Former Aetna CMO and AI expert David Edelman to join SBC Summit Americas lineup

(AsiaGameHub) –   SBC Summit Americas 2026 is set to host David Edelman, the former Aetna CMO, Harvard Business School faculty member, and bestselling author. He will deliver an exclusive keynote address focusing on how artificial intelligence is redefining the ways companies identify, reach, and interact with their clientele.

Edelman has established a prestigious career by influencing how organizations handle marketing and AI, having pioneered landmark concepts such as ‘Segment-of-One Marketing’ and the ‘Customer Decision Journey’ while advising various Fortune 500 entities.

The keynote is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 (10:40–11:00) as a highlight of the ‘Leaders’ track. Titled Unlocking AI to Drive Growth, the presentation will examine how gaming firms can transition from using AI for operational tasks to utilizing it as a primary driver of commercial success. 

During the session, Edelman will discuss how brands can use automation and personalization at scale to revolutionize customer journeys across both physical and digital spaces, all while maintaining trust and responsibility. He will also provide a practical framework for CEOs to transform AI into a tool for long-term growth, supported by global examples from various industries.

“David possesses a level of expertise that is rare among speakers, particularly in his ability to link AI with practical marketing strategies. This is precisely the type of knowledge our attendees are seeking,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC.

With a career spanning over forty years, Edelman has become a leading authority in technology and marketing. He has been recognized by Forbes as one of the “Most Influential CMOs in the World” on several occasions and was named to Adweek’s ‘AI Trailblazers Power 100’ in 2025. Additionally, he commands a following of more than 1.1 million on LinkedIn.

Edelman’s professional journey began in 1986 at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where his work with data led to his influential 1989 paper, ‘Segment-of-One Marketing’, which proposed individualizing marketing at scale. He later helped launch BCG’s e-commerce division before joining Digitas in 1999 to focus on analytics and CRM-driven digital experiences.

In 2008, he joined McKinsey & Company to lead its global Digital Marketing practice. It was here that he introduced the ‘Customer Decision Journey’ in a Harvard Business Review cover story, a concept that changed how businesses track the path from brand awareness to customer loyalty.

Regarding his participation, Edelman stated, “Many people mistakenly believe AI can just be added to current marketing plans, but it actually requires a complete strategic rethink. In this session, I will discuss how organizations can adjust their methods to use AI for more personalized and relevant customer engagement.”

Edelman transitioned to corporate leadership in 2016 as the first Chief Marketing Officer for Aetna, where he oversaw a significant brand and digital overhaul. He enhanced marketing operations, positioned the company as a trusted health partner, and developed a robust customer experience strategy, also playing a role in the merger with CVS.

Since 2020, he has provided strategic counsel through Edelman Advisory Services, assisting CEOs and CMOs in optimizing AI for marketing. His consultancy focuses on data utilization, team organization, and delivering personalized experiences that maintain a human connection and foster trust.

In addition to his consulting work, Edelman teaches at Harvard Business School and is a noted author. He co-wrote the USA Today bestseller Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI, which details how organizations can leverage data and AI to improve customer relevance.

Edelman’s session is part of a robust SBC Summit Americas agenda featuring 250 expert speakers across six stages. Topics will include sports betting, casino operations, leadership, technology, regulation, and player safety, all housed within the event’s ‘Knowledge Vault’ to provide attendees with practical industry insights.

Want to attend SBC Summit Americas?

Affiliates and operators are invited to apply for a complimentary VIP Pass, which provides full access to the exhibition floor, conference tracks, and high-level networking events. 

Other participants can select from various ticket tiers designed to meet different professional needs and budgets. You can view options and reserve your spot here.