What’s included in my delegate pass?
A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations.
27-28 April 2021
ICC Sydney
ICC Sydney
Returning in April, the Retail Leaders Forum arrives at a critical juncture for the nation’s Retail community.
The industry has responded emphatically to the unprecedented challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as consumer confidence builds and our operating environment begins to correct, Retail executives are accountable for securing opportunities emerging from the upturn economy.
The Forum secures national and global speakers of immense authority to arm attendees to succeed in this undertaking.
Stuart Rose has worked in retail since 1971 when he joined Marks & Spencer as a management trainee.
After holding a number of senior positions he then moved to the Burton Group in 1989 becoming Chief Executive of the Multiples Division in 1997. He was subsequently CEO of Argos plc and Booker plc, returning to M&S as CEO in 2004. He became Chairman and CEO in 2006 before leaving the group in 2010.
He is currently Chairman of Ocado plc, Zenith Automotive, and MAF Retail in Dubai.
He was Chairman of the British Fashion Council from 2004 – 2008 and Business in the Community from 2008 – 2010.
He was knighted for services to the retail industry and corporate social
responsibility in 2008 and created a life peer in 2014.
Ms Sabrina W. Fung is the Group Managing Director of Fung Retailing Group and the CEO of Asia Retail Company Limited, a business unit within the Fung Group focused on serving and growing international brands in Asia.
Currently, Ms Fung is the Investment Director of Fung Investment Management Limited. She started working in the family business since 2000 as Investment Manager at the private investment arm of Fung Group running the family’s investments. Prior to joining the Fung Group, Ms. Fung worked for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co in New York and later held the position of Assistant Manager at its Hong Kong office until 1999. Ms Fung is experienced in the retail industry and also held positions in marketing and public relations for Salvatore Ferragamo Asia, merchandising and sourcing for Li & Fung (Trading) Limited and wholesale branding for Li & Fung USA. In 2017, Ms Fung was named in the Business of Fashion 500, and Women’s Wear Daily 10 of Tomorrow.
In Hong Kong, Ms Fung is on the board of Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, the Advisory Panel of IBM Collaborative Innovative Program, the Advisory Committee of the Tanoto Center for Asian Family Business and Entrepreneurship Studies at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the University Court of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Executive Committee of the International Advisory Council of the Faculty of Business and Economics of HKU, the Hong Kong-Europe Business Council and the Hong Kong-France Business Council respectively. Ms Fung was a member of the Mainland Business Advisory Committee of Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Internationally, Ms Fung is a member of the McLaren Advisory Group, Harvard Global Advisory Council, the Board of Trustees of The Carnegie Hall Corporation in New York. In addition, Ms Fung is the Co-Chair of Asia Council of St Paul’s School in New Hampshire, US, and previously served on its Board of Trustees.
Ms Fung graduated from Harvard University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1993.
Michael Schneider was appointed Managing Director Bunnings Australia and New Zealand in March 2016.
Prior to this Michael led Store Operations teams across Australia and New Zealand after joining Bunnings in 2005. Before joining Bunnings, Michael held a range of senior operational, commercial and human resources roles across regional and national markets, both in retail and financial services businesses.
Michael is committed to developing diverse teams that challenge the status quo and embrace innovation to drive high performance which is critical in today’s competitive retail environment. As a leader, he is known for his collaborative, genuine and honest style and for having a real passion and energy for the Bunnings business.
This has fostered Bunnings’ supportive culture which empowers team members to take responsibility and have ownership in how the business delivers its customers’ a unique and compelling proposition.
Michael believes that team members’ ability to connect with customers and the local community is key to the business’ success and that this requires an ongoing investment in building the best team as well as creating a culture that builds trust, inspires action, develops people and drives performance.
He is a strong advocate for emerging talent and believes in giving young leaders every opportunity to realise their full potential and develop their careers across a range of disciplines within the business.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of NSW and has completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, and the Advanced Strategic Management Program at IMD.
Katie Hunt is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of SHOWFIELDS, The Most Interesting Store in The World. She began her career as the third employee of Warby Parker, served as Chief Brand Officer for Hinge, where she led the charge for their relaunch and rebrand, and has worked extensively with startups in branding, product development, marketing, operations and fundraising. Additionally, Katie is the Co-Founder of The Fund, which is a VC fund made up of a community of founders and operators that invests and mentors early stage companies in NYC, LA and London.
Andrea leads digital transformation for Walgreens stores, including efforts to bring innovation into new store formats as well as leading the exploration of digital initiatives and new emerging store technologies. As Head of Solution Planning and Partnerships, Andrea collaborates with Value Proposition teams to define, evangelize, and prioritize key customer solutions. He supports the solution development work across the company. Prior to Walgreens, Andrea spent 14 years at Accenture, architecting and implementing large scale digital transformations across the Communication and Retail industries.
The WBA Digital organization brings together all of the capabilities required to assess opportunities, and quickly build and iterate products or services that can be tested in the market and, if successful, be scaled up. This division of work has created a step-change in WBA’s innovation capabilities and the Company’s ability to quickly build unique, customer-centric experiences.
Elle Roseby is the Managing Director of Country Road. Named the most influential retailer in Ragtrader’s Power 30, she is regarded as an authority in strategic brand development and retail management.
