AGENDA
Don’t miss this agenda-setting conference, with an exclusive line up of speakers you won’t see anywhere else
ARA LEADERS FORUM 25 – DAY ONE, WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY
8.00 AM: Registration, Refreshments and Networking
9.00 AM: Welcoming
Welcome to Country
- Uncle Allen Madden, Gadigal Elder
Dance Performance
- Jannawi Dance Clan
Welcome to ARA Leaders Forum 25
- Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
Retail Endurance: Seizing Opportunities in Change and Challenge
- Nicole Sheffield, President, Australian Retailers Association
The Australian Retail Council – A United Voice
- Nicole Sheffield, President, Australian Retailers Association
- Antony Moore, Chair, National Retail Association
9.30 AM: Retail’s Future Vision
A big picture look at the global trends shaping retail – from AI advances and automation to evolving customer expectations. Industry leaders and experts share exclusive insights on how technology, sustainability, and digital transformation are redefining retail experiences. This visionary session offers a motivating and inspiring outlook for leaders looking to stay competitive and innovative in our fast-evolving landscape.
Unlocking the Retail of Tomorrow
Keynote: Political Landscape
- Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth
Keynote: Retail: What’s Next?
- Chris Richardson, Economist, Rich Insight
Retail Resilience: Welcoming AMEX to Leaders Forum 25
- Robert Tedesco, Vice President & General Manager, Global Merchant & Network Services, A/NZ, American Express
10.20 AM: Morning Tea and Networking Break
10.40 AM: Leadership – The New Frontier
How do Australia’s most influential leaders navigate retail’s permanent state of disruption? This highly engaging session explores the evolving role of leadership in retail – tackling challenges and opportunities brought by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviour, and a growing focus on sustainability. Learn strategies and practical tools to foster agility, create inclusive work cultures, and navigate the complexities of modern leadership with vision, resilience and adaptability.
Leading Through Permanent Disruption
Fireside Chat: Profit & Purpose: The Balancing Act
- Hosted by:
- Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Mirja Viinanen, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia
- Mirja Viinanen, Chief Executive Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Australia
Panel: Retail 2025; State of Play
- Hosted by:
- Vanessa Matthijssen, Asia-Pacific Consumer Industry Lead, Deloitte
- In conversation with:
- Scott Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer, David Jones
- Richard Goodman, Chief Executive Officer, FoodCo Group
- Agnieszka (Agi) Pfeiffer-Smith, Managing Director, Dan Murphy’s (Endeavour Group)
- Tim Schaafsma, Chief Executive Officer, Coco Republic
- Scott Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer, David Jones
Fireside Chat: How Digitisation is Transforming Business and Customer Needs
- Hosted by:
- Sarah Hunter, Managing Director, Officeworks
- In conversation with:
- Maurice McCarthy, Managing Director, Customer Success, Optus
12.10 PM: Lunch and Networking Break
1:00 PM: Customer At The Core
How are personalisation, data-driven insights and seamless omnichannel experiences improving customer loyalty? Experts share their secrets to understanding customer needs, behaviours, and preferences in the world of the connected consumer. Learn how to build stronger, more meaningful connections with their customers. This session empowers retailers to prioritise customer-centricity in every aspect of their operations.
Customer Centric Strategies to Drive Loyalty and Engagement
Keynote: The Economic Influences on Retail Demand for 2025
- Craig Woolford, Senior Retail Analyst, MST Marquee
Panel: The Connected Customer
- Hosted by:
- Liana Kohn-Gardner, Vice President Merchant Partnerships A/NZ, American Express
- In conversation with:
- Aimee Dixon. General Manager, Enterprise Brand & Retail Marketing, Australia Post
- Suzy Nicoletti, Managing Director and Vice President, APAC, Klaviyo
- Brent Smart, Chief Marketing Officer, Telstra
- Hannah Udina, Head of Partnerships, Shopify (ANZ)
Keynote: Winning Consumer Trust
- Michele Levine, Chief Executive Officer, Roy Morgan
Keynote: How are Speciality Retailers Performing in the Current Market?
