Salvo Russo

Salvo Russo

Head of Strategy, GBS AstraZeneca
Salvo Russo

Salvatore Russo is a transformation expert with a career-long focus on scaling global shared services for Fortune 500 companies. As the GBS Strategy Director at AstraZeneca, he leads the evolution of the global delivery model, prioritizing service enablement and strategic growth. ​His background includes 10 years at Vodafone, where he played a pivotal role in the Strategy and Service Management functions, helping to scale their GBS into a world-class powerhouse. With early career roots at ExxonMobil focused on operational excellence, Salvatore brings a unique blend of technical process discipline and high-level strategic vision. He is passionate about the intersection of digital innovation and talent, positioning GBS as a primary driver of enterprise value.

SSOWOMEN Leadership Day, Partner First & Excellence Labs: May 18th, 2026

11:30 AM REWRITING LOCATION STRATEGY: THE NEW GLOBAL MAP & SHORING STRATEGY FOR GBS

GBS organisations are reassessing long-standing location models. Advances in AI-enabled automation, evolving talent expectations, and rising costs in traditional Tier 1 hubs are pushing organisations to reconsider where work should happen. Is this the moment for Tier 2 and emerging locations to rise? This session brings together leaders who are actively re evaluating their global footprints to discuss risks, opportunities, and what the next generation of location strategy looks like.

GBS Leaders and Location experts will be invited to share their insights and experience.


2:30 PM A MINI WORKSHOP TO DEMYSTIFY SERVICE MANAGEMENT: FRAMEWORKS, PRINCIPLES AND BEST PRACTICES

This workshop offers a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing and optimising service delivery leveraging strategic service management principles. Join the session to gain insights into the four critical stages of service management: Strategy Definition, Operating Model Design, Service Transition, and Operational Execution. Join Salvo and James to hear practical approaches for creating standardised service catalogues, implementing effective pricing models and establishing robust service level agreements, highlighting the below key steps:
• Taxonomy and service design strategies
• Knowledge capture and process documentation
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Leveraging technology for service optimisation
• Workforce augmentation and upskilling

Conference Day Two: May 20th, 2026

4:30 PM BEYOND AL READINESS: OPERATING MODELS THAT TURN INTELLIGENCE INTO OUTCOMES

This session will explore how enterprises can move beyond AI readiness and pilots to build operating models that embed intelligence into day to day execution. It will focus on connecting boardroom ambition with scaled implementation across core functions, and turning AI investments into measurable, enterprise wide business outcomes.

7:00 PM SSOW EUROPE 2026 IMPACT AWARDS GALA DINNER (By Invitation and Pre-Registration Only)

Recognising excellent work and celebrating achievements is hugely important for the community, especially at a time like this. SSON’s Shared Services & Outsourcing Impact Awards is a globally recognised, annual industry awards ceremony, which honours and celebrates SSC and service delivery teams who have exceeded industry standards in their SS&O initiatives. Tonight is the night we reveal who the winners are for this year and celebrate with them! This year’s awards will be a night to remember! The Awards Ceremony will be presented at the exuberant off-site Gala Dinner, attended by hundreds of SSOW VIPs and attendees, designed to help us network, unwind and celebrate with the best of the best from the industry. Attendance by invitation or for Awards Pass Holders only.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Salvo.

Download The Latest Agenda