2ND SUSTAINABILITY FORUM
Advancing Sustainable Change For A Greener Sustainable Solutions for a Thriving Planet
19-20 November 2024
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands
Kate Romanova
Ex Group Head of Technology, Strategy and Innovation
Qantas
Keynote Address: The Future of Sustainability Through Technology: 2024-2030
Kate Romanova is the former Qantas Group Head of Technology, Strategy & Innovation, and has more than 20 years experience leading large global teams including for HSBC, Rio Tinto, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Kate has twice been included in the Australian CIO50 for her work with AI, automation, and using big data to drive optimised business returns, with a focus on sustainability. She has a Masters degree in Cybersecurity, and is working on a postgrad in AI from Stanford.
Ken Lunty
Technical Director, Sustainability
Arcadis
Panel Discussion Collaborative Sustainability: Driving Change Across Industries for 2024-2030
Ken Lunty is a Technical Director and National Lead for Sustainability at Arcadis. He has advised both public and private clients on sustainability across several sectors including transport infrastructure, property, water, education, and resources. He is an Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional as well as a Verifier and Trainer for the Infrastructure Sustainability Council. He has provided sustainability advice for many of the infrastructure mega projects in Australia including road, rail, light rail, road, and social infrastructure. He advises major corporations, projects, and Governments on the development of organizational sustainability strategies to manage environmental and social impacts. Ken has almost 20 years of sustainability experience advising the private and public sectors. His career started with Hyder Consulting focusing on carbon management and climate change adaptation strategy. In 2013, Ken joined a small consultancy specializing in sustainability strategy, life cycle thinking, and value creation across the built environment, manufacturing, food, and FMCG sectors. As part of the leadership team, the business grew to one of Australia’s largest dedicated sustainability consultancies. At Arcadis, his focus is moving from the “what” to the “how” for a sustainable future. He is devoted to weaving sustainability into design and engineering processes. Ken’s motivation is to work alongside engineers and designers to realise positive sustainability impact through clear visualization and storytelling
Rick Lord
Head of Methodology Innovation | ESG Innovation and Analytics
S&P Global Sustainable 1
Beyond Disclosure: Leveraging Physical Risk Assessments for Long-Term Sustainability
Rick Lord is a climate and sustainability expert with over 15 years of experience across the public and private sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom. Rick leads the methodology innovation team at S&P Global Sustainable 1 focusing on the design and development of innovative methodologies to aid companies and investors in understanding climate and sustainability risks and opportunities.
Key topics of interest include climate change physical and transition risks to real assets, companies, and portfolios, and responding to emerging sustainability regulations and disclosure standards. Rick holds a Master's in Environmental Economics from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science from Queensland University of Technology.
Alison Dilger
Director, Sustainability & Climate Change
Aurecon
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Planning for 2030
Alison Dilger is a sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing, transport, energy, water, telecommunications and mining industries.She is currently Director of Sustainability and Climate Change at Aurecon, leading ESG strategy, supply chain carbon analysis and decarbonisation planning, sustainable infrastructure and sustainable procurement engagements across a range of organisations and infrastructure projects. Aurecon is a design, engineering and advisory company whose purpose is bringing ideas to life, to imagine and co-create with our clients a better future for people and the planet.
Prior to joining Aurecon, Alison's led Mondelez International's Sustainability strategy and program across the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region working with teams across HSE, manufacturing, logistics, procurement, research and development, market and corporate affairs to deliver on Mondelez's commitments. While at Mondelez she led the drive for renewable energy procurement across the region and resource efficiency in manufacturing, achieving its regional carbon, water and materials targets one year ahead of schedule.
Alison is passionate about leveraging supply chain partnerships to deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes.
Scott Tonkin
Principal Environmental Sustainability Advisor
Eden Future
Water Conservation in the Face of Climate Change: Strategies for a Sustainable Future
Scott Tonkin is a Principal in Environmental Sustainability and Director of Eden Future with extensive experience gained over the last 20 years in operational delivery and major infrastructure projects focused on strategy, environmental sustainability, and land conservation. He has designed and led various strategies including Environmental Sustainability, Wastewater Management, and ESG Transformation to achieve emission reductions, minimize environmental impacts and pollution, and create sustainable and resilient operations. This has included the identification of investments/capabilities and the supporting processes to achieve agreed targets and outcomes. Scott has worked in various senior roles covering national and international jurisdictions across private and public sectors within transport, major infrastructure, agribusiness, manufacturing, food production, resources and energy.
