Kaila Colbin

NZ Ambassador for Singularity University, Co-founder of Boma Global, CEO of Boma New Zealand – Globally and New Zealand

Kaila Colbin is co-founder of Boma Global and CEO of Boma New Zealand. She spearheaded the hugely successful SingularityU New Zealand and Australia Summits, introducing more than 2,500 people to exponential technologies and their impact on humanity.

She is also a co-founder and Chair of the non-profit Ministry of Awesome, the starting point for early-stage entrepreneurs in Christchurch; the Curator and Licensee for TEDxChristchurch in New Zealand and TEDxScottBase in Antarctica; Chair of the New York-based culinary school Natural Gourmet Institute; Deputy Chair of CORE Education; and a Director of ChristchurchNZ. Her purpose in life is to be an uplifting presence. Please welcome Kaila Colbin.

Click here to view Kaila’s presentation pdf

Christoph Frei

Secretary-General & CEO World Energy Council – London, United Kingdom

Christoph Frei became WEC’s CEO & Secretary General in 2009. He has led the further development of the world-renowned London-based organisation by strengthening its policy and strategic insight processes, including WEC’s on-going World Energy Scenarios.

He is also a Professor at the Swiss Federal Technical Institute in Lausanne and a member of the board of the energy blockchain-focused Energy Web Foundation. Prior to joining WEC, Christoph was a member of the Executive Council of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and its Senior Director in charge of Energy.

Christoph regularly stimulates board and strategy meetings for leading energy and technology companies around the world and has a track record as facilitator of dialogue on behalf of governments and at international events. In 2012, Christoph became a member of the high-level advisory group to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sustainable Energy for all.

Christoph received his PhD es sc. from EPFL. He holds a diploma in electrical engineering and masters in energy economics & management, in econometrics, and in applied ethics. His publications cover fields including energy scenarios, energy & climate policy, global energy governance, energy-water nexus, energy access and the future of utilities.

Click here to view Christoph’s presentation pdf

Annabel Wilton

Bloomberg NEF’s specialist in decentralised energy — Sydney, Australia

Annabel Wilton is an analyst in Bloomberg NEF’s Sydney office, specialising in Australian distributed energy. Since she joined BNEF in 2016, Annabel has lead BNEF’s research on the regulatory, business model and technological developments that are occurring as Australia’s power sector decentralizes. Annabel has previous experience in economic consulting and has an academic background in economics and science.

Kim d’Alquen

Energy and Utilities Business Development Lead, Amazon – Australia and NZ

Kim leads the Energy and Utilities Industry ANZ region. Prior to joining AWS Kim held leadership roles across Energy, Utilities, Mining and the Retail Industries with both Accenture and IBM leading major industry transformation programs in Australian and globally. Prior to that she worked as an industry transformation advisor for executives in the Australian Energy companies as part of their Smart Meter Programs.

Kim enjoys bringing together industry leaders and deep technical experts to pioneer innovative new ways for tackling major business challenges, to create new customer experiences and drive shareholder value. She is particularly interested in how cloud platforms enable creative new business models for the industry through machine learning and real time data insight.

Kim is also a mentor for startup programs in the energy industry and Director of PortQ, a niche technology company providing innovative logistics scheduling solutions.

Michael Casson

International Business Development, Vulog – Paris, France

As a business developer at Vulog, Michael focuses on both supporting existing with their efforts to scale and on developing new collaborative opportunities in the market. Michael manages relationships with operators across three continents and works with OEMs, energy companies, car distributors, start-ups and more in aiding their new mobility strategy. He previously held a similar development role at Deezer, a leading global audio streaming service based in Paris. Prior to entering the tech sphere, Michael worked as a chartered accountant in Deloitte’s Banking and Capital Markets practice in London. Michael holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters in Accountancy from DePaul’s Kellstadt School of Business in Chicago. He lives in Paris.

Tsai Chao Chung, Charles

Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director,Power Assets Holdings Limited – Hong Kong, China

Aged 60. Appointed to the Board and Chief Executive Officer in January 2014. He has been with the Group since June 1987. Mr. Tsai is the General Manager of Power Assets Investments Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. He is also a Director or Alternate Director of most of the subsidiaries and certain joint ventures of the Company. Mr. Tsai has been responsible for the Group’s investments outside Hong Kong since 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Chartered Engineer.

