Meet our 2025 Speakers
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Anna Hedgcock
ENGIE
Annabel Keogh
Synergy
Annika Freyer
Champions of Change Coalition
Anthony Fowler
Tilt Renewables
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Ashleigh Dalmau
Clean Energy Council
Bronwyn Williams
PhD Researcher
Catherine Anderson
Origin Energy
Clair Osbourne
Delta
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Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk
SA Power Networks
Electra Davies
Momentum Energy
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Elisabeth Balding
EDF Renewables Australia
Guy Chalkley
Endeavour Energy
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Jennie Milne
Horizon Power
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Jo De Silva
Australia Energy Council
Johanna Bowyer
Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Kait Williamson
Flow Power
Kath Elliott
Squadron Energy
Kelly Wood
Ausgrid
Kim Curtain
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Laura White
Akaysha Energy
Madison Sturgess
Original Power
Marilyne Crestias
Clean Energy Investor Group
Michael Frangos
Indigenous Energy Australia
Michelle Howie
SA Power Networks
Nicola Falcon
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Paula Conboy
NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review
Phillipa Minton
Jemena
Rachelle Cooper Kulkarni
Indigenous Energy Australia
Renae Gasmier
AGL
Renee Anderson
TasNetworks
Sharon Swift
UNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute
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Tiffany Leone
Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)
Trudy Fraser
Energy Queensland
Violette Mouchaileh
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Trudy Fraser
A/Executive General Manager RegulationEnergy Queensland
An experienced and results driven leader with a demonstrated record of highly successful leadership across regulatory, governance and executive services functions.
My consultative and engaging leadership style, underpinned by impeccable interpersonal skills and extensive technical expertise has enabled me to successfully lead a number of multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams through periods of transformational change. Most recently this includes leading and advising on all facets of the electricity regulatory environment during a period of unprecedented transition.
I hold degree qualifications in Law and Science.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening Remarks from the Chair
16:00
Panel discussion: What skills set ambitious and influential leaders on the path to success?
Guy Chalkley
Chief Executive OfficerEndeavour Energy
Guy is a highly regarded leader and influencer within the energy industry. As CEO of Endeavour Energy, he is transforming the business to become a leading provider of energy services, as it integrates renewable energy sources to deliver a smarter, cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy system, and continues to deliver safe, reliable and essential electricity services to 2.7 million people living and working in NSW’s fastest growing regions.
Guy is a Partnership Committee member of the ACEREZ Partnership (consisting of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy), which has been appointed by the NSW Government as the preferred network operator to finance, build and operate the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project, and will play a pivotal role in NSW’s transition to a clean energy future and help the State achieve its net zero targets.
He is also a board member of Energy Networks Australia, the peak national body representing energy businesses in Australia. In February 2025 Guy was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of ASX listed West Australian based company Frontier Energy ASX:FHE.
Prior to Endeavour Energy, he was CEO of Western Power, a Western Australian State Government-owned transmission and distribution network corporation, after earlier roles including Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Western Power, he worked for a decade at Veolia Water and Thames Water in senior finance and regulatory director roles. He has a wealth of international, financial and operational experience.
Speaking at
09:00
Leading the grid transformation with vision and purpose
Paula Conboy
Member – Expert PanelNEM Wholesale Market Settings Review
Paula Conboy brings over 25 years’ experience in energy market regulation to the panel with experience spanning international jurisdictions and the Australian National Electricity Market. Paula is currently a board member for the PJM Interconnection in the US and a former Chair of the Australian Energy Regulator and member of Australia’s Energy Security Board working on various policies needed in the transition to net zero. Paula is currently a member of the Expert Panel for the NEM Wholesale Market Settings Review.
Speaking at
09:40
Making sense of NEM reforms: What energy leaders need to know now
Renae Gasmier
Head of Innovation & StrategyAGL
Renae recently joined EnergyAustralia where she leads the Customer Assets team that looks to make the energy transition simple for our customers by combining behind the meter solutions into our growing flexible energy portfolio.
