Events Speakers 6D. Security Melbourne 26

Simon Kriss, Chief Executive Officer, Sovereign Australia AI

Simon is a distinguished AI thought leader, keynote speaker, and CEO at Sovereign Australia AI. He serves as a Senior Fellow for the ‘AI for Developing Countries Forum’, where he advocates for equitable AI adoption globally. A trusted adviser to boards and C-suite executives, Simon helps organisations navigate AI adoption and governance with a focus on ethical outcomes. His global speaking engagements include a notable presentations at the United Nations in Geneva and Bangkok, where he introduced innovative concepts like “digital trash.” He works with a range of clients, from government authorities to global brands such as Coca-Cola, Apple and more. As the author of The AI Empowered Customer Experience and host of the popular “AI in 5” podcast, Simon brings over three decades of international business experience to his insights on AI-driven transformation. Simon is a strong advocate for sovereignty in all of the layers of AI deployment and adoption.

Tara Dharnikota, Chief Information Security Officer, Victoria University

Tara leads the university’s cybersecurity strategy, governance and risk management initiatives across a complex digital and research environment. With extensive experience spanning cybersecurity, technology risk, compliance and enterprise resilience, Tara is focused on strengthening organisational security maturity while enabling innovation, digital transformation and secure service delivery. She is recognised for building collaborative security cultures, aligning cyber strategy with business and operational priorities, and helping organisations navigate the rapidly evolving challenges emerging from AI, cloud adoption and expanding digital ecosystems. Tara brings a practical leadership perspective on balancing security, governance and resilience in highly connected enterprise environments.

Nigel Hedges, Chief Information Security Officer, Chemist Warehouse

Nigel is Executive General Manager Cyber & Risk at Chemist Warehouse, providing CISO-level leadership across the enterprise. He specialises in strategy, program development, operations, and building highly engaged, capable, and resilient teams. Known for his pragmatic and collaborative approach, Nigel works closely with stakeholders across the business to strengthen security and support organisational objectives. He is a Fellow of the Australian Information Security Association (FAISA) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Varun Acharya, Chief Information Security Officer, Healthscope

Varun is the Chief Information Security Officer at Healthscope Ltd, where he leads the organisation’s cybersecurity strategy across its national network of hospitals and clinical services. With experience spanning higher education, banking, manufacturing, and healthcare, Varun brings a broad and adaptable perspective to modern security leadership. Prior to becoming CISO, he headed Threat Intelligence and Security Operations at Healthscope, strengthening the organisation’s defensive posture and operational readiness. Holding a Bachelor of Computer Science from Monash University, Varun is recognised for his ability to build mature, fit-for-purpose security capabilities that protect sensitive data and support safe, reliable clinical operations.

Vijay Narayan, Chief Information Security Officer, Mercy Health

Vijay is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformative security programs across Australia’s healthcare and public sectors. As Chief Information Security Officer at Mercy Health Australia, he leads enterprise-wide cyber defence initiatives, leveraging AI-driven threat intelligence, predictive analytics, and automated security operations to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance. A recognized thought leader and conference speaker, Vijay has held senior roles at EPA Victoria and AHPRA, and his expertise spans AI in cybersecurity, governance, risk and compliance, and security architecture, earning him industry recognition including a finalist nomination in the 2025 iTnews Benchmark Security Awards.

Callum Nelson, Chief Information Security Officer, Ebos Group

Callum is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in cyber security, IT strategy, technology, and business analysis. He has held various leadership positions at prominent organizations such as The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Decipha, Australia Post, National Australia Bank, Telstra, and Coles Myer. His career journey includes roles such as Director of Cyber Security, Director of IT Strategy, Chief Technology Officer, Head of Technology, and Portfolio Director. Callum’s expertise lies in managing complex technological and strategic initiatives, driving digital transformations, and leading technology teams to achieve operational excellence.

Muzamil Rashid, Head of Cyber Security, Mazda Australia

Muzamil leads cyber security strategy, enterprise risk and resilience initiatives across a complex and evolving digital environment for Mazda Australia. With experience spanning cyber security leadership, governance and operational resilience, he is recognised for helping organisations balance security, trust and business enablement in increasingly interconnected ecosystems. Muzamil is a strong advocate for adaptive security models, Zero Trust principles and practical approaches to managing emerging cyber risks associated with AI, third-party ecosystems and modern enterprise environments. He is particularly passionate about building security cultures grounded in trust, collaboration and transparency rather than fear and restriction. executive events.