Bruce Thompson

Chief Operating Officer, GreenSync – Melbourne, Australia

Bruce is a recognised leader in the Australian sustainable energy sector bringing together unique skills and experience to build practical responses to climate change.

Bruce has spent over 15 years establishing and leading initiatives including the Moreland Solar City, ZeroNet Energy Town and Positive Charge social enterprise to engage community, industry and government in effective and efficient models to transform our energy sector.

Bruce joined GreenSync in 2016 to support the company’s strategic development. Bruce is part of the executive team, responsible for strategy and new business development including the flagship deX Decentralised Energy Exchange collaboration with industry and government. Bruce is also currently acting COO, responsible for customer value, operational and financial performance for GreenSync’s existing accounts.

His professional experience is complimented by non-executive director roles in the not-for-profit sector and the recent completion of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

Zheng Fan

Managing Director, XCharge – China and Germany

Mr. Zheng Fan is the Managing Director of XCharge Europe GmbH, responsible for developing international EV charging market. XCharge can give innovated IoT solutions with both charging infrastructure and software cloud solution. He is member of China smart energy committee, founder of Sino-German renewable association, deputy secretary-general of Smart Energy Alliance and advisor of Asian Development Bank.

Mr. Zheng Fan finished his study at RWTH Aachen University in Germany for Electrical Power Engineering. He was involved in the research work of renewable grid connection study. In 2011, he worked in DNV GL, Renewables Certification in Hamburg. Then, he opened his own business in China, active in the area of renewable integration, power market and software R&D.

Neil Gibbs

Chairman, Marchment Hill Consulting – Melbourne, Australia

Neil’s current roles include Chairman of Marchment Hill Consulting, i.n. concepts and the Clean Energy Council’s Distributed Energy Leadership Forum. He was until recently the Founding Chairman of GreenSync, and previously was a VP for AT Kearney, and the Global Energy Practice leader for PA Consulting Group.

Following an extensive career in global energy markets, Neil now actively supports the decarbonisation of the electricity system, specialising in the evolution of technology, business models, regulations and markets at the “grid edge” – harnessing the value of innovation and customer engagement to deliver secure, reliable, affordable and carbon-light energy services.

Dr Lawrence Jones

Vice-President, Edison Electric Institute – Washington DC, USA

Dr Lawrence E Jones is a thought leader and practitioner with more than 25 years’ experience in the energy industry. He joined Edison Electric Institute (EEI) in September 2015 as Vice-President, International Programs, growing that membership to 65 companies with operations in more than 90 countries He has launched several new strategic initiatives including the annual Global Electricity Forum, the Africa Utility Power Sector Exchange, and the Thomas Edison International Utility Executive Fellowship Program.

A published author, serves on the advisory boards of several industry associations and academic institutions. He is the Chair of the 21st Century Power Partnerships Public-Private Leadership Forum and an Honorary Industry Fellow at Monash Energy Materials and Systems Institute, Monash University. Dr. Jones is a Senior Associate (Non-resident) with the Energy & National Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC.

Born in Liberia, Dr Jones received his MSc, Licentiate and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He has received numerous awards for leadership and contribution in the field of renewable energy technology and renewable energy integration in electricity grids and markets. He holds several patents for technologies for enhancing situational awareness of operators in control centers, and is a Senior Member of the IEEE.

Koji Kanaoka

Senior Manager Global Operations Division, Dakin – Osaka, Japan

Senior manager with one of the leading HVAC companies, Daikin Industries Ltd having worldwide operations. The present responsibilities include overall handling of the cell including global project sales, business development and application engineering. Joined to Daikin as a HVAC application engineer in 1973. Staying Middle East and Europe for 8 years and having been engaged in VRV system promotion activities from 1988.

Belinda Kinkead

Director, Australia, LO3 Energy – Portland, USA

Belinda is the Australian Director of LO3 Energy, creators of community energy marketplaces that enable utilities and neighbourhoods to share in the responsibilities and benefits of reliable distributed energy resources. LO3 Energy pioneered peer-to-peer energy trading in the Brooklyn Microgrid using their blockchain technology. Belinda has almost 20 years’ experience in sustainable energy and climate finance. Prior to LO3 Energy she worked with the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, EcoSecurities and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority of NSW. She is based in Byron Bay in NSW, Australia.

