Speakers

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Artak Amirbekyan heads up Enterprise Data and Analytics function at Transurban. He previously led AI Labs team in Commonwealth Bank as an Executive Manager. At Transurban – his team research and develop innovative tolling and transport technology solutions that make travel easier and safer for everyone. The team helps Transurban to achieve its vision by providing data analytics and machine learning solutions that ranges from simple analytics to more complex machine learning applications. He has a PhD in Data Mining and has been working in both industry and academia for more than 20 years in data analytics field.

Session: Unleashing the Power of Generative AI: Driving Innovation and Transformation in Australia

As the Managing Director for the Data & AI business for Amazon Web Services (AWS) across APJ, Luke is responsible for the business from leadership, strategy, and go-to-market activities for one of the fastest-growing and most impactful domains in the technology industry. With over 25 years of experience in technology and digital transformation, Luke helps organisations leverage the power of Data & AI to create new products, services, and solutions that deliver value and outcomes for their customers and stakeholders.

Prior to joining AWS Luke held leadership roles at KPMG and Accenture. Most recently as the Technology sector leader at KPMG and one of the leaders in the Technology Advisory Practice.  He was part of the team that that led KPMG’s local investment in to the Internet of Things (IoT) Consulting.

Before his time at consulting organisations Luke worked at emerging and early stage software organisations (Bytemobile, Openwave, Software.com) that enabled organisations to launch mobile email and mobile internet products.

Luke holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM, UNSW)

Session: Revolutionising industries: the impact of large language models across sectors

Rita Arrigo is a renowned digital strategist with a reputation for leading AI & digital transformation projects in the public and private sectors. Her deep technical skills, digital insights and communication skills have made her a sought-after digital speaker, commentator, broadcaster, and mentor across the Technology sector and the broader leadership community. She can communicate complex technical ideas across the “IT divide” to non-geek stakeholders across creative, technical and business.

She is the Strategic Engagement Manager at the National AI Centre, focused on leading the AI ecosystem strategy to foster engagement and collaboration across AI to lift Australia’s global AI adoption and growing a responsible AI Industry in Australia. She previously launched the Responsible AI Network, a world-first cross-ecosystem collaboration aimed at establishing and sharing best practice of responsible AI in the commercial sector.

Session: Generative AI showcase: Navigating the Generative AI Landscape with SnapLogic

With over 14 years of experience, Mani Baradaran Hosseini has built a career in professional services architecture and pre-sales roles at leading integration and API management companies like Tibco Software, Mulesoft, and Kong Inc. Now at SnapLogic, Mani focuses on API management, security, and advanced integration solutions. His depth of experience enables him to navigate complex integration challenges with innovative approaches.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Tal is a data and analytics executive and strategist with 15+ years experience in the financial services industry and a proven track record in data, analytics and AI strategy development and implementation, business transformation, analytics, data governance, data management and data product ownership. He is passionate about all things data, developing strong performing teams and maximizing return on investment from data, analytics and AI.

Prior to leading data, analytics and AI for the Australia and New Zealand businesses at Zip, Tal held a number of executive data and strategy roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Over the last two years at Zip, Tal and his team have executed the strategy to deliver fast and future-proof data while also partnering with stakeholders across the business to solve problems using analytics and AI capabilities. Tal is also providing direction on the emerging strategy for data and AI for Zip's US business.

Session: Developing scalable, robust and centralised AI infrastructure through machine learning platforms

Julianna is a experienced leader in strategic innovation, specialising in data science, AI, and digital transformation with experience across various sectors. Julianna excels in driving teams towards excellence and fostering innovation for tangible outcomes. Prior roles at Transport for NSW, Network Rail UK and other organisations have showcased her expertise in developing and executing comprehensive AI strategies and fostering a culture of digital agility. Armed with a background in mathematics and computer science, including a Masters in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Julianna is deeply committed to driving transformative change and empowering organisations to thrive in the digital landscape.

Session: Navigating the landscape of large language models to gain a strategic advantage

Rowan is an innovation leader with ten years of experience delivering emerging and disruptive technology into the construction industry, including augmented reality, artificial intelligence, organisational network analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), and new construction materials. As Principal Product Engineer in the Technology & Innovation Group at Laing O'Rourke, he currently focuses on developing a transformative organisational AI/machine learning strategy and operational implementation of predictive analytics. Rowan also works at an executive level to test product value cases and implement commercial initiatives for new concepts and innovations.

