CFO & CPO FORUM 2025 AGENDA

Thursday 15th May

MORNING SESSION

Trumponomics and the Australian Way - Sally Auld, Chief Investment Officer, JBWere

Learn what Trump 2.0 means for the global economy and the changes we should expect to see in US policies. Sally will also provide a local perspective on how RBA  & Federal fiscal policy is expected to impact inflation, the cost of living impact pressure and an overview of domestic labour market dynamics.

Trump 2.0: What the U.S. Political Shift Means for the World - Tom Harley, Managing Director, Dragoman

The ​​Trump agenda includes tariffs, lower taxes, de-regulation and deportations.  Tom will provide a unique perspective on the implications of this shift. He will share his insights on the future of U.S. leadership, its influence on global stability, and the effects on Australia.

The Grinding Gears of Geopolitics - Panel Discussion

Sally Auld, Chief Investment Officer, JBWere

Tom Harley, Managing Director, Dragoman

Chris Lynch, Former CEO & CFO

Moderator:  Rebecca McGrath

Building on the morning’s revelations, this panel will tease out the potential hypotheticals and summarise the key take-out messages and options for Australian finance and procurement leaders as they plan to enter the next financial year and beyond.

MORNING TEA

Drive the change - Celebrity Australian Racing Car Driver

Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life as our high profile keynote speaker shares their professional and personal life story.  Learn how success requires precision, agility and the ability to anticipate the road ahead.  

Intake to Pay - How to Start the Engine - ZIP

Understand why it’s important that everyone — from finance, legal, IT, and operations—understand the role and purpose of compliant procurement practices. Ensuring orchestrated workflow collaboration is the key to identifying risks, improving vendor management, and making it clear that procurement’s goals align with the broader company strategy.

Collaboration as a Competitive Edge - Roundtable Discussions 

Choose your topic of choice and join your peers in real-time collaboration on the hottest topics facing your business today.  Guided by expert facilitators, unpack your challenges and brainstorm solutions within our Chatham House rules.

LUNCH

AFTERNOON SESSION

The War on Waste - Craig Reucassel, Australian Writer and Comedian 

Prepare to be critiqued on your company’s ESG performance by our entertaining and insightful keynote speaker, who is best known for his work with The Chaser, for going through your bins on The War on Waste, and for presenting Breakfast on ABC Radio Sydney.

Partners in Performance - Fiona Trigona, Executive General Manager, Group Treasurer at NBN and Emily Hall, Executive General Manager Procurement, Supply & Property at NBN

Imagine the challenge of reshaping AU$20 billion in funding, including access to funds, currency of borrowing, tenure, cost, green credentialling and future refinancing risk mitigation.

Hear from Fiona Trigona, Executive General Manager, Group Treasurer at NBN and Emily Hall, Executive General Manager Procurement, Property and Supply at NBN, who will discuss how they went about this challenge and the collaborative approach necessary, particularly around ESG. It was vital to ensure that the company could comply with any undertakings necessary to achieve green bond status. Learn how treasury and finance intersect with ESG and procurement in the complete refinancing of an organisation.

AFTERNOON TEA 

Hardwired for Change: The Human Capacity to Adapt and Transform - Milo-Arne Wilkinson

This provocative exploration confronts the long-held belief that humans resist change, instead proposing an alternative reality - what if we are, in fact, naturally inclined to adapt and evolve? Debunk myths, shattes misconceptions, and discover our innate ability to embrace change.

COCKTAIL PARTY & DINNER 

Join us on the rooftop deck of the iconic Woolly Bay Hotel for drinks with your peers to de-brief on the day’s learnings.  As we settle into the evening, we will enjoy a delicious menu taking inspiration from the warmth and freshness of Mediterranean cuisines.

Friday 16th May 

MORNING SESSION

Refuel Power Breakfast 

Fill your tank and get re-energised for the day with some inspiring words from our Power Breakfast sponsor.

Managing Macquarie’s Global Property - Michael Silman, Executive Director, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate, Macquarie Group 

Michael is responsible for more than just global real estate, procurement, offshoring and outsourcing. His role has included the Martin Place Sydney Metro development - Australia’s biggest public transport project – including four metro lines, 113km of new rail and 46 stations. 

Cost Management and Capital Management - Panel Discussion

Shaun Kenny, Managing Director Australia, Bechtel

Michael Silman, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate

Chris Lynch, Former CEO & CFO

Moderator: Rebecca McGrath  

Enhancing the customer experience with technology and people - Carolyn McCann, Group Executive (Customers and Corporate Services), Westpac

Carolyn is transforming Westpac’s operations to be customer-obsessed. In this presentation, Carolyn will share her deep experience in effective brand and communication strategies, designed to drive performance and earn customer trust.

Fireside Chat - Carolyn McCann and Chris Lynch

MORNING TEA

Shifting gears: from defensive driving on ESG to the IMPACT fast lane - Panel

Charlotte Cottam, Procurement Business Partner, Group Excellence, MIRVAC

Moderator - Matthew Perfect, Principal Advisor, Impact Spender 

This panel of procurement leaders will show how they have steered their organisations into the fast lane. They will demonstrate how ESG can become the turbo engine driving competitive advantage, stakeholder trust, and long-term growth.

Technology as a Connector and Collaborator 

Every successful racing team needs visibility on how all elements of the team and process are performing in order to drive change.  In this session, we will hear from our valued event partner on how technology can play a critical role in staying on top of the game.

Driving Productivity Through Collaboration in the AOP Process and Beyond - Panel

Ian Griffiths, CPO, Dulux

Phil McDonald, GM Procurement

Matt Hawkins, Procurement Director, Melbourne University 

This discussion will explore how aligning Procurement, Finance, and the Business around the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process can unlock productivity in third-party spend, drive sustainable value, and ensure benefits are realized in the P&L.

AI Driving the Change - Sami Makelainen

After taking the chequered flag by being one of our highest rated and most thought-provoking speakers at last year’s Forum, we have asked Sami to return in 2025 to check in on our progress in adopting AI in all that we do and giving us a vital wake-up call to “get with the program”.

LUNCH & AFTERNOON ACTIVITY

5:00PM  END OF FORUM