5-6 MAY 2025 | SYDNEY | ICC

Transforming the Future of HR Practice

The HR landscape has rapidly evolved in 2025 – driving leaders to adapt quickly to stay on the front foot of change. From navigating emerging technologies fueling business innovation and productivity, to rethinking approaches to employee experience and well-being – employers must continue to make bold moves if they are to maintain a competitive advantage in the future.

Join The HR Leaders Forum 2025 and gain actionable insights, foster invaluable connections and tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges head on. Designed with strategy and tactics at its core, the event will equip leaders with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to optimise engagement, drive productivity, cultivate resilience and unlock growth – all while delivering on business priorities for the future.

2025 Speakers

Michael Fraccaro

Chief People Officer

Mastercard (US)

Elisa Clements

Group Executive Talent & Culture

ANZ

Sarah Jones

Chief Business Conduct Officer

Rio Tinto

Michael Kim

Head of HR JAPAC & SAMEA

Spotify

Kate Dee

Chief People Officer, APAC

Bupa

Jane Franks

Chief People Officer

ASX

Rebecca Donaldson

Chief People Officer

Ramsay Health Care

Shruti Ganeriwala

Head of Human Resources

Unilever Australia

Jane Hill

People & Culture Director

Lion ANZ

Sally Kincaid

Chief People & Culture Officer

nbn co

Sarah Abbott

Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Lion ANZ

Vikki Pink

Chief People Officer

Worley 

Gemma Martin

Chief People Officer

UNSW

Kanella Salapatas

Head of People Data & Analytics

QBE 

Katie Hodgson

Chief People Officer

Treasury Wine Estates

Adam Oosterhoff

Executive Chief People Officer, Personal Banking & Business Partnering

NAB

Chris Eaton

General Manager People & Culture

Chobani Australia

Ingrid Massey

Director of People

CBRE

Melissa Irwin

Chief Data, People & Sustainability Office

Endeavour Energy

Sam Turner

Chief People Officer

Allens

Sarah Derry

Chief Executive Officer

Homeward Bound Global

Sarah is a seasoned CEO, business leader, and executive coach with over 30 years of experience across diverse industries. Currently, she serves as CEO of Homeward Bound (HB), a global leadership initiative aiming to empower 10,000 alumni by 2036 to promote diversity at leadership tables worldwide. Sarah is also the Founder of Sarah Derry Co-LAB, an agency specializing in executive coaching, business advisory, and leadership expertise.

Previously, Sarah led Accor Hotels Pacific, overseeing 21,000 employees and over 400 hotels. With an entrepreneurial background, she successfully ran her own business for a decade. Sarah is a GAICD-qualified director and actively contributes to community initiatives, serving as Chair and Director for Two Good Co and Advisor to BETTER Timor.

Driven by a passion for inclusion and diversity, Sarah advocates for empowering individuals to reach their potential. A respected leader and speaker, she is committed to fostering heart-led leadership, character-driven workplaces, and impactful results.

Marieke Bruinstroop

Former Chief People Officer

Guzman Y Gomez

Erika Takahashi

Chief People Officer

THE ICONIC

Katharina Kuehn

Chief Strategy Officer

Winning Group (Winnings, Appliances Online)

Katharina Kuehn is one of APAC’s leading consumer neuroscientists, a published author, keynote speaker, and the creator of Deep Sphere—a neuroscience-based predictive profiling method. She specializes in uncovering the unconscious patterns behind decision-making, using neuroscience to explain human behavior and how emotions and biology influence choices.

Katharina’s work spans diverse fields, including high-performance teams in sports and business and collaborations with global brands. Her expertise has been recognized by notable achievements, such as ranking in Inside Retail’s Top 50 People in E-Commerce and being published by IGI Global. She is known for her engaging and insightful presentations, earning her accolades as one of the highest-rated speakers at multiple events like Online Retailer Conferences and TEDx Haymarket.

Her speaking topics include emotional decision-making for brands, neuromarketing strategies, and the neuroscience of high-performing teams. Katharina’s sessions offer transformative insights into self-awareness, team dynamics, and consumer profiling, often tailored through keynotes or workshops. Her ability to make complex topics relatable and actionable has resonated with audiences, resulting in glowing feedback from clients such as Commonwealth Bank, Snap Inc., and Glory Global Solutions.

Through her innovative methods and engaging delivery, Katharina empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their potential, enhance team performance, and create emotional connections that drive success.

Meegan Marshall

Chief People Officer

Intrepid Travel

Deborah Seeber

Chief People Officer

Nandos

Natasha Cuthbert

Chief People Officer

Viva Energy

Natasha is a seasoned HR Executive who builds strong relationships across businesses by developing deeply commercial and strategic understanding of the operating environment.

Natasha has led various People and Culture functions focusing on key Human Resources disciplines including business transformation and change, workforce planning, organisational design and development, strategic talent management, and industrial relations.