John Ellis, Global Head of Security Trust & Influence, QBE Insurance

John is a global security leader who reframes cyber security as a matter of trust, clarity and resilience under pressure. In a landscape shaped by geopolitics, human behaviour and rapid technological change, he focuses on ensuring security informs the decisions that matter most. As Global Head of Security Trust and Influence at QBE Insurance, John leads a function spanning cyber strategy, threat intelligence, human risk and attack simulation. He connects technical exposure with executive decision making, translating cyber risk into clear insights that shape risk appetite, capital allocation and accountability at the highest levels. With more than 30 years of experience across banking, insurance and financial services, including 14 years in Asia Pacific, John has held CISO and senior global roles in highly regulated environments.

Suma Shivalingaiah, Chief Information Officer, Eastern Health

Suma is an accomplished IT executive with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, utilities, healthcare, education, and finance. Renowned for building trusted partnerships between technology and business, she brings deep expertise in technology strategy, enterprise architecture, cybersecurity, governance, data management, and major transformation delivery. Suma has overseen IT portfolios and budgets of up to $40 million and has been instrumental in Eastern Health’s digital transformation, including its ICT Strategic Plan and Governance Framework. Recognised internationally as a “Fabulous Marketer” at the 2025 World Marketing Congress, she is celebrated for her leadership, communication excellence, and impact across the technology sector.

James Ng, Chief Information Security Officer, Insignia Financial

With over 15 years of experience in technology and information security roles across several prominent organizations, including Telstra, Belong, Tabcorp, and Deloitte, James brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of Security Operations at AARNet (Australia Academic and Research Network), where he led teams in establishing cyber governance and managed a security operations centre dedicated to protecting the education and research sector, particularly Australian universities.

Maria Paz, Chief Technology Officer, Epworth Healthcare

Maria Paz is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience driving transformative business and technology initiatives across diverse sectors. Driven by values of integrity, excellence, and collaboration, Maria is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies and data to drive business transformation. She excels in aligning business and technology strategies to maximize value delivery and is particularly adept at managing change and innovation to enhance social and community outcomes.

Maria’s accomplishments have earned her recognition, including being ranked in the top 25 of Australia’s CIO50 in 2022 and 2023. Her achievements include the development and deployment of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, delivering substantial cost savings, and driving significant improvements in governance, security, and data analytics capabilities. Maria’s leadership has also facilitated research partnerships to evaluate emerging technologies’ effectiveness in diverse care settings, securing substantial government funding in the process.

Milad Kruze, Executive General Manager - IT, The Salvation Army

Milad has led a major digital transformation, repositioning IT as a strategic partner in service delivery. Key achievements include launching the organisation’s first national Digital Strategy Action Plan and delivering the National Contact Centre Project, which streamlined access to services across Australia and supported over 500,000 calls to date. Milad also champions diversity and inclusion within the IT function. He has introduced initiatives to support women in technology, created university partnerships for internships, and joined the Employing 100 program to provide opportunities for people with accessibility needs. His leadership reflects a strong alignment between technology, organisational values, and community impact.

Guy Lupo, PhD Research Pioneer, AI/ML Security, Swinburne University

Guy Lupo, Executive Vice President – AI & Data Innovation, is responsible for driving the responsible adoption of AI and data technologies at scale. He leads the development of Open Digital Architecture (ODA) solutions to support AI- and data-native organisations, focusing on advancing real-world AI innovation, accelerating enterprise AI adoption, and enabling future-ready digital infrastructure.

With more than 30 years’ experience in senior roles across global telecoms and enterprise technology, Guy brings deep expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud and networks. A TM Forum Distinguished Fellow, he was recognised for his pioneering work on Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) standards during his time at Telstra.

Daswin de Silva, Professor of AI and Analytics, La Trobe University, Australia

Daswin is Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Analytics, and Director of AI Strategy at La Trobe University, Australia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. His expertise is in AI; algorithms, systems, applications, ethics. Daswin is on the editorial board of four research journals (ranked in Scopus top 10%), an invited keynote speaker, and consulted by the ABC News, Channel 7 News, AAP, The Australian, Forbes, Cosmos, Times Higher Education and The Conversation for AI expertise.

