Rina Gami

Rina Gami is a dynamic leader in the recruitment and talent acquisition space, with over 16 years of experience supporting organizations in building high-performance teams that drive data-driven decision-making. As the Co-owner of Konnexus, Rina specializes in connecting Australia’s leading businesses with top talent in Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Project Services, providing tailored recruitment solutions for permanent, contract, and statement-of-work (SOW) roles.

Known for her strategic approach, Rina has been instrumental in helping organizations hire from the top 20% of talent in the market, leveraging innovative technology platforms and accessing passive and dormant talent pools. She is the host of the 'Lead with Data' podcast and a passionate advocate for fostering community and collaboration through the Konnect with Data initiative, which brings data professionals together to share insights and elevate their expertise.

Rina’s expertise spans recruiting for roles such as Chief Data Officers, Data Scientists, AI Specialists, and Business Intelligence Managers. Her efforts have helped numerous businesses achieve cost optimization, efficiency improvements, and successful business outcomes by building teams with the right capability and cultural fit.

At the GIofAI Pathfinder Event, Rina will share her invaluable insights on recruitment trends, AI workforce development, and the future of talent in the tech industry. Her vision and leadership inspire organizations and individuals to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of AI and data.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Rina Gami and gain actionable strategies to build your career or team in the field of AI and data!

Xi Liang

Xi Liang is a dynamic leader in the field of data and AI, currently serving as the Head of Data and AI Product at Judo Bank. With a track record of delivering innovative AI solutions that tackle real-world challenges, Xi has established herself as a key driver of digital transformation and data-driven innovation.

At Judo Bank, Xi has spearheaded initiatives that include implementing a comprehensive data and AI strategy, launching enterprise-scale products like a credit risk engine projected to generate over $10 million in revenue, and establishing an AI platform to improve productivity by 10%. She also excels in data governance, having enhanced systems to boost data accuracy and compliance, and has led high-impact engagements with executive leaders to shape strategic decisions.

Prior to her role at Judo Bank, Xi held leadership positions at Endeavour Group and McKinsey & Company, where she built and managed large teams, unified analytics and AI efforts, and delivered multi-million-dollar AI products globally. She has also contributed significantly to cost optimization and operational efficiency in these roles, consistently demonstrating her ability to align AI strategies with business goals to drive measurable impact.

Xi’s early career includes groundbreaking work at IBM, where she led a global research team to develop an innovative breast cancer diagnosis solution integrated into IBM Watson Health, showcasing her commitment to using AI for social good.

At the GIofAI Pathfinder Event, Xi will bring her wealth of experience and visionary insights to the panel discussion, shedding light on how data and AI can revolutionize industries and empower professionals to thrive in this evolving landscape. Don’t miss the chance to learn from her expertise and be inspired by her journey.

Rita Arrigo

Rita Arrigo serves as the Strategic Engagement Manager at the National AI Centre, where she spearheads the AI industry growth strategy to foster collaboration and engagement across Australia's AI landscape. Her mission is to elevate the country’s global AI adoption and nurture a responsible and sustainable AI industry.

With extensive expertise in digital transformation and AI strategy, Rita has delivered thought leadership on key topics including Generative AI, AI in Cyber Security, and AI for Climate Tech. She has been instrumental in launching the AI Industry Connection Forum, a platform designed to connect companies exploring emerging AI technologies with cutting-edge research and industry leaders.

A renowned digital and AI strategist, Rita is a catalyst for innovation, leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Mixed Reality (MR). Previously, as Chief Digital Advisor at Microsoft, she was appointed an AI Ambassador, where she passionately advocated for using AI and XR technologies to build better futures for work and communities.

At the GIofAI Pathfinder Event, Rita will join us as the Chief Guest, sharing her visionary insights on AI’s transformative potential and presenting awards to the hackathon winners. Her leadership and dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration continue to inspire countless organizations and individuals in shaping a brighter, AI-driven future.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Rita Arrigo and gain valuable perspectives on how AI can transform industries and communities alike.

Mr. Sandeep Bhalekar

Sandeep Bhalekar stands as a formidable leader in the world of AI and Data, serving as the CEO and Chairman of the Global Institute of Artificial Intelligence (GIofAI). With over two decades of executive experience and a prestigious standing as one of Australia’s top 10 AI leaders, Sandeep is not only the driving force behind GIofAI but also a widely respected authority in the fields of FinTech, AI, and Data Privacy. His vision and leadership have propelled GIofAI to global prominence, establishing it as an elite institution dedicated to advancing AI innovation and nurturing future AI leaders.

Sandeep’s influence extends far beyond corporate strategy. Known as a powerful advocate for social impact, he has committed his expertise to humanitarian initiatives, ensuring that GIofAI's programs reach underrepresented communities, support Indigenous Australians, and create pathways for women re-entering the workforce. His focus on democratizing AI reflects a deeper mission: to make cutting-edge AI education accessible to all, bridging gaps and empowering individuals worldwide.

Sandeep’s educational background includes a Master’s in AI & ML from LJMU, UK, a Postgraduate Program in AI & ML from IIIT Bangalore, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from NIT Allahabad. This technical mastery, combined with his strategic vision, guides GIofAI’s direction and operations. His background in executive roles at major organizations has honed his skills in orchestrating complex, large-scale initiatives, making him a recognized authority and mentor for both emerging and established AI professionals.

A relentless innovator, Sandeep’s leadership at GIofAI includes creating transformational mentorship programs, premium corporate training, and educational experiences designed for industry impact. His global network, powerful influence, and unwavering dedication have cemented his reputation as a powerhouse in AI and a humanitarian champion, setting a new standard for leadership in technology and beyond.

Ms. Susmitah Jella

Su Jella helps to drive data and AI revolutions and opportunities. A visionary in Data, Analytics, and AI, Su doesn't merely confront the question, "What do we do with all this data?" 

Instead, she transforms this challenge into an enlightening journey of discovery, deriving actionable insights that fuel smarter business decisions. Her strategic vision and leadership have been a catalyst for transformative growth in top-tier organisations, revolutionising their decision-making processes, operational efficiencies, and growth trajectories.

With a rich career spanning over 15 years in pivotal Data, Analytics and AI roles, Su's expertise is anchored in a groundbreaking approach. She uniquely integrates her leadership with a human-centric perspective blended with data-driven strategies and a deep technical acumen. This fusion has led to groundbreaking outcomes: 

- enhanced decision-making enriched by empathy and data insight

- operational efficiencies that blend technical prowess with human understanding 

- transformative organisational growth rooted in deep insights into customer and team dynamics.

A believer in data as a transformative business tool, Su guides organisations to demystify and harness the power of their data. Her collaborative work with boards and C-suite executives aligns data strategies with overarching business goals, paving the way for impactful, ethical decision-making.

Su's influence extends far beyond data. She is a passionate advocate for community building, a champion for women in leadership and STEM, a mentor and avid contributor to podcasts and writing about Leadership, Data and AI. Through her expansive network, Su shares cutting-edge insights on data and AI governance, data strategy, and ethical leadership, inspiring a new generation of leaders who balance data proficiency with a deep respect for human-centric values.

Su was recently awarded a Winner of Women in AI in Asia Pacific and also recognised as Australia's Top 25 Analytics Leaders.