Renae has held senior leadership roles at JLL, Horizon Power, Synergy, RACV & Medibank leading customer-centric programs such as Project Symphony, community battery rollouts, EV strategy and creating the WA State Government Schools Virtual Power Plant. As JLL Head of Sustainability Consulting, Renae worked with Australia’s largest built environment energy users, in reducing emissions and leveraging solar, battery and electric vehicles.
In 2019, her Vicinity Centres Solar Program won Clean Energy Council and Property Council of Australia awards.
Speaking at
10:40
Leadership, Innovation and putting the consumer at the centre of the energy transition
Michelle Howie
Innovation Development ManagerSA Power Networks
Michelle is on a mission to import and export the solutions for a just energy transition to and from South Australia - where they have the highest uptake of variable renewable energy in the world. As Innovation Development Manager at SA Power Networks she pursues that mission by accelerating development of new solutions to address emerging opportunities for an evolving power grid to increase clean, reliable and affordable access to electricity. Michelle is also a Future Energy Leader under the World Energy Council, and serves as the Pacific lead on the Advisory Council of the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum to empower youth action.
Speaking at
11:10
Enabling a clean, reliable and affordable energy system through smarter distribution
Kim Curtain
Deputy SecretaryNSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
With expertise in both the public and private sectors, Kim is passionate about maximising efficiency and outcomes, whilst balancing risk and financial impact. After commencing my career in project finance consulting, She has worked at the UK Department of Health and NHS on various infrastructure and services contracts before returning to Australia to join NSW Treasury where she held 3 roles across infrastructure, trade & investment and operations.
Following 2 years at Deloitte as a Partner in the Infrastructure and Capital Projects practice where Kim advised the NSW government in development of its Renewable Energy Zones, she developed a passion for climate change and the energy transition. Kim now lead the Energy, Climate Change and Sustainability team at NSW DCCEEW, with particular responsibility for NSW’s Net Zero policy and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Speaking at
11:40
Panel discussion: How are current market reforms and policy reviews reshaping Australia’s energy future?
Marilyne Crestias
Head of Policy & AdvocacyClean Energy Investor Group
Marilyne has over ten years’ experience in government and consulting, focusing primarily on the economics of energy markets, renewable energy auction design, climate change, and management of natural resources. In her past roles, she has led the design of the largest renewable energy auction in Australia and the delivery of legislation to support the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
Speaking at
11:40
Panel discussion: How are current market reforms and policy reviews reshaping Australia’s energy future?
Johanna Bowyer
Lead Analyst - Australian ElectricityInstitute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Johanna Bowyer is the Lead Analyst for Australian Electricity at IEEFA. Her research is focused on trends in the National Electricity Market, energy policy and decarbonisation.
Prior to joining IEEFA, Johanna researched distribution networks at CSIRO, worked in solar energy businesses and worked as a management consultant at Kearney.
Johanna has a first-class Honours Degree in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering from UNSW Australia. While at UNSW she received the Co-op Scholarship, No Carbon Women in Solar Prize and Photovoltaics Thesis Prize.
Johanna enjoys hiking, music, art and baking bread.
Speaking at
11:40
Panel discussion: How are current market reforms and policy reviews reshaping Australia’s energy future?
Laura White
General Manager - PeopleAkaysha Energy
Speaking at
13:30
Panel discussion: Where do DEI initiatives fall short and how can we break through?
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Renee Anderson
Executive, People & StakeholderTasNetworks
Renee is a member of TasNetworks’ Executive Team and leads the People Team, consisting of Technical Capability, People Development, Health Safety and Environment and People Experience streams.
With over 15 years’ experience as a senior HR executive, Renee joined TasNetworks from the Tasmanian Department of Health, where she was the Chief People Officer. She has previously worked in the mining, engineering and energy sectors, and has held roles within Australia, Brazil, USA and United Kingdom. Renee holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) from the University of Queensland.