Elle has forged a remarkable career through fostering positive, results-driven cultures with a focus on innovation and collaboration. Over 30 years, she has risen through the ranks of some of Australia’s most respected retailers, including Myer, Sportsgirl and Supré, her tenures at the latter two cementing her reputation as someone who can orchestrate a rapid brand turnaround.
Known for her ability to redefine and reposition retail brands, Elle is regularly called upon to share her expertise and insight with audiences across Australia including Inside Retail events, WGSN, Melbourne Fashion Week, women’s leadership panels and private mentoring sessions.
At Country Road, Elle has been influential in repositioning the brand as a leader in sustainable design, both in fashion and retail environments. Her guidance in this area has led to brand partnerships with Oritain and Landcare in recent months, as well as the launch of Our World, a dedicated platform for Country Road to share its sustainability journey with the wider community. Under Elle’s leadership, the brand’s Chadstone flagship became the first fashion retailer in Australia to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Design Review rating with the Green Building Council of Australia.
The mother of two is passionate about community enterprises and has spearheaded initiatives through The Butterfly Foundation and collaborated with charities like Redkite, Headspace, Dignity Dreams and the Graeme Dingle Foundation. An advocate for local talent, Elle has been involved in the RMIT TRI Project and remains a committee member of the RMIT School of Fashion Industry Advisory Group. Her support for community-based projects has led to an ongoing partnership between Country Road and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation.
Alongside these projects, Elle is busy reinvigorating the lifestyle brand famous for its quality, design and effortless style. She has embedded a fresh leadership team and delivered a clear brand vision, which aims to inspire modern Australian living every day.
Reuben was appointed CEO of the Outdoor division of the Kathmandu Group (global responsibility for Kathmandu and Oboz brands) in October 2019 following the Groups acquisition of Rip Curl.
Prior to this Reuben had been the Group COO and Group CFO after joining Kathmandu in 2010 as Group Financial Controller. Before joining Kathmandu, Reuben held a range of senior financial management roles including Taylormade Adidas Golf, Meridian Energy and KPMG.
Reuben has a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canterbury and has completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD.
Ms Winn is currently a Non-Executive Director for Coca Cola Amatil Limited, Ampol Limited, Goodman Group Limited and CSR Limited.
She has over 30 years of experience in retail with a focus on supply chain, digital strategy and business transformation in senior management roles in Australia and overseas. These roles included Director Group Retail Services with Woolworths Limited where she was responsible for leading the Logistics and Information Technology divisions, Online Retailing and the Customer Engagement teams across the organisation; Executive Director of Merchandise and Logistics for Myer Limited; and Director of Strategy and Change for ASDA Walmart UK.
Penny has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Australian National University), a Masters of Business Administration (University of Technology Sydney) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Paul Tinkler, Managing Director of lululemon Australia and New Zealand, brings with him 20 years’ experience in the consumer goods industry.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Paul paid his way through university by working the shop floors for iconic Australian retailers such as Marcs and Country Road. This ignited a passion for the science of retail and consumer behavior, setting a trajectory that would see him leading the strategic direction of global brands both domestically, and across the APAC region.
It was in Hong Kong that Paul Joined lululemon as Area Director for the Asia business. Responsible for the retail channel in the organisation’s fastest growing market, it was only six months before Paul transitioned to his current role of Managing Director for the Australian and New Zealand business, based in Melbourne.
Paul oversees the Store Support Centre team of 60, over 40 retail stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as a rapidly expanding E-commerce business.
Prior to joining lululemon, Paul spent over seven years based in Asia. Joining the Deckers Group in 2010 in Hong Kong, Paul was responsible for the expansion of the UGG Australia brand across the APAC region. The UGG Australia brand covered 10 markets including both subsidiary and distributor models.
He was also responsible for launching the UGG retail strategy for the influential Hong Kong and Macau markets. Perhaps most notably, Paul co-led the launch of a dual platform approach to E-commerce in China, one of the fastest growing revenue opportunities for global brands in the region.
Earlier in his career, Paul also held several roles at True Alliance, a market leading distributor of global brands for Australia and New Zealand. Here he worked on popular brands such as Teva, Reebok, The North Face and Speedo.
Steve began his retail career at Myer/Grace Bros on the Management Development Program, where he held various roles from Stores Management to Buying during his twelve years with the company.
He then joined Nike Australia where he took on the role of Retail Director. Shortly after, Steve was offered the opportunity to move to NIKE’s world headquarters in the U.S. to head up the retail division for North America, including the iconic NIKETOWN flagship stores.
After seven years with Nike, Steve moved to eyewear giant Luxottica in Sydney to head up the Sunglass Hut brand and led the entry of the Brand into Asia.
Steve then moved to Melbourne three years later to take on the role of CEO for denim specialist Jeanswest, which was positioned as a key player in the Jeanswear market. He held that position for four years.
For the past ten years Steve has held the role of Co-founder and CEO of Retail Prodigy Group, which holds the master retail franchise for NIKE Stores across Australia and New Zealand together with the distribution rights for U.S. Brand TOMS.
Steve more recently was elected as a council member for the Australian Retailers Association and is looking forward to contributing to the growth of the Retail Industry.
