Events Speakers 6DAI Melbourne 2026
Michael McNamara, Executive General Manager, Enterprise Services, Australia Post
Michael joined Australia Post in July 2023. Prior to this, Michael was the Chief Executive Officer at Digital Victoria for two years and also held the roles of Chief Information Officer and Deputy CEO for Services Australia, where he led the Australian Government’s program of widescale digital transformation. This included centralising digital services and digitising critical government services to support millions of Australians through the COVID-19 Pandemic. With more than 25 years of experience in digital transformation, Michael has played a critical role in this evolving space. Before joining the public sector, he had a lengthy private sector career supporting the likes of ANZ, CBA and other banking and energy providers to build and modernise their digital infrastructure. Michael was ranked in the top 10 in the CIO50 awards in 2021 for his work supporting essential government services such as Centrelink and Medicare during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Rachael Phelan, Chief Operating Officer, Business & Private Bank, National Australia Bank
Rachael is Chief Operating Officer for Business & Private Bank at National Australia Bank (NAB). She is responsible for driving operational excellence, transformation and strategic execution across one of Australia’s largest business banking divisions. With experience spanning banking operations, business transformation, customer experience and enterprise leadership, Rachael focuses on aligning technology, innovation and operational strategy to deliver sustainable business outcomes. She brings a practical executive perspective on organisational transformation, technology investment and the role of emerging technologies, including AI, in shaping the future of financial services
Brendan Hopper, Managing Director, Innovation Ecosystems, Commonwealth Bank
Brendan is Managing Director of Innovation Ecosystems at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he focuses on building partnerships across industry, education, and government to accelerate technology capability and innovation. He has held senior technology leadership roles at the bank, including Chief Information Officer for Technology, driving large-scale engineering transformation and digital capability. Brendan is also a Non-Executive Director of the Future Skills Organisation, with a strong focus on developing Australia’s technology workforce and advancing accessible pathways into tech careers.
Elizabeth Wilson, Chief Information Officer, Department of Education
Elizabeth is an experienced executive with a demonstrable track record in innovative leadership and applying technology as a transformation agent for business change. Elizabeth is passionate about education and gender diversity in technology. Elizabeth is the CIO at the Department of Education, Victoria where she has initiated and delivered a digitalisation program, incorporating a shift to new digital services using composable, cloud platform- based architecture and agile practices. his role has oversight of one of the largest IT networks in Australia, with a team of over 1100 staff providing services to more than 1560 schools and 14 Early Learning Centres, as well as the Department’s School, Early Childhood and Corporate Services portfolio and program areas
Craig Price, Head of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Suncorp Group
Craig is a senior data science and AI executive with extensive experience leading advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and enterprise data strategy across financial services and insurance. As Head of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, he leads teams of actuaries, statisticians and data scientists focused on applying AI, machine learning and predictive analytics to improve customer experience, operational performance, risk management and decision-making at scale. A qualified actuary with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector, Craig is recognised for helping organisations move AI from experimentation into practical, enterprise-wide outcomes.
Pieter Vorster, General Manager, Data Platforms & Chief Digital Officer, Westpac
Pieter Vorster is a senior technology leader at Westpac, responsible for driving large-scale digital transformation and advancing the bank’s data and AI capabilities. He leads the delivery of secure, scalable platforms that enhance customer experience and operational performance across the organisation. With deep experience in complex enterprise environments, Pieter brings a strong focus on modern engineering, resilience, and risk management.
Nicola Pastorello, Global Lead AI & Advanced Analytics, Bluescope
Nicola leads AI and Advanced Analytics globally at BlueScope, driving the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data capabilities across one of Australia’s largest industrial enterprises. With a background spanning AI solutions, data science, deep learning and research, Nicola focuses on translating emerging technologies into scalable operational outcomes across manufacturing and business environments. Prior to BlueScope, he held leadership roles in AI and advanced analytics across industry and innovation organisations. Nicola holds a PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Swinburne University of Technology and is passionate about applying AI to solve complex real-world challenges, improve decision-making and accelerate enterprise transformation.
Kathryn Gulifa, General Manager, Data & Analytics, HBF
Kathryn leads HBF Health’s data analytics strategy, turning data into actionable insights that improve member outcomes. With 20 years’ experience across banking, insurance, government, and retail, Kathryn specialises in advanced analytics and AI to enable proactive, data-driven decisions.
Robin Mann, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Monash Health
Adjunct Professor Robin Mann is Chief Digital and Information Officer at Monash Health, Victoria’s largest public health service. A former medical doctor with more than 20 years’ experience in digital health, he has held leadership roles across the NHS, consulting firms and health organisations globally. Robin specialises in digital transformation, health informatics and the integration of clinical care through data and technology.
Stacey O'Toole, Chief Information Officer, Victorian Ombudsman
Stacey is a senior leader at the Victorian Ombudsman, where she plays a key role in overseeing investigations and driving accountability across the public sector. With extensive experience in governance, risk, and regulatory frameworks, she works to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity in government decision-making. Stacey brings a strong focus on public trust, ethical oversight, and the responsible use of data and technology in complex environments.
Simon Reiter, Chief Technology Officer, CareSuper
Simon is a Top 50 Australian CIO and Digital Transformation Executive with over 27 years’ experience across Financial Services, Property, Government, Health, Education and Legal sectors. He is currently the Chief Technology Officer at CareSuper and has previously held senior technology leadership roles at Aware Super and Cbus Property, including Acting CTO and Head of Technology Strategy. Simon specialises in enterprise-scale transformation, cloud and core platform modernisation, and M&A integration, leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams through high-risk change. He is also an executive mentor with TechLX and Women.4/STEM, actively supporting diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.
