Join us at the 15th CISO Leaders Australia Summit Be part of this year's upcoming gathering where you will be able
to engage with the country's leading IT Security professionals on the
27th May 2025, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Join us at the 15th CISO Leaders Australia Summit Be part of this year's upcoming gathering where you will be able
to engage with the country's leading IT Security professionals 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 Security / IT Leaders.
These will be addressed over the course
of the CISO Leaders Summit Australia.

 

Cyber Threat
Intelligence

 

Cloud Security

 

IOT Security

 

Identity & Access
Management

 

Ransomware

 

Cybercrime

 

Artificial
Intelligence

 

Mobile Device
Security

Join us at the 15th CISO Leaders
Australia Summit

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

Join the gathering

ABOUT THE EVENT

The 15th CISO Leaders Australia Summit, scheduled for May 27, 2025, at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, will once again serve as the premier gathering for more than 150 of the state’s foremost CISOs, Heads of IT Security, Cyber Security experts, and IT executives.

The theme for this year’s summit revolves around “Securing the Intelligent Enterprise through Resilience, Risk Foresight & Real Time Defence”, 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 optimize 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 security 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

Catherine Rowe
plus

Catherine Rowe

Former Global Chief Information Security Officer, QBE Insurance Group

James Kay
plus

James Kay

Assistant Director-General Standards, Technical Advice and Research, Australian Signals Directorate

Jamie Rossato
plus

Jamie Rossato

CISO, CSIRO

Kurt Brissett
plus

Kurt Brissett

Chief Digital and Information Officer, Built

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

PROGRAM

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

Registration, Badge Collection & Refreshments

30min

Welcome and Introduction & Master of Ceremonies

David Gee, Principal Advisor, Focus Network

5mins

David Gee

David has just retired in July 2024 and is building out his portfolio. He is an Advisor with Bain Advisory Network and also an Advisor to JS [...]

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

Steven Bonnici, CIO - Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company
Jamie Rossato, Former CISO, Lion
Moderator:
Ross O’Brien, Principal Advisor, Focus Network 

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 Steven 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

Steven Bonnici

A Global Technology and Business leader with more than twenty years of experience applying technology to transform business performance and [...]

Keynote Presentation – Artificial intelligence and your business

Dr. Alan Thompson, World Expert in Artificial Intelligence
This year has brought about an explosion in the world of artificial intelligence. The impact on the business landscape—and beyond—is completely transformative. This keynote explores the current trajectory of AI, its use cases in your industry, and the effects of such a revolution.

30min

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

Panellists:
Lukasz Gogolkiewicz, Head of Cyber Security, Accent Group Limited
Anna Clive, Former CIO, Aussie Broadband
Callum Nelson, Chief Information Security Officer, Ebos Group Limited
Sinan Erbay, Chief Information Officer, RMIT 
Moderator:
Tyron McGurgan, CEO, 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

Lukasz Gogolkiewicz

Lukasz is a seasoned cyber security leader with 20 years of experience in the field. He is currently the Head of Cyber Security at Accent Group [...]

Callum Nelson

        Energetic and influential leader, possessing diverse leadership, relationship management, program delivery [...]

Anna Clive

Anna Clive is the former CIO of Aussie Broadband. Anna thrives on on leveraging technology to drive innovation and enhance customer experiences. With [...]

Sinan Erbay

          Bio Coming [...]

Keynote Presentation: Accelerating Cloud Security to enable AI: How Security teams can adopt a new operating model to enable agile AI adoption?

Daniel Moloney, Solutions Engineering Lead APAC, Wiz

Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are empowering organisations to meet their business goals quickly and effectively, however, also presents a tectonic shift for cyber security teams. Today, CISO’s are forced to enable the adoption of Cloud and AI use cases at the speed of dev, requiring new operating models to continue to protect their environments and eliminate critical risks. Join this session to learn how you can enable your team to build faster in the cloud, ensuring security, dev and devops can work together in a self-service model built for the scale and speed of your cloud and AI developments.

30mins

Daniel Moloney

Passionate technology evangelist focused on successful outcomes for customers throughout the Asia Pacific [...]

Networking Break

15mins

Breakout Session: How REA Group Utilises Behavioural Data Science to Safeguard Against Email Borne Threats and Streamline Security Protocols

Joanna Dalton, Head of Cyber Defence, REA Group
Josh Goodman, Senior Enterprise Account Executive, Abnormal Security

Trying to stay one step ahead by looking for traditional indicators of compromise is a fool’s errand, especially as AI changes the game.

