In the week after the election, our speakers will be discussing the very topical issue of what business needs from government.
• What does business need and want from the government in 2017-2020?
• What can business realistically expect from the government?
• What opportunities are there for business in the current political climate?
• What challenges do business face in relation to government policies?
• Can businesses expect uncertainty ahead?
Speakers
Fran O’Sullivan
Editorial Director, NZME - Business
Fran is a prominent columnist for the New Zealand Herald writing on business, politics and international affairs and manages the annual high-profile Mood of the Boardroom Project.
Fran is also a regular participant in New Zealand’s partnership forums with the United States, Australia and China. As managing director of her private company, NZ INC, Fran presents the China Business Summit and is a member of the NZ China Council’s Advisory Board. Fran was a founder-director of the New Zealand United States Council in 2001, having led the private sector task force which originated the council, and continues to contribute as a member of the advisory board.
She has had a lengthy career in business newsmedia and is a former editor of the National Business Review.
Fran convenes the judging panel for the Deloitte Top 200 Awards.
Michele J Embling
Chair, PwC
Michele has led PwC's National Assurance practice, and on 1 October 2016, was appointed Chair of the New Zealand firm for a four-year term.
As the Chair of PwC, Michele approaches corporate governance with a long-term vision of sustainability. Her goal is not just to continue to promote sustainable corporate governance in terms of financial management, but to deliver a positive impact on society. She believes that companies should be embracing technology, innovation and diversity of thought at the very top – starting in the boardroom.
Michele's clients span all sectors and industries, but her specialist areas include financial services and the public sector. She is a specialist in international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and has extensive experience advising organisations on complex financial reporting matters.
She is Deputy Chair of the External Reporting Board, was the inaugural Chair of the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board, as well as former member of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.
Kirk Hope
Chief Executive, Business NZ
Kirk Hope is Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest business advocacy body, advocating for New Zealand’s success through sustainable market-led growth.
Kirk previously led the New Zealand Bankers’ Association and Financial Services Federation after holding a range of senior positions at Westpac, including Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs.
A barrister and solicitor with a master’s degree in law focused on regulation of financial services, Kirk also holds a post graduate honours degree in political science. For five years he was a member of the Commercial and Business Law Committee of the New Zealand Law Society.