speaker biographies
Greg Arms
Senior Advisor
Frontline Healthcare Partners
Mr. Arms is a 40-year insurance industry veteran with deep, global experience in the Life, Health, Disability, and Pension sectors for both overseas assignments and U.S. based postings. Over the course of his career, Greg has held senior executive roles with some of the industry’s foremost carriers and brokers, including Chubb, Marsh, Willis Group, UnitedHealth Group, and AIG.
Currently, Greg serves as the Senior Advisor to OutcomeRx, to elevate performance and brand prominence by fostering innovation, forging strategic partnerships, and developing talent.
Greg is an active member of the Self Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), where he serves as Program Chair for the International Conference taking place in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2024. Greg is also an active participant at the World Captives Forum, the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association, and the World Affairs Council of Charleston.
A graduate of Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, Greg also received the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Dea Belazi PharmD, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) & Co-founder
AscellaHealth
For over a decade, Dea Belazi has led the development and management of AscellaHealth, a global Healthcare & Specialty Pharmacy (SP) solutions organization comprised of more than 200 employees and serving patients, life sciences manufacturers, payers and providers worldwide with innovative, customized solutions to enhance medication access and optimize patient outcomes of those with specialty conditions or rare diseases. Based upon his experience as a successful business executive and industry visionary, as well as clinical training as a Registered Pharmacist, Dea architects the AscellaHealth comprehensive portfolio of uniquely tailored, tech-enabled services to support all industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical manufacturers launching complex specialty or rare disease products, ensuring successful product commercialization and improved clinical outcomes.
Bringing a keen sensitivity to helping patients, coupled with a deep understanding of the complex specialty pharmacy industry, Dea transitioned AscellaHealth from a $1 million revenue Pharmacy Benefit Administrator to a worldwide SP solutions leader with a staggering 4-year revenue growth of 1556% achieved through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, as well as expansions into Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Dea has led his team to earn numerous industry awards, including The Financial Times Fastest Growing Company, Deloitte Fast 500, Inc. 5000 and National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) Strategic Channel Partner of the Year. He is also an active member of Philadelphia’s business community, securing prestigious distinctions such as EY Entrepreneur of The Year® National Finalist, Titan 100, recognition as one of Philadelphia’s Top 100 CEOs and C-level executives and one of Philadelphia’s most admired CEOs.
Dea holds a PharmD from the University of Rhode Island. He completed his dissertation at Brown University, earned a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and served as a post-doc health outcomes research Fellow at Thomas Jefferson University.
Andrew Brody
Senior Vice President
Mercer Marsh Benefits Consulting (Dubai)
As a senior leader at Mercer Marsh Benefits, Andrew Brody is at the forefront of the Multinational business across the IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa) region. With a diverse background that spans Paris, Siberia, and the Bronx, he is known for his collaborative leadership style, bold ideas, and pragmatic, numbers-driven approach. Andrew's extensive experience includes leadership roles at companies such as AIG, MetLife, and Sukoon in the UAE, equipping him with a unique perspective to navigate the complexities of the healthcare insurance landscape.
Andrew has significantly enhanced MMB’s consulting capabilities by developing advanced analytical tools that empower clients to address the rising costs of healthcare while maintaining empathy for their employees. By transforming raw data into actionable insights, he has provided clients with real solutions that balance financial sustainability with employee well-being. His focus on leveraging data analytics has not only driven revenue growth but also strengthened client relationships, ensuring that organizations can make informed decisions in an increasingly challenging environment. Andrew's commitment to delivering innovative solutions positions him as a valuable asset in the worldwide healthcare insurance program.
Andrew holds a Master of Arts in International Economics and Strategic Studies from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Russian Studies from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
Chris Burns
President
CRB Consulting Group
Chris Burns has over 40 years of leadership experience in the insurance brokerage, insurance, and Insurtech industries, including as CEO of the Employee Benefits Practice at Willis Group in New York City and London. While in that position, he was responsible for managing a $500M global P&L, including 3K employees in 75 countries. He was also Managing Director at Sequoia Consulting Group in San Mateo, California, responsible for overall leadership and strategic direction of the firm.
He held executive leadership and P&L responsibility with other large global brands such as Cigna and AIG, as well as fast-growing start-ups including Vida Health. Earlier in his career, he held senior international positions for 12 years at Cigna in Athens with responsibility for Greece and the Middle East/Africa. Additionally, he led Cigna in Rio de Janeiro with responsibility for Brazil and at AIG in London with responsibility for the U.K. and Europe.
