CIO Leadership Live: New Zealand

FMA’s Executive Director - Transformation & Operations Kari Jones on technology in the regulatory landscape, moving from a specialist data role to a broader leadership role, the lessons she’s learned from her international sporting career, and the honest feedback that changed her approach to leading teams. Key insights: Career Evolution: From computer science to technology consulting at PWC, leadership roles at Air New Zealand, NZ Post, and Woolworths before joining the FMALeadership Philosophy: The importance of collaboration over competition and serving the organisational strategyDigital Transformation: Making regulatory processes easier through data intelligence and digital enablementFinancial Regulation Approach: Acting as a "referee" focused on customer fairness and transparency while enabling innovationProfessional Growth: Learning from feedback and evolving leadership style from results-focused to people-focusedTechnology & Innovation: Balancing regulatory oversight with embracing emerging technologies like AI and cryptocurrencyRegulatory Sandbox: Testing innovative financial products with regulatory guidance in real-time

Southern Cross Travel Insurance CTO Alex Smart on driving a complete transformation of SCTI's core insurance platform, how a great team culture and healthy conflict leads to success, and why diversity matters more than ever in technology.

New Zealand Media and Entertainment's new Chief Information Officer Katie Macdiarmid on the importance of personalisation in its digital products, how the organisation sees AI being used across the business, and paying attention to what emerging trends in end-user devices will mean for content consumption.

NZ CIO of the Year Hamish Rumbold, former chief digital and technology officer at Kiwibank on rebuilding 50 per cent of the bank's tech stack, creating a culture of learning through ‘kohungas’ or learning nests, leading with ambition and compassion, and his next career goal to help NZ and Australian companies foster innovation.

LIC Chief Information Officer Diva Sivakumar on how the organisation is helping change the future of farming through technology, why data plays such an important role in what they do, and creating a passion for tech in Māori and Pasifika kids through gamers' clubs.

SolarZero Chief Technology Officer Juan De Roock on moving to subscription models for solar power, how AI is helping the organisation engage with customers, and why Ubuntu is his mantra for getting the best of himself and those around him.

Alvarium’s Head of Technology Avinash de Silva on the importance of communicating risk, keeping tabs on developments with open banking, and why he actively seeks out vendors and technology partners with a culture of innovation and who challenge him.

Skills Consulting Group Director of Digital & Technology Tim Partington on creating integrated learning environments with assisted reality, why the IT industry should move to an apprenticeship model, and the importance of working with NZ Inc technology partners.

Air New Zealand Chief Digital Officer Nikhil Ravishankar on the national carrier’s ambition to be the world’s leading digital airline, how the company has changed its operating model to uplift digital capability across the organisation, and how technology plays a huge role in its sustainability goals.

Fletcher Building Group CIO Joe Locandro on changing the company’s IT operating model with Fletcher Tech, how the organisation is enhancing customer experience with AI, plus the six lessons he has learned about leadership through his global CIO roles across several sectors and geographies, including mainland, China, Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East.

Provident Insurance Chief Information Officer Paul Natac on how vendors can become valued partners, his journey from ‘command and control’ management to servant leadership, what he’s learned from his mentors along the way, and why he encourages those looking for opportunities in IT to keep knocking on doors, even when people keep closing them.

Harmoney Chief Digital Officer Richard Wyke on working in change-ready organisations, how limited resources at start-ups drives creativity and prioritisation, and why building a great culture should be a key focus for any leader.

THL Chief Technology Jo Hilson on the company’s global expansion and diverse portfolio of tourism and specialist products, what attracted her to her first technology role and how leaders need to trust in their teams more than ever in a hybrid-work environment.