3-4 March 2027 | Melbourne | Pullman Albert Park
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY STARTS HERE
Australia's premier CSO leadership event
In 2027, Sustainability Leaders returns for its seventh annual edition as one of Australia’s most established events for senior sustainability executives. Its longevity reflects the strength of the community it serves and sustainability’s growing influence on resilience, investment, reputation and long-term value.
Organisations face regulatory pressure, stakeholder scrutiny, physical climate risk, nature loss, social impact expectations and the commercial realities of transition. Leaders must translate ambition into credible decisions, measurable progress and enterprise value.
Sustainability Leaders 2027 brings together Australia’s senior sustainability executives, CSOs and business leaders to examine the leadership, investment and operational decisions required to accelerate sustainable transformation. Across two days, the programme will address how leaders are protecting long-term direction, unlocking capital, integrating nature and social impact, transforming supply chains and strengthening organisational resilience.
This is where Australia’s CSO and sustainability leadership community comes together for candid, peer-level exchange on the choices shaping sustainable transformation.
Why Attend
- 1Unrivalled Expertise
- 2High-Calibre Content
- 3Invaluable Networking Opportunities
First Wave of 2027 Speakers
Danielle Mulder
BBC Sustainability Officer
Frances Arns
Head of Sustainability, East Asia & Oceania
Frances steers Michelin’s global sustainability strategy across Asia Pacific. She works with cross-functional teams to deliver on-the-ground impact and transform for the future, towards Michelin’s ambitious goals for 2030 and 2050. Frances brings expertise in sustainable business transformation from her consulting background with Deloitte, alongside experience in Finance, Corporate Strategy and NGO leadership. She is currently completing an MBA in sustainable and inclusive business through AGSM at the University of New South Wales.
Jessica Hyman
Chief Sustainability Officer
Danielle D’Silva
Global Head of Sustainability
Mirja Viinanen
CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer
With over 20 years’ experience in the home furnishing retail sector, Mirja’s journey at IKEA began in 2011 in Germany.
She relocated to Asia in 2014 to take up a management opportunity with IKEA Japan, before returning to Germany as Country Deputy Retail Manager, while also leading the transformation process of Service Office corporate services for IKEA Germany.
Moving to Australia to step into the role of CEO in September 2021, with leadership experience from the biggest IKEA retail market globally, Mirja’s focus has been on accelerating the transition as an omni-channel retailer and increasing accessibility for more Australians, and now New Zealanders, to shop with IKEA, wherever and however they choose. Mirja also leads the integration of the sustainability agenda into the core of the IKEA business in Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Dorel Iosif
Board Chair and Co-Founder
Dr Dorel Iosif has over 30 years of international experience across Australia, the United States, Europe and the Middle East, spanning research, academia, engineering consulting and management consulting. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from The University of Melbourne where he lectured in Quantitative Methods in the mid 1990s.
Dorel is the Founder, Chairperson and Board Director of the Carbon Management Society Ltd (CMS), a global think tank focused on advancing practical, science-based solutions for the reduction, management and elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. CMS brings together leaders across industry, policy, technology, finance, and academia to accelerate collaboration and support pathways toward a lower-carbon future.
Throughout his career, he held CEO and senior leadership roles with KBR, WorleyParsons, PwC, Advisian, and Lavaux Advisory. His work has focused on energy transition, strategy, innovation and organisational leadership.
Dorel also served as Chairman of the Panel of Experts at the inaugural World Future Energy Summit and led the Austrade delegation in strategic discussions with Masdar in the UAE.
He is the author of the book “The Leadership Challenge Reimagined: Harnessing Energy and Advancing Human Progress.
John Wilkinson
Acting Chief Sustainability Officer
John leads Telstra’s sustainability function, including environment, social programs, governance & reporting. Prior to that, he managed Telstra’s sustainability governance functions and led Telstra’s response to the Black Summer bushfires. He has worked across operations, product development, technology and transformation in telecommunications and publishing. He is passionate about driving change at the intersection of business, society and the planet.