Anna Kominik

New Zealand’s Country Director, Zephyr Airworks/ Kitty Hawk Corp – NZ/ US

Anna Kominik is the New Zealand lead of a multinational team that is bringing Cora, the world’s first semi-autonomous electric VTOL air taxi, to market.

She has a wealth of experience in working with government, private sector and startups as both an advisor and strategist. Along with senior management roles in the public and private sectors, she has worked as a consultant to boards and chief executives throughout New Zealand. In addition, she has created two successful New Zealand businesses.

A facilitator and member of the Institute of Directors, Anna serves on a number of philanthropic boards. She has a Masters degree from Northwestern University, Chicago and was a Rotary International Scholar.

Geoff Matthews

Global Head of Strategy, Energia Potior Ltd – based in Europe and New Zealand

Geoff Matthews was appointed Vice President of Energia Potior Ltd, in July 2015, with the responsibility of commercialising the patented EnPot heat exchanger technology.

After acting as Personal Private Secretary to New Zealand’s Prime Minister for ten years between 1987 and 1997, Geoff embarked on a successful career in advertising and public relations before establishing multi award-winning branding and marketing company, BrandCom Ltd in 2001.

Over the next decade and a half, Geoff was appointed to a number of executive and board positions of companies commercialising new technologies across the economic spectrum.

A five-time winner of the New Zealand Marketing Awards, Geoff was elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketers (UK) in 2012.

In his current role for Energia Potior, Geoff is immersed in the world of aluminium smelting with a particular focus on sustainability issues, and how flexible operating scenarios can change the financial outlook for smelters.

In June 2018 Geoff was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Future Aluminium Forum.

Sarah McNamara

Chief Executive, Australian Energy Council – Melbourne, Australia

Sarah McNamara was appointed as Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Council in July 2018. Sarah joined the Energy Council as General Manager of Corporate Affairs in January 2016. She is an industry leader with more than a decade of experience working with policy and regulatory frameworks across the resources and energy sectors.

Prior to the Energy Council, Sarah was Chief of Staff to the then Minister for Industry, the Hon Ian Macfarlane, and has also worked as a senior policy adviser to the Prime Minister. Between 2008 and 2013 Sarah worked in AGL’s Corporate Affairs team as Head of Government Affairs and Community Engagement. Sarah began her career as a corporate lawyer, and has a Bachelor of Arts/Law from the University of Melbourne. She also worked as a policy adviser in the Howard Government.

Over the next decade and a half, Geoff was appointed to a number of executive and board positions of companies commercialising new technologies across the economic spectrum.

A five-time winner of the New Zealand Marketing Awards, Geoff was elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketers (UK) in 2012.

In his current role for Energia Potior, Geoff is immersed in the world of aluminium smelting with a particular focus on sustainability issues, and how flexible operating scenarios can change the financial outlook for smelters.

In June 2018 Geoff was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Future Aluminium Forum.

Dr Steve Meller

Innovation strategist – Silicon Valley, USA

Dr Steve Meller is the US company liaison for BioPacific Partners, a consultancy that provides global companies with access to the best of Australian innovation in health, food, and agriculture. A PhD neuroscientist, he has had a life-long career in innovation with particular expertise in taking disruptive innovation into international markets.

He spent almost two decades at Procter and Gamble, with various R&D roles in healthcare and as Chief Innovation Catalyst. He is managing Director of Creating Dots, a consultancy that develops strategy, creates innovative business approaches for disruptive technologies, and provides access to investment for disruptive and creative companies. There he has built a portfolio of sustainability companies with a strong focus on the developing world. He is Senior Advisor to the CEO of The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the federal government agency for scientific research in Australia.

Originally from Adelaide, South Australia, Dr Meller is based in the Silicon Valley. He has founded or co-founded four companies in the healthcare, tech, sustainability and innovation sectors, and sits on boards across the healthcare, tech, energy, sustainability and AI sectors.

Johanna Schelle

Head of Communications and Marketing, MotionTag — Potsdam, Germany

Johanna Schelle is Head of Communications and Marketing at MotionTag. Her interest for urban development and smart cities resulted in a research project in Cape Town on social consequences of smart city policies through a closer examination of African transport systems. MotionTag furthers Johanna’s thematic interests by offering the opportunity to work on the technological side of smart mobility for sustainable cities. Her educational background includes a MSc. in International Development Studies from the University of Amsterdam and a B.A. in European Studies from Maastricht University. She previously worked at Think Tanks and a political consultancy.

