Join us at the 20th CIO Leaders Australia Summit Be part of this year's upcoming gathering where you will be able
to engage with the country's leading IT Executives on the
27th May 2025, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Join us at the 20th CIO Leaders Australia Summit Be part of this year's upcoming gathering where you will be able
to engage with the country's leading IT Executives on the
27th May 2025, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Summit Themes Key themes and topics are developed by our
standing committee and advisory board from
the country's most respected IT Leaders.
These will be addressed over the course
of the CIO Leaders Summit Australia.

 

Data Strategy &
Governance

 

AI & Machine
Learning

 

Cloud
Computing

 

Data Analytics
& Visualisation

 

Data Science
& Big Data

 

Digital
Transformation

 

Internet of
Things

 

Cyber Security

Join us at the 20th CIO Leaders
Australia Summit

BE PART OF THIS YEAR’S UPCOMING GATHERING
WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE WITH
THE COUNTRY’S LEADING IT PROFESSIONALS ON THE
27th May 2025, Sheraton Grand, Sydney

Join the gathering

ABOUT THE EVENT

The 20th CIO Leaders Australia Summit, scheduled for May 27, 2025, at Sheraton Grand in Sydney, will once again serve as the premier gathering for more than 150 of the state’s foremost CIOs, Heads of IT and senior IT executives.

The theme for this year’s summit revolves around “Securing, Scaling & Leading in the Age of Disruption” this message will be conveyed by a distinguished assembly of thought leaders through keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and focused roundtable conversations.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tailor their own agendas, allowing them to optimise their time away from the office by participating in sessions most pertinent to their specific business needs.

Additionally, the networking opportunities available throughout the event will enable senior IT executives to engage directly with a carefully curated group of technology partners through pre arranged business meetings. These partners will be showcased throughout the day, providing valuable assistance to leading security executives modernisation initiatives. These engagements ensure that businesses remain at the forefront of adopting new technologies, aligning their investment strategies with their overarching business goals.

SPEAKERS

Goran Stefkovski
plus

Goran Stefkovski

Chief Technology Officer, Kogan.com

Kurt Brissett
plus

Kurt Brissett

Chief Digital and Information Officer, Built

Stephanie Chung
plus

Stephanie Chung

CIO - Australia and New Zealand, Kenvue

Brett Wilson
plus

Brett Wilson

Chief information Officer, RACP (Royal Australian College of Physicians)

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

PROGRAM

The summit program is a draft and is subject to change.

Registration and Morning Refreshments

30min

Welcome and Introduction and Master of Ceremonies

Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

5min

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Opening Debate: Budgets Are Tight, So Do We Invest in Risk Reduction or Growth Acceleration?

As economic pressures tighten and technology budgets come under intense scrutiny, CIOs and CISOs are often at a crossroads, should limited resources be directed toward reducing risk or accelerating business growth? In this interactive debate, two seasoned executives go head to head to argue their side of the boardroom tug of war.

Throughout this debate we will see the CIO advocate for bold technology investments that unlock innovation, drive operational efficiency, and keep the business competitive in a fast changing market. While on the other side, the CISO will make the case that without robust security and risk mitigation, growth initiatives could collapse under the weight of cyber threats, compliance failures, and reputational damage.

With the future of digital transformation and organisational resilience hanging in the balance, this session will challenge the audience to consider, Where does the real value lie when budgets are on the line?

20min

Keynote Presentation – Green IT as a Strategic Advantage

With increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and customers, IT leaders must now account for their environmental impact. But beyond compliance, sustainability offers a competitive edge through efficiency, innovation, and employee engagement.

This session shows how CIOs are reducing emissions in data centres, cloud usage, hardware lifecycles, and procurement, while also embedding ESG goals into tech and digital strategy roadmaps.

Key Takeaways:
  • Track and measure emissions across IT infrastructure
  • Choose cloud providers and data centres with net-zero commitments
  • Embed sustainability in procurement and vendor selection
  • Report IT’s contribution to company-wide ESG goals

20min

Keynote Panel Discussion – Balancing Innovation and Risk by Aligning IT Modernisation with Cybersecurity Resilience

As organisations accelerate digital transformation, CIOs and CISOs must collaborate to modernise infrastructure without exposing the business to new vulnerabilities.

This panel will explore how IT modernisation initiatives, such as cloud migration, AI integration, and legacy system replacement, are being strategically aligned with evolving cyber threat landscapes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Frameworks for integrating security into every stage of IT modernisation
  • How to measure risk and resilience in transformation projects
  • Strategies for cross-functional collaboration between IT and security teams

30min

Speaking Presentation – From Compliance to Competitive Advantage, Embedding Cybersecurity and Data Governance into Business Strategy

Cybersecurity and data privacy regulations continue to evolve, but forward-thinking organisations see this as more than a compliance exercise.

