A Private Executive Dinner
From Migration to Modernization: Building AI-Ready Data Ecosystems
Why This Event
AI initiatives stall not because of models, but because the data foundations underneath them are fragmented, outdated, or locked in legacy platforms. Migration alone isn’t enough. Without modernization, governance, and the ability to operate data platforms efficiently at scale, organizations often end up moving their problems to the cloud instead of solving them.
At the same time, new AI-assisted and agentic approaches are changing how data platforms can be modernized, operated, and continuously improved: reducing risk, manual effort, and time to value.
To mark 25 years of elite software craftsmanship, Xebia is hosting a series of private executive gatherings in 2026 focused on sharing hard-earned insight with the communities we serve. This exclusive session is designed to address a critical question:
How do you move from legacy data to a modern, AI-ready ecosystem — and operate it successfully — without disruption, vendor lock-in, or stalled ROI?
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4:00 pm | Welcome Cocktails
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4:30 pm - 4:45 pm | Chef Jason Kohl Introduction
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5:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Fireside Chat
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5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Dinner
Date: Thursday, February 26
Time: 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Location: The Americano, 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Discussion topic
We’ll explore why migration alone is not enough to unlock real AI value and how agentic, AI-assisted approaches such as Claude Code are changing how modern data platforms are built and run.
Beyond accelerating migration and modernization, agentic capabilities can support data quality, pipeline validation, monitoring, and operational tasks, helping teams move from reactive maintenance to reliable, scalable operations. Over time, these same capabilities help shape and continuously improve a modern, governed, AI-ready data platform.
We’ll talk about how combining strong data foundations with agentic programming enables organizations to move from one-off modernization efforts to sustainable data platforms that support analytics, Generative AI, and future autonomous systems at enterprise scale.
You’ll learn how to:
- Move beyond lift-and-shift migrations toward true data modernization
- Apply agentic programming (e.g. Claude Code) across build, run, and evolve phases
- Improve reliability, data quality, and operational efficiency
- Build modern data platforms that deliver scalable AI outcomes
Speaker
Niels Zeilemaker
Global CTO, Data & AI
Xebia
Niels Zeilemaker is the Global CTO for Data & AI at Xebia, where he helps some of the world’s most recognized enterprises move from data ambition to real, scalable AI execution. With a rare blend of deep technical expertise and hands-on delivery experience, Niels works at the intersection of data platforms, analytics, Generative AI, and emerging agentic systems.
Unlike many technology leaders, Niels remains deeply involved in client work, spending a significant portion of his time designing and guiding enterprise-scale data and AI platforms in complex, regulated environments. His experience spans fast-moving startups and global digital leaders, giving him a grounded, pragmatic perspective on what actually works when scaling AI beyond pilots.
Before joining Xebia, Niels earned his PhD from Delft University of Technology, where his research focused on decentralized systems, privacy, encryption, and cooperation, foundations that continue to shape his thinking on modern data architectures and AI governance today.
Who should attend?
This invitation-only dinner is designed for senior leaders shaping enterprise AI, data, and modernization strategy, including CXOs, CDOs, CIOs, CTOs, and VPs of Data, Digital, and Technology.
About Xebia
For more information or questions:
Matt.Gosselin@xebia.com