So what can be done?

How do we stop ever-evolving email attacks from bypassing the SEG?

Hear from REA Groups Joanna Dalton, Head of Cyber Defence on her team's journey to Abnormal Security.

30min

Joanna Dalton

Joanna Dalton is the Head of Cyber Defence at REA Group where she is responsible leading the operational security strategy for Australia’s [...]

Joshua Goodman

Joshua is a methodical and outcome-oriented enterprise sales professional with 10+ years proven success, helping customers drive transformational [...]

Breakout Session: Are You Ready to Adopt a New Cloud Security Operation Model?

Daniel Moloney, Solutions Engineering Lead APAC, Wiz

A successful cloud security strategy needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of the business and growth of the cloud. Cutting-edge security teams are coming up with new approaches and initiatives to increase their company’s agility through security and move from slowing the business to accelerating it. Across ANZ, organisations are rapidly expanding cloud adoption and expecting security leaders to follow suit, and fast. As a result, CISO’s need to rethink their approach to cloud security be able to move at the speed of business, ensure compliance with regulation, and enable their organisations to innovate with AI. Join your peers for this roundtable as we discuss and share insights on simplifying your security stack and using a new cloud security operation model to meet the growing demands of your business.

30min

Daniel Moloney

Passionate technology evangelist focused on successful outcomes for customers throughout the Asia Pacific [...]

Breakout Session: The Essential Eight & The Modern Threat Landscape

Steve Baker, Regional Director, Rubrik

·  How relevant the Essential Eight Guidelines have been for Victorian organisations as they respond to the increase in cyber threats.

·  Addressing some of the key challenges around: the increase in ransomware attacks, building up the right skill-set within, as well as scaling your data security operations.

·  The future role AI is playing in combating cyber threats and how it is being utilised by threat actors.

·  A look at some local use cases where organisations have scaled their security posture in order to adapt to the current environment.

30min

Steve Baker

With 20+ years experience in relationship, sales and team management, I have focused on driving successful customer outcomes and generating [...]

Breakout Session: Driving the Right Work to the Right Resource at the Right Time

Darren Cockerell, Head of Solutions Consulting ANZ, SS&C Blue Prism
Tightening cost and time constraints coupled with the rising complexity in current technology environment are crippling organizations’ speed to growth. The ability to drive the right work to the right resource at the right time will grant organizations the competitive advantage to navigate the challenges and spur their growth. At this interactive session, we’ll discuss:
  • The transformative power of Process Orchestration powered by Intelligent Automation and Business Process Management – all in one platform.
  • Exploring CIO-led digital transformation strategies.
  • Anticipating the AI and Process Orchestration and Automation boom in 2024 and its impact on business transformation

30min

Darren Cockerell

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

Speaking Presentation: Unmasking cybercrime, the law enforcement response

Jayne Crossling, Detective Superintendent, Australian Federal Police Cybercrime Operations

Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling will deliver a presentation to the CISO Leaders Summit 2024 on the cybercrime threat and the work law enforcement is doing to counter cybercriminals.

The presentation will take attendees through the latest information on the cybercrime threat environment and ecosystem, the role of law enforcement in responding to cybercrime and major cyber incidents, as well as a case study into the takedown of international cybercrime syndicates.

30min

Jayne Crossling

Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling has been a member for over 34 years. She has worked across a range of teams and crime types in [...]

Keynote Speaking Presentation: Reducing Risk with Modern Identity Management

Nigel Hedges, Chief Information Security Officer, Chemist Warehouse
In today's digital age, effective identity management is crucial for mitigating risks and safeguarding valuable assets. Delve into innovative strategies and technologies designed to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of identity management effectively. Gain invaluable insights to enhance security and stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

30min

Nigel Hedges

I provide CISO-level leadership in an enterprise setting. I enjoy strategy, program development, operations and building & developing an [...]

Breakout Session: Identity Protection in an AI-Driven World

Zeeshan Ilyas, Cybersecurity Solution Engineer, Delinea A/NZ

Cybersecurity and IT decision-makers continue to make significant progress in combatting identity-related threats.

But they are typically dependent on static manual techniques. As cybercriminals increasingly leverage AI, existing identity controls are struggling to keep up.

While cybersecurity criminals still use basic techniques, GenAI is fast becoming used to support attacks and obtain credentials and privileges.

How can organisations respond to ensure their identity management controls are adequate in an increasingly AI-driven world?