This discussion will focus on how CIOs and CISOs can co-develop governance structures that not only protect the business but also support innovation, customer trust, and operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • How to turn data and cyber governance into enablers of innovation
  • Shared ownership models between IT, security, and compliance
  • Building trust with stakeholders through transparency and proactive risk management

30min

Networking Break

15min

Breakout Session – Securing Your Data, Simplify The Path to Cyber Resilience and Defence

In today's interconnected world, ransomware attacks are no longer a matter of "if" but "when." Businesses need solutions that not only safeguard their critical assets but also reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Join Rubrik as we delve into the critical need for a modern cyber resilience strategy.

Simplify. This session will break down the anatomy of a ransomware attack, exposing the vulnerabilities that legacy backup solutions simply can't address. We'll explore why traditional backups are no longer enough to guarantee recovery in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. By consolidating, simplifying and automating data protection, you can dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership.

Connect. Discover how Rubrik's platform empowers you to simplify your data management, connect your critical systems, and ultimately protect your business from the devastating impact of a cyber incident. And in a world where data is increasingly moving to the cloud, ensure your cloud data is protected and managed as seamlessly as on-premises data.

Protect. Learn how to achieve true cyber resilience and ensure business continuity, even in the face of a successful attack. Ask yourself…

  • Does your board know it would likely take you weeks to recover from a cyber attack today?
  • Have you established a clear operating model between ITOps and SecOps with clearly defined roles when it comes to cyber recovery?
  • When was the last time you tested recovery of a Tier 1 application from backups? Has this been tested under cyber duress?
  • What potential could be realised when all organisations operate with cyber confidence and known recovery times?
  • Does your organisation operate and invest based on a true 'assumed breach' mindset?

30min

Breakout Session – How Do You Orchestrate Governance in an AI-Driven Enterprise

This session explores how automation and orchestration are reshaping AI governance—enabling real-time compliance, embedded controls, and continuous oversight.

Tech and security leaders will gain insights on enforcing guardrails at scale, ensuring traceability, and building governance into the AI fabric without slowing innovation.

30min

Breakout Session – How Modern CIOs Redefine Innovation with AI + Low-Code

Modern CIOs are turning to the powerful combination of AI and low-code to lead enterprise innovation.

This session explores the key factors driving this trend and how AI powered low-code empowers IT leaders to deliver faster business outcomes, while also delving into a play-book that CIOs can adapt to drive this change.

30min

Breakout Session – Smarter IT Strategies: Optimise Costs, Maximise Value, and Accelerate Innovation

In today’s economic climate, IT leaders are under growing pressure to do more with less—balancing cost efficiency with the need to modernise and innovate.

This session will uncover how forward-thinking organisations are leveraging third-party support to reduce operational costs, extend the life of critical systems, and reinvest in the technologies that matter most.

  • Explore real examples of how enterprises have cut support and maintenance costs while maintaining
  • Learn how to extend the lifespan of your ERP environment and delay costly upgrades without compromising
  • See how organisations are confidently supporting mission-critical customisations—without hidden costs.

30min

Speaking Presentation – Modernisation at the Core, Accelerating Legacy Transformation

Legacy systems often slow innovation, introduce risk, and increase costs, but replacing them is complex and often disruptive.

In this session, learn how leading CIOs are re-architecting core platforms through phased modernisation, leveraging cloud-native services, APIs, and microservices to preserve critical functionality while enabling speed and flexibility.

This session will be used as a roadmap for CIOs looking to modernise with clarity, not chaos.

Key Takeaways:

  • Evaluate the business case for legacy modernisation
  • Sequence transformation projects for maximum ROI
  • Embrace microservices, containers, and modular architecture
  • Avoid common pitfalls during ERP and platform migration

30min

Speaking Presentation – Driving Enterprise Innovation with Responsible AI

Artificial Intelligence has moved from pilot programs to enterprise-wide deployment, but success hinges on trust, ethics, and governance. As AI becomes embedded into core systems and processes, CIOs must lead the charge in aligning AI use with regulatory compliance, risk frameworks, and company values.

