LBI Conference Speakers 2025
Adam Davies - Head of Airbus Operating System - Broughton Plant
Adam Davies is a passionate and experienced people leader for Airbus who has a thrill in allowing people to be the best they can be whilst also giving the best of himself every hour of every day. Airbus operates a complex, highly technical, multi-national production system where aircraft components are manufactured across various countries and assembled in final assembly lines.
Adam has a background in Supply Chain and Master Production Scheduling in addition to his most recent experience in lean and operational excellence. He helped to navigate the Airbus’ Wing Production supply chain journey during COVID and handled multiple global crises, which helped him to build resilience and truly learn about how vital it is to have an efficient operating system.
Now, Adam leads the Airbus Operating System team for the Wing Production facility based in Broughton, UK, which comprises of a team of change agents and experts who are tasked with deploying and maintaining a strong industrial system. The current and future industrial system has the sole objective to make Broughton the most competitive commercial aircraft wing manufacturing facility in the World and to support the company mission statement to pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.
Adrian Furey – VP Operations - Dexcom International Ltd.,
Adrian is Vice-President of Operations at Dexcom International Ltd, a company known for its continuous glucose monitoring devices for people with diabetes. He has been involved in the establishment of Dexcom's new manufacturing facility in Athenry, Galway which is expected to create over 1,000 jobs.
He has 30 years’ experience in the Medical Device industry working across Ireland, North America, and Puerto Rico. For over 15 years, he held various roles at Zimmer Biomet, including plant management in Ireland, and global supply chain positions based in Indiana, USA . When Zimmer Biomet extended its presence to Oranmore, Galway as part of a strategic review to grow its operations in Ireland, Adrian was the General Manager and played a significant role in this expansion.
Before joining Zimmer Biomet, Adrian worked at Abbott Vascular Ireland Mervue Business Park, Galway as the Site Operations Manager for four years. He has also held various engineering and operations roles at DePuy (a Johnson & Johnson company) for seven years, Covidien, and Medtronic – all based in Galway.
Adrian graduated from the University of Galway in 1993 with an Honours Mechanical Engineering degree.
Áine Gleeson - Irish Entrepreneur - WowWee
WowWee, one of Ireland’s leading gift companies, was founded 20 years ago by Áine Gleeson, a proud Ennis, Co. Clare native and multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Under Áine’s leadership and a focus on lean principles, curiosity drives everything we do, sparking fresh ideas and inspiring us to craft innovative, meaningful gifts. With a passionate, dedicated team, WowWee blends creativity, efficiency, and a dash of Irish spirit to turn every moment into something truly unforgettable.
Alison Roddy - Operations Manager - Seating Matters
Alison Roddy has spent her entire career in the manufacturing industry, driving meaningful change through people, leadership, and culture. She is currently the Operations Manager at Seating Matters, one of Ireland’s most talked-about lean companies, known for its commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. Alison is passionate about engaging teams at every level and creating environments where people thrive and lean thinking becomes part of the culture.
Andrew Steele - Airbus Operating System Expert (Broughton Plant) - Airbus
Andrew Steele is an experienced leader and lean continuous improvement specialist with a strong background in driving operational excellence within complex environments. Throughout his career at Airbus UK Broughton, where all wings are built for the full range of Airbus products (A320, A330, and A350), Andrew has demonstrated a commitment to implementing the latest technologies and innovative methods to achieve significant cost and delivery improvements. Airbus operates a complex, highly technical, multi-national production system where aircraft components are manufactured across various countries and assembled in final assembly lines. This provides a unique challenge in the deployment of lean meaning a key aspect of Andrew's approach involves engaging with transnational stakeholders to ensure the delivery of company-aligned solutions.His work is underpinned by a dedication to delivering solutions that enable the building of wings to meet the highest safety and quality standards, while also meeting challenging delivery and cost targets. His expertise spans Value Stream Analysis, 5S, Production Pace Control, Management Control Routine, Kaizen facilitation, Data analytics and the deployment of the Airbus Operating System, where he has acted as a key referential and coach. Andrew has a passion for developing digital solutions and new ways of working to tackle industrial challenges, and he champions a collaborative approach to change management, inspiring teams to embrace lean principles and continuous improvement.