Peter Metcalfe
Vice President - Climate, Sustainability and Energy Policy
Ricky Bridge
Group Executive General Manager Sustainability & Environment
Ricky Bridge is Group Executive General Manager Sustainability and Environment at Downer Group, based in Sydney. With more than 25 years’ experience in environmental management and sustainability across Transport, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities and Facilities, including over 17 years with Downer, Ricky leads the company’s sustainability strategy, ESG Strategy. climate reporting, and environmental performance across Australia and New Zealand. Ricky has played a key role in advancing Downer’s environmental management, compliance strategy, sustainability reporting, mandatory climate disclosures, and sustainable finance initiatives. He was instrumental in establishing the company’s Sustainability Debt Framework and supported the development of Downer’s net zero emissions target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050. Under Ricky’s leadership, Downer has been recognised in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for six consecutive years. Ricky is also a regular conference speaker on sustainability, climate, and ESG reporting, and is passionate about developing high-performing teams and delivering practical, measured sustainability outcomes that create long-term business value.
More to be announced
Sustainability Leaders
& Business Speakers
& Peer Exchange
Edition
Content by leaders, for leaders
Our content is expertly researched and curated with insights from Connect Media’s network of industry specialists. Timely and tailored, it sparks innovation, tackles key industry challenges, and provides the skills and tools for future business success.
Agenda
Holding the Line: Sustainability Leadership Amid Pressure, Politics and Uncertainty
Political scrutiny, shifting regulation and tighter commercial conditions are testing organisations’ ability to maintain long-term sustainability commitments. Effective leadership now depends on knowing what must hold, where the approach can adapt and how to preserve alignment and credibility through uncertainty.
- Distinguish core commitments from areas where language, sequencing or timing can adapt.
- Strengthen board and executive alignment through evidence, scenario planning and clear governance.
- Maintain momentum and stakeholder trust when political, regulatory and commercial pressures compete.
Leaders Exchange
Leaders Exchange
People, Planet and Performance: Social Sustainability in a Polarised Market
Workforce resilience, supply-chain integrity, community trust and licence to operate are bringing social sustainability into sharper commercial focus. Leaders need a disciplined way to identify material issues, uphold credible commitments and demonstrate their contribution to long-term organisational value.
- Identify the most material social risks and opportunities across workforces, supply chains and communities.
- Determine where delivery can adapt to changing expectations without weakening core commitments.
- Connect social performance with trust, resilience, operational continuity and long-term value.
Unlocking Capital: Making the Investment Case for Sustainability Transformation
Sustainability initiatives must compete with established investments, near-term performance demands and uncertain returns. Securing capital requires proposals that express climate, nature and transition priorities through the risk, return, resilience and strategic criteria that guide capital allocation.
- Frame sustainability proposals around the risk, return, resilience and strategic criteria that guide capital allocation.
- Strengthen investment cases with credible baselines, scenarios, evidence and transparent assumptions.
- Select financing approaches and governance mechanisms suited to different initiatives, time horizons and transition pathways.
A premium pre-day session for senior delegates. An invitation-only executive briefing setting the strategic agenda for the year ahead — regulatory direction, capital markets signals, nature and Scope 3 developments, and the leadership conversations CSOs will need to be having in 2027.
Scope 3 and Supplier Transformation: From Data Burden to Strategic Partnership
Collecting more Scope 3 data will not itself reduce emissions. Progress depends on identifying the information that changes decisions, embedding decarbonisation into procurement and building supplier relationships capable of delivering measurable reductions.
- Prioritise the emissions categories, suppliers and data improvements most relevant to decarbonisation decisions.
- Use procurement levers, commercial incentives and supplier collaboration to move from reporting to action.
- Establish the cross-functional governance, technology and accountability required to scale credible reductions.
