With the C&I Expo and Symposium taking place on 29-30 October, we take a look at the lineup of expert speakers delivering presentations.
The lineup of speakers at the symposium will provide unique insights into how businesses, both retailers and suppliers, can implement changes to stay at the forefront of convenience retailing, with presentations touching on future trends, innovations, and data.
We look at the impressive lineup of speakers from day one of the symposium.
Robert Tedesco
Robert is the Vice President and General Manager A/NZ of Global Merchant Services for American Express.
With extensive knowledge of the financial services industry and over 20 years of experience at American Express, Tedesco has held numerous executive leadership positions accelerating growth across the enterprise and backing customers’ success.
Tedesco’s former responsibilities have included leading the American Express Consulting team in APAC, being the Head of Account Development in the Global Commercial Card team across Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines and the Global Head of the Mining and Energy team within Amex GBT’s Global Client Group. In 2019 Robert was acknowledged for his contributions to the business with the American Express Hall of Fame Award.
Brett Higgins
Higgins’ success in QSR began as one of the original Subway franchisees in Australia in the mid-1990s, then becoming a Development Agent for Subway in Western Australia in 2002, expanding the brand from 50 to 168 locations, tripling the sales, and having the highest average turnover territory for Subway in the world.
He owned over 20 stores in this time, selling his interest in Subway WA in 2017.
Higgins also secured the rights to a major beauty franchise in Australia in 2012, expanded in WA and sold the business in 2019. Additionally, he was the involved in assisting Zarraffa’s Coffee with their growth in Perth as well as consulting to two national franchise brands at various times.
Higgins is now Managing Director of Boxx Brands, which owns Jesters, with stores in both Australia and New Zealand, Croissant Express and most recently Cinnabon, opening their first WA location in August of 2024.
Mark McCaffrey
Since combining with GfK in 2023, NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, enabling the globe’s top retailers and brands to uncover new pathways to sustainable growth.
McCaffrey brings over 20 years of global expertise in FMCG account management, consumer trends, retail strategy and brand management to his role at NIQ. His passion for data-driven decision-making and ability to translate insights into actionable strategies empower leading retailers and businesses in the ever-changing FMCG and technology and durable industries.
Theo Foukkare
As CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), the peak industry voice for retailers and suppliers to the Convenience Retail channel, Foukkare is responsible for championing the interests of its members with government and the wider retail community.
Foukkare developed the foundation to his career at British American Tobacco, before joining Australia’s leading general merchandise supplier Pacific Optics where he successfully built an award-winning company over 17 years, prior to a successful sale of the business to private equity. Having spent time as Chairman of The Distributors prior to his current role, Foukkare is a respected industry leader who is known for his honesty, open communication style and in-depth knowledge.
Foukkare’s genuine passion for Convenience retail, and his unwavering commitment to preparing our industry for the future are second to none.
Yas Grigaliunas
Grigaliunas is a visionary entrepreneur and circular economy pioneer, renowned for her dedication to impact-driven leadership. As the Founder and Chief Evangelist of Circonomy, Grigaliunas’ journey started with the creation of the World’s Biggest Garage Sale in 2013, which over a period of almost 10 years, she evolved into Circonomy – an integrated product, service, and software company. Through Circonomy, Grigaliunas is reshaping Australian consumer habits by offering innovative circular economy solutions.
A thought leader at the intersection of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and impactful change, and renowned for her authenticity and passion, Grigaliunas inspires audiences with her journey as a founder who built a thriving business around the principles of the circular economy.
Rich with entrepreneurial insights, sustainability expertise, and leadership lessons, her keynote will empower individuals and organisations to embrace positive action.
Day one of the symposium will take place on Tuesday 29 October from 9am-11am, with registration and networking from 8.15am.
Purchase tickets for the C&I Industry Symposium when you register for the C&I Expo.
The C&I Expo 2024 will take place on 29-30 October at MCEC Melbourne.
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