Originally from Adelaide, South Australia, Dr Meller is based in the Silicon Valley. He has founded or co-founded four companies in the healthcare, tech, sustainability and innovation sectors, and sits on boards across the healthcare, tech, energy, sustainability and AI sectors.

John Scott

John Scott, Director, Chiltern Power Limited – Oxford, United Kingdom

John Scott is currently an independent consultant, based in the UK. He has 45 years’ experience of electricity distribution, transmission and regulation. His previous roles include Director of Engineering for National Grid, Technical Director for Ofgem, and Director Network Innovation for KEMA Consulting.

He takes a particular interest in innovation and sustainable energy systems, and factors critical to successful deployment of innovation on power systems.

He was a founder member of the UK government’s Smart Grid Forum and has recently been a Non-Executive Director at Smarter Grid Solutions Ltd. He is currently an advisor to the aggregator Pearlstone Energy. He also chairs the Industrial Advisory Board of the FLEXIS integrated energy systems project. He is an active Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, and is a Visiting Professor at the University of Bath.

He is currently on the steering group for the Future Power System Architecture project (FPSA), which is being led by The IET jointly with the Energy Systems Catapult.

John is a regular visitor to New Zealand and has worked with a number of parties in the electricity sector.

Vikram Singh

Lead of the Low Carbon Transformation, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group – Adelaide, Australia

Vikram is leading the decarbonisation strategy at AGIG and delivering the largest power to gas project in Australia, where renewable hydrogen will be blended with natural gas and injected into the South Australian gas distribution network.

With over 20 years of experience in the energy and utility sector, Vikram has operated at the forefront of innovative and transformational initiatives in the energy sector. Prior to AGIG, Vikram was a partner at Deloitte Australia and specialised in the energy and utilities sector advising leading energy companies and government agencies on M&A transactions, electricity and gas wholesale markets, network reform, privatisation, renewables and decarbonisation.

Prior to Deloitte, Vikram held senior management positions at Singapore Power and Powercor Australia.

Alan Thomson

Global Leader, Energy Systems, Arup – London, UK

Alan leads the global Energy Systems business stream at Arup, working closely with colleagues around the world to deliver complex integrated energy solutions spanning supply, network and demand applications. Delivering successful high value outcomes requires integrated commercial, behavioral and technical solutions; with this in mind Alan links together Arup exponents of energy economics, behavioral phycology, engineering and digitalization from around world. He is particularly engaged in emerging energy vectors such as hydrogen, as well as the integration of energy into the broader built environment, particularly exploring the benefits and addressable challenges emerging when historically siloed systems are drawn together. He works on the management of legacy assets, including nuclear, coal, oil & gas decommissioning, recognizing that their careful transition has a significant part to play in the delivery of societally responsible, resilient, affordable and environmentally conscious energy solutions. Alan is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London.

Vinod Tiwari

GM Business Development, Power Ledger – Perth, Australia

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Vinod Tiwari leads Power Ledger’s Business Development and Sales teams supporting the delivery of Power Ledger’s blockchain offering, building new propositions, and enhancing existing customer experiences. His roles in the energy sector include positions with Perth Energy, Future Effect and Regen Power.

Vinod has more than 25 years of experience in operations, senior sales and business development roles within the renewable energy and other engineering industries. He has a successful track record of building and defending market share, expanding product lines, and developing renewable portfolios. As General Manager Sales at Perth Energy, he had responsibility for all gas and electricity sales. He grew the energy sales portfolio from $20 million in annual turnover to more than $300 million. Previous roles include managing engineering, technical sales and business development for General Electric Company’s joint venture with Wipro in India.

Vinod holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics along with a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Australia. He has completed the Executive Leadership Program at the University of California, Berkley.

Mikko Viinikainen

Vice-President, Sustainability & Environment, Finavia Corporation – Helsinki-Vantaa, Finland

Mikko Viinikainen is Vice-President, Sustainability & Environment, Finavia Corporation. The Finnish airport operator has demonstrated strong environmental track records. From carbon neutrality at Helsinki Airport to a group environmental management system in accordance with ISO14001 standard, Mikko’s systematic approach formed the building blocks of a comprehensive management strategy.