Dr. Brendan Hogan - Chief Engineering Operations Officer - Aerogen.
Accomplished and inclusive leader with more than 35 years of national and international experience across Medtech and other industries in both the US and Europe with more than half of that being spent at Aerogen Ltd., overseeing a team of more than 200 people located in 3 sites in Galway & Shannon.
Proven track record in both technical and operational excellence in high growth organisations.
Currently has C- Suite responsibility for Procurement, Process Development, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality & Regulatory, Safety, ESG, Inventory Management, Supply Chain as well as Development of next generation aerosolising drug delivery technologies.
Previously, Brendan was VP of Engineering and Quality at Filtertek BV, where he drove revenue growth through new medical product development in intravenous drug/fluid control and filtration products. Before that, he held various positions with Potterton Myson, Boart Hard Metals and Roche Pharmaceutical.
He holds degrees in both Manufacturing and Production Engineering, as well as a Master's Degree (Research & Thesis) in Materials Engineering in addition to a Master's Degree in Business Administration.
While working full-time in Aerogen he completed a Doctorate Degree in vibrating mesh aerosol drug delivery, which has greatly helped to characterise and understand the technology to facilitate continuous scaling.
He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of both The Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI) and the (International) Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET). He has published nationally & internationally and is a named inventor on 75 patents with others pending across multiple patent families with different companies. He is a past board member of Knowledge Transfer Ireland (KTI) and has been an Industry representative on Irish Medtech bodies and past Chairperson of the IMDA's Research, Development & Innovation group. He is on the University of Galway Industry Advisory board is often invited to give talks at various Trade Associations forums.
Christine O'Rorke - VP Business Transformation & ESG - SES Ltd.
Bio to Follow
Christopher McMorrow - Head of Fleet Management - Irish Rail
I am a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 26 years experience in the Railway in a variety Fleet Maintenance and New Fleet Project Management roles. As Head of Fleet Management and reporting to the Chief Mechanical Engineer, I am responsible for the maintenance of all Passenger and Freight trains across 7 different depots in Ireland.
The passenger fleet comprises of over 700 vehicles.
Irish Rail will be expanding its Rolling Stock portfolio significantly over the next number of years with over 350 Dart+ cars on order, followed by new Intercity and Freight vehicles
Clare Cooke - Associate Director - Competitive Continuous Improvement - Eli Lilly and Company
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Clifford Naughton - Head of Finance,SCM,Procurement & Digitisation - Ireland. Compliance Officer - B. Braun Ireland
Significant experience of implementing and leading the finance modules of significant projects - Financial Strategy , Standard SAP, Outsourcing arrangements, Tax Management, Vendor Invoice Management, Balanced Scorecard which involved establishing and aligning strategic priorities, leading direct teams, collaborating with multiple stakeholders and delivering on financial priorities as part of business process improvement or organisational transformation programs.A highly experienced Finance Professional with a track record of financial and people leadership over a 25 year period in the Medical Devices, Consumer Foods and Life Sciences industry. Significant experience of implementing and leading the finance modules of significant projects - Financial Strategy , Standard SAP, Outsourcing arrangements, Tax Management, Vendor Invoice Management, Balanced Scorecard which involved establishing and aligning strategic priorities, leading direct teams, collaborating with multiple stakeholders and delivering on financial priorities as part of business process improvement or organisational transformation programs.
Fergus Fitzpatrick - Head of Operations - Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS)
Fergus Fitzpatrick is Head of Operations for Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon (LTTS) based in Shannon, Co Clare. LTTS is a member of the EPAR (Engine Parts & Accessories Repair) network of Lufthansa Technik specializing in the repair of Jet engine components for CFMI, Rolls Royce and GE aircraft engines.
