IGNITE! 2025 Session: Closing Plenary- 2:45-3:45 p.m. Friday, September 26 in Cintas Center Banquet 2
From Digital to Human and Back: Building Brand Experiences that Vibe
This high-powered panel features iconic brands across the B2C & B2B spectrum in a lively discussion with real-life stories, with both successes and watch-outs. From products and promotions to digital and interpersonal engagement, these leaders bring stories from the leading edge to leave you with ideas, inspiration, and practical tips that will resonate all the way back to your day job.
PANELISTS
Scott Kelly
Sr. Director Product – Ford.com Web and eCommerce Experiences, Ford Motor Company
Global marketing executive with 20+ years of broad marketing experience and deep expertise in digital marketing and experience development. Deep experience in the US, China and Asian Markets. Managed both large operating/delivery teams (75+) as well as smaller strategy, planning, and COE functions. Known for being a strategic thinker who can deliver and often told my super power is communicating. Most of my career has been spent in the automotive industry at Ford. In a world where most people change jobs every two years, working at a Fortune 15 company and household brand with 170K employees doing business in 100 countries has afforded me incredibly unique experiences. I’ve created marketing campaigns for the $47B F-series business, Super Bowl ads, created and implemented China growth strategies, and built the first website tools to let customers buy cars online. Professionally and personally, I’m a builder at my core. I like to create then build and deliver. When I’m not building marketing communications or digital products I’m building and remodeling at my house. I’m a DIY enthusiast and enjoy getting my hands dirty. There’s no greater joy than standing back and appreciating something new you’ve created. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.
Kate Olberding
Vice President Brand Engagement, Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Cincinnati
Kate Olberding is a Senior Executive Marketing Leader with 20+ years of award-winning impact in the Global Brand Product, Media, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, and Brand Advertising space across CPG, Toys, Food, Health & Wellness, Community, Non-profit, and Arts & Entertainment Markets. She currently serves as VP of Brand Engagement for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Cincinnati, including Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. Kate develops, leads, and guides the strategy and implementation of marketing and communications to promote the BBB brand, projects, and programs within the organization and for the BBB Foundation. She drives community initiatives and manages a team of diverse marketing, content, and creative professionals to drive business goals and community initiatives across our 20-county region and create plans to ensure the next generation of consumers and business owners understand the importance of the BBB as a driver of a Fair, Equitable Business Marketplace. Connect with Kate on LinkedIn.
Akhilesh Anakapally
Director, Digital Products, The Wendy’s Company
I am an accomplished leader in Digital Product Management, with extensive experience in Product and Business Consulting. My diverse background encompasses various industries, including Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Quick Service Restaurants, Professional Services, and Pre-Sales. Currently, I’m in a Digital Lead role, guiding the Digital initiatives for Wendy’s Canada and International. My track record is marked by the ability to capture and convert product requirements into actionable roadmaps. I possess a proven knack for envisioning strategies, igniting enthusiasm, and guiding cross-functional teams toward shared objectives. My skill set encompasses robust collaborative, persuasive, and negotiation talents to harmonize organizational prioritization efforts. I bring hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C platforms. Connect with Akhilesh on LinkedIn.
MODERATOR
Ben Geheb
Chief Strategy Officer, VML
Ben Geheb is a visionary leader at the forefront of Customer Experience (CX), dedicated to shaping the future of how brands connect with people. As the Chief Experience Officer at VML, Ben leads a global practice committed to unlocking human potential by delivering connected, human-centered experiences that drive enduring growth and business impact. Ben partners with C-suite executives across diverse industries, translating complex challenges into actionable strategies – connecting the ‘Think with DO’. His focus is on moving organizations beyond fragmented touchpoints to orchestrated systems that deliver seamless, valuable experiences. By blending deep human imagination with cutting-edge technology and systems thinking, Ben ensures experience is the strategy, driving both stronger customer relationships and measurable business value. He is deep experience across automotive, consumer electronics, and B2B. He champions VML’s comprehensive CX approach, encompassing CX Transformation, Digital Products & Platforms, CRM & Loyalty, and Personalization at Scale. Ben holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas, a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and an MBA from Northeastern University. He is passionate about helping teams turn the idea of “customer-first” into a practical, repeatable reality that drives both stronger experiences and sustainable business value. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.
SPONSORSHIP/PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
LEVERAGE OUR PLATFORM
We have Ignite Sponsorships and other Chapter Partnership opportunities (both cash and in-kind) available! To support our nonprofit volunteer effort and collaborate with us to create the ideal value exchange, contact partnerships@amacincinnati.org!