Since joining Finavia – which operates 21 airports – in the 1990s, Mikko has managed the establishment of the company’s environmental management system. He led the team that undertook the numerous environmental impact assessments of the Helsinki Airport expansion projects. In addition, his team was responsible for processing the environmental permits that were required for the airport network. His expertise in environmental regulation spans the international, community and national levels. He has a comprehensive understanding of the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in today’s business world.

Mikko has a Master of Science from the University of Kuopio . He is a member of the Airports Council International/Europe Environmental Committee and the Nordic Working Group on Aviation and Environment.

New Zealand Speakers

Hon James Shaw

Minister of Climate Change, Minister of Statistics — New Zealand

New Zealand can lead the world in transitioning to a high-value, clean-tech, post-carbon economy that works for everyone. It’s one of the many reasons James joined the Green Party in 1990, and why he’s extremely excited about being a Minister in the Labour-led Government. This Government will bring the large-scale, transformational change that is needed to build a truly sustainable economy, a diverse inclusive society, and to restore and replenish our natural world.

Prior to becoming an MP, James had a successful career in management consulting, primarily in London, where he lived from 1998 to 2010. James worked with large, multinational companies across Europe and around the world, helping them develop more sustainable business practices.

While studying in the UK for a Master’s degree in sustainable development and business leadership, James realised that the private sector alone wasn’t able to affect change at the speed and scale necessary to meet the great challenges of our time.

James’ diverse business experience and expertise, from working for multinational corporates through to local start-ups, social enterprises and community organisations, will enable him to lead the Green Party, the Government and New Zealanders towards a high-tech post-carbon economy and society.

Hon Dr Megan Woods

Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister of Research, Science and Innovation, Minister of Government Digital Services — New Zealand

Hon Megan Woods is a Christchurch local, and has been the Member of Parliament for Wigram since 2011. Following the 2017 election, Megan was sworn in as a Minister of the Crown with portfolio responsibilities including the Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Energy and Resources, Research, Science and Innovation, and responsibility for the Earthquake Commission.

In her role as a local MP, Megan has worked alongside Cantabrians on important issues, in particular as many move on from the devastating earthquakes that struck the city in 2010 and 2011. With her ministerial focus on Christchurch, she wants closure for all Cantabrians.

In Opposition, Megan held various portfolios – including Climate Change and Canterbury Issues – helping her to gain an understanding of a wide range of issues and build important relationships, especially in Christchurch. Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Megan worked as a Business Manager at Plant & Food Research. She holds a PhD in New Zealand History from the University of Canterbury.

Rodd Eddy

Chief Executive, Sustainable Solutions RE Ltd – Auckland, NZ

Rodd Eddy is Chief Executive of Sustainable Solutions RE Ltd, a global independent renewable energy company that delivers turnkey energy solutions within emerging markets. He is an experienced Chief Executive with a demonstrated history of working within the renewable and environmental sector.

Since 2000 he has lived in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the South Pacific while providing sustainability, business development and modelling, and energy access consulting services. His clients have included the International Finance Corporation, Philips, McKinsey & Company, Monitor Group, Bain & Company, and the Asian Development Bank. His early work included the creation and development of the decentralised energy access business model for the Siemens Group. He also created, built and incorporated industry associations and created working groups with a focus on providing decentralised energy solutions for the world’s poorest countries.

Rodd provides advice to those who want to live in a responsible world with minimal impact on our surrounding environment. He holds a Masters of Professional Practice in Sustainability & Business Management from the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Mike Fuge

CEO, Refining NZ – Ruakaka, NZ

Mike joined the company on the 27th of August and brings significant local and international experience in oil and gas, electricity and hydro generation to his new role. He was the Chief Executive of Pacific Hydro in Melbourne – a global renewable energy owner, operator and developer with around 350 staff and operations in Australia, Chile and Brazil. Prior to that he was the Chief Operating Officer at Genesis Energy and has also worked for Royal Dutch Shell Group in New Zealand and overseas. Mike’s skills and leadership experience especially in renewables, will be valuable as we contribute to the Government’s commitment to a zero carbon emissions economy.

Amanda Gilmore

Country Manager, Uber – New Zealand

Amanda Gilmore was appointed Country Manager, New Zealand, in May 2018 and is responsible for leading Uber’s ridesharing business across seven cities. Amanda first joined Uber New Zealand in September 2016 and has been focused on delivering exceptional growth and enhancing the customer experience for both driver-partners and riders.

