Archives: Speakers

With experience operating at the intersection of risk, cyber security, technology, law and governance, I have built a successful career leading major transformation programs, protecting businesses from cyber risk and providing expert advice to senior stakeholders.

An accomplished senior executive with well-honed strategic influencing skills I provide trusted advice to senior leaders and work with regulators to balance the achievement of strategic goals with the need to effectively manage enterprise risk across global business models.

Having transitioned from a legal career into cyber security and risk leadership roles, my core strengths centre on an ability to build high performing teams, provide leadership clarity and bring stakeholders together with sharp focus on customer and business risk outcomes.

James is the Assistant Director‐General for Standards, Technical Advice, and Research, at the Australian Signals
Directorate’s (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre.
This role is responsible for ASD’s proactive cyber‐security advice available on cyber.gov.au, and research of critical and emerging technologies.

Prior to his current appointment, James wasthe Chief of Staff to the Director‐General of ASD.
James has a broad national security background, having started his public service career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). While at DFAT, James posted to the Philippines where he directly supported the Philippines Armed Forces in the Marawi Siege; and Afghanistan where he was attached to NATO and the Australian Defence Force, working on countering violent extremism policies and operational planning for drawdown efforts.

James is currently studying a Masters of Business, and holds a Bachelor of International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts.

I am a strategic leader with technology roles at Global Manufacturing Conglomerates. My focus has been on transforming Commercial Digital experiences, streamlining Manufacturing through innovations like IoT, driving solid ERP foundations, service digitization along with nimble technology infrastructure and applications connected with operations and business strategy, which has resulted in significant revenue growth, productivity impact and substantial cost savings. My ability to negotiate effective contracts has empowered us to deliver cutting-edge capabilities far below market costs with efficient use, adoption and impact.

As a board member at Safer Foundation, I’ve contributed to the expansion of technology platforms and the overall governance at the non-profit to deliver impact in the community . Additionally, with my experience at an industry 4.0 start up Uptake and co-founding Exposition Ventures I delved deeper into ‘start up’ world, Manufacturing 4.0. And venture capital.

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.

– 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.

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.

Luke Meehan is an experienced professional currently serving as the Senior Manager for Cyber and Operational Resilience at ASIC since September 2024, where responsibilities include overseeing ASIC’s Cyber Strategy and collaborating across regulatory bodies. Prior to this role, Luke was the Chief Technology Officer at Complex Intangibles, leading the development of AI-powered approaches to intangible asset valuation. As a co-founder of InsureChat.AI, Luke contributed to improving consumer and business outcomes in the financial sector. Luke’s previous roles include Director at Nous Group, Senior Manager of Economic and Risk Analysis at ASIC, and Director of Economic Regulation at the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission. With a strong academic background, Luke holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from The Australian National University, complemented by degrees in Financial Economics and Information Technology.

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.

Bio TBC

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.