Eric is a predictive analytics and business planning innovator, author, teacher and speaker. As Director of Thought Leadership at IBF, he brings over 20 years of experience, previously leading demand planning at Escalade Sports, Berry Plastics, and Tempur Sealy. Eric is an IBF Advanced Certified Professional Forecaster (ACPF) and received IBF’s Excellence in Business Forecasting & Planning award in 2016. He is a frequent speaker and panelist who has published extensively in The Journal of Business Forecasting and APICS Magazine. Eric is also the author of Cultural Cycles, Predictive Analytics for Business Forecasting & Planning, and Practical Guide to Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP/ IBP).

Debbie Evans is the Head of Integrated Business Planning for Elanco Animal Health where she is currently leading the global implementation of IBP processes across Elanco’s business segments, including U.S. Pet Health, U.S. Farm Animal, and international business segments. Her role is focused on driving alignment across commercial, financial, and operational functions to enhance decision-making, improve financial performance, and prepare for the successful launch of IBP capabilities in 2025. Prior to joining Elanco, Debbie was with Cummins Inc., where she played a pivotal role in implementing IBP processes across various business units, transforming operational planning and driving cross-functional alignment. Debbie is passionate about building processes that empower organizations to achieve their strategic goals and foster collaboration across all levels of the business

Christine was the Senior Director of Product and Industry Market Strategy for Infor’s supply chain solutions. Christine brings over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing, purchasing and planning from companies including Berry Global, Mead Johnson Nutrition, and Whirlpool. In 2021 and 2018, she was recognized as one of the Top Women in Supply Chain by Supply and Demand Chain Executive. Christine has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Evansville and completed her MBA with distinction at the University of Louisville.

Prior Roles

• Several leadership roles in multiple industries ranging from food and packaging to CPG companies. She has a wide area of expertise including S&OP, demand planning, inventory, and supply planning

Education

• University of Illinois

Award

• Excellence in Business Forecasting & Planning award from IBF

Lee is currently the Executive Director of Supply Planning & Fulfillment at GE Appliances, a Haier company. He began his career at an early age, working at the family confectionery business from elementary school through college. In his near 20-year career at GE, Lee has held various leadership roles in Product Management, and Product Marketing and Global Sourcing. He is currently focused on the transformation of the Fulfillment organization, driving systems and process excellence, and designing a digital Customer first signal that travels through the entire Value Chain. Lee attended the University of Illinois, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.