Archives: Speakers

Eduard Hovy is the Executive Director of Melbourne Connect (a research and tech transfer centre at the University of Melbourne), a professor at the University of Melbourne’s School of Computing and Information Systems, and an adjunct professor at the Language Technologies Institute in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. in the US In 2020–21 he served as Program Manager in DARPA’s Information Innovation Office (I2O). Dr. Hovy completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at Yale University and was awarded 2 honorary doctorates. He is one of the initial 17 Fellows of the Association for Computational Linguistics (ACL) and is also a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). Dr. Hovy’s research focuses on AI, natural language processing, machine learning, and data analytics. computational semantics of language and addresses various areas in Natural Language Processing and Data Analytics.

Salvatore started his career at Accenture, global technology consulting company, working in several projects with increasing responsibility in Project Delivery and Technology Archiecture, for Public Sector, Healthcare, Human Services and Postal services, in Italy and Saudi Arabia. Then he moved to ADR, the company which manages the Airports in the Rome Metropolitan Area, taking the responsibility of the IT Architecture and Innovation function. Finally, he moved to Amplifon, global leader in hearing aid services, first taking the responsibility of the Global Enterprise Architecture, and then joining the Australia market to lead the IT transformation and business integration. Father of a boy, he enjoys running and playing golf.

Professor Monica Whitty is the Head of Department for Software Systems and Cyber Security, and holds a Professorship in Human Factors in Cyber Security at Monash University. Monica has held Professorships at top institutions, including the University of Melbourne, UNSW, the University of Warwick and the University of Leicester. She researches the psychological issues related to cyber security and cybercrimes. Professor Whitty has led large interdisciplinary projects on cyber scams, insider threats, training in cyber security, and detecting and preventing dis/misinformation. She was a member of the Global Futures Communities for Cyber Security for the World Economic Forum and is the author of 5 books and over 100 articles.

Jimmy is a passionate cyber security and risk management professional who has held global and regional leadership roles with a diversified technology experience in the banking and insurance sectors. In recent years, he has been focusing on the development of cyber security leadership, strategy framework, third party risk management and technology regulatory changes. He obtained a 1st class honour Master’s degree in Executive IT Management from the University of Melbourne during COVID lock down. He is currently the CISO of the Australian business of AIA, a global life and health insurer.

– 15 years of experience in Cyber Security, technology and 8 years in leadership
– Passionate about enabling people and bringing people together to solve problems
– Skilled in simplifying, coaching, facilitation, data and team enablement
– Knowledge of Cyber Security, Privacy and data technologies and risk and assurance frameworks

I also have a passion for creativity and collaboration inside and outside of work, which is why I play/GM Dungeons and Dragons and TTRPGs, help organise events and crowds and leading a community music theatre organization. I also love teaching, swimming and playing Rugby, and I’m a casual Carlton supporter.

Bio TBC

Highly motivated Executive Security and Technology Leader with over 20 years’ experience delivering Digitization and Transformation initiatives driving great advances in security, customer experience, product digitization and business outcomes.

Kurt is an internationally renowned technology executive with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. He is currently the Chief Digital and Information Officer at Built where he is spearheading a revolution in digital first construction. Kurt has recently joined Built after being the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Transport for New South Wales led the delivery of a AU$1bn portfolio of capital technology and digital initiatives in support of the Australia’s largest-ever investment in transport infrastructure ($72.3bn over 4 years). Kurt has been responsible for transforming the digital transport experience for the citizens of New South Wales delivering Opal, the first contactless transport payments system in the southern hemisphere, and several world first digital transport products and services. In 2020 Kurt was awarded with ‘Best Technology Project in Australia’, in 2023 was featured in the ‘Top 50 Global government innovators list’, in 2024 was awarded for leading the ‘World’s Best Digital Transport Agency’, before being named as ‘Number 1 CIO in Australia for 2024’ in the CIO50.

Kurt has worked in a number of senior technology roles internationally and domestically in both the private and public sector. Kurt was formerly an Army officer where he served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Indonesia, prior to working for Deloitte in business and technology transformation. From there Kurt worked with ASX listed infrastructure firms Leighton Group and Lendlease where he led large, multi-national technology teams.

Stephanie has a background in technology leadership, consulting, project management, and marketing across various industries. She’s passionate about collaboration, creativity, change, and communication to drive innovation and social justice. She’s worked with companies like CBRE, Foxtel, and Fairfax.

Goran Stefkovski is a leading technologist and business leader, serving as the Chief Technology Officer of the Kogan.com, one of Australia’s largest online retailers and five time winner of the ORIA’s customer’s choice award. Goran looks after the technology, data and security as well as product strategy and execution of the Kogan.com group – ensuring Kogan.com customers are experience the best digital shopping experience available.
Under his guidance, Kogan.com has made strides in innovation and customer experience. He engineered the online store, co-invented patented technologies, refined agile delivery processes and has driven adoption of personalisation, AI and learning throughout the business.
With a background in Law and in Engineering, Goran has been a speaker and panellist at many events on topics ranging from technology, drones and self-driving cars through to business process and engineering best practices. He has also received the 2017 CIO of the Year award for Retail.