Chris has experience in AI, Digital Health, Wellness, and Insurtech, having served on Boards or as an Advisor to numerous companies in the U.S. and around the world.
Doug Butler, Esq.
Partner
Womble Bond Dickinson
Doug Butler is a highly regarded lawyer in the captive insurance industry who has experience in both the management and legal sides of captive insurance. He focuses his practice on insurance regulatory and general corporate transactions, including the formation and management of captive insurance companies, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
Doug is a board member and former president of the Georgia Captive Insurance Association and an active member of the Cobb and Macon-Bibb Chambers of Commerce and the Macon Civic Club. He grew up in Gainesville, Ga., and received his B.S. in finance from the University of Georgia. He worked in the life insurance industry for five years before earning his J.D. from Mercer Law School.
John Capasso
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Captive Planning Associates
John Capasso is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Captive Planning Associates, a firm he founded, located in New Jersey, specializing in risk management and alternative risk solutions. Mr. Capasso is a Member Manager of Captive Planning Resources, LLC, a holding company for various captive insurance companies. He is also a Principal of CapCare, a program manager for a member benefit program under Taft-Hartley that offers provider of healthcare and related benefits solutions to associations, PEO’s, Cooperatives and organizations.
Mr. Capasso was formerly a Senior Director with Alvarez and Marsal Insurance Advisory Services, LLC in New York where he headed the captive solutions group for the firm. A&M is a large, multi-national consulting firm where Mr. Capasso led business development efforts and oversaw a staff of professionals providing alternative risk management consulting services, captive formation, and captive management services.
Prior to his involvement in alternative risk management, Mr. Capasso founded Capital Planning Associates, Inc., a NJ-based Registered Investment Advisory and Consulting Firm which primarily focused on management consulting, investment banking and wealth management services for mid-market and small-cap firms seeking to raise capital and/or go public.
Throughout John’s career, he has held positions in a variety of industries including public accounting, investment banking, risk management, health care, financial services, and investment management.
Mr. Capasso is a member of various associations and organizations, including the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), Captive Insurance Companies of America (CICA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the New York State Society of CPAs. He is most active in SIIA where he currently serves as chairman of the board of directors and previously, as treasurer, secretary, and chair of the captive committee. John has earned the professional designations as a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, as well as life and health insurance.
Sherif Elhassan
Director of International Contracting
Mayo Clinic
Sherif Elhassan is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in international healthcare strategy, policy, and partnership development. As Director of International Contracting at Mayo Clinic, he leads initiatives to expand global healthcare access, strengthen relationships with international payers and governments, and establish strategic collaborations across key markets.
Sherif has successfully led high-value contracts negotiations, built sustainable cross-border partnerships, and overseen complex projects aimed at optimizing international patient access and streamlining care coordination. Prior to Mayo Clinic, he held senior roles at the Embassy of Kuwait Health Office in Washington, DC, and Children’s National Health System, where he advanced initiatives to improve care delivery and operational efficiency for international patients.
With a medical background and an MBA in Global and Financial Management, Sherif brings a unique blend of clinical insight and business acumen to healthcare strategy. His fluency in Arabic and multicultural expertise have been instrumental in building trusted relationships across the Middle East and Africa. He is passionate about driving innovation, expanding access to world-class care, and contributing to the transformation of global healthcare systems.
Mike Ferguson
President & CEO
Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA)
Mike Ferguson serves as President & CEO of the Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA), providing executive management leadership and serving as a federal lobbyist. Mr. Ferguson has been with the association for more than 25 years. He has significant expertise in self-insurance matters related to group health plans, workers’ compensation programs, and captive insurance companies.
Prior to joining SIIA, he was a corporate communications specialist for Rockwell International at the company’s world headquarters. Mr. Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Long Beach.
Neil F. Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.C.
CEO and Medical Director
INTERVENT USA
Dr. Gordon obtained his M.D. and a Ph.D. in exercise physiology in Johannesburg, South Africa. He relocated to the United States in 1987 and obtained a master's degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is board-certified in public health and general preventive medicine. Dr. Gordon served as director of exercise physiology at the world-renowned Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas, for six and a half years, where he worked with numerous elite athletes. In 1995, Dr. Gordon relocated to Savannah, Georgia, where he founded INTERVENT USA. In his capacity as INTERVENT USA's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Gordon successfully led the company's national and international expansion which culminated in its acquisition by Nationwide Better Health (a subsidiary of Nationwide, one of the world's largest mutual insurance and financial services companies) in April 2007.
