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.
Charles Gillman, CISO, SuperChoice
Charles has two decades of expertise in Information Security, particularly within the financial services sector, having led & built security teams at major Australian banks. He has held CISO roles at a Cloud Service Provider, within Financial Services and for a global Managed Services business. His diverse experience has equipped him with a well-rounded view of the security landscape and the skills to implement practical solutions to address current and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Sam Fariborz, CISO, David Jones
Sam is a seasoned cyber security expert and thought leader with over fifteen years of experience in technology and security. She excels in both technical and business discussions, making her a key asset for organizations aiming to enhance their cyber resilience. Throughout her career, Sam has led diverse teams, managed complex cyber programs, and implemented robust security frameworks. She thrives in dynamic environments, consistently achieving remarkable results by fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication.
Sandeep Taileng, CISO, State Trustees
With over 18 years of experience in complex technology risk environments, I am a results-oriented leader skilled in proactive risk management and stakeholder engagement. I excel in leading diverse teams, designing data-driven analytics, and ensuring compliance with international standards such as ISO27001/2, the Australian Privacy Act, the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, and PCI-DSS. My expertise includes developing and maintaining comprehensive ISMS frameworks, including policies, standards, processes, and artifacts. I am passionate about fostering a robust and integrated risk culture within organizations.
Raymond Umerley, CISO, Coveware
Ray Umerley is the Field CISO for Coveware. With more than 20+ years of experience in a variety of security functions in the enterprise arena, Ray is helping to bring a wealth of knowledge to our clients’ security programs. Prior to Coveware, Ray was the Chief Information Risk Officer for a Fortune 500 company leading the global cybersecurity risk, privacy and data protection, and crisis management programs.
He has been twice recognized as a Top 100 CISO by Security Current and CISOs Connect, a Top Global CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine, and is a frequent speaker on cybersecurity and data protection topics at industry panels and events including the RSA Conference. Ray holds a Masters degree in Computer Information Systems from Boston University, numerous industry certifications including the ISC(2) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and is a recognized Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Vijay Narayan, CISO, Mercy Health
Vijay Narayan is an accomplished information security professional with extensive experience in the field. Currently, he serves as the Chief Information Security Officer at Mercy Health Australia, a role he began in 2023. Previously, Vijay was the Chief Information Security Officer at the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) from 2020 to 2023, where he also briefly acted as the Chief Technology Officer. From 2011 to 2020, he was the Head of Information Security at the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), where he established a comprehensive information security program. Vijay’s earlier roles include Manager of Information Security & Systems at VicRoads, Information Security Consultant at Wipro Technologies, and Information Security Manager at CRISIL Global Research & Analytics. He began his career as the Head of IT at RndSoftech Private Limited in 2000.
James Roberts, General Manager, Group Fraud Management Services, Commonwealth Bank
James is currently the General Manager of Fraud and Scams Strategy and Governance at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia overseeing the Bank’s strategic approach to the prevention, detection and response to external fraud and scams. James also serves on the Board of the Australian Financial Crime Exchange. He has worked in the financial services and fraud industry for over 20 years and has extensive experience in investigating and managing fraud and financial crimes. James was previously General Manager of CBA’s Group Investigations, Intelligence and Fraud Advisory division and holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology. Prior to emigrating to Australia in 2015, James was the Head of Group Financial Crime Control at Standard Bank in South Africa managing their prevention, detection and response to external and internal fraud. During this time, he was also a long standing member of the Commercial Crime Steering Committee at SABRIC.
Indika Wimalasiri
An Information Security Leader with enthusiasm and passion for Information and Cyber Security Management and Delivery. Over 18 years of experience working in IT/IS and recent 10+ years specialising Information and Cyber Security. Experienced in the full spectrum of Information and Cyber Security domains. Strong relationship building ability to drive success both within technical and business aspects.
Deniz Molokov, CISO, Downer
Deniz is a seasoned cyber security, IT operations, and risk management executive with over 20 years’ experience working in large, complex environments. Deniz’s career is built on delivering strategic, customer-centric transformations, outsourcing, and technology initiatives. He partners with executives and business leaders to secure organisations from emerging threats while ensuring alignment with roadmaps, strategies, standards, and regulatory compliance.
With his experience across several industries, including rail, road, telecommunications, power and gas, renewable energy, water, defence, mining, and facilities management portfolios. He understands the challenges businesses face and uses his knowledge to build high-performing teams, communicate his vision to the C-suite and board while driving operational efficiency and cyber security resiliency. Deniz’s mantra is to embed partners into his organisation’s ecosystem, enabling the business to consume IT and cyber security services transparently. He believes that service excellence is driven by a customer-first mindset and that service quality is shaped by customer expectations
Peter Coroneos, Founder, Cybermindz
Twice invited to the White House to advise the Obama Administration on cybersecurity, Peter Coroneos is a distinguished leader in the cyber and technology sectors. As CEO of Australia’s Internet Industry Association (1997-2011) he pioneered ‘icode’, an anti-botnet scheme, inspiring a similar US initiative that reached 276 million users by 2012. Peter led the Australian industry delegation to Washington bilaterals on critical infrastructure protection. Beyond his cyber credentials, Peter is an accredited iRest instructor, and long term meditation teacher and practitioner. He holds qualifications in science, education, and law. In 2022, Peter founded Cybermindz.org, an international non-profit empowering and restoring embattled cyber teams with scalable, evidence based mental health support.