Anna is the COO for Australia & NZ’s leading online fashion and sports retailer, THE ICONIC. She joined in 2014 as CFO, a role she held for three years. Anna started her career journey over 24 years ago and has since paved a successful career. From ‘Big 4’ to high-growth corporate environments across Australia, NZ and APAC, Anna has focused on building best practice finance and operational functions by establishing, leading and developing high performing teams. Anna has sat on Executive teams for over 16 years managing broad remits including Supply Chain, Customer Service, Finance, People & Culture, Legal, Risk and Compliance, IT and Office Management functions.
Anna was the finalist for the Thomson Reuters Accounting Excellence Awards for both CFO of the Year and Finance Team of the Year in 2015. She contributes to the industry as brand ambassador for causes for which she is passionate including the CA (Chartered Accountants) Program and Dress for Success. She is a mentor as part of the CA ANZ Mentor Exchange Program, and the NORA Talent Network.
Karen is a senior retail and consumer executive who has worked in some of Australia’s most iconic retail brands: Woolworths, BIG W, Caltex and Rebel Sport. Karen has been a CFO, COO, GM of Strategy, Transformation and Replenishment and is now the Group CEO of Australia’s largest born and bred quick service restaurant group: Craveable Brands, who operate 600 Red Rooster, Oporto and Chicken Treat restaurants. Karen is a CEW scholar, and is passionate about retail, people and diversity.
Richard is an experienced CEO and Board member across the Retail and Logistics sectors, with particular expertise in eCommerce and in leading major change.
He was until recently based in Europe working as a senior executive in supermarket retailer Kaufland's International division, and prior to that held the role of CEO and MD at Australian department store chain Myer.
Richard was previously the CEO of international express logistics provider StarTrack and the Executive GM for Parcel and Express Services at Australia Post.
He previously also held other MD and GM positions in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) retailing with roles at Woolworths both in Australia and New Zealand, and at Aldi in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Richard is married, with three adult children and lives in Melbourne.
Rolee Satyam is a data, analytics & insights leader with 15 years of extensive experience in delivering innovative insights to drive the organization’s transformation from analog business practices to digital. In 2017, Rolee was the finalist for Australian Digital leader of the year. In 2018, she was also nominated as top 100 global retail minds by Asia Retail Congress. She represented Australia in “retail forum for senior leaders” executive education course by Harvard and holds an MBA degree in marketing and finance. She has presented in multiple conferences on diverse topics ranging from data to artificial intelligence to customer experience.
At present, She is working with BIG W as Data, Analytics and Insights Partner. In this role, She is conduit for BIG W X, Marketing, Rewards and Customer Transformation & Strategy and the Data, Analytics & Insights Center of Excellence to improve the way business uses data, analytics and insights to make better, more informed strategic customer and business decisions and deliver capabilities to automate tasks and accelerate progress towards customer goals through the use of artificial intelligence.
Prior to BIGW, she was working with WooliesX as Head of Growth & Insights. In this role, she was responsible for leading data & insights efforts to help WooliesX continually hone and shape the most compelling and relevant customer value proposition and to guide the team in developing a rigorous test/learn framework for on-going optimization of digital experience.
Prior to WooliesX, she has worked with Wal-Mart as Senior manager, customer proposition & analytics and Madison Reed (Silicon Valley tech startup) as Director, analytics in California where she built the team ground up and established the technology foundation to support the digital business.
Rick is a sustainable development specialist with over 15 years’ experience in research, teaching, management consulting and corporate sustainability roles. He currently leads the development and implementation of Kmart Group's sustainable development program (Kmart, Target and Catch - part of Wesfarmers Group), with a focus on policy, strategy, partnership development and program management in relation to human rights (living wage, modern slavery, women's empowerment), environment (materials, waste, water and chemicals) and circular economy. He is passionate about the role that inclusive and responsible businesses can play in achieving poverty alleviation and sustainable development goals.
Jo Devery is the Chief Executive Officer of Winning Retail, part of family-owned, Australian retail entity, Winning Group. Jo holds executive accountability for the day-to-day operations of the Group's businesses; including Winning Appliances, Winning Commercial, Rogerseller and Customer Experience.
Jo is focused on the fast growth and transformation of our constantly evolving business model. Jo's success lies in her ability to deliver business goals through the understanding of the end to end retail supply chain and her ability to lead & engage stakeholders.
Previously GM for Lux Group’s consumer products division and held senior management roles locally and across Asia at global corporate retailers, pure play e-commerce and multi-brand wholesale businesses. Worked with brands including Kmart, Myer, and Pacific Brands.
Accent group (ASX:AX1) is a leading listed retailer in the lifestyle and activewear market and is the largest lifestyle footwear group in ANZ. With revenue approaching $1 billion, Accent has 600 stores, 19 websites, more than 6000 team members and 17 owned and distributed brands (including The Athletes Foot, Platypus, Hype DC, Skechers, Vans, DR Martens, Stylerunner, Exie, Subtype, Trybe, Pivot, Merrell, CAT and Timberland)
Matthew (FCPA, MBA) is senior finance and operations leader with over 30 years’ experience in retail, gained through leadership, strategy, merchandise and operational roles at Accent Group, The PAS Group, David Jones and Myer. His passion and core strengths include strategic thinking, building and leading strong motivated teams and driving best in class operational capability and performance.
