Steering Committee
15th – 16th September 2026 // Sydney
ANZ Cyber Summit is curated by and for a senior audience of experienced cyber security professionals in prominent decision-making positions. As such, our in-house producers have partnered up with an advisory committee of accomplished industry experts to guarantee that the most up-to-date and relevant topics are addressed at our events.
The Steering Committee campaign for 2026 is now underway, to apply to be part of the line-up submit a proposal online here.
Helge Janicke
Professor Cyber Security
Edith Cowan University – EDU
Helge Janicke is a Professor of Cybersecurity at Edith Cowan University. A leading researcher in computer security and cryptography, he developed the acclaimed Corporates Compromised® executive simulation. Formerly CEO of the Cyber Security CRC, Helge specialises in critical infrastructure, digital resilience, and driving national cybersecurity innovation.
Eli Hirschauge
NZ Head of Information Security
ANZ
Eli Hirschauge is the New Zealand Head of Information Security at ANZ. A dedicated technologist, Eli focuses on driving IT functions that enable business transformation and agility. Outside of securing the financial landscape, he is a father of three and an avid ocean swimmer. All opinions shared are his own.
Deepthi Nair
Director, Cyber Security & Information Management
Yooralla
Deepthi Nair is the Director of Cyber Security & Information Management at Yooralla. An innovative leader with over 15 years’ experience, she specialises in aligning security strategy with business roadmaps. Deepthi excels in risk management and board-level reporting, while leading best-in-class threat hunt teams to proactively neutralise adversary tactics.
John Ellis
Global Head of Security Trust & Influence
QBE Insurance Limited
John Ellis is Global Head of Security Trust & Influence at QBE Insurance. With three decades in financial services, including 14 years across Asia-Pacific, he aligns cyber strategy with executive accountability. A UNSW Master’s graduate and GAICD, John integrates threat intelligence and risk quantification to ensure security drives consequential business decisions.
Derek Chen
Head of IT Governance & Information Security
Team Global Express
Derek Chen is the Head of IT Security & Governance at Team Global Express. Holding CGEIT, CISM, and CISSP certifications, he is an expert in IT governance, privacy, and infrastructure architecture. Derek specializes in implementing robust security frameworks and compliance standards to protect complex network environments and enterprise information assets.
John Morcos
Head of Cyber Security Governance and Operations
Blackmores
John Morcos is a cybersecurity leader and founder with over 24 years of IT and OT experience. Currently Head of Cyber Security Governance and Operations at Blackmores, he specializes in large-scale transformations and the intersection of Al and security. A public speaker and mentor, John translates complex risk into strategic business opportunity.
Reece Appleton
Regional Director
Huntress Labs
Reece Appleton is a Regional Director at Huntress Labs.
Ewan Thomas
APJ Director – Field CTO
Okta
Ewan Thomas is the APJ Director and Field CTO at Okta, leading a premier team of experts across Asia-Pacific and Japan. He specializes in turning complex technical challenges into breakthrough business solutions. Known for his human-centric approach, Ewan blends technical brilliance with humor to build genuine connections and spark innovation.
