Events Speakers 6D AI Brisbane 25

Adam Spencer, Drawcard MC

A math genius, radio and television presenter, author and TEDx speaker whose talk attracted over two million views, Adam has interviewed bestselling authors, astronauts, CEOs, and CIOs of some of the world’s largest companies, winners of Nobel Prizes, and every Prime Minister on-stage since Gough Whitlam, among others.

Adam Spencer has been a breakfast radio announcer on Triple J and ABC Sydney, TV personality on everything from comedies Good News Week and The Glasshouse to weekly sports wrap The Back Page, and is a member of the Sleek Geeks Science Team with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

Rob Wilson, Group Technology Officer, Bank of Queensland (BOQ)

A technologist and a banker, Rob has more than 30 years of global experience working in both financial services and technology, as well in start-ups. At BOQ, Rob is responsible for driving and developing the technology strategy, architecture and execution that supports the Group’s ambitious digital transformation and the future data driven growth agenda.”

Stefan Hajkowicz, Chief Research Consultant, CSIRO

Stefan works at the interface between science and technology and policy and strategy. His work helps decision makers in government, industry and community organisations explore plausible futures and make wise choices.Over the past 15 years he’s led a body of strategic foresight research at CSIRO involving scenario planning, megatrends analysis, risk analysis and decision support. Stefan is widely published in the peer-reviewed international research literature and his book “Global Megatrends” is a CSIRO Publishing best seller. His research expertise is in the fields of geography, economics, decision theory, management science and strategic foresight. He has a doctorate from the University of Queensland and post graduate diploma in economics from the University of New England. He has been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Community and the OECD’s Government Foresight Community for over ten years. He is a fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Leonie Valentine, CEO & Co-Founder, CX Guardian AI & Former Chief AI Officer at Regional AI Network and MD at leading companies including Google, Australia Post and Telstra

Leonie is a distinguished executive with extensive experience in technology and telecommunications and is the CEO and co-founder of CX Guardian AI. She was previously with the Australian Regional AI Network and has held c-level executive leadership positions at Telstra, Google and Australia Post.

Leonie is a digital industry leader with 30 years’ experience in general management, sales, marketing and operations, including 20 years in digital technology and telecommunications.

Over the years Leonie has been an active member of a number of boards including Not For Profits and ASX-listed Pro-Pac Packaging Ltd. She currently serves as a board member for Save the Children Australia.

Matt Neubauer, Chief Information Officer, Morgans Financial

Matt is passionate about information technology and is service focused, especially on improving business and IT processes by leveraging technology. Matt thrives on being able to influence and drive IT strategy to enable business to achieve key outcomes and results. After a long career with Australia’s largest full-service stockbroking and wealth management firm, Morgans Financial, he is driving this through his current role as Chief Information Officer for the firm.

Feiselia Tan, General Manager Data & AI Solutions, Telstra

Feiselia has over 10 years experience in applying engineering, analytics, and data science skills to various industries, including banking, media and telecoms. In her current role, she is actively exploring opportunities to accelerate AI adoption across Telstra, focusing on corporate and employee functions. Ultimately, supporting Telstra with data-driven insights and solutions.

Adrian Lopez Villa, Head of AI - Corporate, Flight Centre Group

Adrian leads a dedicated team of technical experts responsible for laying out the shared corporate vision for AI within Flight Centre Group. He most recently served as Global Chief Technology Officer for FCM Digital.

Adrian and his team set the overall AI strategy for FCTG’s corporate brands ensuring the company is maximising the potential around generative AI, while doing so effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with its business objectives. His specialised team implements best practices and provides research, support, and training around AI, whilst improving efficiency and driving value to new and existing clients.

Sanja Marais, Chief Technology and Security Officer, Aspen Medical

A seasoned technology and innovation leader with over 14 years’ experience in the Australian health sector, Sanja excels in strategic leadership, global stakeholder management, and integrated solutions development. As CTSO at Aspen Medical, she instilled a responsive IT environment that aligns technology with business goals, boosting operational and clinical service delivery. She recently spearheaded thier new tech start-up from ideation to market ready MVP product and led the company through various cyber and privacy certifications including an IRAP assessment, GDPR readiness and ISO 27001 certification. Her career spans multiple leadership roles, including board memberships, driving IT visibility and robust cybersecurity at the executive level.

Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency

Before joining the Australian Public Service, Chris was the Queensland Government Chief Customer and Digital Officer throughout 2020 and 2021. Chris was previously the Chief Digital and Product Officer at Service NSW. Prior to that, Chris held a number of senior positions across the NSW and Queensland governments as well as in freight and rail organisations. As CEO, Chris is responsible for leading the DTA to ensure it delivers on the Government’s digital transformation agenda, in accordance with the agency’s executive order and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. Chris is also the Head of the Digital Profession; he started his two-year term in January 2023.