Lee is currently leading the development of the IGA Online Shop for Metcash, a role that comes with great complexity with over 1400 independently owned and managed stores across Australia, each with their own local ranges and offering. But, with great complexity comes great opportunity and Lee loves working with independent retailers who give back to their communities and in many cases stand out from the crowd in a way chains never do. With a CV spanning marketing, loyalty, store-operations, customer service and digital transformation across Retail, Telco and Insurance on three continents Lee’s core focus always comes back to creating customer experiences that deliver on business goals.
Pamela is a senior executive with over 20 years’ experience in retail across Ireland and Australia, primarily working across retail pharmacy operations, merchandise, and marcomms. As the CMO at Blooms The Chemist, she leads brand strategy, corporate social responsibility, events, and all aspects of marketing and communications. Pamela is known for her work ethic and her ability to stay true to a greater vision. She thrives when collaborating and implementing change.
Pamela has travelled extensively studying best in class retail and views travel as a wonderful learning opportunity to discover different markets, retail trends, businesses, and cultures. She mentors in her spare time, is an avid supporter of female empowerment, and is passionate about responsible business. Pamela is backed by an EMBA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Outside of work, Pamela loves to travel. When she’s not globe-trotting, she can be found enjoying quality time with her family and friends.
Adrian Pidgeon is an experienced logistics and operations manager who has been with IKEA for a little over 22 years. He started his career in the UK in a retail store back in 1998. He has contributed in countries in the UK, namely England and Wales in different roles, and he has spent the rest of his career in Australia for the last 15 years. Adrian has had held many senior roles over the past years leading the fulfilment agenda for the country. His most recent assignment sees him leading the fulfilment operation for all units in Australia. This includes both the retail stores and various distribution centres across the country. Adrian’s experience across the business has seen him lead at a senior level for many years from both a commercial and fulfilment standpoint supporting ongoing business and people growth. Adrian has a real passion for people and continues to lead many ongoing initiatives in the business around people growth. He continues to mentor and coach many leaders across the organization to support their aspirations. He believes in freedom with responsibility, allowing those around him to take decisions and push the business forward without fear of making mistakes. His leadership is known to be open, transparent and straightforward, with a willingness to innovate and learn. His ongoing ability to challenge and drive solid KPI performance has led to sustained business results year on year. Adrian holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Archaeology and Geography from the UK.
Aaron is currently the AI & Advanced Analytics Manager at Country Road Group and David Jones. He loves to uncover what it is that makes customers tick, and strives to use his data science expertise to provide the best possible customer experience to them. Having started his career life as a Games Designer with very strong mathematical prowess in the Gaming Industry, he quickly came up with a range of creative ideas based on a range of statistical models. This has led to a variety of AI use-cases, from facial recognition time-carding to fraud detection to omni-channel personalization, now implemented throughout a number of different retailers.
Frances is the VP of Operations and Enablement for Consumer Optus Pty Ltd. She is responsible for the overall, distribution, design, operational support, compliance, communications and importantly the development and capability of the Sales Channels.
Frances has been with Optus for 8 years and has spent over 20 years in the telecommunications industry, holding roles across all sales channels, sales management, transformation and customer experience, as well as holding Board positions on industry forums. Prior to Optus, she worked with Vodafone for 15 years with several Senior Management Roles.
She is passionate about the customer experience and how we redefine our engagement via new innovation that excites and inspires and the ongoing development for employees and their personal growth.
Paul leads the technology capability for Craveable Brands, home to 580+ Red Rooster, Oporto and Chicken Treat restaurants across Australia. As customers expect digital interaction, Craveable Brands continue to add and enhance digital customer channels to drive further growth. At Greencross, Paul supported continued growth and integration of the pet retail (Petbarn, City Farmers) and veterinary businesses. Paul previously led digital transformation at APG & Co, home to iconic Australian brands Sportscraft, Saba, JAG & Willow. Retailers can successfully combine the best of online and stores to deliver better customer experience and business results, as demonstrated at John Lewis with over 30% of sales online and a strong focus on omni-channel. At Warehouse Express, Paul was CTO in a turnaround team returning an online retailer to profit in a tough sector. Previously he worked with online pioneer figleaves.com, Avanade and Mincom.
James Bartle is the founding CEO of Outland Denim, the denim brand making jeans differently and setting a new standard in fashion manufacturing. Driven by the desire to curb the trafficking of young girls into the $99 billion illicit commercial sex industry, Bartle created Outland to generate training and employment opportunities for women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Over six years Bartle developed a unique business model that would enable each of his seamstresses to gain a covetable sJames Bartle is the founding CEO of Outland Denim, the denim brand making jeans differently and setting a new standard in fashion manufacturing. Driven by the desire to curb the trafficking of young girls into the $99 billion illicit commercial sex industry, Bartle created Outland to generate training and employment opportunities for women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Over six years Bartle developed a unique business model that would enable each of his seamstresses to gain a covetable skill set in tailoring while earning a living wage, receiving ongoing support and life-enhancing education, and crafting artisan quality jeans to compete in the global premium marketplace. In 2016, he took Outland to scale, securing international investment and distribution to further the company's mission to employ more young women while concurrently investing heavily in supply chain and environmental stewardship. With a background in manufacturing and start-up ventures, Bartle has taken a hands-on approach to developing Outland's signature jean styles, eschewing automation in favour of craftsmanship.