LTTS started its lean journey over 20 years ago focusing on the elimination of waste and creating added value for customers and employees. Our highly engaged workforce have embraced the Continuous Improvement philosophy, significantly contributing to the identification and removal of waste from our value streams. This approach has been fundamental in LTTS's transformation from a repair station to a Centre of Excellence and continues to guide us as we prepare for the next generation of Engine Products, Customers, Technologies, and People.
Fergus holds a BSc in Technology and an MSc in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Sigma Systems from the University of Limerick.
Frank Murphy - Operations Manager - Penn Engineering
Frank Murphy is a collaborative leader in manufacturing, Lean transformation, and digital innovation, dedicated to driving team-based operational excellence. As Operations Manager at Penn Engineering, he works closely with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement, ensuring that strategic initiatives are both innovative and sustainable.
With over a decade of experience, Frank has been part of company-wide efforts to integrate Lean principles with digital transformation, leveraging Industry 4.0 tools like MES, OEE tracking, and real-time analytics. Working alongside engineering, production, maintenance and quality teams, he has helped shape structured problem-solving frameworks, upskilling programs, and cultural change initiatives that enable long-term success.
At Penn Engineering, team collaboration has been at the heart of transformation efforts, from implementing smart manufacturing solutions to optimizing workflows and empowering employees. Frank’s role has been to bring people, technology, and strategy together, ensuring that improvements are practical, scalable, and focused on long-term impact.
In his session at Lean Business Ireland 2025, Frank will share insights on how organizations can align Lean principles with Industry 4.0 while keeping people at the center of change. Drawing from Penn Engineering’s journey, he will highlight team-driven strategies for improving efficiency, decision-making, and innovation in manufacturing.
Gene Leonard - CEO - LBSPartners
Gene is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of LBS Partners where he drives the development of new services and leads fresh and innovative strategic thinking organisation wide. He is also a Co-Founder of Lean Business Ireland.
Gene is an expert in multi sectoral Business Transformation and Leadership Development where his skills in strategy and operations have transformed client companies from great to exceptional.
Gene established LBS after holding positions in leading multinational IT and manufacturing companies. He spent 11 years with Dell. Inc where he championed a number of large-scale turnaround and performance-improvement projects.
Throughout his career, Gene has led dozens of large-scale transformation programmes. He has helped clients all over the world define their strategic positioning and build the capabilities needed to deliver real change and growth.
Glen Winn - Director of Service Operations - Virgin Media Ireland
As a strategic and creative leader, Glen has built and led high-performance teams in Fraud & Revenue Assurance and, more recently, Service Operations. With a strong focus on driving results, he has made significant contributions to revenue assurance, fraud management, business transformation, and process improvement.
Throughout his career, Glen has prided himself on being a lifelong learner, continuously developing his skills in areas like Information Systems Auditing, IoT, Lean Six Sigma, process mining, data analytics, and robotic process automation. He is currently further enhancing his leadership expertise through a postgraduate course in Strategic Leadership with the University of Limerick.
Glen is passionate about innovation and has pioneered the adoption of key software tools within his organisation to deliver proactive, impactful solutions. By leveraging technologies such as ACL, Qlik, ServiceNow, UiPath, and Celonis, he has helped streamline processes and drive efficiencies across multiple business functions.
Thriving in dynamic environments, Glen enjoys solving complex challenges through collaboration and forward-thinking strategies.
Hari Pesala - Specialist, Vice President - Northern Trust Corporation
Hari Pesala is working as a Change Specialist, Vice President at Northern Trust. Hari has overall 19+ years of process improvement expertise to deliver operational excellence in the banking and financial services sector. Its been 6 years Hari moved to Limerick Office, prior to moving here Hari was managing Process Excellence team at Bangalore Office within Northern Trust. Hari had worked with ‘Bank Of America’ prior to joining Northern Trust.
Hari is Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from QAI, Black Belt from Indian Statistical Institute & he holds ‘Bachelor of Commerce’ Degree from S.V. University, India & Diploma in ‘Digital Product Management’ from Institute of Banking, Dublin.
