Recipients of the Bireme Awards of 2024 |
December 20, 2024
LebNet, North America’s premier Lebanese technical professional organization, is pleased to recognize outstanding professionals in the technology field in 4 different categories:Executive of the Year
Mario Harik is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XPO Logistics, a global leader in the logistics and supply chain industry, providing innovative transportation and logistics solutions through cutting-edge technology and operational excellence. With over 20 years of experience in both technology and logistics, Harik has played a key role in driving the company’s digital transformation and operational efficiency. Harik has led the development of advanced supply chain solutions, harnessing AI, automation, and data analytics to optimize operations. His strategic direction in digital innovation has positioned XPO as a leader in logistics, advancing areas such as last-mile delivery, warehouse automation, and transportation technology. Prior to becoming CEO, he held various leadership positions within XPO, including Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Under his leadership, the company achieved over $7.7 billion in revenue in 2023 and employs approximately 38,000 people worldwide.
Lina Karam - IEEE Fellow, Emerita Professor Arizona State University
Dr. Lina Karam, an IEEE Fellow, is a distinguished figure in signal processing, image/video processing, and machine learning. As the first woman to serve as the Dean of the School of Engineering at the Lebanese American University (LAU), she has broken barriers and led transformative changes in engineering education in the Middle East. With a strong academic and research background, Dr. Karam has made groundbreaking contributions to computer vision and multimedia systems, particularly in the development of efficient techniques for image and video analysis. Her work has significantly advanced both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in telecommunications, multimedia, and autonomous systems. Karam's pioneering research and leadership have earned her recognition as a leader in her field, shaping the future of signal processing and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Entrepreneurs of the Year
Simon Kalouche - CEO & Founder, Nimble
Simon Kalouche is leading the charge in the robotics and automation industry. Nimble specializes in developing advanced robotic systems designed to automate tasks in warehouses and fulfillment centers, enhancing operational efficiency and precision. The company’s cutting-edge robotics technology leverages AI and machine learning to optimize workflows, reduce human error, and accelerate order fulfillment processes. Under Simon's leadership, Nimble has garnered significant attention for its innovation in the field of robotics, providing scalable automation solutions that help companies meet the growing demands of e-commerce. In October 2024, the company raised $106 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its valuation to $1 billion. Nimble’s technological advancements and Simon's forward-thinking vision have positioned the company as a key player in the future of automation and robotics in logistics and supply chain management.
Young Scientist
Alaa Khaddaj - Graduate Research Scientist, MIT
Alaa Khaddaj, a PhD student in machine learning at MIT, focuses on trustworthy AI and robustness. His work includes developing "PhotoGuard," a tool to prevent unauthorized image manipulation, ensuring authenticity in the age of generative models. Alaa's research has been featured at leading conferences like ICML and NSDI, reflecting his expertise in AI and image security. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is a Venture Capital Fellow at E14 Fund, supporting innovative startups from the MIT Media Lab. His contributions to machine learning and digital trust position him as a rising star in the field.Congratulations to the award recipients for their great accomplishments and for being an inspiration and a role model to all young Lebanese who are starting their journey in tech. They are a great source of pride for LebNet and provide hope for a better future for Lebanon.
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LebNet, a non-profit organization, serves as a multi-faceted platform for Lebanese professionals residing in the US and Canada, entrepreneurs, investors, business partners in a broad technology eco-system, and acts as a bridge to their counterparts in Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East...... |
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