Timothy De Coster is currently the Group Supply Chain Design & Planning Manager for Asahi. To inform his strategies, Timothy conducts capacity and capability assessments for Asahi's vast supply chain network, taking into consideration the different economic, political and social challenges each jurisdiction brings. Timothy has 5 years’ experience in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management in operational, tactical and strategic roles. In these roles, Timothy has been recognised for his skills in future proofing and leading continuous improvement projects for multi-echelon supply chains. Having started his career in Belgium in Europe’s largest brewery, Timothy has taken on roles in Prague and Amsterdam before joining Carlton United Breweries in Melbourne in 2017. Timothy has a Master’s Degree in Business Engineering from the University of Ghent (High Distinction) and has obtained his Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma Methodology. Outside of the office, Timothy can be found rock climbing or training for obstacle races.
After joining Honey Birdette in 2019 as its CFO, Kim took the reins of the luxury brand less than a year later. Her aim was simple - to make Honey Birdette the most talked about lingerie label in the world. Kim has an impressive background in high-end retail, and was formerly the finance and IT director at L'Occitane en Provence. She has never needed convincing as to the power of digital, and it was under her direction that Honey Birdette achieved colossal growth in that sector despite the challenges presented by COVID. That experience only strengthened her resolve to bolster Honey Birdette's online presence, knowing it's crucial to the label's success in new and emerging markets. As she helms the brand on the brink of explosive expansion across the United States, Kim is a champion for teamwork and female empowerment throughout the company and beyond.
Kurt is the Director of Ticketing Solutions at Transport for New South Wales. As the Head of TfNSW’s Digital Payments business unit, Kurt is responsible for delivering innovative digital and payments products across a variety of channels to over 4 million regular customers that take over 670 million trips annually, equating to over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Kurt is responsible for overall delivery accountability of the Opal network which is geographically the world's largest electronic ticketing system covering 40,000 square kilometres, 318 train stations, 44 wharves, 29 light rail stops and 39,599 bus stops.
During his time at TfNSW, Kurt achievements include the successful delivery of Australia's largest contactless payments system, with TfNSW being Australia’s largest payment merchant with approximately 25,000 contactless payment terminals deployed across the Opal network. He also delivered the world's first fully integrated revenue protection app that reads both contactless payment cards and also closed loop Opal transit cards.
Other achievements have included Australia's first transit agency initiated mobility-as-a-service pilot integrating onDemand and regional and rural services with the broader Opal network. He also delivered the first remotely controlled railway station solution for payments and gate access in the Southern hemisphere.
Kurt led the delivery of a series of business intelligence products that have leveraged near real-time Opal data, fused weather and event data sets, and used machine learning to predict future transport network patterns and expected patronage. This has enabled TfNSW services to be better tailored to meet the needs of its customers.
Kurt has over 20 years’ experience delivering complex technology programs both internationally and domestically in both the private and public sector. Kurt was formerly an Army officer where he served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Indonesia, prior to working for Deloitte in business and technology transformation. From there Kurt worked with ASX listed infrastructure firms Leighton Group and Lendlease where he lead large global technology delivery teams prior to joining TfNSW. Kurt brings a unique blend of experience and pragmatism to the delivery of customer centric digital products.
Metcash
Kobie Taylor, Head of People & Culture at Metcash, has spent over 13 years working for some of Australia’s most iconic brands and partnering with leaders on strategy, transformational change, organisational effectiveness and talent management. At Metcash, the priority is shifting the business and the iconic IGA brand into growth, in what is a complex business model and a highly competitive market. With a new strategy, transforming how the business operates, and how it how it leads its people, was quickly identified a critical enabler to achieving their ambitious vision and purpose.
Natalie Ellis serves as Vice President, General Manager, Foot Locker Pacific since May 2017. Her previous leadership positions at Foot Locker, Inc. include Vice President, General Manager, SIX:02 and Lady Foot Locker from October 2012 to April 2017, as well as Vice President, Corporate Strategy from September 2011 to September 2012. Natalie also serves as part of Foot Locker, Inc.’s Global Diversity & Inclusion Council. She previously held executive operational and strategic roles at L Brands and the Boston Consulting Group. Natalie holds an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, an MA from the School for Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and an AB from Princeton University.
John is a Non-Executive Director for Zip Co, Foodco Group and General Pants Group/Ksubi and advisers a range of start-ups. He has 28 years of experience across Research, Marketing, Digital Innovation and General Management with organisations like Westfield, Interbrand, Wrigley and PepsiCo. He has a Masters in Management, a Bachelor of Business, a ADMA Certificate in Digital Marketing and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Deborah is responsible for relationship management with Rest’s employers, as well as industry associations. Her responsibilities also encompass Rest Advice, business development, service delivery and employer channel management.
Deborah joined Rest in 2015, as the National Manager, Advice and subsequently served as the Head of Advice and Education from March 2017. In May 2018, she was appointed as interim General Manager Brand, Marketing and Communications.
Deborah has extensive experience working with board, executive and professional teams on customer experience strategies in the financial services and superannuation industries. Prior to working at Rest, she worked at BT Financial Group and AMP Corporate Super.