After the acquisition, Dr. Gordon served as the chief medical and science officer for Nationwide Better Health until 2011, when he led the initiative which resulted in INTERVENT re-acquiring global rights to the INTERVENT programs. Other key past positions include:
Clinical professor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta, Georgia); Vice-president of the American Association for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Trustee of the American College of Sports Medicine; Chairman of the American Heart Association Committee on Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention.
Dr. Gordon has authored over 100 published scientific manuscripts, eight books, and numerous scientific abstracts in the area of preventive medicine.
David Howells
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Price Forbes Dubai
David is a reinsurance executive with over a decade of experience driving strategic growth across the MENA region. He began his career in London with Lloyd’s broker Besso Limited, before relocating to Dubai in 2015 to help establish and expand Besso Re (Middle East) Limited.
In 2022, David joined Roanoke International Brokers (MENA) Limited, part of the Munich Re Specialty Group, as Senior Executive Officer. He led the setup and regional broking strategy for RIBL (MENA), while serving on the Board of Directors for both the regional entity and its London-based parent company. His leadership extended to group-level strategic committees, where he played a key role in shaping global broking initiatives.
In Q1 2025, David assumed the role of Senior Executive Officer at Price Forbes (MENA), continuing his focus on Life and Health (re)insurance. His expertise lies in structuring both proportionate and non-proportionate reinsurance treaties, and designing complex programs that deliver optimal infrastructure and efficiencies for clients across the region. With deep regional insight and a collaborative approach, David has cultivated a strong understanding of the roles and requirements of all stakeholders within the health (re)insurance ecosystem.
Ashley Hume
President
Emerging Therapy Solutions®
Ashley Hume is a 25-year veteran in the health care and managed care industries, bringing extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams in both the provider and payer spaces. As the President of Emerging Therapy Solutions® (ETS), Ashley oversees all aspects of the organization, driving strategic initiatives related to cost containment and risk projection for catastrophic claims. She also manages client-facing teams and market strategy.
Ashley sits on multiple national committees focused on reimbursement policy and innovative payment strategies for cell & gene therapy. Prior to ETS, Ashley held leadership positions at a health plan and a health plan services company. She also held senior leadership positions over the revenue cycle and contracting for large specialty groups and a health system, gaining significant expertise in prior authorization, claims, and patient financial services, as well as in third-party payor, direct-to-employer, and physician services contracting.
Leena Johns, MD
Chief Health and Wellness Officer (Head of Health and Wellness)
MAXIS Global Benefits Network
Dr. Leena Johns is Chief Health and Wellness Officer at MAXIS GBN and heads the MAXIS Health & Wellness team. The team is responsible for global healthcare data analytics and workplace wellness solutions, collaborating with our local insurance partners around the world and the global employee benefits leaders at multinational clients. Through the suite of dashboard reports created by Dr Leena’s team, multinationals can better understand the performance of their medical plans around the world, gathering trends and insights that can help them support their people’s health and address their biggest cost drivers. She created MAXIS Global Wellness, a curated marketplace of centralised digital global wellness solutions for multinational employers to address these cost drivers. She joined MAXIS in 2014, is based in New Jersey, and is a medical doctor.
Gillian Molloy
General Manager
AscellaHealth, LLC
Serving as General Manager, Gillian brings almost 20 years of experience in the life sciences industry in both the European and US markets. She has held commercial and market access leadership positions at Baxter, Novartis Oncology and AstraZeneca, as well as trade relations and formulary strategy leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group.
At AscellaHealth, Gillian provides strategic innovation and consultative market access support to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare organizations. As AscellaHealth continues its expansion into the EU/UK, she will collaborate with marketing leadership on value proposition and messaging strategy, while providing guidance and support on consultative sales strategies and the development of client solutions. Prior to moving into the life sciences industry, Gillian held a Chief Pharmacist position in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin.
Gillian holds a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) and a Master of Science (Hospital Pharmacy) from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, as well as a Master of Business Administration from University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Gillian also has a Diploma in Health Economics from the National University of Ireland Whitaker School of Government and Management.
Devang Mody
Chairman
Vidal Healthcare Services Pvt. Ltd.