Leaders Exchange
From Climate to Nature: Building the Business Case for Nature-Positive Growth
Nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities are moving higher on the corporate agenda. Leaders must determine where attention is most needed, connect nature and climate strategies, and translate assessment into practical action across operations and value chains.
- Identify material nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities across operations and value chains.
- Embed nature considerations within enterprise risk, strategy, capital allocation and supplier management.
- Connect nature-related risks and opportunities with resilience, investment and long-term value creation.
Leaders Exchange
Event Pricing
Attendance is subject to seniority screening and intentionally limited to 350 delegate places.
Early registration is recommended.
1-2 Delegates
Early Bird
3-4 Delegates (10%off)
Early Bird
5+ Delegates
(15% Off)
Early Bird
What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content
Sustainability Leaders is intentionally limited to 350 delegate places, creating a focused environment for meaningful discussion, valuable peer exchange and stronger senior connections.
Delegate Registration is strictly for in-house Sustainability Executives and Professionals from consumer or government facing organisations. If you are a Service Provider to sustainability executives, please email duncanh@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
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Our 2026 Partners
Become A Partner
less noise, stronger share of voice and better-quality engagement
Sustainability Leaders is Australia’s premier event for in-house sustainability professionals. We focus on actionable insights and real-world solutions by bringing together the leading voices shaping the sector. Every year we refine our event model to unlock greater value for our partners and to ensure that our delegation’s expectations are exceeded.
Whether you’re looking for brand visibility, lead generation or exclusive event networking opportunities, our sponsorship packages are tailor made and designed to maximise your ROI.
Attendance is intentionally capped to create a focused environment where delegates can engage properly with speakers, peers and partners.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what these opportunities could look like for you and your brand.
PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Duncan Hladik
Commercial Manager
T: +61 411 636 010
E: duncanh@connectmedia.com
GENERAL
ENQUIRIES
T: +61 2 8004 8590
E: team@connectmedia.com
Connect with these companies attending
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the industry’s most prominent brands at Sustainability Leaders. Explore the companies already confirmed and secure your chance to network with the best in the business.
Your event experience starts here
Venue & Accommodation
PULLMAN MELBOURNE ALBERT PARK
Grand Ballroom, 65 Queens Rd, Albert Park VIC 3004
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s included in my delegate pass?
A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Is there a group booking discount?
Yes – groups of 3 people or more are entitled to a discount. Full discount information is available on our registration page. If you have any questions about how group bookings work, please contact team@connectmedia.com
Can I transfer my pass?
A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. A substitute delegate is welcome at any time prior to the event, provided the request is made in writing to team@connectmedia.com
How do I receive my delegate pass?
Following the completion of your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email the day prior to the event with a QR code, to make your arrival as seamless as possible have your QR e-ticket ready and visible on your device.
Is media registration available?
No, this is a closed and confidential event. Media registrations are not available.
Cancellation Policy:
A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
What is a Service Provider?
A service provider refers to an individual or organisation who supplies products and/or services to the primary audience of the event.
Will there be a delegate list available?
No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to non-partner attendees.
Fraudulent activities
We’ve been alerted to instances of companies proposing to purchase and sell lists of attendees for our events. Please be assured, we do not engage in the sale or distribution of event-related data. Such companies have no association with us, and we are actively working to halt these deceptive practices.
Regrettably, this type of scam is not uncommon in the media industry. Any information purported to originate from our events and offered by a third party would be completely fabricated. Should you have doubts about the legitimacy of a potential supplier, we urge you to contact us directly.
For any additional questions please contact us on 02 8004 8590 or team@connectmedia.com.
Terms and Conditions
Delegate Pass:
Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):
A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.
Payment & Discounts:
Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
Organiser’s Rights:
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.
In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise team@connectmedia.com.
Cancellation Policy:
A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Event Delivery:
In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.
Privacy Disclosure:
We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.