomously managing data extraction, validation, exception handling, and approvals across systems. This session highlights real-world applications where AI agents reduce cycle times, improve accuracy, and eliminate manual intervention in accounts payable workflows.

Agentic AI for Helpdesk Assistants

Learn how agentic AI is redefining help desk operations by autonomously handling IT and service requests across channels like chat, email, and ticketing systems. This session showcases AI agents that resolve issues, escalate intelligently, and deliver 24/7 support to boost efficiency and user satisfaction. 

4:10 pm - 4:40 pm Panel | Change Management Essentials for Seamless Adoption

Christof Fahr - Head of GBS Americas, Siemens

As agentic AI assumes more autonomous roles in shared services, the greatest challenge isn't the technology—it's the people.

This session focuses on how to lead through change as workflows evolve, and human-AI collaboration becomes the norm. We’ll explore strategies to reduce resistance, build trust in AI systems, and support teams as roles shift from task execution to oversight, orchestration, and strategic contribution.

Attendees will gain practical approaches to upskilling, communication, and engagement—helping leaders turn potential disruption into an opportunity for growth, empowerment, and culture change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the human impact of introducing autonomous AI in shared services
  • Learn proven strategies to reduce resistance and foster trust in AI-driven workflows
  • Explore upskilling approaches that prepare staff for evolving higher-value roles
  • Gain tools for transparent communication and employee engagement during AI transitions
  • Discover how to build a culture that embraces human-AI collaboration, not competition. 

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Christof Fahr

Head of GBS Americas
Siemens

4:40 pm - 5:10 pm Panel | Accountability in Action: Agentic AI Governance For Your Business

As AI systems evolve from tools to agents capable of making decisions and taking autonomous actions, the stakes for data governance and ethical oversight grow exponentially. This session explores the critical question: Who is accountable for ensuring agentic AI systems operate safely, compliantly, and in alignment with organizational values?

This session will examine the roles and responsibilities across the enterprise—from executive leadership and governance boards to data scientists, compliance officers, and AI product owners. Participants will gain insight into defining accountability, key roles and responsibilities, mechanisms for self-regulation, and how to respond to possible failures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clarity on accountability roles in agentic AI systems.
  • Practical frameworks for internal governance and oversight.
  • Methods for measuring and enforcing compliance and ethical performance.
  • Strategies for transparent reporting and remediation when AI goes off course. 

5:10 pm - 6:40 pm Networking Reception