This session explores how forward-thinking CIOs are building responsible AI strategies that drive innovation while protecting reputation and ensuring long-term viability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Define an AI governance model tailored to your organisation
  • Identify risks in uncontrolled AI usage across teams
  • Understand the role of CIOs in embedding responsible AI into operations
  • Learn from successful enterprise AI use cases

30min

Breakout Session – Leveraging observability to support the AI era, A playbook for CIOs

As AI becomes a crucial component of modern IT strategies, observability becomes even more relevant. The 2024 Observability Forecast revealed that the adoption of AI technologies was the top strategy or trend driving the need for observability (41%), with 42% of those surveyed saying they had already deployed AI monitoring.

But how can CIOs maximise their investments and get the best value from observability?

This breakout session explores key features of AI, including enhanced predictive capabilities and streamlined incident management, and how to use them to drive the best business outcomes.

Attendees will discuss the challenges they face, and share insights on leveraging AI-driven observability components, such as predictive alerts.

Key Takeaways:

  • How AI enhances observability for predictive insights and incident prevention.
  • Real-world examples of AI-driven observability in action.
  • Overcoming skepticism and building confidence in AI-powered tools

30min

Breakout Session – Data Governance in the Age of AI and Cloud

Explore how CIOs are evolving data governance frameworks to manage risk, ensure compliance, and maintain data integrity across hybrid environments.

30min

Breakout Session – Balancing Innovation and Cost in Legacy Modernisation

Share strategies for phasing out or integrating legacy systems while driving innovation and maintaining budget control in complex IT environments.

30min

Breakout Session – Sustainable IT – Driving Green Transformation from the Tech Core

Examine how CIOs are reducing environmental impact through green infrastructure, sustainable procurement, and smarter energy use in data operations.

30min

Networking Lunch

40min

Keynote Panel Discussion – AI-Powered Business Models — What’s Hype vs. Reality?

As AI continues to dominate the tech narrative, many organisations are still grappling with how to move from experimentation to enterprise-wide impact. This panel will cut through the noise, bringing together CIOs who have led successful AI transformations, while also acknowledging the roadblocks, failures, and misconceptions along the way.

The conversation will address how to define business-relevant AI use cases, secure executive buy-in, manage AI ethics, and drive measurable outcomes.

Panelists will share practical examples of where AI is driving tangible value and where caution or re-evaluation is warranted.

Key Takeaways:

  • Identify which AI initiatives are delivering real business value vs. speculative investments
  • Understand how to scale AI from pilots to core enterprise operations
  • Learn how to manage ethical and governance concerns when deploying AI
  • Gain tips on aligning AI projects with C-suite priorities and ROI expectations

30min

Speaking Presentation – Cloud Cost Optimisation at Scale, Beyond FinOps

While the cloud offers flexibility and scalability, many organisations are overspending due to poor visibility, unused resources, or un optimised architecture.

This session will help CIOs go beyond surface-level FinOps reporting and into the practical actions that reduce real spend. From repatriating workloads to rethinking cloud contracts and implementing automated governance, we explore how technology leaders are taking back control of their cloud economics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apply FinOps principles to reduce cloud waste
  • Evaluate repatriation, when and why to move workloads back on-prem
  • Leverage automation to enforce budget controls
  • Negotiate smarter with cloud service providers

20min

Keynote Presentation – The Data-Driven Enterprise, Turning Chaos into Clarity

Data is the new oil, yet too many CIOs struggle with fragmented systems, inconsistent governance, and a lack of trust in business insights.

This session will explore how to design a data architecture that enables real-time decisions, supports AI initiatives, and builds enterprise-wide confidence in your insights. Learn how to balance centralised control with decentralised access while aligning data strategy to enterprise growth goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Design enterprise data platforms that support scale and speed
  • Improve data quality, access, and governance across teams
  • Empower business users with self-service analytics
  • Align data strategy with business and AI outcomes

20min

Closing Remarks

Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

5min

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Networking Drinks

60min

Registration & Morning Refreshments

30min

Welcome & Introduction – Master of Ceremonies

Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

5min

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Opening Debate – Balancing Innovation and Security: Who Should Have the Final Say in Approving New Technologies?

Speakers:
Brett Wilson, Chief Information Officer, RACP
Jamie Rossato, Chief Information Security Officer, CSIRO
Moderator:
Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change
This topic addresses the often-conflicting priorities of rapid technological adoption and stringent security requirements. Focusing on whether the CIO’s drive for innovation or the CISO’s focus on security should take precedence. Join this engaging session where Brett and Jamie will have a light-hearted battle between CIO and CISO on a topic where each member will argue their side trying to convince you they have the right opinion on the matter.

20min

Brett Wilson

  Recognised in the CIO50 in 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 for innovation and leadership. An executive leader with experience in digital [...]

Jamie Rossato

Jamie Rossato, has served in CISO roles for over a decade across a range of industries. He has served as a non-executive director at the [...]