Rowan holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney. He is regularly invited to give lectures on innovation, technology, and culture at the University of Sydney (USYD), University of Technology (UTS) and University of NSW (UNSW), and at technology conferences. He is also active in science and engineering outreach and has hosted numerous events for school students and programs including the Sydney Science Festival.

Session: Laying solid operational foundations when starting your AI journey and What are the do no harm actions service functions should be taking in relation to AI this year

Introducing Ben Coughlin, Ben is the current CCO of Webjet and Ex Global VP Operations @ the Expedia Grp. A dynamic senior leader with a proven track record in driving transformative change within multi-channel, multi-function operations. As an operational transformation expert, Ben specialises in optimising complex processes and deploying digital service tools to enhance operational management, resulting in outstanding customer outcomes and robust business growth. With extensive experience in managing large, geographically dispersed teams, Ben has successfully led global operation teams of 15,000+ agents through a strategic shift towards customer and agent tool automation, delivering predictable experiences.

Session: Presentation #3: Topic How is ACCIONA leveraging Generative AI

Sambit Das is a Principal Data Scientist at ACCIONA, with over 21 years of experience in data science, machine learning (ML), and generative AI. At ACCIONA, Sambit uses AI to advance predictive modeling, Business Intelligence, and analytics. His work in generative AI highlights his dedication to advancing AI technology and driving digital transformation. As a respected speaker and thought leader, Sambit is known for his impactful contributions to AI and digital innovation.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Elijah Dennis-Singh is the Group Innovation Lead at ACCIONA with 5 years of experience working in corporate development, strategy, and innovation. Elijah studied Physics, Nanotechnology, and Computational Mathematics at Murdoch university and has a strong interest in using new technologies to address sustainability challenges.  At ACCIONA, Elijah manages collaboration with Universities, Start Ups, and R&D centres to find and implement new technologies, working closely with the Data Science team to project manage the development and implementation of AI/ML solutions within the business.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Brad Drysdale has nearly three decades of experience in the technology industry, helping to place customers in the driver’s seat at the intersection of Cloud, Data, APIs and Generative Al. He has worked with some of the world's most renowned and respected organisations, supporting them in staying at the forefront of technological innovation and achieving their business goals through the power of intelligent automation.

Brad has held technical leadership roles at companies such as Kong, MuleSoft, Accenture, Kaazing, Azul Systems, BEA Systems, Openwave, Netscape and others throughout his career, and always helping customers leverage technology innovation to solve real-world business problems.

Session: Aligning strategic business goals to create the right generative AI pilots

Rachna is an experienced multi-industry ASX 30 and public sector executive. She has held roles across strategy, operations and digital, and has a track record in delivering transformations that achieve world class customer experience and growth in highly regulated and complex environments.

Rachna leads the Australian digital and IT teams, while also working with international Ramsay teams to develop and deliver the global digital strategy and data management framework.

Rachna has previously been responsible for the customer service and digital transformation at Westpac, Suncorp and Service NSW.

She holds a Bachelor of Business and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as qualifications in Leadership and Leading Strategic Transformations and Culture Renewal from Stanford University and Harvard University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Susan is a transformational leader who has over 20 years of experience developing and executing digital, data and analytics, and AI strategies. She ensures her team continue to be at the forefront of technology whilst ensuring strategic alignment, revenue generation and operational efficiency gains. Recently she has been responsible for leading the implementation of both predictive and generative AI within the operations of the university. This involved establishing responsible AI practices, fostering AI fluency and overseeing the technological, data and organisational changes necessary to ensure successful adoption.

Session: How Gen AI Adds Value for Knowledge Workers

Brandon Hegh is the Manager of partner Support APAC at M-Files. He worked as a civil engineer before moving into IT. Brandon spent a decade owning a computer and photocopier company for small businesses and another decade in enterprise content management for large governments and multinationals before joining M-Files.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Hepworth leads exploration of Artificial Intelligence within the Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO). Adam’s portfolio includes human-cognitive augmentation, autonomous systems, AI-enabled decision-making, and human-machine teaming and swarming.  Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of South Australia, a Graduate Diploma in Scientific Computation from the Naval Postgraduate School, a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales.

