Effect Executive Retreat 2025
1PM Wednesday, 8 October - 2PM Thursday, 9 October 2025
Ovolo Wooloomooloo, Sydney
Curated Conversations. Powerful Connections. Real Impact.
Returning in 2025 with a bold new format, Effect Executive Retreat will be hosted over two days at the Ovolo Woolloomooloo in Sydney from 1PM, 8 October to 2PM, 9 October.
This exclusive gathering of 60 CxO leaders brings together SAP’s most strategic customers and partners for an immersive, invitation-only experience.
With a focus on meaningful conversation, Effect blends engaging keynotes, executive-led roundtables, and curated networking to spark fresh thinking, deepen relationships, and shape what’s next in the world of work.
Effect Executive Retreat 2024
Speakers
Angela Colantuono
President and Managing Director
SAP Australia & New Zealand
Gail Kelly
Global Executive, Senior Advisor to McKinsey, Former Senior Global Advisor to UBS
Former CEO & Managing Director, Westpac
Peter Maier
Strategic Customer Engagements
Office of the CEO, SAP
Janine Allis
Entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director,
Boost Juice & Retail Zoo
Luke Nixon
Head of Product Growth
SAP Research & Innovation, SAP Labs Silicon Valley
Angus McKay
CEO & Chair
Bapcor Limited
Wellness Coaches
Kendrick Louis
Australian Ironman Champion and Founder of The Morning Club
Deano Gladstone
Stress Management Expert and Bondi Lifeguard Veteran
Agenda
- Day 1: 8 October 2025
- Day 2: 9 October 2025
Settle in and connect with fellow attendees over a light lunch ahead of the program kick-off.
Angela Colantuono
President and Managing Director, SAP Australia & New Zealand
Peter Maier
Strategic Customer Engagements, Office of the CEO, SAP
Angela Colantuono, and Peter Maier open the retreat with a strategic welcome, setting the tone for two days of insights and connections.
Gail Kelly
Global Executive, Senior Advisor to McKinsey; Former Senior Global Advisor to UBS; Former CEO & Managing Director, Westpac
Janine Allis
Entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director, Boost Juice & Retail Zoo
This panel brings together senior leaders from leading organisations to share real-world insights on the priorities shaping today’s business landscape. This session explores the challenges and opportunities facing executives across industries, aligned to the event’s key strategic themes. Expect a candid, engaging conversation designed to spark inspiration, foster peer learning, and provide actionable takeaways for every attendee. |
Neeraj Athalye
Vice President & Head - APAC, Icertis
Presented by Icertis
Session Overview: This 90-minute session brings together ~30 senior leaders for a focused conversation on how organisations are unlocking the value of data through better governance, real-time insight, and modern architectures that support smarter business outcomes. Format: · 20 minutes: Opening facilitated by DXC team · 50 minutes: Facilitated roundtable discussions · 20 minutes: Knowledge sharing and key takeaways Presented by DXC |
Session Overview: This 90-minute session brings together ~30 senior leaders for a focused conversation on how organisations are driving end-to-end visibility and adaptability across the enterprise, spanning supply chain, finance, and risk, through integrated, intelligent systems. Format: · 20 minutes: Opening facilitated by Deloitte team · 50 minutes: Facilitated roundtable discussions · 20 minutes: Knowledge sharing and key takeaways Presented by Deloitte |
Enjoy a relaxed cocktail hour and canapés at Ovolo’s Glasshouse continuing conversations with peers and partners.
Join us for an intimate dinner experience at Catalina, Rose Bay—offering scenic views and fine dining to cap off the day.
Facilitated by Accenture
Deano Gladstone
Stress Management Expert and Bondi Lifeguard Veteran
Kendrick Louis
Australian Ironman Champion and Founder of The Morning Club
Before diving into the day’s insights and innovation, join us for The Morning Reboot, a wellness session designed to energise, ground, and align you with the spirit of transformation. Both groups will begin together at the Ovolo with a warm-up to get the blood flowing and set the tone for the day.
Choose your path to wakefulness and clarity:
- The Run Club. Get your heart pumping with a run to the iconic Mrs Macquarie's Chair with a scenic, high-energy session.
- The Inner Edge. Centre your mind and body with an energetic breath work session with yoga and movement to clear the mind.
Luke Nixon
Head of Product Growth, SAP Research & Innovation, SAP Labs Silicon Valley
The rapid pace of change demands a new approach where data, applications and AI converge to create truly interconnected, intelligent organisations. In this forward-looking keynote, Luke Nixon, Head of Product Growth at SAP Research & Innovation, shares how applied innovation, grounded in research, early-stage exploration and customer co-innovation, is helping shape what’s next.
Luke will explore what is on the horizon over the next three to five years and what leaders can do today to prepare. He’ll provide insight into SAP’s unique innovation approach, including how emerging technologies are identified, tested and scaled through sensor networks, topic selection and customer validation. Luke will also spotlight Joule for Consultants, one of SAP’s fastest-growing AI solutions, which is helping senior executives solve a real business challenge by unlocking efficiencies and driving measurable outcomes.
This session will provide practical guidance for building a future-ready strategy where AI moves beyond experimentation to deliver enterprise-wide value.
Session Overview: This 90-minute session brings together ~30 senior leaders for a focused conversation on how organisations are embedding AI across the business for productivity, automation, and innovation. Designed to encourage open dialogue and deep peer-to-peer learning, the session blends expert framing with collaborative discussion. Format: · 20 minutes: Opening fireside chat facilitated by Dalrae Solutions team · 50 minutes: Facilitated roundtable discussions · 20 minutes: Knowledge sharing and key takeaways Presented by Dalrae Solutions |
Angus McKay
CEO & Chair, Bapcor Limited
Session Overview: This 90-minute session brings together ~30 senior leaders for a focused conversation on how organisations are meeting evolving expectations with intelligent experiences - by personalising engagement, simplifying journeys, and rethinking value across digital channels. Designed to encourage open dialogue and deep peer-to-peer learning, the session blends expert framing with collaborative discussion. Format: · 20 minutes: Opening fireside chat with Angus McKay, CEO & Chair of Bapcor Limited to set the scene for the topic · 50 minutes: Facilitated roundtable discussions · 20 minutes: Knowledge sharing and key takeaways Presented by KPMG |
Engage in 15-minute peer-to-peer conversations, grouped by shared roles or interests, to build valuable connections.
Our Sponsors
Location
The Ovolo Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Set in the heritage-listed Woolloomooloo wharf, the hotel is a luxury stay that celebrates this iconic Sydney location. The original features sit perfectly alongside modern design and smart touches, offering stunning water views over the marina.