Dianna Enlund
Sustainability Solutions Director
S&P Global Sustainable 1
Roundtable Discussion: Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Metrics
Dianna Enlund works closely with key strategic clients in Australia and New Zealand to understand their sustainability data needs and identify solutions for the integration of sustainability data and analytics into client workflows and investment processes. She also works with clients on their sustainability reporting needs including frameworks such as PCAF, NZBA, TCFD, TNFD, and ISSB.
Dianna has over 20 years of financial markets experience working in product, investment, research and commercial roles for global asset managers in Singapore including Allianz Global Investors and Schroders Investment Management, as well as Australian financial institutions including Ord Minnett. In these roles, she has worked with financial, corporate, and government clients across Asia Pacific, Japan, and Europe.
Dianna has a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting) from Macquarie University and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA Australia). Dianna has obtained the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) credential from the IFRS Foundation.
Olivia Whitaker
Sustainability Manager, Australia and New Zealand
L'Oréal
Preserving the beauty of the planet with the L’Oreal Group
Olivia Whitaker is a passionate environmentalist and social justice advocate, who is committed to using her diverse skillet to help address today’s most urgent social and environmental needs. She has a background in sustainability consulting and was also a member of National Australia Bank’s inaugural climate and sustainability solutions team. In November 2022, Olivia joined the L’Oréal Group as Sustainability Manager for Australia and New Zealand. In her role, she is responsible for leading and supporting projects and initiatives connected with the Group’s global sustainability program “L’Oréal for the Future.” Olivia works with teams across the business, as well as with external partners, to help drive the L’Oréal Group’s transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
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Dr. Vaibhav Gaikwad
Head of Sustainability
ELK
Panel Discussion Collaborative Sustainability: Driving Change Across Industries for 2024-2030
Dr. Vaibhav Gaikwad heads sustainability and ethical procurement at ELK, a conscious fashion brand based in Melbourne. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Newcastle and has been working in the sustainability field for over a decade. Vaibhav has helped several organizations reduce their environmental impact through practical and evidence-based strategies and embed best practice ethical sourcing policies in their supply chain. His experience in sustainability spans across several sectors including FMCG, fashion, infrastructure, & resources. Vaibhav is a published author with more than 30 papers and articles in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences and also holds a US patent for converting electronic waste plastics into filaments for 3D printing.
Alexander Liddington
Sustainable Agriculture Analyst
BloomberNEF
From Farm to Fork: Sustainable Food Systems in a Net-Zero World
Alexander Liddington a Food and Agriculture Analyst with BloombergNEF, is a strategic research provider covering the transition to a low-carbon economy. His work covers the global agricultural transition to net zero through the lens of policy, technology, and finance. Recently, Alexander has spent time exploring the economics of precision agriculture and its impacts on the global food system. Prior to BloombergNEF, Alexander worked in crop protection and as a research zoologist studying amphibian fungal diseases in the neotropics.
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Stephanie Thoo
General Manager Innovation & Sustainability
Pro-Pac Group Pty Limited
Panel Discussion Collaborative Sustainability: Driving Change Across Industries for 2024-2030
Stephanie Thoo is the General Manager of Innovation & Sustainability at Pro-Pac Group. She has spent her career in innovation consulting, startups, and social enterprise. Her career has been fueled by an unwavering passion for empowering individuals, whether they be entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs, to create positive environmental and social change.
Dr. Scott Watkins
Chief Sustainability Officer
Kyung-In-Synthetic Corporation (KISCO)
Bringing An Industry Together: Chemistry Driving A Sustainable Revolution In the Fashion Industry
Dr Scott Watkins is the Chief Sustainability Officer with KISCO, a Korean chemical company. He has a PhD in Chemistry and has previously been a research leader in the UK and with CSIRO in Australia. Scott sits on the board of a number of not-for-profits as well as the Australia Korea Foundation.
Freya Marsden
Non-Executive Director
The Role Of AI In Sustainable Development
Freya Marsden is an established board director with over 20 board and committee roles across diverse industries. Freya brings a wealth of experience as a risk specialist, economist, and sustainability specialist with an extensive background in the public, private, and community sectors.