Adam was the 2022 Chief of Army Scholar at the Australian Army Research Centre and is presently a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales, resident in the School of Systems and Computing. His current research contributes to swarm shepherding for human-swarm teaming, activity recognition and behaviour prediction, and the design of artificial intelligence systems.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Is generative AI stifling creativity or unlocking genuine areas of new potential?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Sandy is a true data enthusiast with a proven track record of helping businesses make the most of their data, turning it into a strategic powerhouse for problem-solving and discovering fresh opportunities. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in diverse data realms, including Analytics, Insights, Reporting, Data Science, AI/ML, Data Governance & Quality across a number of industries, she takes immense pride in her ability to drive real value for customers and businesses through smart data use.

Lately, her focus has been on nurturing a Data Product mindset and discipline at Sportsbet, where she's putting her skills to work. One of her boldest professional ambitions is to foster a "No data, No decision" culture across Australian businesses, where data becomes the lifeblood of informed choices.

Outside of work, Sandy volunteers as a director for a not-for profit organisation called “Go-Girl, Go for IT” which is a part of VIC ICT for Women. Go-Girl is mainly focussed on helping young girls from the age of 10 – 17 understand and develop interest for career in STEM.

She has 2 beautiful children, a 9-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl. Work – life balance is a critical input into her everyday planning & decision making.

Session: Mitigating risk and building trust by creating data & AI governance structures

Session: Presentation #2: Feeding the AI beast without breaking the environment - AI Storage-as-a-Service

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Mark Jobbins is the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Pure Storage in Asia Pacific and Japan. In this role, he is responsible for driving technology innovations and customer success across the region.

With over 30 years of experience in the information technology industry, Mark is an accomplished technologist with a strong record of driving innovation and leading complex projects to successful outcomes.

Mark’s journey began at Huddersfield University, UK, where he earned a BEng (Hons) in Computer Aided Engineering in 1990. Since then, Mark has been at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technology landscape. His passion for technology, coupled with a drive to seek out novel solutions, has enabled him to thrive as a leader in the field.

A keen environmentalist, Mark takes pride in delivering cutting-edge solutions that not only have a significant positive impact on business agility, but also reducing the environmental impact of the technology deployed and increasing sustainability.

Mark is currently based in Melbourne, Australia, where he continues to be inspired by the vibrant tech ecosystem and the talented individuals who make it up.

Session: Shifting horizons: the dynamic evolution of generative AI and its corporate implications

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Is generative AI stifling creativity or unlocking genuine areas of new potential?

Session: Masterclass A: The essential generative AI toolbox – generative AI mastery 101

An executive business leader with global financial services and deep technology management experience Dr. Kollo has deep subject matter expertise in quantitative finance, asset allocation, portfolio construction and risk management, as well as economic forecasting.

Dr. Kollo is an analytical and thoughtful people leader with a passion for mentoring and bringing aligning to high performing teams.

Session: FIRESIDE CHAT: Is generative AI stifling creativity or unlocking genuine areas of new potential?

Session: Masterclass A: The essential generative AI toolbox – generative AI mastery 101

Simon Kriss, Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant. He is author of “The AI Empowered Customer Experience”, hosts podcasts on CX and AI, and was named in the 2024 CX Top 50 Global Influencers to follow.

Based in Melbourne Australia, Simon is a CX and AI futurologist who presents to audiences around the world and works with company boards and C-suite executives to help them better understand where the AI opportunities lie for their businesses, and how they can get started with effective and ethical AI adoption.

He is a divergent thinker who creates unique ideas and solutions, often finding the hidden opportunities for businesses to innovate now and win in the future

Session: Three C's of Generative AI & Knowledge Work Automation

Kevin Leong is Partner Account Manager at M-Files. Before joining M-Files, he worked at Konica Minolta for about seven years as a solutions consultant and analyst. Kevin has a Bachelor of IT from Deakin University.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Jeremiah has a wealth of experience in data leadership, delivering complex enterprise-scale transformations within finance, health, and other industries. He has a demonstrated capability in guiding boards and executive teams to harness the power of data & AI to uncover new commercial prospects and streamline operational efficiencies.

He has been selected as an IAPA 25 Australia Analytics Leader for the last three years and ICT Professional of the year by the Australian Computer Society. His projects have won several industry-leading awards, most recently the ISG Paragon Award for Imagination in future-proofing business.