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Keynote Presentation – The Future of Mobility & Smart Cities: AI, Data & Citizen-Centric Design

Kurt Brissett, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Built

The intersection of AI, data, and digital platforms is transforming the design and construction of infrastructure across our cities. This session will explore how technology and data is now enabling the public and private sector to rethink how to best partner to deliver city shaping projects. Holding the benchmark as top CIO50 in 2024, Kurt will share key insights on:

  • How AI and digital platforms are reshaping the construction sector – real-time digital collaboration and modelling that reduces construction time, risk, cost, waste and improves quality
  • Delivering seamless, secure, and integrated digital experiences – ensuring reliability, cybersecurity, and user-centric design
  • Lessons from building award-winning, smart city solutions – insights into navigating complexity, driving innovation, and aligning technology with public needs

30min

Kurt Brissett

Kurt is an internationally renowned technology executive with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. He is currently the Chief Digital and [...]

Keynote Panel Discussion – AI in the Enterprise: Balancing Innovation and Security

Panellists:
James Carter, Chief information Officer, ACEREZ
Russell Morris, CIO, APA
Catherine Rowe, Former Group CISO, QBE
Leron Zinatullin, CISO, Linkly
Moderator:
Anthony Caruana, Advisor, Focus Network

Join our expert panel as we explore the intersection of AI, innovation, and security in the enterprise. Our discussion will delve into the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, from driving business growth to mitigating cyber threats.

CIOs and CISOs alike will gain valuable insights on how to harness the power of AI while ensuring the security and integrity of their organisations.


30min

James Carter

James Carter is a transformational CIO with extensive experience leading enterprise-wide technology strategies and digital modernisation across [...]

Russell Morris

Global technology executive delivering transformation, commercial value, and innovation at scale. With experience across 10 [...]

Catherine Rowe

With experience operating at the intersection of risk, cyber security, technology, law and governance, I have built a successful career leading [...]

Leron Zinatullin

Leron is a forward-thinking technology executive specialising in cyber strategy, management and delivery. He has led large scale, global, high [...]

Anthony Caruana

Anthony Caruana has worked for almost every major masthead in the Australian IT press with his work appearing around the world. As an experienced [...]

Keynote Presentation – Aligning from the inside out: How modern enterprises turn culture into outcomes

Peter Au, Enterprise Portfolio Management Sales Specialist, Monday.com

In high-performing enterprises, culture is no longer a passive backdrop — it’s an active system that drives execution. As CIOs evolve from technology stewards to strategic enablers, they are uniquely positioned to design systems that embed values, goals, and alignment into the rhythm of daily work. This session explores how to operationalise culture using AI-augmented insights, embedded OKRs, and adaptive enterprise platforms — creating the conditions for accountability, agility, and sustained momentum from the inside out.

Key takeaways:

  • Operationalise culture through enterprise system: Uncover how to embed core behaviours like agility, accountability, and focus into enterprise workflows — turning culture into a scalable engine for execution.
  • Drive strategic alignment through goal-connected work: See how embedding OKRs into the flow of work enables real-time visibility, cross-functional coordination, and faster responses to shifting business priorities.
  • Leverage AI to scale insight and governance: Learn how AI-enhanced platforms can proactively identify misalignment, surface risks, and deliver actionable intelligence — empowering CIOs to lead with clarity, not control.

30min

Peter Au

Peter Au is a forward-thinking leader passionate about the intersection of technology, culture, and business outcomes. With a proven track record [...]

Networking Break

15min

Breakout Session – How Do You Orchestrate Governance in an AI-Driven Enterprise

Darren Cockerell, Head of Sales and Solution Consulting, Australia and New Zealand, Blue Prism

This session explores how automation and orchestration are reshaping AI governance—enabling real-time compliance, embedded controls, and continuous oversight.

Tech and security leaders will gain insights on enforcing guardrails at scale, ensuring traceability, and building governance into the AI fabric without slowing innovation.


30min

Darren Cockerell

Darren Cockerell is Head of Sales and Solutions Consulting ANZ at SS&C Blue Prism where he is responsible for understanding the strategic [...]

Breakout Session – The Unseen Threat Driving Strategic Risk

Ariel Lumbroso, NSW Sales Engineer, Delinea

As AI transforms how businesses operate, it’s also redefining the identity threat landscape. Many organisations are still grappling with how to effectively manage human identities and now face the added challenge of growing machine identities, which already outnumber human ones by 46 to 1 and are projected to surpass 45 billion by the end of 2025.