A strategic and creative thinker with a verifiable track record in increasing performance through dynamic leadership, innovation, strategic planning, and change management, Jarrod Kinchington works closely with business and IT stakeholders to develop and implement options that satisfy a range of competing objectives. He brings more than 20 years of experience across a number of industries, including telecommunications and utilities, transportation, the public sector, and financial services. With a proven track record in achieving measurable outcomes, Jarrod has a strong background in enterprise applications, integration, managed services, and migrating organisations from legacy environments to consumption-based cloud services across both infrastructure and application platforms.
As organisations and business enterprises face increasing demands to do more with less, requiring they look beyond traditional methods, Jarrod helps them to ignite innovation and operational agility, and take advantage of best-of-breed technologies in order to drive and support growth. Jarrod is passionate about bringing together innovation, culture, and strategy, and has a strength for developing high performing-teams whose members become leaders in their respective industries.
Fresh Terrain: Surveying the New World of Retail
While the national economy continues to endure seismic shocks resonating from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing response from the nation’s Retail community has been remarkably energetic. Retailers have reacted swiftly to paradigmatic shifts in consumer behaviour; physical environments have adapted, digital ecosystems have flourished, supply networks have been revised, and loyal customers have been rewarded. This Session serves as a contextual platform for the Forum; we will break down the changing macro-economic and socio-political environments we inhabit to frame the progress that has been made against the challenges and opportunities facing responsive Retailers in the world today.
Reinventing the Retail Experience
Trust: The Building Blocks of a Customer First Approach
Connection and Consideration: The Mantle of Modern Leaders
Devastating bushfires, a relentless pandemic, a global reckoning on race, and the continuing, systematic erosion of facts on the world stage – the calendar year to date has not shied from issuing historic challenges to our shared social fabric. And while much has and will continue to be said of the unprecedented challenges facing businesses on a structural level, close attention must be paid to the personal toll of crisis and our shifting responsibilities as leaders in this chaotic environment. This Session will explore the strategies and structures that Retail leaders have adopted to connect and protect their people, reigniting purpose and inspiring allegiance in the age of compassion fatigue.
Marketing Discussion
Bridging Artificial Boundaries: The New Identity of Retail
For years, the continued relevance of brick-and-mortar was under question – but no longer. As foot traffic suffers, it is becoming abundantly clear that the store is a vital space of experience and experimentation, of identity and differentiation. The new challenge for retailers is giving expression to digital interfaces, of fostering loyalty and aligning with consumers without the human touch. Our conversation will challenge attendees to reconsider the limitations of digital channels, to think more deeply on how commerce and UX can be leveraged to inspire and ignite the imagination of online customers.
Fulfilment & Logistics Discussion
New Product Pathways: Remobilising the Retail Sector
Flexibility had been gathering momentum as a critical factor in supply chain design well before the advent of COVID-19. Unfortunately, it has taken a global pandemic for this argument to mature. Retailers around the world are confronting their supply chain dependencies now that the vulnerability of existing models has been unceremoniously exposed. It is now clear that individual component costs are a shadow of end-to-end value optimisation. Our conversation will delve into this shift in perspective, as we advance the argument for resilience, efficiency and flexibility to become the new foundations of supply chain design.
Finance & Payments Discussion
Measured Acceleration: Unlocking Growth in the New Retail
The time has come to consider what lies beyond preparedness. As our operating environment corrects, Retailers will have a fleeting opportunity to harness the upswing in the consumer economy before rivals capitalise on the restored confidence of consumers. This Stream unites financial leaders that are leading through the crisis for the insider’s insight on accelerating from crisis management to secure growth ambitions.
The Retail Frontline Discussion
The New Retail Armory: Empowering Your People
The Retail industry has experienced physical dislocation on an unprecedented scale. As businesses accelerate into a new operating environment, it is essential that employees are brought along for the ride. Our conversation will explore the bridge between employee wellbeing and experience, and performance and profitability. Together, we will consider how Retailers are curating authentic, value-driven cultures; advancing wellbeing and experiential practices; and repaving communication highways on the path to more resilient and rewarding businesses.
Consumer Insights Discussion
Retail Refocussed: Realigning Your Consumer Compass
In climates defined by uncertainty, dynamic consumer insight informs an organisation’s capability to deliver across the entire value chain. Information is the foundation for action, and the ability to make early, informed decisions based on actionable consumer intelligence will be a competitive differentiator as our operating environment corrects. Our conversation will unearth the insider’s insight on consumer behaviour, unpacking the systems and structures that empower Retailers to look through the fog of crisis towards a new vision for their businesses.
Marketing Keynote
Fulfilment & Logistics Keynote
Finance & Payments Keynote
The Retail Frontline Keynote
Consumer Insights Keynote
Digitisation Destinations: Navigating Change at Pace
Many brands demonstrated enviable reflexes by adapting to the rapid state of digitally-driven Retail. Now, as our operating environment corrects and businesses begin to stabilise, stakeholder attention is returning from crisis management to strategic planning and growth ambition. This Session will interrogate how Retailers, acting on a bedrock of consumer intelligence, are consolidating end-to-end value chain digitisation, staring through the fog of crisis to secure lasting value.
Aligning Sustainability and Business Objectives
Climate’s primacy as a mainstream political and socio-economic issue is challenging businesses to reconceive established operating models. Parallels between the pandemic and extreme climate events have become too stark to ignore as revised risk aversion principles scale the corporate agenda. Our conversation will explore how Retailers are approaching the disruption riffling through the sector as an opportunity to align sustainability and business objectives at the core of the organisation. We will hear how – in a global business environment that values resilience – sustainability and climate management are fast-becoming essential corporate capabilities.