Steven Bonnici, CIO, Ford Motor Company
A Global Technology and Business leader with more than twenty years of experience applying technology to transform business performance and customer experiences, with roles in Australia, United States, Thailand, and China. Named one of Australia’s top 50 senior technology and digital executives for achieving record business results, through digital modernisation and improved customer experience. Recognised as a strategic thinker, with an extensive technical background, who engages with executive leadership and builds purpose driven teams, across large and complex organisations and geographies. Passionate about working with teams to deliver outstanding business outcomes.
Muhammad Usman, Head of Quantum Systems Team, CSIRO Data61
Dr Muhammad Usman is a Team Leader and Principal Staff Member at CSIRO’s Data61 which is Australia National Research Organisation. He has over 15 years of research and teaching experience in the field of quantum computing with a track-record over 100 research papers in high-impact international journals. At CSIRO, Dr Usman is leading a team of over 20 researchers working at the forefront of quantum algorithms, quantum software engineering, and quantum security. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics and serves on the executive editorial boards of two international journals, a committee member of Standards Australia to help in standardisation of quantum technologies and have honorary Associate Professor positions at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Dr Usman is the chair of organising committee of International Conference on Quantum Techniques in Machine Learning 2024, has delivered numerous invited talks in international conferences and has been invited on several panel discussions at national and international meetings. His work was the Winner of the State of Victoria iAward 2024, Innovative of the Year 2023 Award by Defence Industry, Winner of the Australian Army Quantum Technology Challenge in three years in a row (2021, 2022 and 2023), Rising Stars in Computational Materials Science by Elsevier in 2020, and Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (Early Career) at the University of Melbourne in 2019. Dr Usman is a recipient of prestigious international research fellowships from Fulbright USA (20005-2010) and DAAD Germany in 2010. Dr Usman is a passionate quantum educator and has been promoting quantum education among school children as part of the CSIRO’s STEM Scientists in Schools program.
James Ng, CISO, 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.
Sinan Erbay, CIO, RMIT University
A highly regarded Technology Executive with more than 25 years of experience, Sinan is an innovative and goal-oriented leader with a record of accomplishment in establishing advanced technology strategies in large scale business environments. A proven IT Executive driving results across the entire enterprise, Sinan aligns performance for success leading to improved quality, capability and risk reduction. Sinan has Technology and Business experience which spans industry sectors: Insurance, IT Outsourcing, Retail, Financial Services and Education to name a few. Enjoying fast paced environments, Sinan is highly experienced in leading sourcing strategy, transforming IT services and building teams for the future. Sinan’s skills cover IT Strategy, architecture, program and people management, service delivery and commercial negotiations. He has proven experience on both applications and infrastructure architecture, leading teams of 500+ across geographical and multicultural environments.
Suzanne Hall, CIO, Baptcare
Suzanne is an experienced technology leader having worked across government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. She has four-times (2024, 2023, 2022, 2017) been named in the CIO50 list recognising Australia’s top 50 technology leaders influencing technology-driven change and innovation. Suzanne is passionate about working in values-based organisations and leading diverse teams to make long-term customer-centric improvements.
Derek Bopping, First Assistant Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate
Derek Bopping is the Head of the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Melbourne Office. Previously, he led ASD’s Cyber Engagement and Strategy Division, where he oversaw cybersecurity partnerships with industry, the media and other government stakeholders. Derek was formerly the Deputy Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, overseeing the design and implementation of Australia’s federal counter-terrorism laws, and has worked as an independent consultant focusing on the insurance and business interruption aspects of cyber risk. Derek holds a PhD in social psychology from the Australian National University.
Colleen Pender, Head of Technology, NAB
Colleen is a technology leader with over 20 years working in various industries including IT, Finance, Logistics and Local/State Government. She has significant experience leading technology transformations, large-scale releases and projects. Colleen has worked with senior client and vendor stakeholders spanning over multiple international locations. She has a strong delivery focus and excels at finding solutions to challenges. Her strong communication and negotiation skills help her to operate effectively in complex environments and achieve the best outcomes for organisations and customers. She is a passionate leader and coach who empowers individuals and inspires teams to drive change and continuous improvement. Colleen is currently working at the National Australia Bank on a major migration program which is one of the largest the bank has delivered