In this roundtable we will discuss:

  • The threats to identify protection from AI
  • The benefits of using AI to augment identify protection
  • The impact of Generative AI on identity and access management
  • Understanding the ROI of AI in security

30min

Zeeshan Ilyas

Zeeshan is the lead Cybersecurity Solution Engineer at Delinea. He has over 15 years of experience and significant achievements in [...]

Breakout Session: The Essential Eight: Overcoming Your Challenges with PAM

Scott Hesford, Senior Director, Solutions Engineering, APJ, BeyondTrust

Improving their maturity within the Essential Eight is considered daunting for many organisations. Strategies such as application control, restricting admin privileges and user application hardening are seen as difficult to implement effectively without impacting employee productivity. 

However, security technologies such as Privileged Access Management (PAM) can help organisations bridge the gap for a number of requirements of the Essential Eight, including the above three. Modern PAM solutions can also provide compensating controls on other elements of the Essential Eight.

Join this discussion amongst peers of the Essential Eight, how organisations are aligning to it and how PAM can support those strategies. 

Attend this roundtable and you will:

  • Hear from your peers on how they are approaching the Essential Eight in their organisations 
  • Know how Privileged Access Management maps against the eight strategies, including the November 2023 update
  • Learn some of the best practices around implementing parts of the Essential Eight.

30min

Scott Hesford

Scott Hesford has over a decade of experience in IT security. Before joining BeyondTrust in 2019, he worked as Principal Consultant for CA [...]

Breakout Session: Balancing Innovation and Risk: Enhancing CX with AI and Quality

Alex Edwards, COO, Planit
Joel Deutscher, Executive General Manager, Technology & Innovation, Planit

In an era where technology shapes every aspect of customer experience (CX), CIOs are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge innovations like GenAI with quality assurance to boost satisfaction while tackling cost challenges. This exclusive roundtable will dive into these critical issues, using the CrowdStrike IT outage as an example to underscore the pivotal role of quality engineering in mitigating risks.

Explore how embedding robust quality practices can avert disruptions, elevate customer experiences, and strike a delicate balance between risk, reward, and efficiency. Engage in an impactful dialogue with fellow CIOs, examine real-world scenarios, and discover actionable solutions to optimize risk management and quality control, driving superior customer experience in today's high-tech world.

Join this dynamic discussion to connect with a network of peer CIOs, share insights, and uncover strategies that elevate your organization's approach to risk management and quality assurance in an AI-driven landscape.

30min

Joel Deutscher

        Joel enables a team of amazing talent to drive quality leadership across Planit's practices, innovative [...]

Alex Edwards

As an executive in Planit’s business, Alex’s focus is on the implementation of the company’s vision and strategy, focusing on quality of [...]

Breakout Session: A Practical Guide to Driving Digital/AI Innovation in Enterprises

Bharath Kumar, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience, Zoho Creator

In the last few years, effective information management has taken on a whole new meaning for enterprises. The raft of new cloud technologies and the speed of AI development have made it more urgent than ever for CIOs to ensure their organisations are maximising use of the technology, while also remaining compliant with complex data and privacy regulations.

Join us for this round table as we discuss:

  • The opportunities that digital and AI adoption brings to the enterprise, and the challenges involved.
  • Practical strategies to address technological challenges in the organisation.
  • Building a culture of innovation at every stage of the business, and getting all stakeholders on board.
  • How CIOs can ensure security and privacy compliance across the organisation while supporting a thriving culture of innovation.

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

Speaking Presentation: The Art and Science of Deception

Caroline Soo, Vice President, Customer Success, APAC & Japan, KnowBe4

Why do many of us fall for dirty tricks even after we understand how they work?

From the slight-of-hand used by magicians, to the sleight-of-tongue used by politicians and pundits, to the sleight-of-mind that accompanies cognitive bias, we are all wired to deceive and to be deceived. Join Caroline Soo, VP Customer Success APJ for KnowBe4 for an engaging exploration into the dark world of deception. After laying the groundwork for a basic understanding into our own inclinations and predispositions, Caroline will provide interactive examples of how human nature can be used against us. Key topics will include understanding perception vs reality, how to make people believe anything in 3 easy steps, and what it all implies. Learning Objectives:
  • Recognise the psychology behind why we fall for scams and schemes
  • List two easy-to-use models for why/ how we make decisions
  • Define practical examples of how cybercriminals exploit our decision-making processes in this Digital Age
  • Explain where and how we can ethically leverage the foundational principles of what we've covered

30min

Caroline Soo

Caroline Soo leads the APJ Customer Success team for KnowBe4 and has been in the business of setting up her clients for success over the past 17 [...]