Farina Riaz, Research Scientist, CSIRO

Farina is a scientist at CSIRO Data61 and recipient of multiple awards for her outstanding contributions in Quantum Artificial Intelligence (AI). She is leading research in Cybersecurity for Quantum Generative AI. She has developed advanced quantum generative models that outperform classical methods and has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers advancing Quantum Machine Learning. She initiated and is now leading Australia’s first real-world use case of Quantum AI. Her outstanding research has led to awards including “Australia’s Most Outstanding in IT Security” (2025) and “Best in Quantum in Cyber Champion” (2024).She also serves as Quantum Women Lead with Women in AI (Australia), championing diversity, inclusion, and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. Farina was recently named ‘Australia’s Most Outstanding in IT Security’ at the Australian Women in Security Awards in 2025

Peter Wolski, General Manager - Reliability & Security, MYOB

Peter is a highly accomplished professional currently serving as the General Manager Reliability and Security at MYOB. With a career spanning over two decades in the technology and finance industry, Peter has established himself as a strategic leader with a knack for driving operational efficiency and implementing innovative solutions. Peter joined MYOB in 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles in various multinational corporations. At MYOB, he has been instrumental in leading the company’s digital transformation efforts, streamlining processes, and enhancing customer experience.

Matteo Bellan, Manager of Enterprise Architecture, Data and Engineering, HESTA

Matteo is Manager of Enterprise Architecture, Data and Engineering at HESTA, one of Australia’s largest industry superannuation funds.He leads technology strategy across data platforms, enterprise cloud, API architecture, and AI adoption – operating in an environment shaped by APRA’s prudential standards on operational resilience and information security. Matteo is currently leading HESTA’s enterprise AI program, with a focus on the engineering capability, governance, security, and data residency controls required of Australian financial services. He brings a pragmatic engineering perspective shaped by 15 years of experience in software, architecture and delivering end-user digital products to translating responsible AI principles into production reality inside a regulated enterprise.

Chirag Joshi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, 7 Rules Cyber

Chirag is Founder and CEO of 7 Rules Cyber and a globally recognised, multi award-winning cyber security executive, author and advisor with extensive experience across financial services, government, critical infrastructure, energy, healthcare and higher education. He has led large-scale cyber security, governance and transformation programs across both IT and OT environments and is widely respected for translating complex cyber and AI risk into practical business and board-level strategies. Chirag is the author of two bestselling books on cyber security leadership and awareness, has been recognised in the CSO30 list of Australia’s top cyber security leaders for multiple consecutive years, and serves as National Ambassador for CI-ISAC Australia. He regularly advises boards and executive teams on cyber resilience, AI governance and operational trust

Ashley Diffey, Vice President ANZ, Ping Identity

Ashley is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience in B2B Sales, Key Account Management and Business Development in both Finance and ICT/Telecommunications industries, specialising in security, data, communications, SaaS and hosted software. As VP of Australia and New Zealand for Ping Identity, Ashley is responsible for accelerating sales and bolstering customer support and services to continue driving the increasing demand for Ping Identity’s solutions in the region. He is working with organisations to achieve Zero Trust identity-defined security and more personalised, streamlined user experiences. Ash works closely with customers to provide flexible identity solutions that accelerate digital business initiatives, delight customers, and secure the enterprise through multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, access management, intelligent API security, directory, and data governance capabilities. Prior to joining Ping Identity, Ashley worked at leading ICT/Telecommunication companies such as F5 Networks, Commvault and Telstra. During his tenure at F5 Networks he oversaw the organisation’s southern regional channel, the Telstra partnership and was Director for Channel Sales Australia and New Zealand at Commvault.

Jamie Humphrey, General Manager, Compute, Storage Platforms and Solutions, Dell Technologies

Jamie leads specialist teams that help organisations architect and modernise enterprise platforms across high-end, software-defined, converged, hyper-converged and cloud environments. With a career spanning major IT operations in Australia, Jamie brings deep experience advising CIOs and senior executives on the design and governance of business-critical infrastructure. He has held senior leadership roles across the technology industry, including multiple Managing Director positions and executive responsibilities on both the customer and vendor side. Recognised for his ability to translate complex technology and operational risk into clear strategy and measurable outcomes, Jamie works closely with leadership teams to align infrastructure decisions with business ambition. He is a passionate leader who brings a strong sense of purpose to serving partners, customers and his team.