This explosion of access across cloud platforms is dramatically expanding the attack surface. Threat actors are taking advantage, using AI to exploit gaps in visibility and privilege at speed and scale.

For security leaders, identity has become the new perimeter and securing it means protecting everything: people, systems, and applications. But how do you manage that at scale while maintaining efficiency? 

This executive roundtable will explore:

  • Strategic challenges in improving preventative controls. 
  • Reducing the cost and effort of non-compliance
  • How AI and automation can improve security while improving IT efficiencies

Join senior security leaders to unpack the realities of managing identity risk in a cloud-first, AI-driven world.


30min

Ariel Lumbroso

Bio coming [...]

Breakout Session – The Hidden Weakness in Identity Security: Why Traditional PAM is No Longer Enough

Roshi Balendran, Regional Director, BeyondTrust

Identity is now the number one attack vector. Attackers are bypassing outdated security controls, exploiting misconfigured identities, excessive permissions, and poor session management. Traditional PAM (Privileged Access Management) solutions weren’t designed for today’s dynamic, cloud-first environments.

A 2024 threat intelligence report found that credential-based attacks accounted for 38% of all data breaches—significantly more than phishing (17%) and exploits (16%). This shift highlights a growing risk for security teams: legacy PAM tools alone aren’t enough to stop identity-based threats.

Where are the biggest gaps in today’s PAM and identity security strategies?

Legacy PAM solutions that don’t scale – Traditional vault-based PAM was built for static infrastructure, not today’s hybrid-cloud and SaaS environments.

Mismanaged permissions creating hidden risk – Overprivileged accounts, orphaned identities, and excessive standing access leave the door open for attackers.

Fragmented identity controls – Security teams struggle to enforce least privilege consistently across hybrid environments, SaaS applications, and third-party access.

Session monitoring gaps – Without real-time insights into privileged activity, it’s harder to detect and prevent identity-based attacks before they escalate.

With identity now at the centre of the attack surface, organisations need a modern PAM approach that integrates with broader identity security strategies—ensuring access is continuously verified, monitored, and minimised.

This invite-only roundtable will bring together cybersecurity and IAM leaders to discuss:

  • Why is traditional PAM no longer enough? – What are the key limitations of vault-based approaches, and how can modern identity security strategies address them?
  • How can organisations implement a defence-in-depth approach to identity security? – What role do zero trust, just-in-time access, and continuous verification play in stopping identity-driven attacks?
  • How can privileged access be secured without slowing down the business? – What are the best ways to reduce operational complexity while enforcing stronger identity controls?

Join an exclusive discussion with senior cybersecurity and IAM leaders to explore the future of modern PAM and identity security. Secure your seat today.

30min

Roshi Balendran

Bio [...]

Breakout Session – Securing Your Data: Simplify The Path to Cyber Resilience and Defence

Alister Freese, Enterprise Account Executive, Rubrik

In today's interconnected world, ransomware attacks are no longer a matter of "if" but "when." Businesses need solutions that not only safeguard their critical assets but also reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Join Rubrik as we delve into the critical need for a modern cyber resilience strategy.

Simplify. This session will break down the anatomy of a ransomware attack, exposing the vulnerabilities that legacy backup solutions simply can't address. We'll explore why traditional backups are no longer enough to guarantee recovery in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. By consolidating, simplifying and automating data protection, you can dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership.

Connect. Discover how Rubrik's platform empowers you to simplify your data management, connect your critical systems, and ultimately protect your business from the devastating impact of a cyber incident. And in a world where data is increasingly moving to the cloud, ensure your cloud data is protected and managed as seamlessly as on-premises data.

Protect. Learn how to achieve true cyber resilience and ensure business continuity, even in the face of a successful attack.

Ask yourself…

  • Does your board know it would likely take you weeks to recover from a cyber attack today?
  • Have you established a clear operating model between ITOps and SecOps with clearly defined roles when it comes to cyber recovery?
  • When was the last time you tested recovery of a Tier 1 application from backups? Has this been tested under cyber duress?
  • What potential could be realised when all organisations operate with cyber confidence and known recovery times?
  • Does your organisation operate and invest based on a true 'assumed breach' mindset?

30min

Alister Freese

A sales leader who can lead high performing sales teams through applying strong commercial, customer and people management skills. Have built a [...]

Speaking Presentation – Embracing AI: a CIO perspective

Sue-Lin Tin, Former Head of Technology and Digital, Pacific, CBRE

Explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday business operations. This session will discuss how CIOs can harness AI to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and improve operational efficiency. Through real-world examples and strategic insights, we'll examine the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, providing a roadmap for successful implementation.