With a background spanning management consulting, tech and start-ups both in New Zealand and the U.S., Amanda is an innovative leader with a deep understanding of business strategy. Prior to joining Uber, Amanda was an Engagement Manager, Consulting Services, at Percolate in New York – and spent three years at PwC New York in Management Consulting.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Finance and International Business from Villanova University, where she graduated Cum Laude.

Liz Halsted

Cities, Digital and Place Shaping Leader, Arup – Auckland, New Zealand

Liz has worked in NZ, Australia and the UK in energy, integrated transport, emerging technologies, sustainability and demand management over the last 18 years. Liz leads Cities, Digital and Place Shaping area for Arup in NZ and sits on the NZ Low Emission Contestable Fund board. She works on various innovative energy policies, pilots and projects including a NZ hydrogen demonstration project. Prior to joining Arup, from 2015-2018 Liz was head of Innovation, Digital and Sustainability at Auckland Transport (AT) where she developed low emission vehicle policies including AT’s low emission bus road map, AT’s sustainability framework and set up the Auckland public private EV working group. She returned to NZ in 2014 after working for 11 years in London at Camden Council and Transport for London (TfL). Liz sat on the London Hydrogen Consortium and the UK Intelligent Mobility working group which helped develop the first UK autonomous car trial in Milton Keynes. She was involved with TfL’s electric bus and hydrogen bus trials including the inductive electric bus trial. Liz led on the development of Europe’s first ultra-low emission zone, an emissions based road pricing scheme which is being implemented in central London, and developed a transport emissions road map for London up to 2040. From 2005 – 2010 Liz ran an innovation precinct in London which trialled many things including: the UK’s first on-street EV charging points and developed London’s EV charging network (Source London); pollution eating paving; car sharing; carpooling; London’s cycle hire scheme; Legible London (London’s pedestrian way-finding scheme) and bio-methane (used cooking oil) rubbish truck trials.

Stu Innes

CEO & CO-FOUDNER, emhTrade – New Zealand

The 3Ds are truly a humanity scale convergence of need, technology and capability. We must embrace Decarbonisation. New assets will transform energy – driving flexible, cheap and clean Decentralisation. And we have an unprecedented opportunity to connect consumers with what drives cost and carbon with Digitisation. Stu Innes provides insights on innovators an innovators journey to enabling a better power society.

Stu has a background in electricity trading and market design, innovated one of the world’s first P2P retailers and is our data science and markets guru. He brings over 10 years’ experience as a quantitative trader and analyst in electricity markets in New Zealand and abroad. Career highlights include stints managing cross-border power and gas trading between continental Europe and the UK, power and gas nominations on various European grids and spot markets, and optimisation of hydro and thermal assets through real-time spot market offers in New Zealand.

Stu is a member of the Market Development Advisory Group, reporting to the NZ Electricity Authority on market design issues in New Zealand, and has been appointed as an ‘expert advisor’ to the world energy council to participate in their Innovation Working Group.

Walter Langelaar

Creator & Co-founder of SAM (the virtual politician) – Wellington, NZ

Walter Langelaar is an artist, researcher and activist from the Netherlands. His work in media arts and design questions our digitally networked cultures and infrastructure in varying dimensions through sculpture, installation, online performance and critical intervention.

His current research is concerned with the plethora of recording devices employed in the post-Snowden spheres of networked interaction design, and how we may subvert the use of these devices from their initial states of surveillance towards new modes of awareness and cultural relevance.

The SAM project was “driven by the desire to close the gap between what voters want and what politicians promise, and what they actually achieve”. Walter believes in the transformative power of the classroom as a creative space, as a place for experiment and transferal of knowledge, and that every participating individual brings value to a learning situation, whether they be a student, a tutor, or a lecturer. He is an avid user/contributor and strong proponent of Free and Open Source tools and methodology in his research, teaching and practice.

Hamish Reid

Director of Sustainability and Brand, Synlait – Auckland, New Zealand

Hamish Reid is Synlait’s Director of Sustainability and Brand. Hamish has deep experience in food and beverage marketing, predominantly for Danone in Paris and Saatchi & Saatchi in London. In 2008, Hamish established an award-winning not-for-profit in New Zealand working between sport and environment and has consulted to businesses around the world developing environmental and social programmes that boost economic performance.

