• Sophie Renton

Managing Director at McCrindle

Sophie Renton is a social researcher and generational expert who is passionate about using evidence-based insights to inform strategy and help organisations to thrive amidst complexity. As the Managing Director at the internationally recognised McCrindle, she leads the McCrindle team in search of insights that lead to better outcomes for organisations, communities, and individuals. As the author of numerous research publications, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the trends shaping our lives. From the factors disrupting the future of education, leading thriving intergenerational teams and developing leaders, Sophie believes having a clear understanding of the context in which leaders are operating today is essential for mapping the path forward. After almost a decade in the education sector and her experience as a non-executive director, Sophie understands the need to equip directors with insights to govern well. As a sought after consultant, media commentator, and facilitator, Sophie’s passion for leadership, building healthy intergenerational teams and the next generation enables her to bring robust, research-based content to her engaging presentations and consulting.

• Louise Cummins

Founder of ACAM - Australian Centre for AI in Marketing

Louise Cummins, a dedicated and award winning C-suite executive, has continuously worked towards maximising the potential of individuals and organisations. In her latest endeavour, she has founded a pro-new purpose Australian Centre for AI in Marketing, focusing on the ethical implementation of AI practices to ensure inclusivity for everyone.

Louise, committed to humanitarian efforts and gender equality, founded The CMO Inner Circle Network to support senior women in marketing and donate profits to women's charities. She is a Non-Executive Director, speaker, coach, and children's book author working on a new book.

• Jenn ten Seldam

Co-Founder and Director Wingmaven

Jenn’s reputation as an inspirational and transformational leader has been built over an executive career of over 20+ years in APAC and Global roles. She has built, re-designed and evolved high-performing teams/divisions in fast-paced, high-growth technology businesses (SEEK, Xero) as well as mature corporate institutions (NAB, Vodafone). Over the years she has been trusted to coach countless senior marketing and business leaders through critical 'level up' moments, in successful pursuit of both fulfilment and achievement. This ‘lived experience’ was a unique leverage point upon which she co-founded Wingmaven in 2022 with Laura Wilson. A fast-growing marketing ‘coach-sultancy’, Wingmaven helps ambitious businesses achieve their boldest goals by building marketing functions that are match-fit for success, from fast-growing scale-ups to corporate clients such as Alinta Energy and Kiwibank. Visit wingmaven.com for more information.

• Panel

Ekant Veer, Professor at University of Canterbury

Ekant Veer is a Professor at the University of Canterbury whose work sits at the intersection of marketing, psychology, and social change. Whether it’s encouraging healthier habits, reducing stigma, or boosting civic engagement, Ekant brings academic rigour and a human-centred lens to projects that aim to genuinely improve lives—making his voice essential in any conversation about marketing’s role in shaping a better society.

Dr Sommer Kapitan, Associate Professor in Marketing at AUT

Dr. Sommer Kapitan is a consumer psychologist and associate professor at AUT, where she’s been shaping thinking around brand activism, sustainability, and influencer marketing since 2015. A sharp experimental researcher and trusted voice in both academia and industry, Sommer brings deep insight into what really drives consumer behaviour—making her an invaluable asset for any conversation about marketing’s future.

Hone Paul, Director of Marketing at University of Otago

Hone Paul is the Director of Marketing at the University of Otago, where he’s known for blending strategic thinking with a strong sense of purpose and cultural awareness. With deep experience across brand, digital, and engagement, Hone brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective to how organisations build trust and connect with diverse audiences in an ever-changing landscape.

Iris Benedikt, Chapter Lead (Head of) Digital Performance Marketing at Air New Zealand

Iris is a marketing and product leader with extensive experience in various industries across New Zealand and Australia, and is currently a Chapter Lead (Head of) for Digital Performance Marketing at Air New Zealand.
She has a passion for innovation and transformation and believes the future of marketing lies in the integration of data and technology, as well as the empowerment of teams to deliver best-in-class communications. Iris is particularly interested in exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning and personalisation to enhance marketing performance and customer experience.