After a long tenure in retail, including holding leadership roles during turnaround and transformation, Natasha has moved into an industry on the cusp of significant transformation. As the Chief People and Culture Officer, the focus of her role is to create an environment across Viva Energy with highly engaged and capable team members eager to contribute to delivering on the transformation agenda while sustaining high performance in core operations. Working with the Executive and senior leadership teams, Natasha is responsible for people strategy, operations and execution, as well as fostering the Viva Energy culture to ensure it is a great place to work.

Having completed honours in Science specialising in Conservation Biology, a HR career was not necessary the plan – however over 20 years later having started in management consulting, into organisational development and progressing into generalist People and Culture roles, Natasha’s true passion is delivering business results through great people.

 

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Content by leaders, for leaders

Our cutting-edge content is carefully researched and curated in step with the expertise and insights of Connect Media’s vast network of industry specialists. Timely and uniquely tailored, our content ignites innovation, addresses leading industry challenges, all while delivering the skills and tools needed to achieve business excellence in the future.

Agenda

Day 1 Tuesday, 6 May 2025
8:30 AM
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
9:00 AM
Welcome to Country
9:10 AM
Opening Remarks from the Chair

Marieke Bruinstroop

Former Chief People Officer

Guzman Y Gomez
9:15 AM
Opening Keynote

Leadership in a Work from Anywhere World 

Michael Fraccaro

Chief People Officer

Mastercard (US)
9:40 AM
Partner Keynote
10:10 AM
Outlook Session
Pioneering Innovation: Reshaping HR practices for the Future of Work
  • Unpacking the latest emerging technologies shaping HR practice
  • How can we foster a cultural mindset of creativity and innovation?
  • Looking at HR jobs of the future – what skill will we need in 5 years?
  • How will we need to adapt to the future of work and changing employee expectations?

Sally Kincaid

Chief People & Culture Officer

nbn co

Vikki Pink

Chief People Officer

Worley 

Adam Oosterhoff

Executive Chief People Officer, Personal Banking & Business Partnering

NAB
10:50 AM
Keynote

HR’s Role in Communicating and Implementing Employee Experience 

Kate Dee

Chief People Officer, APAC

Bupa
11:10 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:45 AM
Partner Keynote
12:10 PM
Employee Experience Session
Mental Health Matters: Fostering Resiliency & Wellbeing in Times of Uncertainty
  • Unpacking the current challenges and uncertainties facing Australian’s today
  • How can we foster physiologically safe spaces in the workplace for all employees?
  • Sharing tips for avoiding managerial burnout
  • Insights into to developing a comprehensive wellness program

Deborah Seeber

Chief People Officer

Nandos

Chris Eaton

General Manager People & Culture

Chobani Australia
12:50 PM
Keynote
1:10 PM
Lunch Welcome Remarks
1:15 PM
Lunch & Networking
2:15 PM
Partner Keynote
Partner Keynote
2:35 PM
BREAKOUT 1: Inclusive Practice Session
The Inclusion Revolution: Putting DEI into Practice
  • How can we shift from being supporters of DEI to taking real, tangible action in the workplace?
  • Unpacking DEI training and capacity building for individual and organisational change
  • Emerging technology challenges and opportunities around accessibility in the workplace
  • Allyship in action – how can allies recognise their position and truly show up for a group that they are not a part of?

Ingrid Massey

Director of People

CBRE

Natasha Cuthbert

Chief People Officer

Viva Energy
BREAKOUT 2: Legal Compliance Session
Navigating Legal Dynamics: Compliance & Employee Law in 2025 and Beyond
  • What’s new? Assessing the industrial relations landscape in 2025
  • Where should we be prioritising resources in a rapidly shifting environment?
  • Tips for anticipating change in the workplace
3:20 PM
Keynote

Rebecca Donaldson

Chief People Officer

Ramsay Health Care
Keynote

Sarah Jones

Chief Business Conduct Officer

Rio Tinto
3:40 AM
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
4:20 PM
Keynote

Human Centered Approaches to People, Culture and a Thriving Workforce 

Gemma Martin

Chief People Officer

UNSW
4:45 PM
Partner Keynote
5:05 AM
Headline Keynote

Is HR Ready for the AI Revolution? 

Michael Kim

Head of HR JAPAC & SAMEA

Spotify
5:25 PM
Closing Remarks from the Chair

Marieke Bruinstroop

Former Chief People Officer

Guzman Y Gomez
5:30 PM
Close of Day One
Day 2 Tuesday, 6 May 2025
8:45 AM
Registration, Refreshments & Networking
9:05 AM
Opening Remarks from the Chair

Marieke Bruinstroop

Former Chief People Officer

Guzman Y Gomez
9:10 AM
Opening Keynote

Talent as a Strategic Differentiator: How ANZ is Reshaping Skills, Learning and Leadership for the Future of Banking 

Elisa Clements

Group Executive Talent & Culture

ANZ
9:35 AM
Leadership Session
Leadership 3.0: The Secret to a Healthy Workforce
  • What are the key leadership dilemmas that we need to address in the future of work?
  • Understanding the impacts of leadership on employee engagement
  • How can we foster relational leadership and agility?