- Wayne Rigney, Director, The Retail Score
Fireside Chat: How has Customer Centricity Driven the Kmart Revival?
- Hosted by:
- Jessica Yun, Business Reporter, Sydney Morning Herald
- In conversation with:
- Ian Bailey, Managing Director, Kmart Group
2.40 PM: Afternoon Tea and Networking Break
3.00 PM: The Impact Economy
How much do ethically minded shoppers influence purchasing? Sustainability, social responsibility, and transparency are essential to attracting and retaining this growing customer cohort. Leading retailers and experts share strategies to align business practices with the values of conscious consumers, from eco-friendly products to ethical sourcing.
Driving Growth with Purpose
Panel: The Transformative World of The Impact Economy
- Hosted by:
- Ryan Swenson, Director Policy and Advocacy, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Bronwyn Johnson, Senior Business Development Manager, Too Good To Go
- Ben Peacock, Brand & Creative Director, South Pole
- Sasha Titchkosky, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Koskela
Fireside Chat: Using Purchasing Power to Drive Positive Social Outcomes; A Case Study
- Hosted by:
- Kate Russell, Chief Executive Officer, Supply Nation
- In conversation with:
- Desmond Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Welcome to Country
Fireside Chat: Why Say “Yes”
- Hosted by:
- Alison Covington, Founder and Managing Director, Good360 Australia
- In conversation with:
- David Walker, Board Director, Good360 Australia
Day One Closing Remarks:
- Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
4.15 PM – Day One Closing Remarks
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
4.30 PM – Cocktails, Canapes & Conversation - Networking event
ARA LEADERS FORUM 25 – DAY TWO, THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY
7.00 AM: Breakfast and Networking
7.45 AM: Keynote: Unprecedented: The Future of the Consumer Industry
The Forces Shaping the Coming 10 Years of Change in the Industry
- Kasey Lobaugh, Chief Futurist Consumer Industry, Deloitte
9:00 AM: Technology and Innovation
A deep dive into the groundbreaking technologies and strategies transforming retail – including fresh insights from the National Retail Federation’s Big Show. Exclusive conversations with global experts – from AI and automation to immersive customer experiences. This session will highlight how retailers can stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market.
Redefining Retail
Fireside Chat: Disrupting Bunnings to Grow and Innovate
- Hosted by:
- Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Michael Schneider, Managing Director, Bunnings
Panel: How to Innovate in a Tough Economy; Global Best Practice
- Hosted by:
- Laura Cordero, Marketing Director, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Kate Box, Director, Global Business Group, Retail ANZ, META
- Gareth Jude, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, ThinkUncommon
- Carly Lynch, Principal Strategist, Digital Strategy Group, APAC, Adobe
Keynote: Looking to 2030: Customer Centric Growth with Retail Media
- Nikhil Raj, Chief Business Officer of Retail Media, Moloco
Fireside Chat: Driving Business Transformation through Technology and Innovation
- Hosted by:
- John Costello, Managing Partner, Retail & Consumer & CTO – Australia, Publicis Sapient
- In conversation with:
- Viv Da Ros, Chief Information Officer, Elders
10.20 AM: Morning Tea and Networking Break
10:40 AM: Building Resilience
Retailers are living through the most disrupted period in history – from network risks which come from AI, cybercrime and bio security to global tensions to bushfires and floods. Data privacy and broader retail crime also play havoc with retail resilience. This session focuses on anticipating and manaing risks. Industry experts will discuss best practices for crisis management, cybersecurity, and adapting to market volatility.