Hamish Reid

Director of Sustainability and Brand, Synlait – Auckland, New Zealand

Hamish Reid is Synlait’s Director of Sustainability and Brand. Hamish has deep experience in food and beverage marketing, predominantly for Danone in Paris and Saatchi & Saatchi in London. In 2008, Hamish established an award-winning not-for-profit in New Zealand working between sport and environment and has consulted to businesses around the world developing environmental and social programmes that boost economic performance.

Ministerial Panel

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Hon Henry Puna — Prime Minister, Cook Islands

Hon Dr Megan Woods — Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister of Research, Science and Innovation, Minister of Government Digital Services — New Zealand

Hon James Shaw — Minister of Climate Change

Hon Ruateki Tekaiara — Minister of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy, Kiribati

Hon Alfred Maoh — Minister of Lands, Geology and Mines, Vanuatu

Sarah McNamara — Chief Executive, Australian Energy Council

Christoph Frei — Secretary-General & CEO World Energy Council – London, United Kingdom

Facilitator: Tony Stevenson — Director; Sapere Research Group, Wellington, NZ

Block 1: Awareness and understanding

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Christoph Frei — Secretary-General & CEO World Energy Council – London, United Kingdom

Alan Thomson — Global Leader, Energy Systems, Arup – London, UK

Kaila Colbin — NZ Ambassador for Singularity University, Co-founder of Boma Global, CEO of Boma New Zealand – Globally and New Zealand

Facilitator: John Hancock – Director, Signature Consulting – Wellington NZ

Block 2: Motivation and confidence to change

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Dr Lawrence Jones — Vice-President, Edison Electric Institute – Washington DC, USA

Dr Steve Meller — Innovation strategist – Silicon Valley, USA

Kim d’Alquen — Energy and Utilities Business Development Lead, Amazon – Australia and NZ

Facilitator: Brett Holland – Head of Acceleration, Creative HQ – Wellington NZ

Block 3: Part 1 — Business leaders sharing insights: Decentralisation

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Annabel Wilton — Bloomberg NEF’s specialist in decentralised energy — Sydney, Australia

Rodd Eddy — Chief Executive, Sustainable Solutions RE Ltd – Auckland, NZ

Vikram Singh — Lead of the Low Carbon Transformation, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group – Adelaide, Australia

Facilitator: Mike Underhill – Director, Electra and Network – Waitaki NZ

Block 3: Part 2 – Business leaders sharing insights: New electricity markets

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Charles Tsai Chao Chung — Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director,Power Assets Holdings Limited – Hong Kong, China

Bruce Thompson — Chief Operating Officer, GreenSync – Melbourne, Australia

Vinod Tiwari — GM Business Development, Power Ledger – Perth, Australia

Facilitator: Greg Skelton – CEO, Wellington Electricity – Wellington NZ

Block 4: Part 1 – Business leaders sharing insights: Decarbonise transport and sustainable mobility

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Mikko Viinikainen — Vice-President, Sustainability & Environment, Finavia Corporation – Helsinki-Vantaa, Finland

Anna Kominik — New Zealand’s Country Director, Zephyr Airworks/ Kitty Hawk Corp – NZ/ US

Amanda Gilmore — Country Manager, Uber – New Zealand

Michael Casson — International Business Development, Vulog – Paris, France

Facilitator: Andrew Caseley – CEO, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority – Wellington NZ

Block 4: Part 2 – Business leaders sharing insights: Energy – industry – manufacturing

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Mike Fuge — CEO, Refining NZ – Ruakaka, NZ

Geoff Matthews — Global Head of Strategy, Energia Potior Ltd – based in Europe and New Zealand

Hamish Reid — Director of Sustainability and Brand, Synlait – Auckland, New Zealand

Facilitator: Dr Steve Meller – Innovation Strategist – Silicon Valley USA

Block 5: Plenary Session 1

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Neil Gibbs — Chairman, Marchment Hill Consulting – Melbourne, Australia

John Scott — Director, Chiltern Power Limited – Oxford, United Kingdom

Walter Langelaar — Creator & Co-founder of SAM (the virtual politician) – Wellington, NZ

Facilitator: Dr Lawrence Jones – VP International Programs, Edison Electric Institute – Washington DC, USA

Block 5: Plenary Session 2

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Stu Innes — CEO & CO-FOUDNER, emhTrade – New Zealand

