Program Description:
Join BABC-GA / US-UK members and executives for an engaging networking reception and Speaker Series event.
Global supply chains are no longer optimized for cost alone — they're being redesigned around political stability, trade access, and long-term security. For international companies and those operating across the UK-US corridor, this shift raises urgent questions: How do evolving US tariff policy and export controls affect transatlantic sourcing and manufacturing decisions? Where does the UK and international trade sit as trade blocs harden and "friend-shoring" becomes standard practice? What does the growing overlap between cybersecurity, critical materials (semiconductors, rare earths), and national security mean for day-to-day procurement and vendor risk?
This program brings together supply chain executives, trade policy experts, and risk advisors to unpack how geopolitical volatility — from shifting US-China dynamics to European conflict spillover to new bilateral trade arrangements — is reshaping strategy for companies with operations or partners on both sides of the Atlantic. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for scenario planning, dual-sourcing strategy, and building resilience into contracts and logistics networks in a world where, as one 2026 industry report put it, geopolitics has become the "meta-risk" sitting above every other supply chain threat.
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Location/ Timeline: 5 pm Networking, 6 pm Program
Hosted by Clark Hill, 3630 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 700, Atlanta (Buckhead)
Event Pricing: BABC members $35, Non-Members $65
Includes beer, wine, soft drinks, & charcuterie. Free on-site parking available.
About Our Speakers:
Manori de Silva, Member with Clark Hill
Manori de Silva counsels businesses and executives in a variety of employment and commercial matters, from hiring packages through exit negotiations. Her clients have included global brands and senior executives. She also advises consultants and vendors on commercial contracts such as service agreements.
A significant part of Manori’s work lies in supporting her international clients with their commercial needs. She helps international businesses expand to the U.S. Originally qualified as an attorney (solicitor) in England, Manori now practices in the United States and uses her understanding of cultural differences gained through decades of living and working in Europe to guide transatlantic businesses at all stages of their growth. Her time in Europe created an extensive network of international contacts that allows her to support her international client base.
Manori’s passion is acting as a counselor to her clients, and she works closely with them to provide pragmatic solutions and develop long-term relationships. She is the Deputy Chair of Clark Hill’s Transatlantic Practice.
Simon Hodge, Senior Vice President | Senior Account Executive at Aon
Simon Hodge is an Atlanta-based insurance executive with over two decades of experience in executive and professional risk solutions. He currently serves as Senior Vice President and Senior Account Executive at Aon, a role he has held since September 2023.
Prior to Aon, Simon spent three years as Executive Vice President at McGriff, and before that, over 16 years at USI Insurance Services (formerly Wells Fargo Insurance Services), where he served as Head of Executive & Professional Risk Solutions.
Simon is a graduate of Sevenoaks School.
Barry Patel, Pharm.D, CEO and Co-Founder at Galt Companies
Barry Patel is a serial entrepreneur with over three decades of experience spanning the pharmaceutical sector, managed care, outcomes research, and quality improvement. Based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, he began his career in Clinical Research and Medical Affairs within the pharmaceutical industry before moving into entrepreneurship.
Barry co-founded Total Therapeutic Management (TTM), a pioneering venture in health outcomes research and provider engagement that became a recognized leader in healthcare quality improvement — culminating in its acquisition by a leading global healthcare solutions company in 2014.
He now leads Galt Companies (Galt Pharmaceuticals and Galt Phranchise Systems), where he and his team are focused on addressing unmet needs in the pharmaceutical industry and building a disruptive, respected industry leader.
Barry holds a Pharm.D. and is a graduate of Mercer University.
David Pattillo is Board of Director for Endava, (NYSE:DAVA).
David is a CFO/Board member/Audit Committee Chair who has led companies thru IPOs, global expansion, complex corporate finance transactions, and public company governance on both the U.S. and London Stock Exchanges. Currently, Board member/Audit Committee Chair at Endava (NYSE: DAVA), a London-based IT services company with over 11,000 employees spread over 26 countries and 4 continents. Endava completed an IPO on the NYSE in 2018.
Toby Richter, Vice President of Sales at Coppenrath USA, LP
Toby Richter is a growth-focused sales executive with over 15 years of experience bridging European food innovation with the US retail landscape. Based in the Atlanta metropolitan area, he specializes in the private label ecosystem, where he has built a reputation for turning complex retail challenges into wins with major US retailers.
As VP of Sales, Toby has orchestrated the growth of a US business unit into a multi-million dollar operation, delivering sustained double-digit CAGR through strategic category whitespace identification. He's known for positioning himself as a strategic "solutions partner" to the world's largest retailers — moving beyond traditional vendor relationships to secure long-term category leadership.
Toby holds a degree from the University of Muenster.