Renee is active in the community, volunteering HR expertise to a number of community organisations.
Speaking at
13:30
Panel discussion: Where do DEI initiatives fall short and how can we break through?
Electra Davies
General Manager – People & ExperienceMomentum Energy
Great strategy means nothing without the people and culture to deliver it - and that’s where I come in.
I’m a senior people executive and Psychologist (Organisational) with 15+ years’ experience translating business strategy into thriving, future-fit workplaces. I don’t just “do HR” - I architect systems that enable performance, unlock potential, and drive sustainable impact. I believe the best people strategies are human-first and business-smart, and grounded in science, brought to life with heart.
Right now, I lead the People & Experience function at Momentum Energy (Hydro Tasmania) - a progressive, purpose-led organisation where we’re not afraid to do things differently. My team is the heartbeat of the business, delivering high-impact, high-care initiatives across:
• Workplace Experience, Safety & Wellbeing
• People & Talent (HR, OD, Recruitment)
• Internal Communications & L&D
• Workforce Planning & Quality Assurance
We take a “Me, We, Us” approach-tailoring support for individuals, teams, and the organisation as a whole. Whether it’s rolling out evidence-based wellbeing strategies, shaping inclusive policy, or building leadership capability, we focus on what actually shifts behaviour and performance. I partner closely with our Executive team to align people investment with enterprise priorities-lifting leadership capability, embedding new ways of working, and strengthening engagement and retention in a shifting energy landscape. Fun Fact: We were just recognised as a 2025 Australian Financial Review “Best Place to Work”.
Before this, I cut my teeth in consulting as a Senior Consultant at Steople, partnering with powerhouse brands like RSPCA Victoria, Swisse Wellness, Arts Centre Melbourne, The Lumery, and VICT to elevate culture, coach senior leaders, and deliver psychometric assessments that got to the heart of team dynamics.
Earlier, as Head of People & Culture at Bicycle Network, I built strong talent pipelines and crafted environments where people could grow, be challenged, and love their work.
I’m an AHPRA-registered psychologist and endlessly curious about what helps people flourish-at work and beyond.
Speaking at
13:30
Panel discussion: Where do DEI initiatives fall short and how can we break through?
Jennie Milne
Executive General Manager – People, Safety & GovernanceHorizon Power
Jennie is the Executive General Manager of People, Safety, and Governance at Horizon Power, a role she has held since January 2020. She oversees teams responsible for Aboriginal Traditional Owner Relationships & Reconciliation, Organisational Culture & Development, People & Capability, Legal, Risk & Governance, Safety, Health & Wellbeing, and Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder Relations.
Jennie is a genuine executive leader who is dedicated to fostering diverse and inclusive workplace cultures built on strong values-based 'DNA' that promote both high performance and high engagement. Her expertise lies in uniting multidisciplinary teams through shared vision and developing innovative solutions that yield excellent business outcomes.
Since joining Horizon Power, Jennie has led the COVID crisis management team, established and implemented a Safety, Health & Wellbeing strategy that delivered a critical risk program, an award-winning wellbeing program, and a significant improvement in safety leadership maturity. She has also significantly increased employee engagement, developed an employee value proposition, launched an award-winning corporate volunteering program, achieved 7% Aboriginal employment, delivered two Innovate RAPs progressing to a Stretch RAP, and implemented leadership programs, talent and succession, and strong governance processes.
Before joining Horizon Power, Jennie spent nearly 10 years at RAC as the General Manager of Human Resources. Her accomplishments included a strategic business model proposal for a new business venture, organisation culture program, achieving four consecutive WorkSafe Plan Platinum accreditations, attaining Healthier Workplace Gold status, and launching a highly successful corporate volunteering program that established a strong partnership with Jawun. She was recognised as RAC’s ‘Leader of the Year,’ received the ‘International Women’s Day Leadership Award,’ and the Edge ‘Leading Edge Advocate Award’ for championing disability employment.