Speaking Session: Empathy in Cybersecurity Leadership: Navigating Beyond Conventional Wisdom

Stephen Bennett, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises
Join Stephen for an in-depth session where he’ll challenge the conventional wisdom that a business-aligned cybersecurity strategy is the ultimate solution. Despite the widespread belief and significant support from top management, experience tells him that the path remains fraught with challenges and frustrations, even with a strategy that seems perfectly aligned. Stephen will explore the critical, yet often overlooked, element of empathy. He will discuss how even the most well-aligned cybersecurity strategies don't automatically guarantee success – things won't just magically fall into place. He’ll share insights into how adopting an empathetic leadership approach and focusing on strategic relationship-building can lead to a more nuanced and effective cybersecurity posture. Expect to learn how this can redefine our metrics, enhance collaboration, and foster a security culture that transcends mere alignment with business goals. I invite you to join Stephen in exploring practical strategies and personal insights on how to navigate beyond the conventional, toward a more holistic and impactful approach to cybersecurity leadership.

30min

Stephen Bennett

Stephen has over 30 years of experience in the security and technology space, working with large enterprise organizations in various market [...]

Networking Break

15min

Keynote Speaking Session: Australian Cybersecurity Trends and Initiatives Research

Andrew Milroy, VP and Head of Research, Focus Network 
This presentation will explore the current state of cybersecurity in Australia and the challenges and opportunities facing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape. Drawing on the latest industry research and analysis by Focus Network analysts, the presentation will provide insights into the key trends and emerging technologies that are shaping the CISO role. During this session we will delve deeper into areas that cover:
  • The evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of proactive risk management
  • The role of the CISO in driving a culture of cybersecurity across the organization
  • The impact of digital transformation on cybersecurity and the challenges of securing cloud, mobile, and IoT
  • environments
  • The emerging technologies and strategies for enhancing cybersecurity, including AI (particularly Generative AI), machine learning, and zero trust.
  • Cybersecurity best practices

20min

Andrew Milroy

Andrew Milroy leads the research and advisory business at Focus Network. His work involves empowering organisations to make decisions more [...]

Closing Keynote Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity and Tech – Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Female Talent

Panellists:
Sanja Marais, Chief Technology and Security Officer, Aspen Medical
Catherine Buhler, CISO & Advisory, AISA
Sandra Barns, General Manager Risk, Technology Data Cyber, Judo Bank
Moderator:
David Gee, Principal Advisor, Focus Network

Delve into the critical issue of gender diversity in cybersecurity and technology fields. With women still significantly underrepresented in these sectors, this discussion aims to explore effective strategies for attracting and retaining female talent. Our panellists will share insights, experiences, and actionable solutions to bridge the gender gap and foster greater diversity and innovation in these rapidly evolving industries.

30min

Sanja Marais

Sanja is an accomplished ICT executive with a strong focus on cybersecurity, compliance, and technology management. She excels in driving digital [...]

Catherine Buhler

Catherine Buhler, Fellow of the Australian Information Security Association Catherine Buhler is a Fellow of the Australian Information [...]

Sandra Barns

Experienced Executive Manager, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and CISO, with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services [...]

David Gee

David has just retired in July 2024 and is building out his portfolio. He is an Advisor with Bain Advisory Network and also an Advisor to JS [...]

Closing Remarks

Anthony Caruana, Principal Advisor, Focus Network

5min

Networking Drinks

60min

Registration & Morning Refreshments

30min

Welcome & Introduction – Master of Ceremonies

Anthony Caruana, Principal Advisor, Focus Network

5min

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 [...]

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

Speakers:
Jamie Rossato, Chief Information Security Officer, CSIRO
Brett Wilson, Chief Information Officer, RACP
Modertor:
Tyron McGurgan, CEO, Focus Network

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

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 [...]

Brett Wilson

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

Tyron McGurgan

Tyron McGurgan is a seasoned entrepreneur, media expert, and events professional boasting over 17 years of industry experience. As the CEO and [...]

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:
Catherine Rowe, Former Group CISO, QBE
Leron Zinatullin, CISO, Linkly
Rob Webb, CIO, UBank
Russell Morris, CIO, APA
Moderator:
Tyron McGurgan, CEO, 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

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 [...]

