Meet the Judges for the Inaugural CX Leaders Awards: Pioneers and Experts in Customer Experience

As the first-ever CX Leaders Awards applications are now open, we want to shine a spotlight on the industry experts who will be evaluating and celebrating the best of the best in customer experience. These accomplished professionals bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the table, ensuring that every entry is thoroughly assessed and the most deserving individuals are recognized.

With applications closing on October 11, let’s meet the incredible panel of judges who will be determining this year’s winners!

Download and submit an application now →

Introducing Our Judges

Derek Top, Senior Analyst, Opus Research –

Derek specializes in voice and conversational technologies. With over a decade of experience, he analyzes market trends, consumer behavior, and AI’s impact on business strategies, providing valuable insights for companies seeking to integrate advanced voice solutions and shape innovative communication strategy.

Dr. Natalie Petouhoff, Business Development Executive, Next CoLabs –

A recognized thought leader, Dr. Natalie Petouhoff frequently speaks at industry conferences and contributes to publications on the future of business and technology.

Ellie Sutton, Director of Customer Strategy, Veriteer – 

With over 15 years of experience in CX management and strategy, Ellie designs and delivers impactful, innovative solutions that drive customer loyalty, retention, and satisfaction across multiple channels and touchpoints.

Gloria Gupta, Director, CX, Sales & Service, American Medical Association – 

Gloria leads AMA’s customer experience practice, by leveraging customer listening tools, setting explicit goals, and involving stakeholders across the organization in improvement strategies.

Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director, The Futurum Group – 

With a strong background in technology analysis and strategic insights, Keith has over 15 years of experience in guiding businesses through complex technological landscapes. At The Futurum Group, he oversees the development of in-depth research reports, providing actionable intelligence to help companies navigate the future of business.

Lara Khouri, Arabia Chapter Lead, Women in CX – 

With a rich background in CX strategy and leadership, Lara brings over a decade of experience in helping organizations design customer-centric solutions that drive engagement and loyalty.

Samantha Conyers, Chief Experience Officer, First Retail Group – 

Debra Smith, Director of Call Center Operations, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance –  

With over 15 years of experience in call center management, Debra specializes in optimizing operations, enhancing customer experience, and driving team performance. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing innovative strategies that align with the Alliance’s mission to save species worldwide.

Chris Crosby, CEO, VenturesCX – 

Colin Stebbing, Consulting Director, Elev-8 Performance – 

Colin has over 30 years of senior-level experience leading people in contact centers and customer service. As a consultant, he has a track record for building organization-wide relationships, solving performance challenges, and delivering excellent client outcomes.

Daniel Ord, Founder, OmniTouch International – 

For nearly 25 years, Daniel has helped & inspired people all over the world through professional training in contact centers, customer service, and customer experience.

Shantel Love, VP of Customer Success, Pearson – 

Shantel is a Corporate Executive and Business & Personal Branding Mentor with nearly 20 years of experience. Passionate about empowering diverse professionals, she draws from her journey from homelessness to executive leadership. With an MBA and coaching expertise, she helps individuals build impactful brands and achieve professional success.

Gary Gormley, Founder, FAB Solutions – 

Garry has spent nearly two decades in contact center environments, and – at FAB Solutions – he and his team recognize the hurdles contact center leaders face: high wait times, staff attrition, fragmented customer journeys, and the complexities of disparate systems and technologies.

Mike Aoki, President, Reflective Keynotes Inc. – 

Mike was chosen by ICMI.com as one of the “Top 25 Customer Experience Thought Leaders” for the past ten years in a row. He also co-authored the Amazon #1 bestselling leadership book, “Called to Action.”

Finbarr Begley, Senior Analyst, Cavell –

Finbarr Begley is Cavell’s Senior Analyst tasked with monitoring the CCaaS, and CX spaces. Finbarr has been at Cavell for over five years, and worked in the Telecoms industry for over 12 years in marketing and analyst roles. His role at Cavell also encompasses managing the Cavell podcast, managing enterprise quantitative research, and keeping track of AI trends.

Why These Judges?

Our panel of judges is composed of experts who have shaped and continue to influence the customer experience landscape. They are thought leaders, strategists, and analysts who are deeply passionate about recognizing excellence and driving innovation in the CX industry. Each judge brings a unique perspective, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation process that will highlight those individuals who are truly making a difference.

Get Your Applications In

If you or someone in your team is a pioneer in the customer experience field, now is the time to submit your application for the CX Leaders Awards 2024! Applications are open until October 11, 2024, and it’s free to enter. You can nominate yourself or a colleague to celebrate outstanding contributions, innovation, and leadership in the CX industry.

Apply Now!

Visit CX Leaders Awards to learn more about our categories and how to apply. Don’t miss this chance to be recognized by some of the most respected voices in the industry!

Let’s celebrate the individuals and teams who are leading the way in customer experience!