Future Frameworks: A Blueprint for Technological Advancement
From momentous strides in machine learning to consequential developments in cloud architecture and augmented reality, the technologies that underpin Retail are evolving to change the sector in unexpected and even surreal ways. While not every company has the resources to innovate and extend the frontiers of retail experience, every executive has a responsibility to position their company for the early adoption of game-changing technologies. This Stream looks at the underlying architecture Retail firms can put in place that will serve as a platform for technological competitiveness in the years that follow.
Serial Disruptors in a highly Regulated Market
Marketing Discussion
The Consumer Shadow: Brands that Move with Customers
The boundaries between brands and consumers are collapsing. It is no longer enough for brands to have curated independent digital ecosystems, to expect consumers to find them. The customer journey from discovery to conversion has been condensed into sharp, one-click moments of instinct and influence on digital channels, and brands must be tactically present in these instances. Our conversation will extend beyond the bare skeleton of effective e-commerce models to confront the complexity of sustaining growth and remaining ahead of the competition in highly saturated online spaces. We will consider how businesses can embed responsive, dynamic methodologies into their e-commerce engine to ensure they never run out of fuel.
Fulfilment & Logistics Discussion
The Art of Motion: Recalibrating Product Pathways
Reliable and rapid fulfilment is crucial for elevating consumer experiences in the Retail domain. From prescriptive analytics to warehouse automation, distribution pathways are becoming incredibly responsive to true demand. This Stream unpacks the technologies and processes that are bringing products closer to consumers, and consumers closer to brands. We will track the customer’s journey through digital corridors and physical aisles to better understand how Retailers are moving products from suppliers to shelves and from carts to checkouts.
Commerce & Finance Discussion
Transforming Payments: Lifting the Veil on Commerce as a Creative Differentiator
When we speak of friction in e-commerce, we are speaking of affording the customer cause for hesitation, of opening an exit on the path to purchase. Historically, payments have fallen into this faction of friction, and so every effort has been made to integrate – to clear this hurdle with a single click of conviction. But what if we inverted our thinking, and framed payments not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to deliver novel and personalised consumer experiences, both in-store and online? Our conversation will challenge the audience to reconceive of payments, not as the enemy, but as an ally in a retail arena increasingly defined by flexibility, security, personality, and identity.
The Retail Frontline Discussion
The Physical Edge: Reclaiming the Store Front
Retailers and consumers have been tirelessly co-creating an experiential landscape that stretches from the physical world to the digital realm. But this exercise has assumed new meaning in the current climate. With foot traffic slowing to a halt while consumers steer towards digital channels, there is new pressure to radically accelerate in-store omnichannel integration and adapt physical environments to online drivers. Our conversation will begin with imperatives for the recovery of the physical shopfront, before diving deeper into the recalibration of brick-and-mortar operating models and the revolution of the role of the store.
Consumer Insights Discussion
Learning from the Machine: The Gears of Retail Overdrive
Retail is in the midst of reinvention. Nuanced variations in consumer behaviour are capable of informing precise yet rapid actions that propel the customer down the conversion funnel. But these subtle signals and behavioural shifts can’t be read with human eyes alone – machine learning is fast becoming a competitive imperative. In this session, we’ll her how retailers are leveraging machine learning to implement surgical changes to their omnichannel engines. We will consider the perspectives and practices instrumental to the adoption and acceleration of machine learning architecture, and interrogate the metrics used to assess their ongoing effectiveness.
Marketing Keynote
Fulfilment & Logistics Keynote
Commerce & Finance Keynote
The Retail Frontline Keynote
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. We combine unmatched experience and specialized capabilities across more than 40 industries — powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. With 513,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture brings continuous innovation to help clients improve their performance and create lasting value across their enterprises.
Marketplacer is an Australian-based SaaS business which provides market-leading online marketplace platforms to clients wanting to build scalable and innovative online solutions. Since launching Marketplacer in 2016, we have connected 11,000 businesses with platforms generating a combined annual audience of 50-million+ users.
At Australia Post we proudly provide trusted ways for people, businesses and communities to connect with each other and the world. As our world changes, so too does our business. While we deliver over three billion articles a year, the mix is shifting dramatically to parcels as the community embraces eCommerce and new forms of digital communication.
Today, Australia Post facilitates 82 per cent of the nation’s eCommerce, while new financial and identity services are changing the role of our post offices.
Kepler is the world’s 1st Intelligent Sales Improvement and Conversion Optimisation system for retailers managing brick-and-mortar stores.
Kepler provides a real time view of retail sales drivers using our unique traffic monitoring technology integrated with sales, rosters and other store operational data.
Retailers in ten countries managing 1,600+ stores using Kepler have achieved improved sales growth, reduced wages and lower occupancy cost across their store network within 12 months.
Infor Retail’s next-generation enterprise software helps retailers and fashion brands deliver better shopping experiences and run more efficient, data-driven businesses. Leveraging the power of science, user-centred design, machine learning and AI, we’re ushering our customers and today’s consumers into the future of retail. More than 2,500 customers worldwide are already seeing results.