Rob Webb

Passionate about next-gen financial services technology and how this can support financial inclusion in emerging markets. [...]

Russell Morris

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

Tyron McGurgan

Tyron McGurgan is a seasoned entrepreneur, media expert, and events professional boasting over 17 years of industry experience. As the CEO and [...]

Keynote Presentation – High Risk Users & Where to Find Them

Ryan Economos, Field CTO, Mimecast

68% of cyber incidents are attributed to human error however risk isn’t evenly distributed with recent statistics revealing that 80% of security incidents are caused by just 8% of employees, underscoring the critical importance of identifying high-risk users within an organisation.

This session will explore the factors contributing to user vulnerabilities that lead to certain individuals being classed as high-risk.

Participants will gain insights into measuring user risk effectively and implementing tailored strategies to enhance cybersecurity across their organisations. This session will also highlight how a personalised and adaptive security approach can provide customised security measures for each user. By focusing on these high-risk individuals, organisations can safeguard their workforce while maintaining operational productivity.


30min

Ryan Economos

Ryan Economos is Mimecast’s Field CTO and is at the intersection between business and technology. With over 15 years of broad technology [...]

Networking Break

15min

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 – 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 – 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

30min

Speaking Presentation – Strengthening Cyber Defences – The Power of Zero Trust and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Charles Gonzalez, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Metcash

As cyber threats continue to evolve, adopting a Zero Trust security model and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has become essential, particularly in Singapore's fast-moving digital landscape. Zero Trust ensures that no entity—whether internal or external—is trusted without verification. Combined with MFA, which adds additional layers of authentication beyond passwords, this approach helps organizations protect critical data, reduce unauthorized access, and enhance security resilience.

This session will discuss how implementing Zero Trust and MFA can combat sophisticated cyberattacks and offer CISOs practical strategies to deploy these models across their organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Understanding Zero Trust: Learn how enforcing identity verification for every person and device accessing resources helps build a resilient security posture.
  2. Deploying MFA for Enhanced Security: Discover the role of MFA as a crucial layer of defence against credential-based attacks.
  3. Reducing Attack Surfaces: Explore how Zero Trust limits access to necessary resources and continuously verifies user identities, improving threat mitigation.

30min

Charles Gonzalez

Over the past 20 years in leadership roles, Charles has developed a strong understanding in translating business requirements into proven [...]

Speaking Presentation – Cyber Threat Intelligence: Strengthening Australia’s Cyber Defences Through Proactive Threat Hunting

James Kay, Assistant Director - General Standards, Technical Advice and Research, Australian Signals Directorate

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, Australian organizations must move beyond reactive defence and embrace proactive cyber threat intelligence strategies. In this session, James Kay will share insights from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) on how intelligence-led threat hunting can enhance national cyber resilience. He will explore the evolving cyber threat landscape, the role of the National Cyber Watch Office in identifying emerging threats, and best practices for integrating intelligence-driven security strategies within enterprise cybersecurity frameworks.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Understanding the Threat Landscape: Insights into the latest cyber threats targeting Australian organizations, including nation-state actors, ransomware, and supply chain attacks.
  2. Proactive Threat Hunting: How organizations can leverage intelligence to detect and neutralize threats before they escalate.
  3. Bridging the Public-Private Gap: The role of information sharing between government agencies and private sector organizations in improving national cybersecurity.
  4. Incident Preparedness & Response: Lessons from ACSC’s frontline experience in handling major cyber incidents and how organizations can strengthen their response capabilities.

30min

James Kay

James is the Assistant Director‐General for Standards, Technical Advice, and Research, at the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) [...]

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

Bharath Kumar B, Head of Marketing & CX, Zoho’s Developer Suite

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 [...]

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 [...]

Breakout Session

30min

Breakout Session

30min

Networking Lunch

40min

Speaking Presentation – Architecting Resilient Security Operations: Advanced Strategies for Threat Detection, Incident Response, and SOC Optimization

Maryam Shoraka, Chief Information Security Officer, Sydney Trains

In today's complex threat landscape, Security Operations Centres (SOCs) must be equipped to detect and respond to advanced threats in real-time. As a seasoned security operations executive, Maryam will delve into the technical aspects of building and optimising a world-class SOC, including threat detection, incident response, and security analytics.

