Jonathan Bein Ph.D. has worked with over 100 distributors to apply advanced analytics and AI to improve customer experience, define value proposition, estimate sales potential and create digital strategy.

Before Distribution Strategy Group, Bein has successfully led and been part of executive management for software product and services companies in information technology, healthcare and communications. Bein has been CEO of several companies including:

• SkyeTek — grew revenues and valuation four-fold of RFID manufacturer in seven months.
• IGS, Inc. — delivered software solutions for companies such as AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, and Lucent.
• Bolder Heuristics, Inc. — achieved Inc 500 ranking with software services for telecommunications, healthcare, and IT.

As CTO at Informed Access, a provider of phone-based healthcare triage, he drove development of core products and services and the company was subsequently sold for $300 million. At Martin Marietta, he applied artificial intelligence to perform automatic real-time fault handling of spacecraft hardware.

Bein earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Colorado with a focus in Artificial Intelligence and a BA in Computer Science at Indiana University.

Gary Brookshaw has been building ERP solutions for the Building Merchants sector for almost 30 years. As the Product Director at GenetiQ, Gary works closely with customers to shape high-performing ERP solutions that solve real-world operational challenges and drive measurable improvements.

He combines deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of the commercial realities facing today’s Builders Merchant. These factors make him a trusted voice in the industry.

Stuart graduated from the University of Oxford and trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, commissioning as an Infantry Officer. Over a 30‑year career in the military and intelligence sectors, he held senior leadership roles and commanded forces on operations worldwide, including the Gulf War and Afghanistan.

He later specialised in planning and leading high‑risk covert missions. Since retiring from public service, Stuart is a Director of a logistics company and the Founder of Dark Blue Consultancy, providing leadership training to senior managers within the intelligence and security sectors.

Jen Cassidy is Chief Executive Officer of Bristan Group, she leads the business with a strong focus on strategic growth, transformation and customer‑led innovation. With senior leadership experience across manufacturing, product‑driven and international organisations, Jen has a proven track record of building high‑performing teams, strengthening brands and delivering sustainable commercial results.

Jen is a passionate advocate for purposeful leadership, inclusive culture and developing future talent, and works closely with customers and partners to create long‑term value across the industry.

Jake Humphrey is a leading sports broadcaster, best known for presenting major events for BBC Sport including Match of the Day, the Olympics and the Euros.

He is also co‑host of The High Performance Podcast, which has inspired bestselling books on leadership and personal growth. Outside broadcasting, Jake is deeply involved in charity and community work, holding senior roles with several organisations and serving as a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk.

Jack Hopkins is the founder of Tradeaze, an on‑demand delivery platform for the construction industry. After starting out as an electrician, he launched Tradeaze in 2021 by delivering materials himself around Fulham.

Today, the business operates nationwide with 3,000 drivers, partners with major merchants like Travis Perkins and Jewson, and is backed by investors from firms including Bolt, PayPal and Uber. Jack now speaks on how AI can help traditional industries scale and operate more efficiently.

Gareth Thomas is the MD of Data Yard, the building materials industry’s answer to the product data problem.

Backed by the BMF and NMBS, and already supported by Nationals / Merchants / Buying groups representing over half of UK merchant turnover – Data Yard gives suppliers a single place to publish structured product data, and gives merchants, buying groups, and technology platforms consistent, reliable access to it. Gareth is leading the shift from spreadsheets and one-to-one data feeds to shared, industry-owned infrastructure that works for the whole supply chain.

Professor Damian Hughes is a sports psychologist and co-host of the successful High Performance podcast.

He combines his practical and academic background within sport, organisation, and change and highlights the psychological methods adopted by well-known achievers and leaders, and explains, in easy steps, how you can utilise them into your own life and business.

From growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia to advising Downing Street and inspiring audiences worldwide, Alison Edgar’s journey proves that barriers are made to be broken.

As a motivational speaker and business expert, Alison uses real-life experience to empower others to embrace change, champion neurodiversity, and reach their full potential. Her story isn’t just about success. It’s about resilience and the importance of changing on the way up.

Noble is the Economics Director at the Construction Products Association, where he oversees one of the most respected teams of economists in the construction industry, producing the quarterly Construction Forecasts, Trade Surveys and bespoke research.

With a Masters and PhD in applied economics, Noble has over 20 years of experience producing economic forecasts. In 2018 Noble was also appointed as an Honorary Professor at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction at UCL and lectures Masters students in the Economics of Construction.