Freya Marsden is the Chair of the Victorian government’s Sustainability Fund, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair of Risk, Optimisation and Sustainability for Melbourne Water, NED, and Chair of Audit and Risk for APCO (Australia’s Packaging Covenant Organisation a co-regulatory body which progresses the Circular Economy for Packaging). Freya was recently appointed Chair of VicReturn's Board of Directors (Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme) and is also a Technical Expert with Standards Australia on Artificial Intelligence and the Environment.
Julie-Anna Smith
Director Strategy & Growth
Bereau Veritas
Accelerating The Transition to 100% Renewable Energy: Challenges and Opportunities For 2024 and Beyond
Julie-Anna Smith has over 20 years of experience leading international engineering, risk, and sustainability consulting and advisory services across the energy, renewables, construction, and tech sectors. She is a member of Bureau Veritas' Global Executive External Consultive Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), responsible for ensuring our services evolve to meet the changing needs of customers. With a deep understanding of renewable engineering projects, commercial market expectations, and ESG regulations, Julie-Anna supports decision-makers in identifying and mitigating risks to support the energy transition.
Dr. Richa Vijayraj
Director
Impact HQ
Best Practices In Climate Risk Modelling, Scenario-Analysis, and Resilience Assessment: Responding To The AASB's Sustainability Reporting Requirements
Dr. Richa Vijayraj, Ph.D., is a distinguished expert in Sustainability and Social Impact, holding a doctorate from RMIT Australia. As a founding member of Impact HQ, she brings a profound commitment to guiding businesses towards achieving profit with purpose. Dr. Richa is a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional, ISO 14064 certified in GHG/Carbon emission measurement (Professional), and a Certified SROI (Social Return on Investment) Practitioner.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Dr. Richa is dedicated to assisting Australian businesses in developing their ESG strategies and meeting reporting requirements. Her expertise lies in aiding companies with accurate assessment and reporting of their environmental and social impacts while optimising their financial returns. As a seasoned conference speaker, Dr. Richa Vijayraj is poised to share valuable insights and thought leadership on Climate Risk Modelling, Scenario-Analysis, and Resilience Assessment.
Stephanie Nicdao
Sustainability Lead
ELK
Roundtable Discussion: Fashion Forward: The Future of Sustainable Fashion and Circular Economy
Stephanie Nicdao is the Sustainability Lead at ELK, a conscious fashion brand based in Melbourne. She has a decade of experience in the fashion industry, providing her with extensive insight into global fashion supply chains. Having previously worked in buying and design, Stephanie is focused on finding viable solutions for sustainable practice that simultaneously support the commerciality of a business. In Stephanie’s position at ELK, she has worked on a range of sustainability projects including conducting LCAs, measuring the company’s carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, developing responsible sourcing strategies, executing Sustainability Action Plans with direct suppliers, and implementing operational improvements to reduce the business’ environmental impact. Stephanie also leads the operations of ELK’s (RE)NEW program, a dedicated initiative to addressing the end-of-life of ELK products.
Nicholas Tan
Associate Director, Sustainable Procurement
Policy Development, NSW Procurement
Economic Development, Social Outcomes And Sustainability: What The NSW Government Is Doing To Drive Sustainable Procurement
Nicholas Tan is an Associate Director in NSW Procurement responsible for social and sustainable procurement policy. His career has developed around gaining the skills and experiences required to lead sustainability across a business. This includes working in policy, strategy and implementation for primary industries, finance, aviation and banking.
Manohar Esarapu
Chief Information Officer
City of Port Phillip
Economic Development, Social Outcomes And Sustainability: What The NSW Government Is Doing To Drive Sustainable Procurement
Manohar Esarapu, currently Chief Information and Innovation Officer at City of Port Phillip and Honorary Fellow at the Deakins Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute. He is at the fore front of leading technology lead innovation and driving digital transformation initiates. He was leading the corporate venture program D.N.A at Bosch working with deep-tech start-ups. He has delivered large scale transformation programs with new business models. In the recent past he is working on cross section of topics embedding IOT, Al and SG.
