Changing Role of Quality Engineering in the Age of AI

Ben Douglas

Ben Douglas is the Senior QA Manager at Tripadvisor managing a small QA team in multiple time zones. He has always loved computers, technology, and 'breaking things'. Even after 26 years as an automation engineer and manager, he still loves writing code that will break software. His automation career has taken him from network software, to cloud infrastructure, to online CAD REST APIs and GUI verification, and finally to Tripadvisor for the last eight years. At Tripadvisor, Ben automates tests across multiple platforms including desktop web, mobile web, and native app. He is a natural innovator using new technologies and features to create cutting edge QA tools. His latest project has been designing and implementing internal tooling services in Java Spring boot leveraging AWS CDK nodejs toolkit and terraform. Ben is constantly focused on improving the usability of the automation framework and fostering transparent communication between his team and the rest of the company. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing games with his wife and kids, watching movies, woodworking, reading, and vacationing.

Gary Parker

Currently working as a Senior QA Architect, responsible for QA Architecture, tooling, frameworks and processes. Specializing in front-end web and mobile technologies. With more than 10 years of experience in the QA industry across different domains, products, and environments. Writing technical blogs and content as a way to keep up-to-date with the industry and ensure a deeper understanding of the topics at hand.

Jamie Paul Lees

Jamie Lees is the Senior Test Manager and Head of QA at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). With over 24 years of experience in software testing, Jamie has a proven track record of delivering quality outcomes across different business domains, using a range of processes, tools, and approaches. Jamie has significant expertise in automation and non-functional testing. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys exercise, spending time with family, and camping.

Manjula VK

Manjula VK has more than 20 years of industry experience, encompassing a wide range of sectors including Insurance, Finance, Healthcare, and Retail. Her professional journey includes significant roles such as leading the Digital Experience QA team at Tiffany & Co. for many years and heading testing programs at large consulting companies like Accenture and Capgemini. Currently, she spearheads the Test Automation team at Estée Lauder Companies. Manjula has skillfully navigated the evolution from manual to automated testing, demonstrating exceptional leadership by guiding both small and large testing teams and establishing Test Centers of Excellence. She has successfully worked with a variety of methodologies on both desktop and mobile applications across different technology platforms. Her career is a testament to her adaptability and unwavering dedication to quality, blending QA leadership with hands-on automation expertise. Manjula is passionate about challenging the status quo and discovering innovative solutions to problems. Her relentless pursuit of quality and creative problem-solving sets her apart as a leader in the industry.

Sravani Gurijala

Sravani Gurijala is currently Director of Mobile Applications at Align Technology inc who has consistently demonstrated a strong belief in the power of agile methodologies, leveraging them to gain a competitive edge in business. Her passion for automation practices in mobile app development is not just a professional stance but a personal crusade, reflecting her deep commitment to efficiency and innovation. As a leader, Sravani possesses an intrinsic understanding of developer needs, ensuring that her team is equipped with the necessary tools and support to excel in their work. This empathetic approach to leadership has not only earned her the respect of her peers but has also fostered an environment where creativity and technical excellence thrive.