Jennie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics & Computing) from Curtin University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management from UWA, where she won the award for Strategic Human Resource Management. In 2017, she completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Director Pipeline Program and became a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2018.
Jennie is happily married and a devoted mother of three adults (and their partners) and has two wonderful grandchildren. They all live in the beautiful Swan Valley region. Her family's paradise is their annual Coral Bay holiday, which is filled with precious family time and relaxation.
Speaking at
13:30
Panel discussion: Where do DEI initiatives fall short and how can we break through?
Violette Mouchaileh
Executive General Manager – Policy & Corporate AffairsAustralian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Violette’s role focuses on government and stakeholder relations, communications and media, along with strategic reform for both electricity and gas.
Prior to moving to her current role, Violette held various roles at AEMO in market design development, market change implementation and operations.
Violette previously held roles driving energy market policy in the Commonwealth government and working on competition policy initiatives at the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Her experience includes economic regulation, energy policy development, development of regulatory frameworks, market development and design, and market change implementation.
Speaking at
14:30
Building a leadership legacy through mentorship and sponsorship
Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk
Chief Digital OfficerSA Power Networks
Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk joined SA Power Networks as their Chief Digital Officer earlier this year after seven years as SA Government's Chief Information Officer.
As a member of the Executive Team, Eva is responsible for SA Power Network's technology and digital strategy and operations to help connect South Australians to a better energy future. Eva and her team work closely with the business to ensure the application of technologies including Artificial Intelligence and automation improve the safety and efficiency of SA Power Network's operations.
Prior to her role in SA Government, Eva worked for Microsoft in Europe, Asia and Australia, including State Director for Microsoft South Australia. Eva has a PhD in innovation and entrepreneurship from the University of Adelaide, and is Founder and Director of HerTechPath Limited, a grass-roots social enterprise she established in 2016, to promote STEM careers to girls. Eva also contributes as a Director for Novita that provides services to people living with a disability, and she is a Trustee of the History Trust of South Australia.
Speaking at
15:30
Leading by example in high-pressure environments to influence the success of others
Sharon Swift
Senior ManagerUNSW Digital Grid Futures Institute
The success of DGFI lies in the formation of new connections between researchers, businesses and industry experts, and this is where Sharon Swift delivers. A rare skill set in academia, her decades-long, global career in business, operations and entrepreneurship makes her a collaboration superpower, helping to grow the real-world impact of DGFI.
Sharon’s passion lies in big-picture communication, empowering everyone from primary school students curious about STEM, to encouraging specialists to share a lifetime of knowledge — while enabling collaboration and education for everyone in between. Sharon also works hard to influence decarbonisation career paths as she knows this will be key in cracking one of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Through Sharon’s work, DGFI has already seen the formation of key partnerships and real-world impact, such as the rollout of the CleanAir Schools pilot program. She continues to help academics find new opportunities while bringing new specialists into the DGFI fold, and encourages anyone to reach out to discuss partnership opportunities, training or simply make contact with DGFI.
Speaking at
16:00
Panel discussion: What skills set ambitious and influential leaders on the path to success?
Tiffany Leone
Director of Learning & DevelopmentAustralian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)
With over 15 years of experience in Learning and Organisational Development, I am a values-driven leader who builds and enhances cultures of growth for a company's most important asset - its people.
I have successfully led the innovation, design, implementation, and management of global Learning and DEIB strategies across multiple industries, including Telecommunications, Media, Engineering, Technology and Energy.
Leading Organisational Development/Learning, DEIB & Well-being responsibilities, across Australia, USA, and UK, has resulted in creating stronger engagement through delivering enterprise-wide culture and people development strategies.
These include encompassing Leadership, Team and Individual development solutions, e-Learning platforms, DEIB culture change initiatives, Coaching, Mentoring and Graduate programs.