Helen Downes – CEO – Shannon Chamber
Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber since 2008, Helen Downes has spearheaded many new Chamber initiatives to promote and encourage business growth and economic development in the Shannon area. These initiatives, which involve linkages with national and international business organisations in both the public and private sectors, have led to increased Chamber membership.
Shannon Chamber currently has over 350 member companies drawn from a wide cross-section of business sectors that employ approximately 20,000 people in the Shannon hinterland. Helen is responsible for representing their interests to key influencers and stakeholders, achieved through voicing membership concerns on issues that affect or impede enterprise development at local, regional, and national levels.
Prior to joining Shannon Chamber, the Hospital, Co. Limerick native was HR Business Partner with Thomson Financial (Ireland) Ltd, where she managed day-to-day HR activities, including Health & Safety regulations, across multiple sites.
James Martin – CI Facilitator – Atlantic Aviation Group
James has over 35 years’ experience in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector and is currently a continuous improvement facilitator at Atlantic Aviation Group. Transitioning from licenced aircraft engineer into the continuous improvement field 15 years ago, James has extensive knowledge and experience of Lean tools and implementation. James developed the Lufthansa Technik global standard Visual Management System and has led the evolution of Visual Management in aviation MRO in Europe, America, and China.
In addition to his full-time employment at Atlantic Aviation Group, James is expected to graduate with a Masters in Lean Sigma from University of Limerick in 2025.
Jennifer Stratton - Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer - Cook Medical & Chairperson, Mid West Lean Network
Jennifer Stratton has been a pivotal member of Cook Medical Limerick since 2022, where she serves as a Continuous Improvement Engineer. Her work is centred around supporting and executing the Continuous Improvement Strategy for Cook Ireland, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and quality.
With a rich background in the Chemical Manufacturing Industry and experience as a Contract Researcher she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She holds a Master Blackbelt from the University of Limerick’s MSc in Strategic Quality Management, Lean Systems, previously earning a BSc in Biochemistry, MSc in Biomedical Science, and a Specialist Diploma in Medical Device Science from the University of Galway.
Jennifer is passionate about putting people at the heart of Continuous Improvement efforts. She is driven by the belief that Lean and Continuous Improvement principles can be applied across all areas of an organization, creating opportunities for growth and excellence.
Maeve Guilfoyle - Quality Manager - Takumi Precision Engineering
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Marie Clifford - Managing Director - Advanced Technical Concepts
Marie Clifford is a lean culture advocate with a passion for driving continuous improvement and transformation. As the Managing Director of The ATC Group, she combines strategic vision, lean methodologies, and digital acumen to foster a culture of innovation and excellence. With 15 years of experience in multilingual, multicultural environments, Marie brings a global perspective to her leadership approach. Her journey included studying and working in Germany and France before returning to Ireland in 2008, equipping her with strong communication skills and a diverse outlook.
Marie's commitment to professional growth is evident in her impressive educational background. She holds an MBA from the University of Limerick, as well as diplomas in Digital Marketing, Corporate Governance, and Digital Transformation and a certification for Business and Executive Coaching. Her recent accomplishments include certificates in Data Analytics/Visualisation in Machine Learning and Leadership in Digitisation of Manufacturing.
Her expertise has been recognized with a Leadership Development award from AIB Women in Enterprise and a Thought Leader Award for Strategic Thinking & Leadership from the All-Ireland Business Foundation, both in 2019. More recently she guided The ATC Group to win the Lean Business Ireland Best Small Business 2024 award.
Marie's approach to lean leadership emphasizes the importance of empowering team members and creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement. She believes in the power of daily routines, such as morning meetings and 3S (Sort, Sweep & Standardize), to develop a problem-solving culture where team members strive to "fix what bugs them" and "leave it better than they found it".
As a leader, Marie understands that the journey to creating a lean culture is unrelenting. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring the long-term sustainability of continuous improvement practices and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs.