Paul Leitao, Offensive Security Leader, AC3

Paul is a Melbourne based security consultant with over 25 years of experience across a wide range of information security disciplines, including five years as a systems and network administrator. He has delivered numerous penetration testing engagements for some of Australia’s largest financial institutions and specialises in vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, intrusion detection architecture design, incident response, and SOC uplift and optimisation.
Throughout his career, Paul has worked across multiple industry verticals and security sub domains, with experience spanning financial services, construction, consulting, telecommunications, state and federal government, and the higher education sector.

Nathan Smith, Head of Security APJC, Splunk

With over 23 years in the IT industry, Nathan has worked with some of the leading security vendors in the industry. With experience across Financial Services, Insurance, Government, Critical Infrastructure, Retail, Health and Education. As Splunk’s Head of Security (APJC) Nathan Smith leads a team of Security Specialists across APJC, dedicated to helping organisations in the public and private sectors address Security Operations challenges with the ever evolving threat landscape. Working with organisations on modernising Security operations, elevating Cyber Defense and response capabilities with the goal of achieving an elevated level of Cyber and Digital resilience.

Richard Davies, Regional Lead ANZ, Airia

Richard has spent the last 15+ years providing transformative technologies to clients across APAC. With a passion for emerging or disruptive technologies and start-ups looking to expand into the region, he previously served as the ANZ Regional Vice President at Lacework before it’s acquisition to Fortinet. In his current role, he is tasked with building the GTM team and strategy across the ANZ region for Airia, a leading enterprise AI management platform.

Ajay Biyani, Senior Vice President - APJ, Securonix

Ajay is based in Singapore where he is responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy and expanding its presence across the APJ region. With nearly two decades of experience spanning engineering and sales leadership, Ajay brings a well-rounded perspective to scaling high-growth technology businesses. He has a strong track record of building regional operations, developing strategic partnerships, and accelerating market adoption. Prior to joining Securonix, Ajay served as Regional Vice President for ASEAN at ForgeRock, where he led the company’s commercial operations across key Asian markets. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in advancing adoption of the ForgeRock Identity Platform, while advising customers and partners on emerging trends in identity, privacy, and distributed authorisation. Earlier in his career, Ajay held senior leadership roles at Verizon Enterprise Solutions and Wipro Technologies, where he contributed to driving enterprise growth and delivering complex technology solutions across global markets.

Mathew Graham, APAC Chief Security Officer, Okta

With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and governance, Mathew serves as the Regional Chief Security Officer for Asia Pacific at Okta. With over two decades of experience, he serves as a strategic advisor to security executives, C-suite and boards, helping them navigate the intersection of identity, governance, and digital risk. Before joining Okta, Mathew held key security leadership roles at Workday, Salesforce, AWS, and Cisco, giving him a unique perspective on securing hyper-scale cloud environments. A passionate advocate for the security community, Mathew regularly shares thought leadership at conferences and events, amplifying the importance of building lasting trust in a digital world.

Dr James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist, CompTIA

James has consulted with corporate and government leaders worldwide about cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and workforce development for over 25 years. He is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a long-time member of the AFCEA Cyber Committee. He sits on the ATARC Cloud Security and Future of Secure Work roundtables, the Aerospace Industries Association Data Council, and the APUS School of IT Advisory Council. As Chair of the C3, he leads the consortium of leading global cybersecurity certification bodies, which include GIAC, ISC2, CompTIA, ISACA, IAPP, FITSI, and CertNexus. James is an award-winning author, blogger, and educator. He has published technical titles with O’Reilly Media, RSA Journal, AFCEA Signal Magazine, McGraw-Hill, Sybex, Eselvier, Linux Magazine, among many others. He is an in-demand C-level executive consultant,and engages in public speaking and thought leadership around the world. In addition to his work in the IT industry, he has designed globally-recognised education, certification, and badging programs in topics as diverse as cybersecurity analytics, Linux administration, Web development, cloud migration, kayaking, and British Romantic literature. He is currently Chief Technology Evangelist at CompTIA, and lives and plays in the Puget Sound area of the United States.

Cameron Martin, Regional Lead, Engineering APJ, Chainguard

Cameron is an Executive for APJ at Chainguard, focused on securing the modern software supply chain. He works with enterprise and regulated organisations to address one of today’s fastest-growing risks, the reliance on open-source and third-party code, helping teams build and deploy software with greater integrity, visibility and control.