30min

Sue-Lin Tin

A problem solver at heart, focused on customer outcomes with a technology brain. Experience across a variety of industries building strong [...]

Speaking Presentation – Tech-Enabled Leadership -Bridging the Gap Between Vision and Execution

Stephanie Chung, CIO, Kenvue

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) must leverage technology to drive innovation, agility, and growth. This topic explores the essential tools, frameworks, and cultural shifts CIOs need to bridge the gap between vision and execution, ensuring effective leadership and delivering business value.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Technology-Enabled Vision: CIOs need to develop a clear understanding of how technology can drive business outcomes, aligning IT strategies with business objectives.
  2. Cultural Shifts: Effective tech-enabled leadership requires a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning, empowering teams to drive digital transformation.
  3. Practical Frameworks: CIOs can leverage frameworks like COBIT, ITIL, or Agile methodologies to structure their approach, ensuring effective technology adoption and governance.

30min

Stephanie Chung

Stephanie has a background in technology leadership, consulting, project management, and marketing across various industries. She's passionate [...]

Breakout Session – Leveraging observability to support the AI era: A playbook for CIOs

Aron Marden, Principal Solutions Consultant, New Relic

As AI becomes a crucial component of modern IT strategies, observability becomes even more relevant. The 2024 Observability Forecast revealed that the adoption of AI technologies was the top strategy or trend driving the need for observability (41%), with 42% of those surveyed saying they had already deployed AI monitoring.

But how can CIOs maximise their investments and get the best value from observability? This roundtable explores key features of AI, including enhanced predictive capabilities and streamlined incident management, and how to use them to drive the best business outcomes.

Roundtable attendees will discuss the challenges they face, and share insights on leveraging AI-driven observability components, such as predictive alerts.

Key takeaways include:

  • How AI enhances observability for predictive insights and incident prevention.
  • Real-world examples of AI-driven observability in action.
  • Overcoming skepticism and building confidence in AI-powered tools

30min

Aron Marden

Aron has been working in the Technology space for over 15 years with a background in SysOps, System and Solution Architecture and a hobby developer [...]

Breakout Session – Smarter IT Strategies: Optimise Costs, Maximise Value, and Accelerate Innovation

Dennis Remmer, Sr. Director, Oracle Delivery, Rimini Street
Ant Withers , VP of Sales and Marketing, Rimini Street

In today’s economic climate, IT leaders are under growing pressure to do more with less—balancing cost efficiency with the need to modernise and innovate. 

This breakout session will uncover how forward-thinking organisations are leveraging third-party support to reduce operational costs, extend the life of critical systems, and reinvest in the technologies that matter most.

Key takeaways:

  • Proven Savings in Action: Explore real examples of how enterprises have cut support and maintenance costs while maintaining performance.
  • Modernise Without Disruption: Learn how to extend the lifespan of your ERP environment and delay costly upgrades without compromising capabilities.
  • Flexible Customisation Support: See how organisations are confidently supporting mission-critical customisations—without hidden costs.

30min

Dennis Remmer

With over three decades of experience across local, national, and international IT landscapes, Dennis leads Rimini Street’s Asia-Pacific team [...]

Ant Withers

Bio [...]

Breakout Session – Improving the CyberSecurity metrics that matter

Rob Collins, Enterprise Security Architect, SentinelOne
  • How are you using AI to reduce Mean time to detect (MTTD)?
  • How can Automation reduce Time to contain?
  • How do you get 100% visibility across networks, systems, cloud infrastructure, users?
  • Are your successful phishing attempts still declining, in the age of AI generated phishing?

30min

Rob Collins (MBA, BSc, CISM)

Rob is a keenly active cyber-security practitioner and has over 20 years’ experience in the Cyber Security industry. Prior to joining [...]

Breakout Session – How Modern CIOs Redefine Innovation with AI + Low-Code

Bharath Kumar, Head of Marketing & CX, Zoho Developer Suite, Zoho

Modern CIOs are turning to the powerful combination of AI and low-code to lead enterprise innovation.

This session explores the key factors driving this trend and how AI powered low-code empowers IT leaders to deliver faster business outcomes. We will also discuss a play-book that CIOs can adapt to drive this change.


30min

Bharath Kumar

Bharath heads the Customer Experience & Marketing initiatives of Zoho's low code platform, Zoho Creator, and has over 15 years of experience [...]