Mark Lyons - CEO - Hooke Bio
Mark Lyons, holds a DPhil in Biochemistry from the University of Oxford, a Masters in Immunology form the University of Birmingham, a Masters In Electronic and Computer Engineering Post and a graduate certificates in Business Administration. Mark is currently CEO of HookeBio an SME developing a high throughput microfluidic platform for MPS based drug screening. He previously held positions as Team Leader at Radisens Diagnostics developing microfluidic assays and has led multidisciplinary teams in successful delivery of key milestones to multinational companies as well as successive European Space Agency projects. Mark has also overseen product development from R&D to launch of FDA regulated diagnostic tests during his time with Olympus Diagnostics. He has a background in assay and platform development and industrialisation in the areas of microfluidics, cellular biology, immunoassay and clinical chemistry.
Martin Cahill - Senior Buyer Planner - Chemifloc Ltd.
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Dr. Matt Kennedy - Global Head of Client Transformation - IDA Ireland
Matt Kennedy (PhD) is Head of Client Transformation in IDA Ireland where he leads transformation initiatives with international business, including a portfolio of R&D, digital, sustainability and talent development offerings. Matt is a Fellow (FIEMA), chartered environmentalist and energy engineer with over 25 years’ experience in delivering national and international climate and sustainable development initiatives across government, industry and academia. Matt was Lead Negotiator for the European Union at the UN Paris Agreement (COP21) negotiations and was previously Chair of the UNEP’s Climate Technology Centre. Matt has worked with the United Nations on clean energy and transport projects across Africa, Asia and Middle East and was previously Arup’s Sustainable Development Leader for Europe and led climate change services within infrastructure, buildings and cities. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, and Masters degrees from NUI Galway and University College Dublin and is an experienced independent non-executive Director.
Minhee Won - Lean Academy Manager - ESB
Minhee Won is the Lean Academy Manager at ESB, where she leads the design and delivery of impactful Lean capability programmes that drive cultural transformation and operational excellence. With a strong background in Learning and Development, Minhee brings valuable experience from global financial services firms including S&P Global and ICE Data Services. Since joining ESB’s Operational Excellence Team in early 2024, she has played a key role in embedding a Lean mindset across the organisation by combining her expertise in adult learning with the practical application of Lean principles.
Lean qualified and passionate about making continuous improvement accessible, relevant, and sustainable, Minhee uses creative and engaging methods to connect learning with real-world impact. She believes Lean is a critical competency in today’s dynamic business landscape and is committed to empowering more Lean-fluencers who can champion a culture of continuous improvement within ESB and across the wider Lean community.
At the LBI Conference, Minhee will share how ESB applies practical and engaging workshops to optimise learning outcomes.
Orla Markey - Operational Excellence Lead - BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Orla Markey is an Operational Excellence Lead in the Global Operational Excellence group for BioMarin Pharmaceuticals. BioMarin is a global biotechnology company with eight marketed products that treat life-threatening conditions. The company has a strong presence with locations in Shanbally, Cork, and Dublin.
With over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Orla has specialised in Operational Excellence. Orla has worked across a number of companies in both site based and global roles. Orla’s focus has been on building on building capabilities, developing others, and managing programs, all while successfully delivering large OpEx projects
Paul Clarke - CTO - NNIT
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Dr. Paul Gadie - Managing Director - Gift Innovations
I am Paul, the Managing Director of Gift Innovations, a Lean, dynamic B2B corporate gifting company. We provide creative corporate gifting solutions that help organisations to recognise, reward, and retain employees while also building strong customer loyalty.
Before this, I worked in academia in the UK and Ireland, focusing on the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. During that time, I taught, conducted research, and published academic work. I also managed partner programs and developed BA and MA courses across Europe and Africa.
On weekends, you'll likely find me hiking up a mountain, cycling along quiet country lanes, or enjoying a round of golf.
