Dr. Michael Mladjenovic

P. Eng.; MBB, Lean Sensei, Digital Transformation Strategist, ASQ Fellow

Dr. Michael Mladjenovic is a Lean Sensei, Master Black Belt, and Digital Transformation Strategist with deep expertise in Digital Lean Six Sigma, Data Science, and Digital Kaizen. His career spans senior leadership roles in operations, quality assurance, and continuous improvement at renowned organizations such as LifeLabs, Maple Leaf Foods, Magna International, Intier Interiors, General Electric, PPG, and SKF (IKL).He has led enterprise-level initiatives in innovation strategy, business process systems, and quality systems implementation across the automotive, food, electronics, and healthcare industries.Dr. Mladjenovic has facilitated over 120 Kaizen workshops, focusing on topics like Value Stream Mapping, Hoshin Planning, Change Acceleration Process (CAP), Process Thinking Leadership, Business Process Management, and Digital Transformation.He holds multiple ASQ certifications, including:Certified Manager of Quality and Operational ExcellenceCertified Quality AuditorCertified Reliability EngineerCertified Quality EngineerCertified Software Quality EngineerDr. Mladjenovic is a Registered Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and Business. He currently serves as Chair of the Data Science Interest Group (DSIG) within the ASQ Statistics Division, a leadership role he has held for the past three years.

Sunee Samuel

Inclusive Leadership & Emotional Intelligence Expert

Sunee Samuel is a Culture expert who specializes in
inclusive leadership development and emotional intelligence where she has coached and
mentored over 600 individuals across the public, private, and education sectors. With a decade
of experience designing and delivering impactful programs, Sunee is known for creating
learning experiences that elevate marginalized voices, promote belonging, and strengthen
inclusion at every level of leadership. Her work blends behavioral science, emotional
intelligence, and practical DEI frameworks to help leaders lead with empathy, build
psychologically safe teams, and navigate change with clarity and courage.

Speakers

Jonathan Madriaga

Director Quality Science and Technology

Jonathan Madriaga is a clinical operations and quality leader at AstraZeneca with more than 13 years experience in global R&D. He specializes in clinical trials, process optimization, and quality management, and is recognized for regulatory expertise, project delivery, and leading change initiatives. Jonathan is committed to translating complex operational challenges into lasting solutions for clinical research.

Kevin Richards

Senior Director Clinical Quality

Kevin Richards is a clinical operations, quality, and digital transformation leader at AstraZeneca with more than 16 years of experience advancing process innovation, analytics, and AI solutions across numerous industries. Kevin has brought analytics and AI expertise to transform quality oversight and inspection readiness at AstraZeneca and has been a thought leader working with regulators and pharma organizations to transform how the industry thinks about clinical quality.

Vijay Thamaraikanna

Senior Manager – Innovation & Automation, Metrolinx

Vijay Thamaraikanna is a transformation and innovation leader with 14+ years of experience driving enterprise-wide Automation, AI, and digital enablement across global organizations. He specializes in leveraging intelligent automation, data, and next-generation technologies to solve complex business challenges and deliver measurable impact at scale.Currently, Vijay leads multi-million-dollar transformation portfolios, orchestrating cross-functional teams to execute high-impact initiatives in Intelligent Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation. He has built and scaled Automation & AI Centers of Excellence, delivered 100+ enterprise automations, and led programs that have unlocked millions in cost savings and operational efficiencies.

John Nasar

Ford Supply Chain Warranty Manger

B. Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer of Ontario, Black Belt and ASQ Certified quality Engineer. 35+ years of experience in Automotive Product Development, Design, quality, Manufacturing and Program Management. Managed continuous improvement and problem solving project for Design, Process, Launch, Service, marketing and Sales. Trained and Coached engineering teams for various Problem solving tools and Quality standards (ISO and IATF) achieving quality targets.

Nikhil Pal

Principal Business Excellence Manager

Nikhil Pal is an award-winning Operational Excellence leader with over 15 years of experience transforming quality and manufacturing systems in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and electronics industries. As Principal Business Excellence Manager at Roche, he drives Lean transformation, digital enablement, and supplier performance across the CDMO network.A certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and PMP, Nikhil integrates AI and Industry 4.0 technologies into continuous improvement frameworks, leading Smart Manufacturing, AI-powered analytics, and predictive tools that have delivered multimillion-dollar savings and enhanced audit readiness. His prior roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific and Jabil included enterprise-wide transformations, 50+ Kaizen events, and Factory of the Future initiatives.A recognized thought leader, Nikhil has been featured on the Gemba Academy podcast and in publications such as IndustryWeek, TechBullion, and PEX Network. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and is an active contributor to ASQ Toronto.

Denis Devos, P.Eng

ASQ Fellow

Denis Devos is a recognized expert in ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, with nearly three decades of experience in auditing, quality management, and Lean improvement. He began his career at General Motors, leading the first ISO 9001 implementation at a GM plant in North America, and later became an RAB Lead Auditor with KPMG Quality Registrar.For the past 25 years, Denis has worked extensively across Canada and the U.S., helping organizations strengthen Quality and Environmental Systems while training professionals in Internal Auditing, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, and Automotive Core Tools. Elected an ASQ Fellow in 2011, he is well known for his Risk is the Compass approach to QMS auditing and has presented frequently at ASQ divisional, international, and World Conferences. Denis is also the recipient of the ASQ Audit Division’s highest honor, the Paul Gauthier Award.He holds degrees in Sociology, Mechanical Engineering, and a Master of Engineering, and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (APEO).