Jeremiah has been the keynote speaker at several conferences across Australia, he recently gave a keynote at the CDO Sit-Down Series, talking about scaling data teams, and articulating value with AI. In addition, Jeremiah has been interviewed for several articles and podcasts, including the AFR and Skynews. In his spare time, Jeremiah enjoys supporting and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Session: Masterclass B: Navigating the regulatory, legal & ethical landscape of generative AI in Australia

James was the Australian Head of a major international law firm’s Digital Law practice and a founding member of an international law firm’s market-leading restructuring practice.

James leads Stirling & Rose's finance and restructuring practice, with significant local and global experience in high complexity ‘first of their kind’ transactions with a cross-jurisdictional focus, working in New York, Tokyo and Sydney.

James advises major companies, funds, investors, financial institutions and blockchain platforms, specialising in Smart Legal Contracts, CBDCs, DeFi, digital investments and novel financings.

James specialises in smart legal contracts, CBDCs and digital investments and financing.

Session: Masterclass B: Navigating the regulatory, legal & ethical landscape of generative AI in Australia

SJ is uniquely positioned to lead our AI Advisory Practice through her real-world experience managing the development and implementation of machine learning applications in the resources sector.

She has over 20 years’ legal experience in international resources companies, including leading the legal work for multi-billion dollar megaprojects, M&A deals and as legal manager for operations in Asia.  Her leadership experience includes both project and operational leadership teams together with founding and leading global multidisciplinary innovation teams.

SJ’s comprehensive understanding of ML, digitisation and industry experience enables her to provide insightful, practical advice on AI.

Session: Harnessing multi-modal generative AI for business breakthroughs

Dr Mahendra Samarawickrama (GAICD, MBA, SMIEEE, ACS(CP)) is a leader in driving the convergence of AI, Metaverse, and Blockchain to revolutionise the future of customer experience and brand identity. He is the Australian ICT Professional of the Year 2022 and a director of The Centre for Sustainable AI and Meta61. He is an Advisory Council Member of Harvard Business Review (HBR), an Expert in AI ethics and governance at the Global AI Ethics Institute (GAIEI), a member of the European AI Alliance, a senior member of IEEE (SMIEEE), an industry Mentor in the UNSW business school, an honorary visiting scholar at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Richard Savoie is the co-founder and CEO of Adiona, which develops AI technology to power millions of efficient, lowest-carbon deliveries around the world for brands such as Coca-Cola and Amazon. Richard has co-founded 3 technology companies with partners including the University of California (Berkeley), an award-winning not-for-profit in Boston and a 6000+ member social network 'Engineers Looking For Stuff' (ELFS).

Mithil Shah is a Principal AI/ML Specialist Solution Architect at AWS. Currently he helps public sector customers improve lives of citizens by building Machine Learning solutions on AWS.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in generative AI over the next 6-12 months?

Dr Nandita Sharma is a Director of Enterprise Unstructured Data Analytics in the Australian Federal Government and participates on multiple advisory boards for Data and ICT. She is experienced in leading data initiatives in government, banking, private and research sectors, and passionate for driving outcomes through innovative data technologies. She has considerable understanding of AI in industry and deeply interested in educating organisations to embrace analytics and AI for enhanced success.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Recognised as a global leader in data-driven innovation, Amy has a unique mix of leadership skills, commercial acumen, scientific depth, and industry know-how. Amy is currently the Chief Analytics and Data Officer at TabCorp, leading its data analytics strategy and execution, empowering business transformation and customer obsession. Prior to this Amy held various leadership positions, including Chief Data Scientist at NAB, Global Head of Analytics and Data Science at HSBC, General Manager of Group Data Science at CBA, and the Founding member and Chief Data Scientist at DataSpark, Singtel’s pioneering data monetization spin-off. Amy has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for her leadership and contributions in the field of data science and named as one of the global top 100 innovators in data and analytics in 2021 and 2022. Amy has a Ph.D. in Data Mining, an MBA and GAICD.

Session: How Gen AI Adds Value for Knowledge Workers

Chris Smith is Senior Manager, Partner Sales APAC, at M-Files. Prior to joining M-Files in 2019, he spent 20+ years in the document imaging and information management industries, undertaking a diverse range of roles encompassing Sales, Consulting, and Management.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can organisations transform their business processes for scalable growth through generative AI?