My accreditations include certified DDI and LEAN IN facilitator and Mental Health First Aider.
Speaking at
16:00
Panel discussion: What skills set ambitious and influential leaders on the path to success?
Elisabeth Balding
Deputy Chief Executive OfficerEDF Renewables Australia
Elisabeth Balding has accumulated over 15 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. In 2023, she joined EDF Renewables Australia as the General Manager, leading a team to develop Solar, BESS, Onshore and Offshore Wind projects.
Prior to this, Elisabeth has a proven track record of delivering successful large-scale renewable energy projects in Europe and the Middle East-Africa region while working at EDF Renewables.
Some of her notable projects include the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm in Saudi Arabia and the Umoyilanga dispatchable hybrid project in South Africa.
With her deep expertise in renewable energy and her passion for sustainability, Elisabeth is a respected thought leader for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Speaking at
16:00
Panel discussion: What skills set ambitious and influential leaders on the path to success?
Catherine Anderson
Chief Marketing OfficerOrigin Energy
Catherine is a commercially minded, customer-obsessed leader. She prospers alongside innovators and straight talkers and has a passion for finding out of the box solutions to age-old problems. With a deep expertise in marketing, sales and customer operations, Catherine is a motivating leader and team-player with 15 years’ experience spanning energy, FMCG and technology across the Asia-Pacific region.
2019 AFR BOSS Young Executive of the Year.
2018 & 2019 CMO50.
2019 Marketing team of the year - Finalists.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening Remarks from the Chair
09:50
Panel discussion: Where is innovation most needed to successfully scale energy storage?
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Kelly Wood
Group Executive – Transmission Development and GrowthAusgrid
As a senior executive with over 25 years of business experience in engineering and Defence, Kelly’s passion lies in operations management supported by her ability to think strategically and act tactically. Kelly has worked in New Zealand, Australia, and UK where she has held leadership positions within global and domestic organisations.
Kelly is currently the Group Executive for Transmission Development & Growth responsible for expanding the role Ausgrid as a DNSP can play in Australia’s net zero future, including accountability for delivery of major projects.
Kelly is a champion for Inclusion and Diversity, starting with gender, and holds a Master of Engineering Management, a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Hons) and an Associate Diploma of (Aeronautical) Engineering.
Speaking at
09:00
From strategy to impact: How strong leaders thrive in the age of transition
Annabel Keogh
Head of Strategy, Policy & Social ValueSynergy
Annabel is an experienced strategic advisor to government and industry, holding senior roles related to strategic planning, asset investment, and program design and delivery. She has extensive experience in the energy sector and government, having worked in Western Power, Treasury, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and as Principal Policy Advisor to the Hon Bill Johnston MLA, Minister for Energy. Annabel has been at the forefront of the energy transition in government, overseeing resolution of key policy issues associated with industrial decarbonisation, system security, integration of large and small-scale renewable generation, and asset investment. This includes the WA Government’s closure of State-owned coal fired power stations, development of the SWIS Demand Assessment, and the Pilbara Industry Roundtable, which recently announced a commitment to common use electricity infrastructure in the Pilbara. Annabel recently joined Synergy as its Head of Strategy, Policy and Social Value, responsible for supporting the organisation navigating the rapidly changing energy environment, and development of its new Social Value Framework.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel discussion: Where is innovation most needed to successfully scale energy storage?
Anna Hedgcock
Head of Portfolio Growth & CommercialENGIE
Anna is a seasoned professional within Australia’s energy sector who draws from a breadth of experience across numerous legal and commercial roles both here and abroad. Starting her career as a lawyer with international law firm, DLA Piper, Anna specialised in cross-border acquisitions and venture capital transactions in the infrastructure and technology sectors before pivoting to senior in-house positions to lead various renewable energy transactions across Australia and the US. Following a desire to expand into the commercial sphere, Anna subsequently transitioned into senior commercial roles, establishing, implementing and driving the strategic commercial advisory, supplier engagement and contract management across renewable and storage portfolios.