Dilan Perera, Chief AI Officer, Bendigo Kangan Institute
Dilan’s appointment as Chief AI Officer is the first such appointment in the Australian education sector. He leads enterprise AI strategy and the delivery of a sector-leading AI program, with a focus on human-centred AI, strong data foundations, and ethical, purpose-led adoption. Prior to BKI, Dilan spent 20 years leading major customer, technology and digital transformations across the banking, insurance and energy sectors, delivering significant operational and commercial outcomes through technology-led innovation.
Professor Jeannie Paterson CAIDE Co- Director & Digital Ethics Advisor, Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, The University of Melbourne
Professor Jeannie Paterson is Co-Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE) and a leading expert in digital regulation, consumer protection and AI governance. She works at the intersection of law, technology and ethics, advising on responsible AI, emerging risks and the regulatory frameworks needed to build trust in digital systems. Jeannie is widely recognised for her work shaping policy and guiding organisations on the ethical deployment of AI in complex, high-impact environments.
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.
Dr Lisa Dethridge, Senior Research Fellow, RMIT
Dr Lisa Dethridge is a specialist in Responsible Artificial Intelligence, with a career spanning emerging technologies, design, media, governance and human-centred innovation. She is a Board Member and Technology Advisor to the Australian Internet Domain Authority (auDA), a Research Fellow and Lecturer at RMIT University, and a recognised thought leader in ethical and sustainable AI. With experience across telecommunications, digital media, virtual environments and AI systems, Lisa brings a unique systems-thinking perspective to the opportunities and risks created by rapidly advancing technologies. Her work focuses on responsible AI governance, human-centred design, trust, transparency and the societal impacts of intelligent systems. Lisa has worked with leading organisations including OpenAI, Microsoft and CSIRO on research and innovation initiatives. She is a regular speaker, researcher and advisor on the future of AI, digital trust, governance and responsible technology adoption.
Dr Maruf Hossain, Chief AI Strategist, Author & Global Top 100 Innovator
Maruf is named among the 2024 Global Top 100 Innovators in Data and Analytics, is Australia’s leading Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO), providing strategic leadership in artificial intelligence to boards, consulting partnerships, and technology firms. He holds a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Melbourne, complemented by GAICD governance credentials. Maruf’s executive experience spans the enterprise and public sectors. Maruf supports organisations worldwide in building sustainable AI capabilities. Previously, as Vice President of Data Science at ANZ Bank, he led large-scale AI adoption across banking operations. His earlier roles with Credit Clear, Telstra Global, IBM Global Business Services, Infosys Consulting, and the Australian Government involved establishing Data and AI Centres of Excellence and embedding responsible AI frameworks across regulated industries. Author of AI Success Beyond Perfect Data and several research papers, Maruf is recognised for aligning AI strategy with measurable organisational and governance outcomes.aru
Manohar Esarapu, Chief Information & Innovation Officer, City of Port Phillip
Manohar leads the digital strategy, technology and innovation initiatives at the City of Port Phillip where he strives to enhance community services and operational outcomes. With extensive experience across government and enterprise, he focuses on leveraging data, AI and emerging technologies to drive smarter, more responsive service delivery. Manohar is passionate about building future-ready organisations through innovation, collaboration and responsible technology adoption.
Dr Imtiaz Bhayat, Chief Information Officer, Regis Aged care
Imtiaz leads technology, digital and data strategy across a complex, highly regulated healthcare environment. With deep experience in enterprise IT, transformation and service delivery, he focuses on leveraging technology and AI to improve care outcomes, operational efficiency and resident experience. Imtiaz is passionate about driving innovation while ensuring security, compliance and trust in critical care systems.
Paul Arthur, Regional Vice President ANZ, OutSystems
Paul serves as Regional Vice President for ANZ at OutSystems. He advises business and technology executives on accelerating digital transformation and shifting from siloed AI pilots to fully governed, enterprise-scale Agentic portfolios. Prior to OutSystems, Paul held senior leadership roles across ANZ and APAC, building high-performing teams, expanding market presence and driving growth for leading technology organisations.
Joe Locandro, EVP & Global Chief Information Officer, Rimini Street
Joe is responsible for leading Rimini Street’s global, mission-critical IT business applications and operations team and establishing strategic plans for the company’s current and future capabilities of IT. Joe is a seasoned business technology and transformation leader with over 25 years in senior IT executive roles including CTO, CIO, CDO and Chief Transformation Officer, a career spanning a range of complex industries from airlines, utilities, and manufacturing to building and construction. His extensive background includes working for many global organizations along with providing his expertise to advisory boards for governments, universities, and statutory authorities. With deep experience leading culturally diverse international environments such as mainland China, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, Joe champions a culture of collaboration across internal and external stakeholders. Focused on delivering tangible and measurable results, he enjoys identifying business opportunities using a combination of contemporary and emerging technologies, and bringing together people, tools and a shared purpose in realizing the company vision. Previously, Joe served as CIO at Fletcher Building (Australia and New Zealand), Chief Digital & Business Transformation Officer at Austral Energy Market Operator, Vice President of Business Technology Services at Emirates Airlines, CIO of Cathay Pacific Airways and CIO of China Light & Power.