Louise leads the Enterprise business for AWS across ANZ, working with leading enterprises to leverage the AWS platform to accelerate innovation, reduce the cost of technology and harness the power of Gen AI & data to transform customer experiences.

At AWS prior, Louise was Head of Media & Telecommunications for AWS, working with Australia’s Media and sports organisations to help them reach the entire Australian population with purposeful content through multiple mediums, curated and stored effectively, whilst achieving their transformation objectives. Across Telecommunications, partnering with CSP’s to help them leverage the most advanced technologies on the market to reduce operational costs and create new propositions for their customers through next-generation capabilities in mobile edge computing, 5G and IoT.

With over 20 years’ experience in leadership, prior to AWS Louise held a number of senior positions across Global Tech companies. Starting her career in Broadcast start up’s, she has experience across M&A, Alliances, Commercial and Partnerships. Louise spent 10 years at Telstra, initially as Director for the UK in Telstra’s International business, subsequently re-locating to lead Telstra’s Global business from Australia, before transitioning as GM of Media & Supply Chain for Telstra’s Domestic Enterprise & Govt. business.

Session: Reinventing your business using an AI Agent

New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year winner with his wife Merryn in 2018, a mechanical engineer by trade and former elite paratrooper, Grant is the co-founder (with his wife) and CEO of Straker, an AI based technology company that they built from startup to a $100m IPO on the ASX.

With a ground in AI based translation and more than a decade of working with AI, Straker has leading solutions around automated, and expert human AI Verification of content.

They have 200 staff, offices in 10 countries and are still headquartered in New Zealand where the majority of their R&D takes place.

Straker’s technology and solutions are used by IBM, SAP, Nike and many other global companies.

Session: Mastering generative AI risk exposures in a time of disruption

Akanksha is the Executive for Data Risk Governance at NAB and has been with the organisation for 2 years now. She has a strong consulting background having spent time working across a number of key government and Financial Services organisations, more recently with Ernst and Young helping Macquarie Bank with their Data Governance Framework design, as well as 4+ years at Commonwealth Bank of Australia as an Executive Manager for their Information Management program. Akanksha has extensive experience in data management programs both delivery and transformational, and has a specialised interest in turning policy, frameworks and associated governance into practical, deliverable outcomes for an organisation.

Session: Unmasking AI washing to support genuine innovation

Associate Professor Angel Zhong is an award-winning RMIT finance researcher who specialises in empirical asset pricing and investor behaviour in financial markets. She is an editorial board member of two prestigious field journals (Finance Research Letters and Journal of International Financial Markets, Institutions and Money). She is the recipient of the RMIT Awards for Research Excellence, Early Career Researcher (Enterprise) in 2021 and College of Business and Law Research Excellence Award 2022.

Her research has strong investment applications for industry professional and investors. Her work has attracted over $223,000 in external research funding.

Angel remains engaged with external stakeholders while undertaking her academic responsibilities. Her research has frequently attracted significant mainstream media attention internationally. Her commitment to translating her research to improve the financial literacy and wellbeing of Australians has seen her recognised as the finalist of the Women in Finance Awards 2021 in Australia, in the category of 'Thought leader of the Year.'

Session: Examining meaningful human oversight in the AI age: steering generative AI towards responsible innovation

Dr/Prof Liming Zhu is the Research Director of the Software and Computational Systems division at CSIRO’s Data61. Data61 is part of The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Australia’s data/AI innovation arm. The division innovates in the area of AI/ML/big data infrastructure, computational and simulation sciences platforms, trustworthy and responsible AI, distributed systems, blockchains, software ecosystems, software engineering/architecture, DevOps, quantum software, privacy and cybersecurity. He is also a conjoint full professor position at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He formerly worked in several technology leadership positions in the software industry before obtaining a PhD degree in software engineering from UNSW. He is currently the chairperson of Standards Australia’s blockchain and distributed ledger committee and on AI trustworthiness-related committees. He has supervised more than 20 PhD students and taught software architecture courses at UNSW and the University of Sydney. He has published more than 300 academic papers on software architecture, dependable systems, data/ML infrastructure, blockchain, governance and responsible AI.

Find more information, please visit LinkedIn or my personal webpage.