Representatives from Mindhive Global and JBS Couros will form part of a panel discussion exploring the real-world journey of implementing AI-powered grading at scale at the half-day Leather Supply Chain Conference 2026 – The Great Leather Reset, taking place in Hong Kong on March 11, 2026.
Moderated by ILM, the customer-led conversation with JBS Couros explores their journey of implementing AI-powered grading at scale, from strategic decision to operational transformation across 13 production sites in Brazil. Sergio Sfreddo, Head of Global Quality at JBS Couros, and Ray Connor, COO of Mindhive Global will discuss the pain points that drove the search for a solution, why JBS Couros chose Mindhive and where verified hide data is taking them next.
Panellists:
Sergio Sfreddo, Head of Global Quality, JBS Couros
Sergio Sfreddo is the Head of Global Quality at JBS Couros, the leather division of JBS S.A. and the world’s largest leather producer. With over 25 years of experience in the leather industry spanning quality management and international commercial roles, Sfreddo brings a unique perspective that bridges operational excellence with customer needs. He joined JBS in 2015 and assumed leadership of global quality in 2019, where he oversees quality standards across the company’s worldwide operations. Sfreddo holds an MBA in Quality Management and Process Engineering and is passionate about driving the leather industry toward more efficient, sustainable and responsible manufacturing systems.
Ray Connor, COO, Mindhive Global
Ray Connor is the COO of Mindhive Global, where he leads commercial strategy for the Americas. With extensive experience in manufacturing and business transformation – including serving as CEO of deep-tech textile manufacturer NanoLayr – Connor understands how to optimise manufacturing workflows with technology and how data generated at grading can be leveraged at every step of the value chain. At Mindhive, he has been instrumental in designing and deploying bespoke applications for the company’s largest accounts. Ray worked hand-in-hand with JBS Couros to shape the solution now being rolled out across 13 sites in Brazil.
International Leather Maker (ILM) and APLF Ltd will host the half-day conference on March 11, 2026 (the day before the start of the APLF). It will feature six 25-minute oral presentations as well as the panel discussion mentioned above, focussing on the future trends and direction of the global leather supply chain. The conference will once again take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), which is the same venue as the show. The APLF show takes place March 12-14, 2026. More information about the provisional conference programme and timings can be
found here.
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