Creating a Data Smart Australia

Roy is Special Innovation Advisor at the University of Technology Sydney, and former Dean of the UTS Business School. He has pursued a career in universities, government and industry, and has published widely on innovation and industrial policy, including with the OECD and European Commission. At various times, he chaired the Australian Government’s Innovative Regions Centre, CSIRO Manufacturing Sector Advisory Council, Queensland Competition Authority and NSW Manufacturing Council. Currently, Roy chairs the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub and Port of Newcastle, and he is a board member of CSIRO and SmartSat CRC.

Dr. Ian Oppermann is a founding director of ServiceGen, Government's Strategic Partner for Trusted Service Transformation. Ian is also an Industry Professor at University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

From 2015 until 2023, Ian was the NSW Government’s Chief Data Scientist helping transform the way NSW understands and uses data and AI. Ian has 30 years experience in the ICT sector and has led organizations with more than 300 people, delivering products and outcomes that have impacted hundreds of millions of people globally. He has held senior management roles in Europe and Australia as Director for Radio Access Performance at Nokia, Global Head of Sales Partnering (network software) at Nokia Siemens Networks, and then Divisional Chief and Flagship Director at CSIRO.

Ian is considered a thought leader in the area of the Digital Economy and is a regular speaker on “Big Data”, broadband enabled services and the impact of technology on society. He has contributed to 6 books and co-authored more than 120 papers which have been cited more than 3500 times. Ian has an MBA from the University of London and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Telecommunications from Sydney University. Ian is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the IEEE, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, a Fellow and Immediate Past President of the Australian Computer Society, and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ian is also president of the Australia National Committee of the IEC and president of the JTC1 strategic advisory committee in Australia.

Gabriella Warden is Manager, Government Relations and Policy Research at the Carbon Market Institute (CMI). Gabriella engages closely with CMI members and other stakeholders to inform Australia's ongoing climate policy reform agenda, including enhancing the integrity of Australia’s carbon crediting framework and advancing longer-term sectoral decarbonisation plans and economy-wide policies to support Australia's commitments under the Paris Agreement. Gabriella also manages CMI's government's relations activities with department, parliamentary and other government stakeholders.

Peter Leonard is a business consultant and lawyer advising data-driven businesses and government agencies. Peter is principal of Data Synergies and a part-time Professor of Practice at UNSW Business School, working across the Schools of Information Systems and Technology Management, and Management and Governance. Peter serves on the OECD Expert Group on AI, Data, and Privacy; the Australian National Data Advisory Council; the NSW Government’s AI Review Committee; the NSW Government’s Information and Privacy Advisory Committee, IoTAA’s Trusted Technology and Data Program Panel; and a number of corporate and advisory boards.

With over 15 years of international experience across diverse regions, including Latin America, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand, Karla specializes in establishing data science practices, developing AI strategies, and implementing AI governance frameworks. She is dedicated to leveraging AI responsibly while enhancing AI literacy within organizations.

In 2017, Karla founded Domitila Technologies with the mission to democratize AI literacy, starting with children and youth. Through this initiative, she aims to foster a deeper understanding of AI and its potential and risks, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a data-driven world.

Derryn Heilbuth is the Executive Chair of sustainability consultancy BWD Strategic. A former journalist and corporate communications professional, Derryn founded the company over three decades ago. It helps major corporates in Australia, Asia and the US, build organisational resilience and long-term value by helping them: assess their risks and opportunities; develop sustainability strategies that measure their impact; and disclose their progress through reporting that is aligned with the latest global standards and frameworks. BWD Strategic has offices in Sydney, Brisbane, New York and Arizona.

Thierry is an energetic climate and sustainability data, AI and technology leader and disruptor with a focus on innovation and making an impact that matters for his clients and the community. An Executive Leader with over 20 years’ experience working with CxO’s to drive business-led transformations, enabled by data, AI, performance management and risk management capabilities across multiple industries. Thierry started his career with Capgemini in France, he has spent over a decade with Deloitte and 6+ years with SAP. He has worked with a client base across Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Thierry is passionate about successful market Alliances to help have a bigger impact to solve client issues . He built and led Deloitte’s national Climate & Sustainability alliance program in Australia. Previously Thierry was the national leader for Deloitte's Data and AI Alliance program and had multiple direct Alliance leadership roles such as Anaplan, Workiva, Google, IBM...

Thierry is determined to make an impact in the world when it comes to climate and sustainability. The time is now and we all need to take responsibility for this

Baker (pronounced as “Becker”) Tamory is a distinguished sales professional with an impressive track record in the Technology Sales is recognised for his acumen in Data. As a Senior Data & AI Specialist at Microsoft Australia, Baker manages significant Azure Data Services revenue targets and has pioneered initiatives in Generative AI, showcasing exceptional public speaking skills and strategic acumen. His ability to collaborate effectively and deliver solutions that meet complex customer needs is truly remarkable.

Previously at Talend Australia, Experian Asia Pacific, Oracle, and Apple, Baker demonstrated his prowess in driving customer growth and achieving sales excellence. Known for his engaging approach with C-level executives and his leadership in data transformation projects, Baker consistently exceeded sales targets, earning him recognition and accolades in his field. His dedication to continuous learning and professional growth is evident by constantly challenging himself to learn and has adopted a growth mindset as his default.

What sets Baker apart is his deep commitment to community service and mentorship. His involvement in various volunteer initiatives and mentorship programs speaks volumes about his character and his desire to make a positive impact in society. If you're looking for a leader who combines technical expertise with a passion for innovation and societal contribution, Baker Tamory is the professional to connect with.