4 September 2025 | Sydney
Unlocking Productivity, Resilience & Growth for the Digital Era
In today’s evolving economic landscape, finance leaders must adapt rapidly to stay ahead for the future. From enabling transformation and agility company wide, to minimising risk – bold moves are required to unlock opportunity amidst these uncertain times.
Join The Finance Leaders Forum 2025 to 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 tools, skills and connections needed to optimise productivity, cultivate resilience and drive growth – all while delivering on business priorities for the digital era of finance.
Why Attend
- 1Unrivaled Expertise
- 2High-Calibre Content
- 3Invaluable Networking Opportunities
2025 Speakers
Mathias Cormann
Secretary General
David Gonski AC
Chancellor
Race Strauss
Chief Financial Officer
Race joined Virgin Australia in the role of Chief Financial Officer in March 2023 bringing with him an extensive experience in the aviation and consumer goods industries, with roles in multinational listed companies, most recently as Group Chief Financial Officer of The a2 Milk Company. Prior to a2, Race held CFO positions with Qantas and Jetstar and was the Vice President of Finance for Unilever Southeast Asia and Australia based in Singapore.
Melissa Azzopardi
General Manager Finance
Ricardo Pereira
Chief Financial Officer
With over 20 years’ experience in finance and purchasing across retail and engineering/technology sectors, Ricardo’s journey with IKEA began in Portugal in 2014.
As Chief Financial Officer at IKEA Portugal for almost a decade, Ricardo worked with the executive team to gain market share and record growth for the company over this time, as well as secure a 65-million-euro investment for business transformation and people in 2022. Ricardo joined IKEA Australia in 2023 and is focused on delivering profitability and financial security while delivering the broader goal of bringing IKEA to more Australians, in more ways and in more places, making it easy, convenient and affordable for people to create homes they love.
Geoffrey Buchanan
Chief Financial Officer
Geoff has held a number of CFO, CEO and other senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors; including Federal government, financial services, professional and member service organisations, and in the retail and heavy industrial sectors both in Australia and internationally.
After leaving the accounting profession, Geoff assumed senior finance roles across a range of industries before transitioning into an international banking career, which included country and regional CFO and CEO roles with Standard Chartered Bank in several countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. On emigrating to Australia, he joined ANZ Banking Group where he held country CEO roles in the Pacific, as well as finance and business development roles in the Institutional bank.
Upon leaving ANZ, Geoff broadened his experience across different industries through several interim CFO, consulting and advisory roles; including as CFO of the Australian Property Institute, Senior Advisor, Pacific Banking to the International Finance Corporation, and Interim CFO of Austal Limited, Australia’s prime defence shipbuilder and ASX 300 group.
Geoff is currently CFO and Acting EGM, Corporate Services of Tourism Australia, the Commonwealth government agency promoting international tourism to Australia, where he combines his extensive international experience with his passion for travel and tourism
Ben Daly
Chief Financial Officer
Caroline Veitch
Chief Financial Officer
Caroline’s career to date can best be described as dynamic and multifaceted. Her love of learning has seen her develop a breadth of experiences in leading finance teams in different industries, different countries and across the full gamut of functions from highly commercial to technical finance roles. Alongside her Finance credentials, she has held senior roles in HR, Consulting, Strategy and Risk. Most recently, Caroline has stepped into the role of Chief Financial Officer at Football Australia where she continues to leverage her experience to contribute to the organisation’s vision to build participation, engagement and a love for the game.
Wayne Andrews
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Butterworth
Chief Financial Officer
Brindha Pillay
Chief Financial Officer
Anita Hoskins
Chief Financial Officer
Anita Hoskins is the Chief Financial Officer of Frasers Property Australia, overseeing finance across mixed-use, residential, commercial, and retail developments, as well as the company’s investment property portfolio. She also serves as General Manager of Real Utilities, Frasers Property Australia’s carbon-neutral energy retailing business, playing a key role in sustainability-linked and green financing.
With international experience and natural passion, Anita helps drive change to achieve better outcomes for our people and customers. She’s a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, contributes to various Boards and Committees, holds Bachelor of Business and Master of Accounting degrees from the University of Georgia, USA, and is a USA-qualified accountant.
Nathan Fink
Chief Financial Officer
Having worked at Allianz for over ten years, including heading financial planning and controlling for Allianz Germany, Nathan brings a truly global perspective on financial matters,
a deep understanding of complex financial landscapes, and a strategic vision in navigating challenges and capitalising on emerging opportunities.
Nathan commenced as the Chief Financial Officer at Allianz Australia in September 2023. Before that, he held various senior managerial positions since joining Allianz SE in 2012.