Established in 1988, Rest is amongst the largest funds by membership, with around 1.7 million members and around $60 billion in funds under management (as at December 2019).
Tryzens is an international digital commerce consultancy that takes a holistic approach to growing your business, no matter how or where your customers choose to buy.
As the leader in Unified Data Analytics, Databricks helps companies make all their data ready for analytics, empower data-driven decisions across the
organisation, and rapidly adopt machine learning to deliver value and drive growth into the future. Leading consumer brands including Coles Group, Columbia Sportswear, H&M, Nike & Starbucks, use Databricks to innovate faster, manage their businesses & deliver more personal experiences. With Databricks, retailers and consumer brands can truly support a 360 understanding of their customers and have a real-time view of their supply chain.
GOC Retail delivers unified retail solutions which seamlessly merge the digital and physical worlds. As Gold channel partner of Cegid, the world’s largest provider of retail solutions in the specialty sector, we are the leading provider of shopping and clienteling solutions for specialty retailers in Australia.
Our experience and knowledge gained internationally through working with luxury brands like RM Williams, Gant and Sheike, prepares retailers for what comes next, whether a rapidly changing market or international expansion.
At UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), Our Purpose Is People. Built from a merger that created one of the largest cloud companies in the world, UKG believes organisations succeed when they focus on their people. As a leading provider of HCM, payroll, and workforce management solutions, UKG’s award winning Dimensions and Ready solutions help tens of thousands of organisations across geographies in every industry drive better business outcomes, improve HR effectiveness, streamline the payroll process, and help make work a streamlined, connected experience for everyone.
Blue Yonder is the world leader in digital supply chain and omni-channel commerce fulfillment. Our intelligent, end-to-end platform enables retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers to seamlessly predict, pivot and fulfill customer demand. With Blue Yonder, you can make more automated, profitable business decisions that deliver greater growth and re-imagined customer experiences.
Sonder are the global authority on owned media.
They provide independent valuations on undervalued media assets and have a SaaS tool to improve media operations performance. They have unlocked over $4B in media value for retailers like Coles, Myer, KFC, Stockland and Telstra.
Axis enables a smarter and safer world by creating network solutions that provide insights for improving security and new ways of doing business. As the industry leader in network video, Axis offers products and services for video surveillance and analytics, access control, intercom and audio systems.
Axis has more than 3,800 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984 and has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden.
Celebrating its 10th year, the Retail Leaders Forum is unparalleled in the level of delegates and speakers it attracts.
The Forum is driven by an ambitious business agenda, and our audience is screened for seniority to ensure you are networking with the minds shaping business.
Our limited keynote and moderated panel speaking opportunities will effectively embed you in this top-end business community.
Digital and physical brand activations, as well as consultations in dedicated activation spaces further enable you to engage with this decision-making audience.
As a marketing platform to demonstrate expertise, credibility and grow your business with the Retail industry, the Retail Leaders Forum offers unrivalled cut-through.
This event was sold out in 2020
ICC SYDNEY
14 Darling Drive, Sydney
New South Wales 2000, Australia
Accommodation Offer at Novotel Sydney Darling Square
To book, please email [email protected] or call +612 8217 4000 to speak with reservations.
Delegates are required to quote ‘CONNECTMED21’ to receive a discounted rate of $190 room only per room per night nett. This discount is valid for travel between 26th April 2021 and 2nd June 2021 and is valid until 7 days to arrival date of the event. Rooms are subject to availability and rates will be quoted at the time of booking.
General Information
Cancellation
Payment & Check-In
All times stated are local Sydney time. This offer is for direct non-commissionable bookings only.
For more information please click here
If you are a Vendor or Service Provider to retail professionals, please email [email protected] to register.
COVID 19 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Secure your place with confidence.
We are continuously following the advice of the Australian Department of Health and the ICC Sydney. The health and safety of our delegates, partners and staff remains our number one priority.
Health and Safety Measures in place include:
For any other questions, please contact [email protected]
We look forward to delivering this event for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s included in my delegate pass?
A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations.
Is there a group booking discount?
Yes – groups of 3 people or more are entitled to a discount. Full discount information is available on our registration page. If you have any questions about how group bookings work, please contact [email protected]
Can I transfer my pass?
A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. A substitute delegate is welcome at any time prior to the event, provided the request is made in writing to [email protected]
How do I receive my delegate pass?
Following the completion of your registration and payment, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email one week before the event to provide final information regarding your participation. Delegate badges and all event material will be provided upon arrival at the event – nothing will be sent in the post.
Is media registration available?
No, this is a closed and confidential event. Media registrations are not available.
Cancellation Policy:
A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
What is a Service Provider?
A service provider refers to an individual or organisation who supplies products and/or services to the primary audience of retail industry.
Service providers may only have one representative at the event. A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. All service providers who apply for a pass will be reviewed internally before a registration is completed.
Will there be a delegate list available?
No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to attendees
Delegate Pass:
Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Payment & Discounts:
Payment of invoice is due within 7 days of registration. A 3% surcharge is payable for all credit card transactions. Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. Payment in full is required by the first day of the event. Please note: Registrations made within 7 days of the event can only be paid via credit card. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.
Organiser’s Rights:
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.
In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise [email protected].
Cancellation Policy:
A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Event Delivery:
In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.
Privacy Disclosure:
We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email [email protected]. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.