Belinda Kinkead — Director, Australia, LO3 Energy – Portland, USA

Zheng Fan — Managing Director, XCharge – China and Germany

Johanna Schelle — Head of Communications and Marketing, MotionTag — Potsdam, Germany

Facilitator: Christoph Frei – Secretary General, World Energy Council – London UK

Block 6: Smart communities

Q&A Panel Featuring:

Liz Halsted — Cities, Digital and Place Shaping Leader, Arup – Auckland, New Zealand

Koji Kanaoka — Senior Manager Global Operations Division, Dakin – Osaka, Japan

Facilitator: Rodd Eddy – CEO, Sustainable Solutions RE – Auckland NZ

Hon David Caygill

Chair BusinessNZ Energy Council – New Zealand

Hon. David Caygill is a former MP and Cabinet Minister, with an extensive background in local government, the energy and health sectors, and both private and public sector governance. A lawyer by training, he retired from politics in 1996. Since then David has chaired the Accident Compensation Corporation and the Electricity Commission, has served on the Commerce Commission, and was a director of Infratil Ltd. In 2000 he chaired the previous ministerial inquiry into New Zealand’s electricity industry.

He has chaired BusinessNZ’s Energy Council since 2014 and is also currently an appointed councillor at Environment Canterbury.

Andrew Caseley

Chief Executive, EECA – Wellington, NZ

Andrew Caseley has held executive leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Previously he worked for MWH, a global engineering and environmental consultancy. For most of this time he was the Managing Director of the New Zealand business; but he was also the Operations Director for Australia and New Zealand while filling various roles in Indonesia and Fiji. Prior to this he was Chief Executive Officer of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for 13 years. Andrew has a commerce degree with an accounting major and is a Companion Member of the Institute of Professional Engineers

John Hancock

Director, Signature Consulting – Wellington, New Zealand

John Hancock is a well-known New Zealand energy utilities consultant and commentator. He chairs the Electricity Authority’s Innovation & Participation Advisory Group and is a member of Expert Advisory Group for the Government’s Electricity Price Review.

Much of his work draws on his unusual combination of deep experience in both technology and deregulation — key dimensions of the strategic environment in the sector.

John has worked in the utilities industry around the world for nearly 30 years.

Brett Holland

Head of Acceleration – Creative HQ

Brett Holland has a diverse background in starting businesses, developing new products, introducing new business models, and helping entrepreneurs take on the startup journey. His first business, BoxDirect, was bought by PaperExchange in 2000. Akoya, a subscription-based software platform for large manufacturers to analyse and manage their purchases of product components, was bought by KPIT in 2010. Its underlying technology is used worldwide by many large manufacturers.

He currently leads business accelerator programmes for Creative HQ in New Zealand. Its Lightning Lab programme has helped create more than 75 new technology businesses. He was involved in developing the R9 Accelerator, the first government accelerator of its kind in the world.

Mr Holland has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor and Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Greg Skelton

CEO, Wellington Electricity – Wellington, New Zealand

Greg Skelton is the chief executive officer of Wellington Electricity. Wellington Electricity is the electricity distribution company that provides the electricity network infrastructure which supplies electricity to our capital city and its surrounding region.

Greg has been the Chief Executive of Wellington Electricity since 2009. Prior to this appointment, Greg was the Chief Executive of Alpine Energy Limited and has held various other senior management roles in the electricity industry. Greg is currently a member of the Electricity Authority’s Security & Reliability Council and has just completed a Transitional Director appointment with Utilities Disputes Ltd. He is a past President of the EEA and past Director of ESITO.

Greg has 37 years of experience in the fields of production engineering, electrical engineering and business management. Greg holds a New Zealand Certificate in Production Engineering (Christchurch), a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Canterbury), a Master’s degree in Business Administration (La Trobe) and is a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand.

Mike Underhill

Director, Electra and Network Waitaki, New Zealand

Mike Underhill has many years of Chief Executive experience in the gas and electricity sectors and most recently was Chief Executive of EECA promoting energy efficiency and renewables. Until recently Mike was the Chair of the Electricity Security and Reliability Council and is now a director of two electricity distribution companies. Mike has had significant involvement in the deregulation and strategic development of the energy sector in New Zealand.

Mike has degrees in both engineering and economics and is a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand. He has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard and he and his wife have served on Volunteer Service Abroad in Samoa.