Devang Pravin Mody has been associated with Bajaj Finserv Group for the past 12 years. As President of Consumer Finance in Bajaj Finance Limited, he was the architect of the hugely popular 0% EMI loans in the consumer durables segment. He was also instrumental in extending the scope of EMI products to categories such as Furniture, Apparels, Grocery, Travel, and Elective Surgeries at Hospitals, including Ruby Hall Clinic- a move that was an industry first. The EMI card is another brainchild of Shri Mody, with close to 4 crores of such cards being in circulation across the country today. He has also worked with GE India & EY before joining Bajaj Finserv.
Alexis Moss
VP Commercial
AscellaHealth
With a steadfast dedication to driving growth and innovation, Alexis is instrumental in advancing patient care across Europe and the United Kingdom. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, she is renowned for strategic thought leadership and exceptional management abilities. Leveraging her background in clinical biology and extensive tenure in ethical pharma with industry giants, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, Alexis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Continuing a career trajectory that reflects her commitment to excellence and patient-centric solutions, Alexis draws upon her tenure as a regional Director overseeing critical therapeutic areas at Pfizer. She also played an instrumental role in wholesale, distribution, and service sectors of pharmaceuticals with consistent and documented outstanding results.
Prior to joining AscellaHealth, Alexis played a pivotal role in the NHSE COVID-19 vaccines program as the Commercial Lead for AAH Pharmaceuticals, contributing to the delivery of over 70 million vaccinations in the UK. Additionally, her leadership at Lloyds Pharmacy Clinical Homecare further underscores her ability and unwavering dedication to drive strategic marketing and strategy initiatives.
Alexis now spearheads AscellaHealth’s dynamic business development global initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration with pharmaceutical partners and driving cost-effective solutions to support patients facing complex, chronic conditions. Her proactive approach to relationship building and keen understanding of sales processes provide a foundation for success.
Bill Oldham
President & Co-founder
AscellaHealth
With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, Bill has shared his extensive knowledge and expertise through entrepreneurship, investment, and consulting services to high-value clients in the health, technology, finance and energy industries.
As an advocate for emerging companies, Bill provides strategic business consulting and assumes board-level roles to drive market uptake, fuel expansion, optimize financial management and establish favorable industry positioning.
Bill transitioned the organization to a Specialty Pharmacy solutions company, architected global expansion and guided the business to incredible financial success: 1556% 4-year revenue increase through both organic growth and acquisitions. In addition, Bill was named Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2022 CFO of the Year and most recently, a 2023 Philadelphia Titan 100.
With a deep appreciation for the talent of his employees, Bill fosters an entrepreneurial spirit that drives a commitment to patient-centric care and the development of innovative solutions for optimal health outcomes of specialty and rare disease patients. Through Bill’s unwavering emphasis on creating a supportive workplace, AscellaHealth has been named a 2023 Best Places to Work in Philadelphia.
Bill actively supports diverse charitable initiatives in the realms of health, community projects and serves on several non-profit boards, including his own Thought Leadership & Innovation Foundation (TLI). Bill’s philanthropic endeavors extend to causes such as autism support, services for the homeless, faith-based relief funds, and healthcare.
He earned an MBA from Manchester Business School where he focused on entrepreneurship and venture finance and a Blockchain Technologies certification for Business Innovation and Application from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella
Founder
WellBe Consulting
I am an experienced leader with a global impact in health, wealth, financial, and corporate well-being, known for my exemplary track record in driving transformative product development, business growth, and talent development across consulting, insurance, and technology sectors. My 10+ years journey has provided me with a unique and diverse perspective, coupled with a global market reach.
My recent achievements include spearheading groundbreaking redesign initiatives for health, top-risk concerns, and welfare offerings across 42 countries, including the USA. In 16 of these countries, we successfully revamped 36 offerings to address the crucial unmet needs of our diverse populations. This transformation was achieved by adhering to a set of product design guiding principles, actively listening to clients, and harnessing the power of data and collective team knowledge.
Throughout my career, I have forged strategic alliances within the consulting, insurance, brokerage, wealth, and healthcare sectors. In a prominent global consulting firm, I exceeded business growth targets threefold by leveraging market insights, practicing active listening, and fostering teamwork. This resulted in the delivery of human capital solutions that aligned seamlessly with the strategic objectives of Fortune 500 companies.