As CFO of Allianz Australia, Nathan is responsible for leading all finance-related functions, including Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions. Nathan also has responsibility for the oversight and strategic direction of the Group Actuarial and Group Investment functions.
Nathan holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Business Administration from St. Galler Business School.
Françoise Merit-Mechineau
Chief Financial Officer
Françoise joined Endeavour Energy at its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in October 2020 and plays a pivotal role in transforming the company’s financial operations and regulatory protocols. Françoise has over 20 years’ experience in the engineering, infrastructure and defence sectors encompassing finance, risk management, project performance, commercial and contractual negotiations. Françoise’s previous roles include ten years in the defence sector, across the Australian Defence Industry and Thales, prior to joining Aurecon as Global Chief Financial Officer.
Françoise’s operational experience and financial background is a key driver in leading Endeavour Energy’s transformation to a modern grid, with a focus on sustainable outcomesthrough emphasising the strategic partnership model, automation and adoption of new technologies. Her executive leadership and sponsorship at Endeavour Energy was instrumental leading up to the first sustainability strategy that was approved and executed in 2022. In January 2022, Françoise implemented and drove the inaugural Sustainable Linked Loan, setting an industry benchmark.
Françoise is also passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and driving the organisational rewards associated with it, with a focus on increasing female leadership in senior and executive roles.
A Fellow of CPA Australia, Françoise holds a Master in Business Administration from ESSCA Business School in France and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Françoise was appointed Chair of the French Foreign Trade Advisory Board in January 2020, having joined in 2018.
Jason Aquilina
Chief Financial Officer
Jason is the Chief Financial Officer for Cabrini Health and is responsible for the full finance function and enterprise risk. Jason has also worked in transport and logistics, where he held multiple finance roles including leading the accounting teams for various large infrastructure and information technology projects. Jason holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Monash University majoring in accounting and economics and is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA) and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Speakers
Keynotes
and Development
Environment
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
Moving with Agility: Transformation Leadership for the Future of Finance
- Setting the scene – What are the current challenges facing finance leaders today? (Eg. From rising operational costs to increasing regulatory pressures)
- What are leaders doing to embed agility and flexibility across their finance models amidst economic uncertainties and disruptions?
- How are leaders balancing profitability and business priorities with ethical responsibilities?
- With the rise of AI and other emerging technologies, what is being done to protect against next gen cyber threats?
- Amidst staff shortages, what are finance leaders doing to retain and attract talent? What strategies are being implemented to ‘do more with less?’
Innovation ROI: Bolstering Finance Capabilities for the Digital Era
- How are AI and other emerging technologies addressing the priorities of finance departments today?
- What initial steps can leaders take to start aligning their business priorities with tech innovation for success?
- What cost effective steps can organisations with limited budgets take to embed tech innovation into their frameworks and daily practice?
- How are leaders effectively evaluating, justifying and measuring their returns on innovation-related investments?
- How can we build organisational trust in AI/tech for a more innovative future?
Beyond Compliance: Aligning Data with Sustainability & Long-term Value Creation
- Setting the scene – what are the current data and reporting challenges facing finance leaders in 2025?
- What can be done to bridge gaps in data governance and communications between C-level leadership and cross functional teams?
- How are leaders managing data and the ethical impacts of AI?
- How can finance leaders embed revolving regulatory requirements and ESG metrics into their core financial strategy and decision making?
- How can finance leaders align sustainability with long term value creation?
- What steps can leaders take to stay on the front foot of ESG reporting and shifting compliance standards for the future?
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 CFO’s and financial professionals. If you are a Service Provider, please email lachlanw@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
Become A Partner
The Finance Leaders Forum is Australia’s premier event for in-house CFO’s and financial professionals. We focus on actionable insights and real-world solutions by bringing together the leading voices shaping the sector. Every year we refine our event model to unlock greater value for our partners and to ensure that our delegation’s expectations are exceeded.
Whether you’re looking for brand visibility, lead generation or exclusive event networking opportunities, our sponsorship packages are tailor made and designed to maximise your ROI.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what these opportunities could look like for you and your brand.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Lachlan Watts
Partnerships Executive
Tel: +61 420 973 613
Email: lachlanw@connectmedia.com
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tel: 61 2 8004 8590
Email: team@connectmedia.com
Connect with these companies attending
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the industry’s most prominent brands at The Finance Leaders Forum. Explore the companies already confirmed and secure your chance to network with the best in the business.
Venue & Accomodation
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Venue to be announced soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
Terms and Conditions
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/.