Networking Lunch

40min

Panel Discussion – From Policy to Practice: Achieving a Solid Data Protection Strategy for Regulatory Preparedness

Panellists:
Shane Pratley, Head of Cyber Security and Infrastructure, Sydney Airport
May Lam, Chief Information Officer, Australian Payments Plus
 
Moderator:
David Rajkovic, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Rubrik

Organisations in Australia are facing an increasingly complex and evolving threat landscape, with cyber attacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Join us for an insightful discussion hosted by Rubrik, featuring experts from the finance, healthcare, and education sectors. Our panel will delve into the complexities of regulatory compliance in data protection and security, offering practical advice and strategies to help organisations from various industries prepare for and navigate the various regulatory landscapes. We will discuss how to build a robust regulatory preparedness plan that not only meets compliance requirements but also enhances overall data security and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the Threat Landscape: The panel will discuss the latest cyber threats facing critical infrastructure providers in Australia, including ransomware, phishing, and nation-state attacks.
  • Effective Data Protection Strategies: The panel will share best practices for protecting sensitive data, including data encryption, access controls, and network segmentation.
  • Preparing for the Unexpected: Discover strategies to ensure your organisation is prepared for unforeseen regulatory audits and changes. Learn how to stay ahead of evolving regulations and maintain a proactive approach to data security.
  • Leveraging Technology for Compliance: Explore how cutting-edge technology solutions can streamline compliance efforts, automate reporting, and ensure data protection. Hear success stories from industry leaders who have effectively utilised technology to strengthen their regulatory preparedness.

30min

Shane Pratley

Shane Pratley is a seasoned IT Operations and Service Management leader with over 25 years of experience spanning industries such as chartered [...]

May Lam

Experienced and astute Technology, Transformation and People Leader with a track record of delivering corporate profitability, productivity and [...]

David Rajkovic

David Rajkovic is Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Rubrik. Based in Sydney, Rajkovic has nearly two decades of experience working [...]

Speaking Presentation – Driving Next Generation Digital Business with AI

Goran Stefkovski, Chief Technology Officer, Kogan.com

Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI, is revolutionising digital businesses by driving growth and enhancing customer interactions. Kogan's journey serves as a prime example of how leveraging data and AI can transform customer engagement and business outcomes.

This presentation will explore the impact of AI on digital business and highlight key takeaways from Kogan's experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Personalised Customer Experiences: Generative AI and how it enables personalised experiences through tailored content and recommendations, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: AI automates tasks, optimises processes, and predicts maintenance needs, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Generative AI provides actionable insights and predictive analytics, enabling informed decision making and strategic planning.

20min

Goran Stefkovski

Goran Stefkovski is a leading technologist and business leader, serving as the Chief Technology Officer of the Kogan.com, one of Australia’s [...]

Speaking Presentation – Integrating Sustainability into IT Strategy – The CIO’s Role in Green Transformation

Simon Smith, Group Chief Information Officer, Pallion

As sustainability becomes a critical priority for businesses globally, CIOs are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in integrating sustainable practices into their IT strategies. This session will explore how technology can drive environmental responsibility, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute to corporate sustainability goals while enhancing operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • Building a Sustainable IT Framework: Gain insights into creating an IT infrastructure that supports sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
  • Tech-Driven Sustainability Solutions: Discover how to leverage innovative technologies to enhance sustainability efforts and operational efficiency.
  • Effective Sustainability Reporting: Learn how to measure, report, and communicate sustainability initiatives effectively to stakeholders.

20min

Simon Smith

Simon Smith is a strategic and results-oriented CIO/CTO with over 15 years of experience driving technology transformation across diverse [...]

Networking Break

15min

Fireside Chat – Transforming Business: A Fireside Chat with Dan Chesterman

Dan Chesterman, Chief Information Officer, Teachers Mutual Bank Limited
Moderator:
Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

Join us for an intimate fireside chat with Dan Chesterman, CIO, Teachers Mutual Bank Limited, a seasoned technology, and data leader with a proven track record of driving transformative change and innovation. With his extensive experience in fintech, cybersecurity, and leadership, Dan will share his insights on harnessing technology and data for business growth, operational excellence, and customer-centric outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to leverage technology and data to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
  2. Gain insights from Dan's experience in fintech and cybersecurity and discover strategies for mitigating risks and protecting sensitive data in the financial services sector.
  3. Understand the key leadership qualities and strategies required to drive successful digital transformation, including change management, team building, and innovation.

20min

Dan Chesterman

Dan Chesterman is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience driving transformation across financial services, stock exchanges, [...]

