Tax functions are evolving rapidly from periodic, compliance-led processes to always-on intelligence powered by AI, governed data, and integrated technologies.

In this 60-minute session, senior leaders from across tax, finance, consulting, and technology will explore how AI is being applied in practice — from real use cases and embedded automation to the foundations required for trust, scale, and control in regulated environments.

Discussion topics will include:

• What needs to change to enable AI within the tax function

• What “trusted and defensible” looks like in highly regulated environments

• How AI is being embedded into real-world tax workflows today

• What’s next — from copilots to more autonomous, yet controlled, agentic workflows

The session will focus on where AI is already delivering measurable impact, and how organisations are preparing for the next phase of transformation.

Corporate Panelists

Belinda Buvens is an accomplished corporate tax executive with over 30 years of experience at Procter & Gamble (P&G).

Holding a Master’s degree in Business Engineering from Hasselt University, she has led major global initiatives in SAP implementation, indirect tax compliance, technology integration, and tax governance across Europe and the United States.

Lavanya Gundamaraju is a seasoned technology and product executive with extensive leadership experience in media platform technology and digital transformation. She has a proven track record of driving large-scale engineering initiatives, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and shaping modern digital strategies to accelerate global business growth and innovation.

Faye Coates is a Partner in Deloitte’s UK Transactions Tax business, based in the London office. Leading a dynamic national team of nearly 300 tax professionals, she specializes in advising corporate clients and infrastructure funds. Faye brings extensive expertise across M&A, private markets, credit, and real estate, guiding financial investors through complex transactions, capital raising, deployment, and strategic realizations.

Sarah Vlasic is a strategic leader dedicated to transforming organizations through data-driven innovation. At Vertex, she spearheads AI adoption and workforce optimization to enhance enterprise efficiency. Previously, she served as Vice President of Enterprise Data & Analytics at Crocs, Inc., leading cross-functional teams in product management, data integration, and analytics to advance the company’s data infrastructure. She also held leadership roles at Zappos.com, overseeing business operations, automation, and AI-driven strategies to improve efficiency and revenue.