Takeaways:

  • Practical advice on SOC optimisation techniques and technologies
  • Guidance on integrating threat intelligence into SOC operations
  • Key metrics and KPIs for measuring SOC performance and effectiveness

30min

Maryam Shoraka

I am a seasoned security operations executive with extensive experience building world class (24/7) security operations centres from the ground, [...]

Speaking Presentation – Balancing Data-Driven Decision Making with Human-Centric Leadership in Cybersecurity

River Nygryn, Chief Information Security Officer, Hammond Care

In this presentation, River will explore the intersection of data-driven leadership and human-centric leadership in cybersecurity. She’ll discuss how Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) can leverage data analytics to inform strategic decisions while also building strong relationships with their teams and stakeholders. By combining these two approaches, CISOs can create a more comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that not only protects organisational assets but also fosters a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation.

Key takeaways:

  • The role of human-centric leadership in building strong relationships and teams
  • Strategies for combining data analytics with human insights to drive business outcomes
  • Best practices for CISOs to balance data-driven decision making with human-centric leadership
 

20min

River Nygryn

A respected industry leader & advocate for women in Cybersecurity, Tech and Business, River is driven by inclusion, innovation, process [...]

Speaking Presentation – Balancing cyber security risks in a Healthcare setting

Peter Croll, Chief Information Security Officer, NSW Health

As cyber threats become more complex and frequent, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cybersecurity strategies has emerged as a critical trend for CISOs in Singapore in 2025. This focus on AI-driven solutions will enhance threat detection capabilities, automate responses, and provide deeper insights into potential vulnerabilities, ultimately enabling organisations to stay ahead of cybercriminals.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Enhancing Threat Detection with AI - Gain insights into the latest AI and ML technologies that can improve threat detection and reduce false positives.
  2. Streamlining Incident Response - Learn how to implement automation strategies that enhance incident response and improve overall cybersecurity efficiency.
  3. Building Predictive Capabilities - Discover how to leverage predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate future cyber threats, strengthening your organisation's resilience.

20min

Peter Croll

I am a cyber security and IT leader with over 20 years of experience across government, healthcare, academia, and telecommunications. I have a [...]

Networking Break

15min

Keynote Presentation – Leading Through Innovation and Balancing Cybersecurity in the Digital Era

In an era of rapid technological advancement, leaders must strike the right balance between innovation and security. This session will focus on how senior executives can lead their organisations through the complexities of digital transformation while managing cybersecurity risks. Through real-world examples, the speaker will address the evolving role of leadership in ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the expense of security, compliance, or business resilience in Singapore's highly connected landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership strategies for balancing innovation and cybersecurity.
  • How to foster a culture of collaboration between IT, security, and business functions.
  • Approaches to ensuring regulatory compliance while driving digital transformation.

20min

Closing Keynote Panel Discussion – The Future of Cybersecurity: Innovations, Challenges, and the Path Ahead

Panellists:
Jihad Zein, Global Head of GRC, Technology, Toll Holding
Madhuri Nandi, Head of Security, Till Payments
Sidarth Radjanna, Head of IT Security, Bingo Industries
Moderator:
Anthony Caruana, Advisor, Focus Network

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, this closing keynote panel will bring together industry leaders to discuss the transformative innovations reshaping the future of cybersecurity, the challenges that lie ahead, and the strategies CISOs must adopt to navigate this dynamic environment.

Key takeaways:

  • Strategic Insights: Gain valuable insights into how industry leaders are approaching the future of cybersecurity and the strategies they are implementing.
  • Innovative Approaches: Discover innovative technologies and solutions that can enhance your organisation's security posture.
  • Networking Opportunities: Foster connections among attendees, panellists, and industry experts to encourage ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
 

30min

Jihad Zein

International experience leading IT roles across both developed and emerging [...]

Madhuri Nandi

Head of Security at Nuvei | Author | Co-Chair AWSN | Diversity & Inclusion Advocate | Cybersecurity Leader Madhuri is a hands-on [...]

Sidarth Radjanna

I am an accomplished ‘Cyber Security Leader’ & Security Speaker with overall IT Security experience of more than 13 years including [...]

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 [...]

Closing Remarks

Anthony Caruana, Principal Advisor, Focus Network

5min

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 [...]

Networking Drinks

60min

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

Allowing both buyers and sellers the opportunity to engage with one another onsite in a series of prearranged business meetings. These provide both parties 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

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PURCHASE TICKETS

Should you wish to attend this years upcoming 15th Australian CISO Leaders Summit on the 27th of May 2025, at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, 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
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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
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