Jorge Acevedo Pallares
Head of Carbon and Sustainability
Agencia Mexicano de Estudios Antarticos (AMEA)
Beyond the Green Veneer: Authentic Sustainability Communication
Jorge Acevedo is a sustainability and climate action leader with over 10 years of experience in the corporate, public and academic sectors. Jorge specializes in climate change and carbon markets, as well as establishing a genuine culture of sustainability within companies. His technical expertise and public speaking skills have led him to be a TEDx speaker; direct and host the first Mexican podcast dedicated to Antarctica; and become an international sustainability project manager. Jorge currently serves as Head of Sustainability and Communications for the Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies.
Jane Humphreys
Vice President SHEQ, People & Culture
Volvo Group
Building A Sustainable Workforce: The Role Of HR In Fostering Cultural Change And SHEQ
Jane Humphreys is a experienced senior executive, who brings full registration as an Industrial/Organisational Psychologist. Extensive and broad Human Resources experience and a track record of transforming operating environments across various organisational contexts. Proven success in maximising people potential within diverse environments spanning Engineering & Automotive, Technology & Software, Private Practice, FMCG, Consulting, Manufacturing and Transport. A strong preference for working in dynamic, fast paced and highly innovative organisations. A reputation for devising and executing HR, OD and broader business strategies through influential leadership, technical capability coupled with business and commercial acumen. A strong preference for adopting a team-based approach, ensuring development of enterprise wide capability and sustainable business outcomes. Known for demonstrating a confident, logical and realistic approach to quickly gain credibility with all stakeholders. Strong influencing and communication skills with a reputation for being sought after to lead and contribute to cross functional projects.
Nick Walker
Executive Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
IKON Services Australia Pty Ltd
ESG Strategy - Focus On Outcomes Not Administration
Nick Walker is a seasoned expert in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy development and implementation. As the Executive Head of ESG at IKON Services Australia, he continues to drive forward impactful sustainability initiatives made possible by IKON’s integrated Cleaning, Hygiene and Waste Management model. With extensive experience in board-level ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, and compliance across various industries, Nick's comprehensive background makes him a leader in advancing innovative ESG strategies that meet both corporate goals and regulatory standards.
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Rakesh Bandipelli
Co-Founder
Your Product Passport
CHAIRPERSON
Rakesh Bandipelli is a visionary leader with a unique blend of expertise in supply chain management, technology and a keen dedication to advancing the principles of the Circular Economy. With over a decade of experience excelling in optimizing processes, leveraging technology, and driving sustainable practices throughout the value chain by fostering innovative solutions that align business objectives with environmental stewardship.
Stephanie Sirianni
Founder
Nature Collective
Nature Insights For The Built Environment
Stephanie Sirianni is a Registered Architect, Mechanical Engineer, Environmental Engineer and Ecological Sustainable Design (ESD) Engineer with over 14 years’ experience in sustainability, innovation and design in the built environment. Stephanie’s experience includes innovating on the integration of nature and conservation in urban design, translating ecology approaches for the built environment, developing and leading the implementation of nature strategies for built environment projects and educating the property sector on nature via the Nature Insights Series.
Dr. Ali Soofastaei
Advanced Analytics and Applied AI Projects Leader
Innovavative AI
Digital Twins In Mining: Driving Decarbonization And Circular Economy With Spatial Computing And Design Innovation
Ali Soofastaei is a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience in data governance, advanced analytics, and AI-driven transformation across the global mining and resource sectors. Currently, as the CEO of Innovative AI, Ali focuses on delivering cutting-edge data solutions to optimize industrial operations and promote sustainability.
Previously, he led significant analytics programs at Newmont, one of the world’s largest gold mining companies, and Vale, where his efforts contributed to innovations that reduced GHG emissions and improved operational efficiency. His expertise spans AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and digital twin technology, particularly applied to enhancing energy efficiency and decarbonization in mining operations. Ali’s work has generated multimillion-dollar business value through advanced analytics initiatives in the mining industry.
With a PhD in Information Technology and Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland, Ali has published over 60 journal papers, authored 25 book chapters, and holds several patents. He is also recognized as a thought leader and keynote speaker, having presented at conferences worldwide. Ali is passionate about driving cultural change through data storytelling and integrating AI solutions to address complex business challenges, contributing to the future of sustainable mining and industrial innovation