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Closing Keynote Panel Discussion – IT Leadership in a Time of Disruption: Navigating Change and Uncertainty

Panellists:
Andrew Spiegelman, Head of Data and Analytics, Service NSW
Ben Eures, Head of IT, Betashares
Melanie Evans, Former Group Exec Digital Services, Ventia
Moderator:
Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing technological landscape, IT Executives are faced with unprecedented challenges. This panel discussion will explore the role of IT leaders in navigating times of disruption, including how to lead through change, manage risk, and drive innovation. Our panel of experienced IT leaders  will share their insights and experiences on how to effectively lead IT teams, make strategic decisions, and drive business growth in the face of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leading through change requires adaptability and agility: IT Leaders will discuss the importance of being adaptable and agile in times of disruption, and how to lead IT teams to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
  • Risk management is crucial to navigating uncertainty: The panel will explore strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in times of disruption, and how to balance risk management with innovation and growth.
  • Driving innovation requires a culture of experimentation and learning: Leaders will share their approaches to fostering a culture of experimentation and learning within their IT teams, and how to encourage innovation and creativity in the face of uncertainty.

30min

Andrew Spiegleman

Data science leader with 18 years direct experience in machine learning, prediction, databases, analytics, and AI. Proven experience in building [...]

Ben Euers

With 20 years of experience in the financial services and insurance sectors, I am a dynamic and energetic leader who combines a strong broad [...]

Melanie Evans

I am passionate about driving high quality business outcomes and thrive in an environment where I have the opportunity to solve complex problems [...]

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Closing Remarks

Mary-Beth Hosking, CEO for Change

5min

Mary-Beth Hosking

Mary-Beth Hosking is a pragmatic and seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in organizational transformations and is currently [...]

Networking Drinks

60mins

WHY ATTEND

STAR KEYNOTES
AND PRESENTERS

We invite only the leading international and local experts to provide sessions on site, this allows for attendees to be taught by front-line executives that compress years of meaningful experience into a systematic, well organised learning program.

NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES

Keeping in line with the main goal of the event in achieving new relationships, we provide a huge amount of networking opportunities for attendees through breakfast, luncheons, cocktails and informal introductions.

1-1 PRIVATE
MEETINGS

Buyers and sellers can engage with one another onsite in a series of prearranged business meetings. These provide both parties with a great opportunity to build new relationships by interacting face-to-face.

TARGETED
SESSIONS

Being able to experience different sessions is what makes this event unique; whether you are looking to attend an interactive workshop, roundtable, 1-1 meeting or panel discussion.

NETWORKING
LUNCH

Interacting face-to-face is still one of the most effective ways to do business. During lunch hour you will have the opportunity to do just that in a very relaxed atmosphere.

PERSONALISED
PROGRAM

The summit is personalised for YOU, this means that what is important to your business is important to us. We create personalised itineraries around sessions you want to attend, allowing for your time to be spent wisely while out of the office.

DOWNLOAD THE POST EVENT REPORT FROM OUR PREVIOUS EVENT

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

PURCHASE TICKETS

Should you wish to attend this years upcoming 20th Australian CIO Leaders Summit on the 27th of May 2025, at Sheraton Grand in Sydney, please purchase your tickets below

1 Ticket

$1990

  • Access to onsite mobile APP
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Access to all presentation sessions
    and roundtable discussions
  • Access to all presentation
    slides and photos
BUY NOW
Group Ticket (2 - 4)

$1790

  • Access to onsite mobile APP
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Access to all presentation sessions
    and roundtable discussions
  • Access to all presentation
    slides and photos
BUY NOW
GROUP TICKETS (5+)

$1500

  • Access to onsite mobile APP
  • Meals and refreshments
  • Access to all presentation sessions
    and roundtable discussions
  • Access to all presentation
    slides and photos
BUY NOW

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Meet leading IT executives from Australia's strongest brands.

Interact and engage with some of the strongest and most powerful brands from across Australia.

“First of all, can I just say this was one of the best conferences I have been to in the last 5 years. The caliber of delegates (and networking opportunities), suppliers and speakers was exceptional. Your team – were so helpful before and during the event. Well done, I'd be very happy to be invited back!”

 

– 20TH CENTURY FOX

'Fantastic event! Congratulations to you and the team. Hands down the best event I have attended as a sponsor since I've been at Genesys. You and your team were extremely professional and helpful in the lead up to the event and I very much appreciate your patience in dealing with the many hurdles along the way. I can't tell you how refreshing that is after the dealings we've had with several other event/conference providers across APAC.'

 

– GENESYS

“Summit was well organised, great speaker program! Focus Network  staff were friendly, polite and welcoming. Good ambience, location was excellent and in the heart of the city for transportation. The facilities, food and beverages were also excellent.”

 

– OPTUS

“Great experience. Definitely walked away with a long list of 'things to do'. Focus Network Team is Awesome.”

 

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