  

Katie Hodgson

Chief People Officer

Treasury Wine Estates

Jane Franks

Chief People Officer

ASX

Meegan Marshall

Chief People Officer

Intrepid Travel

Melissa Irwin

Chief Data, People & Sustainability Office

Endeavour Energy
10:05 AM
Diamond Keynote
10:30 AM
Morning Refreshments & Networking
11:10 AM
Case Study Keynote

Transformation With Purpose 

Katharina Kuehn

Chief Strategy Officer

Winning Group (Winnings, Appliances Online)
11:30 AM
Partner Keynote
11:50 AM
Strategy Session
Unlocking Potential: Enhancing Workforce Agility Through Upskilling
  • How are companies developing and implementing internal mobility initiatives to upskill and improve retention?
  • How can we design new roles and career pathways to drive skills-based approaches?
  • Examples of effective leadership development programs to support both new and existing leaders

 

Erika Takahashi

Chief People Officer

THE ICONIC

Kanella Salapatas

Head of People Data & Analytics

QBE 
12:30 PM
Lunch Welcome Remarks
12:40 PM
Lunch & Networking
1:30 PM
Keynote

Shruti Ganeriwala

Head of Human Resources

Unilever Australia
1:50 PM
Partner Keynote
2:05 PM
Closing Keynote

Creating a Culture of Belonging 

Jane Hill

People & Culture Director

Lion ANZ

Sarah Abbott

Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Lion ANZ
2:30 PM
Closing Remarks from the Chair

Marieke Bruinstroop

Former Chief People Officer

Guzman Y Gomez
2:35 PM
Close of Forum

Event Pricing

SINGLE DELEGATE PASS

EARLY BIRD

$2195 + GST

Early bird price valid Until 21/02/2025

STANDARD

$2395 + GST

group: 5 DELEGATE PASSES INCLUDES 2 FREE

EARLY BIRD

$6585 + GST

Early bird price valid Until 21/02/2025

STANDARD

$7185 + GST

What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content

Delegate registration is strictly for in-house HR professionals. service providers, vendors and consultants are not permitted to register as delegates. If you are a service provider, vendor or consultant, please reach out to jessicaef@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

Join Our Invitation List
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Our Partners

Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Sydney offers professional development training to help businesses and individuals enhance skills and adapt to changing workplace needs. Combining a history of excellence with industry expertise, we deliver practical and effective learning solutions.

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms how companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the workforce.

PBC is a multidisciplinary global consulting firm with 30 years’ experience in the delivery of solutions aimed at maximising the potential of individuals, teams, leaders and organisations. PBC represents Hogan Assessments in ANZ.

SG Fleet improves the way people and businesses move with an industry-leading suite of vehicle leasing, fleet management, novated leasing and salary packaging services. SG Fleet will keep you mobile and save you time and money. They help customers manage total cost of ownership, focus on employee safety and satisfaction, while reducing emissions.

They’ll lead you to a more connected and electric future as the world of mobility rapidly changes. With SG Fleet as your mobility partner, you can spend more time on what you do best.

Reimagine workforce learning with Plus UTS. We offer bespoke, co-designed, and outcomes-focused programs, leveraging our expertise and partnerships to deliver rapid upskilling that is tailored to your business needs.

The end-to-end solution for volume hiring, Sapia.ai brings you the people who belong with your brand. An automated apply-to-decide platform that screens, shortlists and schedules, with a uniquely human experience.

Diamond Partner cce.sydney.edu.au
Platinum Partner linkedin.com
Platinum Partner peterberryconsultancy.com
Coffee Cart Partner sgfleet.com/au
Breakout Partner plus.uts.edu.au
Breakout Partner sapia.ai
Exhibition Partner hays.com.au

Become A Partner

Celebrating its 13th year, the HR 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 HR professionals, the HR Leaders Forum offers unrivalled cut-through.

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Jessica Ewing-Flynn
ANZ Commercial Director
Tel: 0400 998 248
Email: jessicaef@connectmedia.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Tel: +61 2 8004 8590

Email: team@connectmedia.com

Venue & Accomodation

ICC SYDNEY

Cockle Bay Room: 14 Darling Drive, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia

Group Accommodation Special Offer at AMORA HOTEL JAMISON SYDNEY

Join AMORA Direct to receive 10% off all eligible rates and packages. Please visit hotel website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 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.

 

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 team@connectmedia.com

 

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 team@connectmedia.com

 

How do I receive my delegate pass?

Following the completion of your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email the day prior to the event with a QR code, to make your arrival as seamless as possible have your QR e-ticket ready and visible on your device.

 

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 the event.

 

Will there be a delegate list available?

No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to attendees.

 

Fraudulent activities

We’ve been alerted to instances of companies proposing to purchase and sell lists of attendees for our events. Please be assured, we do not engage in the sale or distribution of event-related data. Such companies have no association with us, and we are actively working to halt these deceptive practices.

Regrettably, this type of scam is not uncommon in the media industry. Any information purported to originate from our events and offered by a third party would be completely fabricated. Should you have doubts about the legitimacy of a potential supplier, we urge you to contact us directly.

For any additional questions please contact us on 02 8004 8590 or team@connectmedia.com.

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.

Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):

A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.

Payment & Discounts:

Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.

Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.

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 team@connectmedia.com.

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 team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.

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