Jon Kimmich 

Jon is a seasoned veteran of 15-years in the digital entertainment industry. He has established a reputation for thoughtful insight into successful product franchises as Halo and Mechwarrior / MechAssault and identifying outstanding creative talent such as Big Huge Games and Gas-Powered Games. Jon was instrumental in the acquisition of many titles and development studios for Microsoft Games Studios such as Bungie, Dungeon Siege, Rise of Nations as well as many others.

Before joining Microsoft Games Studios, Jon also held other positions at Microsoft, which included development manager for a new product development group in Microsoft’s Hardware Team. In 2004, Jon left Microsoft to become Producer and Director of Business Development for Day 1 Studios. Since this time Day 1 Studios developed MechAssault 2, F.E.A.R. for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and Fracture. In 2009 Jon formed Software Illuminati LLC, to provide consulting and business development services to video game and digital entertainment companies.

Alex Samano

General Manager, GM & Director of Communication Services and Bobsled by T-Mobile. Founder of LifeDreams, a tech startup in Seattle.

Alex specializes in General Management, Product Innovation, Branding, Marketing, Business Strategy, Operations, Execution, and Partnerships. He is focused on the following industries: Mobility, Internet, Software, SaaS, Cloud Services, Manufacturing, and Professional Services.

Alex joined T-Mobile since 2002 to be part of the leadership team that turned the care organization into the best in the industry. Under his current position as Director of communication Services and Bobsled at T-Mobile, Alex is taking the challenge to defend, get back, and grow the companie’s share of core communications in an increasingly IP world, serving all Internet users through T-Mobile’s new IP communications brand, Bobsled. Alex also has held other positions at T-Mobile, which include Director of Family Products and Services, Director of Service Innovation and Home Products, Director of Product Strategy and Planning, Director of Product Development, among many others.

In 2010 Alex founded LifeDreams, the first fun, free and online financial planning tool for families and individuals. www.golifedreams.com

Alex is a team leader who is passionate about his job in solving tough consumer and technology challenges. His creativity allows him to continually do something new taking smart risks. Discipline and commitment defines his career. For Alex, integrity, respect, hard work, tenacity and preserverance are crucial aspects to accomplish goals.

Alex is a leader who promotes innovation as a tool to harness the collective power of consumers to build value and change the way we live.

Alex holds an MBA from Northwestern University (Kellog School of Management) and a B.S. in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Oregon State University. He has participated as a panelist in several technology speaking forums, conferences and conducted workshops.

Paul Hamel | Pier2 Marketing

Paul is the COO and Co-Founder of Pier2 Marketing. He has over 10 years experience in marketing business-to-business products and services. Paul has lived and worked in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Spain, and a BBA in Management from Sam Houston State University in Texas.

Previously, Paul lead a turn around consulting practice in the energy industry in Asia Pacific, and has worked with Governments and Fortune 500 companies to launch new products and support global expansion. He also held several senior leadership positions in the energy and high tech industries.

Gimena Peña | Pier2 Marketing

Gimena is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pier2 Marketing. With offices in San Francisco, Houston, Seattle and Barcelona, her marketing firm helps companies design and execute their marketing strategies with great success around the world.

Prior to joining Pier2 Marketing, she holds strategic positions in top companies like Dell, Logitech, Loral Space Communications, Satmex, Goldman Sachs and Deloitte &Touche. She has worked in North, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. Gimena holds an MBA from Stanford University, with additional certifications in Global and Public Management, and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Management Systems from ITESM.

She holds a Board position at the AWM (Association of Women MBA), and is an active member of the Stanford Entrepreneur Club and many other organizations. Gimena has been a TechBA consultant for the past 2 years, helping Mexican companies develop their go-to-market strategy and penetrate the US market successfully.