In her current role at ENGIE Australia, she is responsible for leading the Portfolio Growth, Origination and Commercial teams in ENGIE’s renewables and storage business. Anna complements her extensive legal and commercial acumen with a deep understanding of the commercial, financial and technical drivers needed to successfully acquire, develop and execute large and complex energy projects.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction, University of Western Australia and Bachelor of Arts, University of Western Australia.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel discussion: Where is innovation most needed to successfully scale energy storage?
Jo De Silva
General Manager - Retail PolicyAustralia Energy Council
Jo De Silva is the General Manager Retail Policy at the Australian Energy Council. Jo was most recently a senior leader at the Australian Energy Market Operator (ISP Consumer Panel) and Energy & Water Ombudsman SA, experienced in representing the long-term interests of different cohorts of energy consumers in regulatory and technical processes. Jo has served as a member of the Energy Security Board Stakeholder Steering Group and the National Customer Code Council for Comparators and Moving Services.
Jo was a member of the Australian Energy Regulator Consumer Reference Group, all four Energy Security Board National Energy Guarantee Technical Working Groups and the Australian Energy Market Commission System Security Technical Working Group. Heading up energy policy at the South Australian Council of Social Service for around a decade, Jo convened the National Consumer Roundtable on Energy and was an inaugural member of the AER’s Consumer Challenge Panel. Jo is a former Judge of the South Australian Premier’s Mining and Energy Awards.
Speaking at
09:50
Panel discussion: Where is innovation most needed to successfully scale energy storage?
Phillipa Minton
Market Development and Strategy Manager – Renewable GasJemena
Phillipa Minton is a seasoned Commercial and Business Manager with extensive experience across the energy and chemicals sectors. As the current Market Development and Strategy Manager for Renewable Gas at Jemena, Phillipa is driving efforts to create supportive policy, technical, and commercial frameworks for renewable gas decarbonisation, including biomethane, hydrogen, and e-methane pathways. Prior to this, she served as Business Development Manager for Renewable Gas, where she forged key partnerships to accelerate the decarbonisation of the natural gas network.
Phillipa's career spans over a decade with BOC South Pacific, where she held multiple roles, including Business Manager for Scientific and Sales & Business Development for Bulk and Onsite. She played a critical role in product management, market strategy, and regulatory compliance, handling portfolios worth $100 million annually. Phillipa holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sydney and is recognised for her expertise in strategy, process improvement, and contract negotiation.
Speaking at
11:00
Unlocking the power of gas as a source of renewable energy
Clair Osbourne
Chief People OfficerDelta
Clair brings over 25 years’ experience in People & Culture, with a career that spans leadership roles at CommBank, Vodafone, and in specialised consultancy. Clair’s extensive expertise has shaped her approach to building people-first strategies, shaping positive culture and driving leadership excellence.
Clair joined Delta in 2007 and in 2024, she was appointed as Chief People Officer.
A strong advocate for diversity, Clair is especially committed to encouraging women to pursue careers in the energy industry and supporting their growth within the sector. Clair leads our people initiatives with a focus on fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth, ensuring Delta remains a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation for years to come.
Speaking at
11:30
Leading with Purpose: Transforming tradition and empowering the future of energy through values-driven leadership
Annika Freyer
Chief Executive OfficerChampions of Change Coalition
Annika Freyer was appointed as the inaugural CEO of the Champions of Change Coalition in 2016.
As CEO, Annika has led the strategy and evolution of the sustainable and scalable model enabling the Champions of Change Coalition to grow from its Australian Founding Group of 10 CEOs to the internationally recognised Coalition of more than 250 CEO-level leaders, with a strong focus on innovative and disruptive actions to shift systems of inequality – many of which are now considered global standards for organisations aspiring to be employers of choice.