Olivier Salvado, Professor of AI, Queensland University of Technology

Olivier recently joined as a Professor of AI the Queensland University of Technology, working on establishing an AI for health research network. Olivier worked previously at the CSIRO as Chief Research Scientist leading the AI for Missions initiative, a $25M program developing next-generation AI technology for large-scale missions. Formerly head of CSIRO Imaging and Computer Vision, Prof Salvado has published over 300 peer-reviewed papers attracting more than 15,000 citations. He is actively collaborating with Australian SME and startup to translate AI technologies to market.

Jelena Nikolic, Chief Digital Officer, Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games

Jelena leads the Digital Services team at the Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games, overseeing ICT delivery, strategic digital initiatives, governance frameworks, and information management. An experienced professional, she has led ICT strategy, digital transformation, and modernization programs across the Queensland Government. Jelena is a champion for digital service delivery, focusing on customer-centric design, culture, value for money, and data insights. She has held executive roles at the Residential Tenancies Authority, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Public Trustee, Department of Education, Department of Public Works, and Smart Service Queensland.

Andrew Burnet, Chief Technology Officer, Queensland University of Technology

A high-performing Information Technology executive with over 20 years of experience, I have led global, distributed, and complex environments. As a respected and transformative leader, I have built strong, efficient, and highly effective teams with top quartile engagement and retention. I have a proven record of delivering lasting organizational and technology change at scale within cost-sensitive environments. My diverse experience spans corporate, operations, engineering, and commercial divisions, with a track record of delivering large-scale projects while managing mission-critical 24/7 operations.

Jakob Højgaard, Chief Information Officer, LMG

As a seasoned technologist and senior technology leader, Jakob has held pivotal roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), bringing over two decades of experience across diverse industries, including healthcare, government, security, and financial services. With an international career spanning Europe and Oceania, with a global perspective on technology management and innovation. In Jakob’s current role as CIO, he oversees the development and management of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and loan origination platform for the largest group of finance brokers in Australia and New Zealand. This platform supports over 6,000 brokers and advisers, partnering with more than 60 banks and lenders. Throughout Jakob’s career, he has operated at various levels of technology management, from hands-on development to executive leadership. Jakob’s passionate about building products that delight customers and is committed to developing high-performing technology organisations that drive business success.

Matt Keays, Chief Information Officer, Michael Hill

Matt joined Michael Hill in June 2015, bringing with him extensive international IT experience in the retail space. Prior to joining the company, Matt led the global IT strategy for Forever New as their General Manager Information Technology, and prior to that worked as Chief Information Officer for Super Amart where his final project was successfully leading a full-scale disaster recovery process after the Queensland floods in 2011. He also worked for leading national footwear and apparel company, Colorado Group after enjoying his long retail apprenticeship with 11 years at Country Road, where he worked initially as a Finance Accountant, and also gained solid shop floor experience during his tenure.

Emma McCudden, Head of Innovation, Suncorp Group

As the Head of Innovation at Suncorp Group, I lead a team of innovators who design and deliver customer-driven solutions that enhance the value proposition and competitive advantage of the organisation. I have a proven track record of managing large and complex projects, executing company-wide initiatives, and creating partnerships with external stakeholders.

I am passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and learning within Suncorp Group, and empowering my team to achieve measurable outcomes that align with the strategic vision and goals of the business. I am also adept at working with senior stakeholders across different functions and domains, navigating competing agendas, and mitigating reputational and operational risks. As a lifelong learner, I have completed a Leading Innovative Change credential from UC Berkeley Executive Education, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Teaching degree from QUT.

Daniel Evans, Chief Information Officer, Rio Tinto

Dan leads the Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) function and Rio Tinto’s efforts to build competitive advantage through technology and data, which are important enablers for the Group’s strategy and its digital transformation. IS&T delivers critical services that support Rio Tinto to produce mineral resources safely, efficiently and responsibly.
Dan has more than 15 years of service with Rio Tinto and is a seasoned executive in multiple technology disciplines. He has deep experience in leading global teams of professionals with a strategic focus on enabling business growth and transformation, and is recognised as a collaborative and insightful leader.

Professor Cori Stewart, Founder & CEO, ARM Hub

Professor Cori Stewart is a skilled and versatile science and technology commercialisation leader, who works in executive and advisor roles across industry, government, and the research sector. She is passionate about driving impact through university and industry collaboration and building strategic and trusted collaborations in Australia and across the globe. As the Founder and CEO of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, Cori has built an Australian-first not-for-profit technology commercialisation company. ARM Hub has nurtured hundreds of businesses to validate, commercialise and modernise using cutting-edge technologies, design thinking, new IP and workforce development strategies in defence, energy, medical, resources, agriculture sectors and more. Cori is a member of the Australian Government’s Industry Innovation Science Australia Board and has graduated as one of Australia’s 2023 & 2024 ‘Superstars of STEM’ where she continues to lift the profile of women and science in our communities.

