2025 AEDA Business Summit Speakers
Simon Kuestenmacher
Director and Co-Founder, The Demographics Group
Simon is renowned for his insightful presentations on demographic and global trends shaping Australia, captivating corporate, government, and industry audiences. Simon writes for The New Daily and The Australian and is a media commentator on demographic and data matters.
In his spare time, Simon has authored three books on maps and runs the world’s largest Twitter account dedicated to maps and data, reaching over 35 million people monthly. He ranks among the top 10 global influencers in data visualisation and storytelling.
Hon. Peter Malinauskas
Premier of South Australia
Peter Malinauskas, the 47th Premier of South Australia, is a dynamic leader dedicated to enhancing the state's prosperity. With a commerce degree from the University of Adelaide, Peter has focused his career on improving the standard of living for South Australians. Elected to State Parliament in 2015, he became Labor Leader in 2018 and Premier in 2022.
Under his leadership, the government is driving significant economic and social reforms, positioning South Australia for long-term success. Outside of politics, Peter enjoys family time and supporting the Port Adelaide Football Club.
Rebecca Humble
Chief Strategy Officer, QinetiQ
Rebecca brings over 25 years of executive experience in the defence and national security sectors. She has held key roles globally, including Vice President of Global Strategy for BAE Systems in the US and Program Director for the Tornado Military Aircraft program in the UK.
Rebecca also chairs the Seymour College Board and has served on the University of Adelaide’s Advisory Board and the Red Cross in Luxembourg. She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese and Russian history.
Adrian Tembel
Chief Executive Partner, Thomson Geer and Chair of the South Australian Productivity Commission.
Under Adrian's leadership, Thomson Geer attained national prominence to become the largest professional services firm headquartered in Adelaide.
He also advises the South Australian Premier on economic policy and serves on the boards of the Menzies Research Centre and the Hackett Foundation. His philanthropic efforts support South Australian cultural events like WOMADelaide.
Jane Kelly
Chief Executive Officer, CMAX Clinical Research
Jane has over 30 years of leadership in early phase clinical trials. She has driven CMAX's growth and modernisation since 2006, making it a leading early phase unit in Asia Pacific.
Jane's background in nursing and business, along with her roles in business development and project management, have been pivotal in CMAX's success. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Peter Tullin
Co-Founder, REMIX Summits
Peter is a leading creative strategist and futurist who explores the future of the creative industries in major cities worldwide. He co-founded CultureLabel.com, an online shop for top art products.
He has consulted for prestigious clients including the London Museum, Melbourne Arts Precinct, and contributed to the Google Cultural Institute in Paris. Peter serves on several boards and is a Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT.
Dr. Sam Costello
Co-founder, Biome Bank
Dr. Sam, MD PhD, is a pioneering leader in microbiome drug development. As Co-Founder of BiomeBank, he led the team to achieve the world’s first approved microbiome therapy, now in over 80 Australian hospitals. He developed Consortiome, a scalable microbiome therapy platform, and raised over $20M AUD.
Trained in Gastroenterology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Australia) and St Mark’s Hospital (UK), he completed a PhD on FMT for ulcerative colitis at the University of Adelaide. Sam holds multiple patents and has contributed to international microbiome therapy guidelines.
Kim Forrest
Head of Studio, Tantalus South
Kim Forrest is the Head of Studio at Tantalus South in Adelaide, part of Keywords Studios. With over 22 years in the video games industry, Kim has been instrumental in shaping the future of game development in Australia.
Under his leadership, Tantalus South has worked on major titles like Age of Empires and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Kim is passionate about fostering a healthy work culture and leveraging South Australia's talent to create world-class games.
Monica Brink
Senior Director of Marketing, Fivecast
Monica established the marketing function at Fivecast where she drives brand building and demand generation strategies.
With over 20 years of international marketing experience, including roles at Microsoft and BMC Software, she excels in creating impactful awareness and lead generation programs. Monica holds a Bachelor of Marketing from UniSA.
Dr Benjamin Grindlay
Chief Marketing Officer, University of Adelaide
Benjamin recently shaped Adelaide University's brand and marketing strategy. With over 25 years in higher education and corporate sectors, he excels in evidence-based marketing and brand strategy.
He serves on boards for StudyAdelaide, the National Wine Centre, and University Senior College. Benjamin holds a PhD in Psychology and is a Certified Practising Marketer.
Erik de Roos
Executive Director of Marketing, SATC
Erik, an experienced marketing professional, joined the South Australian Tourism Commission in July 2021.
He led the SATC Marketing Team through COVID-19 and historic floods, establishing a new brand platform for South Australia. Under his leadership, the team won the National Marketing Team of the Year award in 2023.
Emma Kardachi
Marketing Leader and AEDA Board member
Emma is a marketing specialist and restaurateur behind Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room and Shōbōsho.
She has held senior marketing roles at the South Australian Tourism Commission and the ABC, as well as in telco and banking. Passionate about Adelaide and South Australia, she recently joined the AEDA board. Emma is an alumna of the Ehrenberg Bass Institute.
Naomi Downer
State Director, South Australia and NT, Verian Group
Naomi leads Verian’s South Australian business, providing evidence and advice to shape policy, programs, and communications that impact local businesses and communities.
With a deep understanding of South Australian values and perceptions, she consulted with thought leaders to inform the state's new place brand. Naomi enjoys equestrian pursuits with her family and indulging in local produce, especially Haigh’s.
Andrew Hoyne
Founder, Hoyne | The Place Economy Consultancy
Andrew collaborates with key infrastructure stakeholders to transform places into thriving destinations. With over three decades of experience, Andrew works on high-profile developments across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the USA.
Author of "The Place Economy," a globally influential book series on the benefits of great places, Andrew is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor in creating vibrant, people-centric spaces.
Bree Whitford-Smith
Business Development Manager, Rising Sun Pictures
Bree has been a key member of RSP since 2021, bringing over 20 years of VFX and animation experience from both Australia and the UK. Her career spans film, games, and virtual production, with a strong focus on emerging technologies.
As Business Development Manager, she leads RSP’s sales efforts and contributes to the studio’s machine learning advancements. Recent credits include Sinners, Thunderbolts, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.