Annika spent 15 years working in both the public and private sectors in Australia and internationally. She has held policy and program leadership roles for the US government, the United Nations Development Program, Earth Institute Columbia University, and multiple international NGOs.
As a McKinsey & Company consultant Annika worked across private equity, government and the retail sector. She was also engaged as a strategic advisor and consultant designing several programs for Chief Executive Women and financial services clients.
Annika was a contributor to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘Supporting Working Parents: Pregnancy and Return to Work National Review’, and a consultant to UN Women’s Private Sector Leadership Advisory Council, convened by Under Secretary General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. She served on the Global Summit of Women Steering Committee (2018).
Annika is a Member of Chief Executive Women and serves as a Member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Women in Leadership Steering Committee.
Annika holds a BSc (Foreign Service/International Politics), Georgetown University, Washington DC and LLM (International Law), University of Sydney.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: How can we turn potential into power by championing women in energy?
Ashleigh Dalmau
Chief Operating Officer & Company SecretaryClean Energy Council
I am the Chief Operating Officer at Clean Energy Council, the leading organisation in Australia's renewable energy sector. I drive the strategic execution and operational performance of the CEC, which represents over 1000 members and advocates for a clean energy future.
In my previous roles, I successfully led and transformed multiple teams and organizations in various industries, including construction, banking, and wealth management. I have a strong track record of delivering customer-centric solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and championing innovation and collaboration. I hold an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School and a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner certification. I am passionate about advancing the clean energy transition and creating a sustainable future for our planet.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: How can we turn potential into power by championing women in energy?
Nicola Falcon
Interim Executive General Manager Western AustraliaAustralian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Nicola Falcon is a highly accomplished executive, with over 25 years’ experience in the energy sector in Australia and overseas. She leads diverse and inclusive teams, applies systems thinking to problem solving, and provides critical thought leadership to help navigate the energy transition to net zero emissions.
In her current role as Interim Executive General Manager, Western Australia, Nicola is accountable for delivering a secure and reliable energy system for WA and enabling the energy transition. The role provides leadership support to real-time operations of WA power systems and markets, supports WA's market reform and delivery program, provides critical technical information and insights to inform decision makers in planning the future gas and electricity system needs.
In this role, Nicola is applying her knowledge, experience and stakeholder relationships built over decades in the energy industry to help AEMO continue managing the fast-paced energy transition happening in Western Australia. As an executive leader, Nicola drives leadership excellence, teamwork, inclusion and performance both within the WA Department and across the business.
Early in her career, Nicola helped develop system plans in Namibia and South Africa, learning how electricity can truly empower communities. This experience sparked her drive to make a difference in the world through her work, enabling the rapid transition to accessible clean energy.
Nicola is passionate about promoting, supporting and developing future female leaders. She provides strategic advice to AEMO’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and mentors young rising female leaders. She is delighted to be able to continue to advance women in energy through her ongoing contribution as one of Australia’s Equality Initiative Ambassadors.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: How can we turn potential into power by championing women in energy?
Anthony Fowler
Chief Executive OfficerTilt Renewables
Anthony is an experienced energy executive with over 25 years in the sector.
Anthony commenced as Chief Executive Officer of Tilt Renewables in February 2024.
Prior to joining Tilt Renewables, Anthony was the Chief Executive Officer of Lochard Energy, a leading midstream energy infrastructure business owned by some of Australia’s most prominent infrastructure investors. Previous roles include as the Group Executive at AGL responsible for Australia’s largest generation portfolio, energy trading and commercial and industrial retail.
Anthony is a graduate of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: How can we turn potential into power by championing women in energy?
Michael Frangos
Chief Executive OfficerIndigenous Energy Australia
Michael combines agility and determination from his entrepreneurship, sound technical ability, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of the function of organisations, to identify and obtain value for all organisations he is a part of.