My dedication to collaborating with clients to enhance the health, wellbeing, and wealth accumulation of their employees is unwavering. Together, we develop innovative, indispensable, and inclusive core offerings and targeted solutions that address the most critical health and wealth-related risks faced by individuals and corporations.
My commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by my participation in the Global Health Leaders program at Harvard Medical School and my completion of an Executive Program in Digital Healthcare Transformation at Columbia Business School. These experiences have fueled my passion to make a broader impact, leading to the establishment of WellBe Consulting and the initiation of collaborative ‘Health at Work & People' briefings.
Gavin Richards
Director of Accident & Health and Contingency
Price Forbes
Gavin started his insurance career working for a Lloyd’s Syndicate SA Meacock, sitting on a box in the Room. In 1982 he moved to H Clarkson, a Lloyd’s Broker, specialising in US P&C insurance. He joined Price Forbes in 1985, placing US casualty, medical malpractice & A&H business into the London, European, and Bermuda markets. In 2007 he joined Grosvenor Brokers / AssuredPartners London, with responsibility for the US A&H production and the placing. Gavin rejoined Price Forbes in 2021 as the Director of A&H and Contingency. Gavin holds the RHU ( Registered Health Underwriter) designation.
Dr. Shafiq Shaikh
Director Wellbeing Solutions & Program Development
MetLife Gulf
Dr. Shafiq Shaikh serves as Director of Wellbeing Solutions & Program Development at MetLife Gulf. With a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery and prestigious fellowships from the Academy of Healthcare Management and the Life Management Institute, he also holds advanced qualifications in Life and Health Claims and Reinsurance Administration. Dr. Shaikh leverages his medical background and professional expertise to merge wellbeing, clinical, financial, and strategic perspectives, leading innovative healthcare initiatives.
With over 19 years in the industry, Dr. Shaikh’s experience spans wellness, clinical governance, network management, managed care, and operations. He is recognized for pioneering the Wellness & Healthy Living Initiative in the region, launching disease management programs, onsite wellness events, preventative screenings, case management, and cancer support services. His thorough knowledge of global healthcare systems and commitment to cost-effective strategies has helped ensure broad access to affordable, high-quality care.
Dr. Shaikh is deeply committed to promoting wellness programs, disease management, and lifestyle changes that improve clinical outcomes for patients, reflecting his passion for driving positive changes in healthcare.
Sabah Siddiqui, MD
Head of Health and Medical
Price Forbes (MENA) Limited
Dr. Sabah is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience in medical underwriting and health insurance. Her expertise spans underwriting, insurance, reinsurance, risk assessment, financial health, and strategic planning. She has a proven track record in delivering optimal risk solutions, fostering client relationships, and managing product development. Her ability to assess risks, analyse market trends, and develop effective mitigation strategies has consistently contributed to business growth and success. Her expertise is building strong partnerships and ensuring client satisfaction.
Sidhartha (Sid) Sinha
Co-Founder
Avant Health
Sidhartha (Sid) Sinha Founder & CEO Avant Health Sidhartha (Sid) Sinha is the founder and CEO of Avant Health, an AI-native TPA. He has built and led product and implementation teams at multiple venture-backed health tech startups building data and AI products for top healthcare systems and insurers. Prior to that, Sid designed hospitals, clinics, and care delivery models across the US and Mexico at Vizient, a national healthcare analytics and services firm. He is an industrial engineer with a focus on complex systems design in healthcare.
Jonathan Vineyard, M.H.A
Senior Director, Revenue Strategy and Innovation
Mayo Clinic
Jon Vineyard currently serves as the International Program Administrator in Contracting and Payer Relations.
Previously, he served as an Administrator in Contracting and Payer Relations for Mayo Clinic. In his current role, Jon oversees the International Contract portfolio and is responsible for the development and payer engagement strategies for International Commercial and governmental payers to ensure access to Mayo Clinic sites in the US as well as supports the contract portfolio development for Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. In addition to the International Contracting strategy, Jon supports the enterprise relationship between Mayo Clinic and United Healthcare.
Jon began his career in healthcare with Mercy Health in Ohio, now Bon Secours. There he led various strategies which included physician acquisition, alignment, and managed care contracting. He also led the efforts to manage the various contracts which had risk provisions. Jon helped to start up Mercy’s Clinically Integrated Network and advanced their capability to assume risk for various populations, including the MSSP and Managed Medicaid ACO.
Jon holds a Masters Degree in Health Administration from Xavier University and a Bachelor’s from Brigham Young University.