Building Strength in Retail and Navigating Uncertainty
Keynote: Creating a Resilient Future for Retail; Navigating Complex Global Challenges
- Adrian Turner, Chief Executive Officer, ExoFlare
Panel: Resilient Retail; How to Navigate Disruption as Usual
- Hosted by:
- Ryan Swenson, Director Policy and Advocacy, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Peter Carter, General Manager of Public Policy & Government Engagement, GS1 Australia
- Sandra McNeil, Director of Operations, Amazon Australia
- Alison Rowe, Chief Executive Officer, Edge Impact
- Liam Walter, Director, Extreme Weather Response & Mitigation, Insurance Council of Australia
Keynote: Succeeding on the Digital Shelf; How Global Leaders are Winning the Race for Revenue
- Gillian Smythe, Managing Director ANZ, Salsify
Panel: Tackling Retail Crime in 2025
- Hosted by:
- Lindsay Carroll, Interim Chief Executive Officer, National Retail Association
- In conversation with:
- Deputy Commissioner David Hudson APM, Investigations & Counter Terrorism, NSW Police Force
- Nick McDonnell, Senior Director, Trust & Safety, Global Public Policy, Auror
- Rachael McVitty, Chief Customer Officer, Bunnings
12.30 PM: Lunch and Networking Break
1.30PM: People & Culture
Attracting, retaining and nurturing strong teams is central to retail success. Learn how some of our most successful leaders attract and retain top talent, while addressing workplace safety and inclusion. Topics include fostering inclusive environments, ensuring employee well-being, and building a purpose-driven culture that prioritises safety and resilience, equipping retailers to thrive in a dynamic marketplace.
Empowering Retail Teams through an Inclusive and Safe Culture
Fireside Chat: Unlocking the Next Generation of Talent
- Hosted by:
- Nathalie Rosette-Barber, Chief Operating Officer, Australian Retailers Association
- In conversation with:
- Karen Bozic, Group Chief Executive Officer, Craveable Brands
- Samantha Devlin, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Careers Department
Keynote: Super and the Employee Experience; Building Thriving Retail Teams
- Vicki Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, Rest
Panel: Growing through a People First Culture
- Hosted by:
- Lindsay Carroll, Interim Chief Executive Officer, National Retail Association
- In conversation with:
- Jess Aloi, Australia GTM Lead, Square
- Gerard Dwyer, National Secretary & Treasurer, Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association
- Lisa Keenan, Executive Director, MECCA M-POWER
- Natalie Phillips-Mason, Chief Ally and Founder, Inclusive Change
Fireside Chat: Keeping Retail Workers Safe
- Hosted by:
- Sally Calder, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, RespectX
- In conversation with:
- Ted Tolfree, Chief Executive Officer, CRISP
2.55 PM: Afternoon Tea and Networking Break
3.15 PM: Elevating Leadership - Insights from Industry Trailblazers
Panel: CEO Insights on Leading through Complexity; Investing in Self Development to Navigate
Complexity & Increase Leadership Impact
- Hosted by:
- Gerard Connell, Retail Practice Leader, Egon Zehnder
- In conversation with:
- Jess Bala, Managing Director, General Motors Australia and New Zealand
- Daniel “Pancho” Gutstein, Chief Executive Officer, Forty Winks
- Fiona Hayes, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, 7-Eleven Australia
- Nick Rohrlach, Chief Executive Officer, Velocity Frequent Flyer
Day Two Closing Remarks
Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer, Australian Retailers Association
4.15 PM: ARA LF 25 Concludes
2024 Leaders Forum Gallery
About the ARA
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the oldest, largest and most diverse national retail body. We represent a $430 billion sector that employs more than 1.4 million Australians and is the largest private sector employer in the country. As Australia’s peak retail body, representing more than 120,000 retail shop fronts and online stores, the ARA informs, advocates, educates, protects and unifies our independent, national and international retail community.
The ARA is a not-for-profit, so every dollar is reinvested back into initiatives that support our members. We have a pro-bono council of member representatives with a leading executive team that help navigate the retail industry challenges and collaborate on important industry opportunities and campaigns.
Event Sponsorship Now Available
If you’d like to work alongside the ARA and make a positive difference to the Australian retail industry, please get in touch. We’d welcome the opportunity to understand your vision and develop a program where you will receive the maximum exposure and benefit from your investment.
