Accelerating Value: Navigating the Human Side of M&A

Mergers and acquisitions are among the most high-stakes decisions organizations make—shaping markets, headlines, and careers. But while analysts scrutinize billion-dollar deals and executives promise ambitious synergy targets, true success hinges on something far less predictable: people. Employees are asked to embrace new teams, tools, and structures, often without a say in the process. The result? Confusion, resistance, or worse—missed value. Despite this, the human dimension of M&A is too often an afterthought.

In this session, we’ll flip that script. You’ll hear from senior leaders from leading pharmaceutical, food ingredients, and oil and gas multinationals who’ve been on the front lines of integration efforts. Through their stories and insights, we’ll unpack what it really takes to lead through the messiness of M&A—from building trust and aligning cultures to handling pivotal moments that make-or-break momentum.