KB On The Go: TechLeaders 2024

KBKAST

In this bonus episode, we dive into the world of tech leadership and the challenges and opportunities surrounding the adoption of generative AI, ethical considerations, and data security at TechLeaders 2024.

Chris Diffley from Optus, announces the launch of the Optus managed threat monitoring service powered by Devo Technology, emphasizing the use of AI and ML to automate threat monitoring and detection. Chris “Gonzo” Gondek from NetApp highlights the importance of data storage conversations, storage technology flexibility, and autonomous ransomware protection. Gavin Jones from Elastic addresses the evolving nature of technology and the lag in Australia’s adoption of generative AI, while Geoff Schomburgk emphasizes the importance of a positive approach to encourage MFA adoption.

Chris Diffley, Senior Director for Client Security, Enterprise and Business,Optus

Chris is an experienced Information Security Manager and Security Director with over 20 years of experience in Telecommunications, Security, Operations and Consulting. He’s lead teams across enterprise, midmarket and small businesses and has deep understanding of implementing and upholding a number of frameworks and standards across businesses.

Chris “Gonzo” Gondek, Solutions Engineer Manager, Australia & New Zealand, NetApp

Chris “Gonzo” Gondek is a technology evangelist who plays a crucial role in driving NetApp’s technical solutions specialists (TSS) to greater heights. As our TSS Leader, Chris and his team collaborate closely with our sales and channel business units to drive innovation, develop new opportunities, enhance our solution offerings, and ensure that our customers’ needs are not just met, but exceeded. Chris spent the past 4 years working in the NetApp Partner eco-system as a Technical Partner Manager, as well as spokesperson at our channel and alliance events. Prior to NetApp, Chris partnered with us at Commvault and worked as a solutions specialist at Symantec. With 25 years in the tech sector, Chris is a seasoned industry leader with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions and driving customer success.

Gavin Jones, Area Vice President and Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Elastic

Gavin brings over two decades of enterprise software experience, with a track record of leadership in banking and financial services, telecommunications, and public sector verticals. Joining Elastic as an Area Vice President and Country Manager in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), he assumes a pivotal role in overseeing ANZ market operations, driving business development, and shaping the company’s strategy. Prior to joining Elastic, Gavin served as Vice President of ANZ at Confluent, where he spearheaded their transition towards vision and value-based selling. His focus was on high-value and priority use cases for the clientele. Preceding this role, he held the position of Country Manager for Tableau Software ANZ for two and a half years. In this capacity, he played a key role in shaping the BI/analytics category as a leader and a subsidiary of salesforce.com. His responsibilities included developing and executing the ANZ go-to-market strategy, as well as navigating the integration with Salesforce. Gavin is motivated by his ambition to lead a dynamic and inspired team within an innovative, growth-oriented organisation. His expertise spans strategic account management, new business development, and the skillful negotiation of large-scale, complex deals and partnerships.

Geoff Schomburgk, Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), Yubico

At Yubico, Geoff is responsible for driving the Yubico business across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region, working with partners and enterprise customers to implement modern phishing-resistant authentication, helping make the internet safer for all.

Geoff brings a strong customer focus and a proven ability to implement complex technology solutions across various industries, including telecommunications, utility and transport sectors across Australia, Asia and Europe. Critical to the success of these projects is the definition and realisation of tangible business value, where the combination of Geoff’s business consulting approach and project delivery experience consistently delivers business value.

Geoff is an experienced senior executive with a background in engineering and strategy consulting and over 30 years of experience in the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Geoff has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and an MBA. He is also a qualified Company Director (FAICD) with current Board and business mentor roles for several Not-for-profit (NFP) organisations.