FMA’s Executive Director - Transformation & Operations Kari Jones on technology in the regulatory landscape, moving from a specialist data role to a broader leadership role, the lessons she’s learned from her international sporting career, and the honest feedback that changed her approach to leading teams. Key insights: Career Evolution: From computer science to technology consulting at PWC, leadership roles at Air New Zealand, NZ Post, and Woolworths before joining the FMALeadership Philosophy: The importance of collaboration over competition and serving the organisational strategyDigital Transformation: Making regulatory processes easier through data intelligence and digital enablementFinancial Regulation Approach: Acting as a "referee" focused on customer fairness and transparency while enabling innovationProfessional Growth: Learning from feedback and evolving leadership style from results-focused to people-focusedTechnology & Innovation: Balancing regulatory oversight with embracing emerging technologies like AI and cryptocurrencyRegulatory Sandbox: Testing innovative financial products with regulatory guidance in real-time

Jonathan Southee, Chief Information and Technology Officer at New Zealand Rugby, unpacks how his team is using technology to deliver world-class experiences for players and fans alike. From transforming the match day experience to scaling global e-commerce operations, Jono shares how NZR is evolving from a traditional sports organisation into a tech-enabled, fan-focused enterprise.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance CTO Alex Smart on driving a complete transformation of SCTI's core insurance platform, how a great team culture and healthy conflict leads to success, and why diversity matters more than ever in technology. 

Datacom CISO Collin Penman talks about the growing gap between leadership and employees when it comes to cybersecurity, how cyber fatigue is leaving businesses in Australia and New Zealand more exposed, and why AI-powered threats are now keeping security leaders up at night. Speaking to CIO's Cathy O'Sullivan, Penman dug into Datacom's State of Cybersecurity Index findings, and the reality is sobering. The data shows: AI-driven attacks now top the threat list for security leaders Security teams are burning out - 61% in NZ and 58% in Australia report cyber fatigue Leadership thinks staff are cyber-ready; most employees disagree 40% of employees use AI tools like ChatGPT, yet only 1 in 4 have read their company's AI policies Penman cut through the hype, emphasizing: Generic annual security training doesn't work - role-specific, short modules do AI governance is lagging behind adoption, creating real vulnerabilities Security teams are still fighting the "Department of No" perception The most telling point? The disconnect between what leadership believes about security readiness versus what's happening on the ground with employees.

New Zealand Media and Entertainment's new Chief Information Officer Katie Macdiarmid on the importance of personalisation in its digital products, how the organisation sees AI being used across the business, and paying attention to what emerging trends in end-user devices will mean for content consumption.

Emerging ICT Leader of the Year at the 2024 NZ CIO Awards Manvi Madan on how curiosity took her into a data and AI career, the need for more conversations about responsible AI, why machine learning projects fail, and how mentors and role models can help attract and retain more women in IT.   

NZ CIO of the Year Hamish Rumbold, former chief digital and technology officer at Kiwibank on rebuilding 50 per cent of the bank's tech stack, creating a culture of learning through ‘kohungas’ or learning nests,  leading with ambition and compassion, and his next career goal to help NZ and Australian companies foster innovation.

University of Waikato CIO Eion Hall on the ethical debate of security versus surveillance, how learning environments have changed, and the excitement building over the university’s plans to develop a new medical school.

LIC Chief Information Officer Diva Sivakumar on how the organisation is helping change the future of farming through technology, why data plays such an important role in what they do, and creating a passion for tech in Māori and Pasifika kids through gamers' clubs.

Woolworths NZ General Manager of Technology Steve James on using technology to keep teams safer in stores, his pride in keeping essential services operational during the pandemic and extreme weather events, and ways he is engaging with different communities to get more people into careers in tech.

SolarZero Chief Technology Officer Juan De Roock on moving to subscription models for solar power, how AI is helping the organisation engage with customers, and why Ubuntu is his mantra for getting the best of himself and those around him.

Waste Management NZ Chief Digital Officer Lena Jenkins on the importance of starting small, building capability and scaling; why she’s excited about AI-based routing and predictive maintenance, and the organisation’s strategic ambition to power the circular economy.

Alvarium’s Head of Technology Avinash de Silva on the importance of communicating risk, keeping tabs on developments with open banking, and why he actively seeks out vendors and technology partners with a culture of innovation and who challenge him.

ProCare General Manager for Digital, Data & Technology Kirti Desai on the challenges of working in the healthcare sector and dealing with government reforms, how the organisation is modernising its data platform and mental health services, and why softer skills are growing in importance for IT teams.

Skills Consulting Group Director of Digital & Technology Tim Partington on creating integrated learning environments with assisted reality, why the IT industry should move to an apprenticeship model, and the importance of working with NZ Inc technology partners.

Ruth Russell, Kaihautū Hangarau Whakaaturanga (Chief Information Officer) at Te Tumu Paeroa (Office of the Māori Trustee) on the challenges and benefits of establishing a Māori data sovereignty framework, upskilling staff through informal and targeted learning, and how the organisation is developing alternative pathways for rangatahi (young people) into technology careers.

Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar on the national carrier’s ambition to be the world’s leading digital airline, how the company has changed its operating model to uplift digital capability across the organisation, and how technology plays a huge role in its sustainability goals.

Blackpearl Group Chief Technology Officer Sam Daish on embracing AI and making things simple for end-users, the challenges and opportunities of scaling and having a technology team in multiple geographies, and why he thinks more NZ companies should buy from local start-ups.

Fletcher Building Group CIO Joe Locandro on changing the company’s IT operating model with Fletcher Tech, how the organisation is enhancing customer experience with AI, plus the six lessons he has learned about leadership through his global CIO roles across several sectors and geographies, including mainland, China, Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East.

Tonkin + Taylor's Wayne Broekhals on his career journey from IT service desk support to CIO, how the organization integrates sustainability principles into its IT strategy, and what he values when dealing with external partners on projects.