Peter Murphy - Marketing, Business Development, & CSR - Ei Electronics
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Richard Park - Engineering Manager - Element Six
Originating from South Africa his family emigrated to Ireland in 1977 where he finished off his schooling at Villiers School in Limerick, completed his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at NIHE (UL) and later completing a master’s in advanced manufacturing technology also at UL. Living in Shannon Richard is married and has three sons and one daughter and has now worked for Element Six for the last 40 years. In that time, he has held multiple positions in several departments within the company, these have included international assignments to Sweden, South Africa, Isle of man and the UK. His interest in Lean manufacturing started around 2005 with the re organising of factory floor layouts from a traditional functional layout to Cellular layouts, linear layouts and understanding “Flow”. This was very soon followed by the introduction of Standard work, practical problem solving and the use of Data to analyse performance and problems. Outside of work, manufacturing, and all things Mechanical his interests include 4x4 off-roading, scouting, photography and running.
Robert Hernan - Senior Lean Advisor - Enterprise Ireland
Senior Lean advisor in Enterprise Ireland's Lean / Operational Excellence team. Currently supporting Enterprise Ireland's food companies in implementing Lean transforms having previously managed Lean Start and Plus business offers. Managed the successful Lean for Micro (LEOs) pilot in 2015, supported the roll out of the IDA Lean initiative, 2016 and Lean Business Ireland’s roll out of regional lean networks, 2018.
Member of Lean Business Ireland and West-Northwest Lean network committees.
Previously was the technical manager in Eolas accredited ecotoxicity laboratory.
Stacy Franklin - Founder & CEO - Kanso
Stacy Franklin has built her career answering that question—demonstrating how Lean can simplify and improve the way people and teams work across healthcare, tech, retail, and other service-based sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Kanso —named for the Japanese concept of “simplicity”—she redefines what Lean can do by focusing on the people behind every process.
Raised in a family business, Stacy learned early how clear, intentional processes empower organisations and fuel real growth, especially when focused on their most valuable asset - people. After earning her Lean Black Belt at the University of Limerick, she applied those principles to leadership and frontline roles across the service industry. Throughout her career, Stacy has helped organisations save millions in the cost of resources —and she’s just getting started.
A recognised expert voice in Ireland’s Lean community, Stacy speaks at industry events, guides companies in adopting a Lean mindset, and lectures on the University of Limerick’s Master Black Belt programme. Clients value her fresh approach, meticulous eye for detail, and her habit of challenging assumptions or outdated processes by asking “Why?”—to reveal untapped opportunities.
Through tailored Lean training and consultancy, Stacy shows individuals and organisations how Lean can truly transform the way they work—creating clarity, uniting teams, and driving people-focused, measurable progress. Whether fostering a culture of continuous improvement, streamlining workflows or boosting customer satisfaction, she brings Lean to life in ways that truly resonate with today’s workplace.
Tom O'Carroll - Director Manufacturing, Ireland -
An experienced & inclusive Leader, with a demonstrated track record of implementing change and delivering results through people & process, I am committed to the guiding principles of integrity, accountability and developing talent to strengthen the organisation.
I continually seek out value propositions to both organisation and customer and through engagement, collaboration & innovation, I deliver results that facilitate growth and foster a winning culture.
Vicky Howard - Country Manager - Ireland - Reagecon
Vicky Howard is the Country Manager for Ireland at Reagecon and Carl Stuart Limited – Calibre Scientific companies. Reagecon is the world's largest producer of physical and chemical standards and Carl Stuart is a leading laboratory supplies distribution and technical service business. With over two decades of experience, starting at Reagecon in January 2004, Vicky has held various roles, including HR Manager, Operations Director and General Manager.
A graduate of the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), Vicky began her career as an HR Advisor at INVESCO in London. Upon returning to Ireland in 2004, she joined Reagecon where her contributions have supported year on year growth, driven continuous improvement, operational excellence, and adherence to the highest standards across manufacturing, quality, HR, health and safety, and compliance.
Committed to continuing professional development, Vicky has completed a Masters, a number of leadership development initiatives, a Certificate in Company Secretarial Law and Practice and she is a qualified Life and Executive Coach. She has also been actively involved in industry and community initiatives, serving on the Shannon Chamber Skillnet Steering Committee and the board of Clare Youth Service as Board Member and Chairperson of the Board.
Willie John Burke - Director of Quality - Edwards Lifesciences
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