Conor O'Neill, Head of Data Science, Compare the Market

Conor is responsible for establishing, leading, and growing data science and business intelligence at Compare the Market. This includes everything from strategy and business engagement to machine learning solution design, architecture, and delivery. Ensuring focus on high value business problem solving and delivery with effective, reliable, and robust solutions built to best practice standards.

Mikhail Lopushanski, former CISO, Peoples First Bank, Top Global CISO 2024

With well over two decades of experience in his field, Mikhail has established himself as a prominent figure in the cybersecurity and risk management landscape.

Mikhail’s expertise spans across information security, business continuity, risk management, privacy, audit, and corporate governance in both public and private sectors. His career highlights include leadership roles at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and NSW BusinessLink Pty Ltd, where he implemented robust security frameworks and strategies.

Recognised for his contributions to the industry, Mikhail was named among the Top Global CISOs by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2024 and one of the Top 10 APAC CISOs by Enterprise Security Magazine in 2023. He is also credited with establishing AU-ISAC, a financial sector cyber threat intelligence sharing group, fostering collaboration across the industry.

Mikhail holds numerous professional certifications, including FGIA/FCIS, FCSA, GAICD, CISM, CRISC, CISA, and CDPSE. He is an active lifetime member of the Australian Information Security Association (AISA).

Anuj Anand, Chief Information Officer, Ausenco

Anuj is a talented technology leader dedicated to maximizing the value of technology, people, and processes throughout the organization. Anuj’s mantra is to always ensure the right synergy between technology and business, focusing IT around efficiency and productivity. Anuj consistently develop/execute cost-effective systems and manage them through their full lifecycle. With sound knowledge of key business drivers, he serves as a trusted and valued liaison between business and IT needs while effectively communicating a strong vision for the future. With a philosophy embedded in hard work, Anuj leads by example and drives his team to never accept the status quo and to strive to always “find a better way”.

David Irecki, Chief Technology Officer, APJ, Boomi

David leads the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region’s efforts in advocating and evangelizing the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in business with intelligent integration and automation. He is instrumental in helping organizations across the APJ region thrive in the digital age and on their AI journeys. David leads a team of pre-sales professionals across APJ. Under his leadership, his team helps customers transform their business by solving integration and data management challenges. David is an IT veteran with over 20 years of experience in the enterprise integration and embedded computing markets. David joined Boomi in June 2015 as the first Solutions Consultant in APJ. Prior to Boomi, David worked for MuleSoft, where he led the APJ Solutions Consulting team.

Nikolai Blackie, Principal Architect & Co-Founder, Adaptiv

Nikolai is a highly respected integration authority and specialised cloud architect. As a co-founder of Adaptiv in 2010, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision for cutting-edge integration and cloud solutions across Australia and New Zealand. With deep expertise in designing and delivering tailored enterprise integrations, Nikolai has made a lasting impact across industries such as finance, education, FMCG, manufacturing/distribution, and non-profits. As Principal Architect, he leads enterprise clients in defining integration strategies, setting technical standards, and implementing best practices to drive efficiency and scalability. With over a decade of hands-on experience in enterprise-scale web application integration and SaaS solutions, Nikolai combines technical excellence with strategic insight—helping organisations future-proof their digital ecosystems.

Ashley Diffey, Vice President, ANZ, 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.

Chris Ellis, Director, Solution Engineering, Nintex

Chris is a technical evangelist and trusted advisor in process automation, leading the APAC Solutions Engineering team at Nintex. With well over a decade of experience in IT architecture, automation, and enterprise solutions, Chris has helped businesses streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and unlock real business value through intelligent automation. Chris is passionate about helping organisations scale automation, eliminate SaaS sprawl, and future-proof their operations with AI-enabled, data-driven solutions. His ability to translate technical capabilities into strategic business outcomes makes him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in process automation and digital transformation.

Thuy Lam, CEO & Founder, Blackbook.AI

Thuy is the founder and CEO of Blackbook AI, one of the first Australian-owned global AI consulting companies with a presence in Asia Pacific and North America. He is passionate about growing local talent in the communities where Blackbook has established operations, ensuring delivery is driven locally. Last year, he launched Australia’s first agentic AI platform, a testament to Blackbook’s seven-year journey of combining AI, automation, digital and data to solve and automate large, complex problems.

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.

Lee Naidoo, Head of Solution Architecture, OutSystems

A solution architect at heart, Lee helps customers design and implement scalable, high-performance applications. With deep expertise in low-code development, he partners with organisations to modernise legacy systems, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation—ensuring customers maximize the platform’s capabilities for faster development and long-term success. Drawing on his extensive expertise in platform innovation, Lee advises organisations on harnessing AI-driven low-code solutions to accelerate time-to-value and seamlessly integrate intelligent agents that enhance business workflows.