Michael is a proficient technical engineer having experience in electrical, chemical and mechanical fields building on these technical skills with a high degree of commercial acumen, sound knowledge of commercialisation and R&D processes, world class operations and lean management, organisational architecture. He also has an expert knowledge in community engagement, and in development of socially driven, commercially conscious business models. This repertoire has led Michael to develop the ability to identify and achieve shared outcomes in cross functional settings with a large depth and breadth. Michael is currently involved in several projects including operationalisation of commercial opportunities, organisational architecture, cultural transformation, ingraining innovation as BAU and development of utilities and infrastructure with remote, regional and vulnerable communities.
Michael is driven to achieve holistic value, close the gap and mitigate the impacts of Anthropogenic Climate Change.
Speaking at
12:00
Panel discussion: How can we turn potential into power by championing women in energy?
Rachelle Cooper Kulkarni
Head of Impact and InnovationIndigenous Energy Australia
Rachelle is a change-maker, environmentalist, and futurist. She is the Director of Sustainify and Head of Impact and Innovation at Indigenous Energy Australia (IEA). Rachelle is a strategic and resourceful problem-solver who uses systems thinking and strategic foresight to create solutions to Australia’s wicked problems, particularly a just energy transition for regional communities.
Rachelle is always looking for ways to deliver better outcomes for community. This includes hearing challenges on the ground and translating them into innovative projects and service offerings. She also advises industry on measuring their success at the project level and capability to deliver meaningful impact. She also leads the Queensland business for IEA.
Rachelle has gained a unique understanding of the requirements and perspectives in the energy transition with a career in government and private sector roles across the world. Rachelle has a Masters in Sustainability and Adaptation, Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations and Spanish, and is a certified change management, P3M3, and Project, Program and Portfolio management professional.
Speaking at
13:40
Power, purpose, and country: How traditional knowledge is shaping the future of clean energy
Kait Williamson
Head of Community and Stakeholder EngagementFlow Power
Kait brings over 12 years’ experience in community engagement, external relations and social impact across the energy, ESG and international development sectors. She is passionate about reshaping how industry collaborates with communities to deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes—especially in the context of Australia’s energy transition.
At Flow Power, Kait leads community and stakeholder engagement for all projects the company builds, owns and operates in Australia. Her work is focused on ensuring that local voices are heard, partnerships are genuine, and each project delivers lasting social value.
Kait’s previous roles included leading external relations for an ASX-listed engineering firm, managing stakeholder initiatives in Papua New Guinea’s energy sector, and roles in media and peacebuilding—bringing a unique cross-cultural lens to her work in community energy. Originally from the USA, Kait is a Georgetown University and Rider University Alumni.
Speaking at
14:30
Understanding how community-led energy projects are reshaping the industry
Kath Elliott
Head of Stakeholder and Community EngagementSquadron Energy
Kath has wide and deep experience in infrastructure in urban and regional communities across Australia. She is also a highly experienced independent chair of community consultative committees.
Kath is also a non-executive director, and former elected Councillor on Newcastle City Council.
Speaking at
15:30
Turning opposition into community support for renewable infrastructure development
Madison Sturgess
Clean Energy Projects Co-DirectorOriginal Power
Madie is a community cleantech specialist with experience across tech start-ups, agriculture, film and TV, and international development sectors. Her cleantech experience includes developing microgrid projects and clean energy cooking alternatives with remote Haitian communities by way of Washington DC, and researching and developing energy innovation opportunities and policy reform for agriculture and communities in regional Queensland. Madie is passionate about fit for purpose solutions for sustainable development, the democratisation of energy, and the larger transition to circular economies - none of which is possible without consulting the communities they serve.
Speaking at
16:00
Delivering reliable, resilient energy to regional and remote communities
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, MentorPhD Researcher
By guiding women to understand their own drivers, needs and values Bron helps women reconnect with their own power, so they can confidently negotiate their salaries and pursue leadership positions, unapologetically celebrating their achievements along the way.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass A: Mastering Negotiation Skills – the Cornerstone of Career Success
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