NSW-Hybrid | FACCI 2024 Sustainability Forum | French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Glue Up

Past Event

Thank you for attending the event!

The French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) was delighted to welcome you to the 3rd Edition of its Sustainability Forum, held in a hybrid format—both in-person and online—at the premises of EY in Sydney.

With the support of our Naming Rights Sponsor, Schneider Electric, along with many other sponsors, the event fostered dynamic discussions on sustainable economic growth and the ambition of French and Australian businesses to forge their paths in the global innovative economy.

Key topics included "Charting the Future: Navigating Sustainability Reporting in Australia under the Global Lens", "Empowering Tomorrow: AI, Digitalisation, and Energy Consumption" and "Breaking Barriers: Balancing Short- and Long-Term Aims, Managing the Knowledge Gap, and Determining the Role of Government to Achieve Sustainability Outcomes." Each session was enriched by lively panel discussions and engaging Q&A sessions, making the conversations both insightful and dynamic.

The key takeaway from these discussions was the clear call to action: "Walk the talk."

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors and partners, without whom this event would not have been possible:

Naming Rights Sponsor: Schneider Electric
Host Partner: EY
Platinum Sponsors: Anávo, AXA XL, Natixis, Pinsent Masons and Suez
Diamond Sponsors: JCDecaux, Manitou, NecPlus and Tenant CS
Event Partners: AFBA, French Embassy, Business France, European Australian Business Council, La French Tech, CCEF, Engineers Australia and EESA.

A special thank you goes to EY for hosting the event and providing our guests with a warm welcome, enhancing the networking atmosphere.

We also want to thank our speakers and moderators for sharing their valuable expertise and insights during the discussions as well as our attendees, both in-person and online, for their presence and questions which significantly enriched our conversations.

We hope everyone enjoyed this morning, and we look forward to welcoming you back at our upcoming events!

To download Schneider Electric Sustainability Index 2024, click here.

Our Speakers

H.E Pierre-André Imbert

Ambassador of France to Australia at French Embassy in Australia - Ambassade de France

Karine Delvallée

Federal President & Director at FACCI and CEO of BNP Paribas ANZ

Hon. Matt Kean

Chair at Climate Change Authority

Colette Munro

Pacific Zone President at Schneider Electric

Clare Sporle

NSW Managing Partner at EY

Segolene Deeley

Future Mobility and Corporate Affairs Director of Keolis Downer

Louisa Francis

Partner, AI & Data at EY

Purnima Gadiyar

Head of Business Capability at Engie ANZ

Farokh Ghadially

Vice President Secure Power at Schneider Electric

Emma Herd

Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability & Co-Leader of the EY Net Zero Centre at EY

Chloe Hicks

Executive Director, Strategy and Policy of NSW Government - EnergyCo

Terry Lampard

National President at Electric Energy Society of Australia

Nicky Landsbergen

Partner - Climate Change & Sustainability Services at EY

Brian Maruncic

Head of Climate Business ANZ at AXA XL

Francoise Merit

Chief Financial Officer at Endeavour Energy

Jan RIECHE

VP Global Head Talent Acquisition at Anavo

Florence Riviere

Partner at Pinsent Masons

Philippe Vincent

NSW Chapter President at French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Kevin Werksman

CEO Australia & New Zealand of SUEZ Australia and New Zealand

Geoffrey Young

Head of Client Coverage Australia at Natixis Australia Pty Limited

Lisa Zembrodt

Principal and Senior Director Sustainability Business of Schneider Electric

Mr. Imbert has worked with the President of the Republic since May 2017, initially as Social Advisor. In 2020, he was appointed as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, in charge of the public policy division.

From 2012 to 2017, he was successively Advisor and then Chief of Staff to several ministers of Labor and Employment.

General Inspector of Finance, an economist by training (Master in economics and MBA from ESCP Europe), he worked in the private sector from 2003 to 2012, first with the consulting firm Altedia, where he was heading the social engineering, restructuring and economic development department, then by becoming a founding partner of the consulting firm Alixio.

He initially began his professional career in research and education at the University of Paris Sorbonne, before being appointed from 1997 until 2002 as Counselor of the President of the Finance Commission of the National Assembly.

Karine Delvallée joined BNP Paribas in 1993 as a Relationship Manager for Corporate clients.

From 1998 Karine worked in several roles in Europe and Asia across various business lines including Energy and Commodities, eventually becoming the Head of Energy and Commodities Finance Credit Management in 2009.

In 2011 she moved to the RISK Team as Head of RISK, Corporate APAC based in Hong Kong. In 2015 she was promoted to Chief Risk Officer, Asia Pacific, with a team of 200 people, managing all types of risk across all client segments and sitting on BNP Paribas’ RISK Global Executive Committee.

In October 2019 Karine relocated to Australia to become Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand, BNP Paribas. In her more than 25 years in the banking industry, Karine has been involved with credit and risk for over 20 years and held key decision-making powers for the majority of this time.

Karine graduated from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP) in 1993 majoring in Finance and Law.

Matt was appointed as Chair of the Climate Change Authority on 5 August 2024 for a term of 5 years. He was previously the Member for Hornsby in the NSW Parliament from 2011 until 2 August 2024.

Matt was most recently the NSW Shadow Minister for Health. He was Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal party from August 2022 until March 2023. Throughout his 13-year political career, Matt also held ministries of Innovation and Better Regulation, Treasury, Energy and Environment.

As Treasurer and Energy Minister of NSW, Matt championed climate action that is in the best interests of households and businesses. In 2020, he delivered the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap: A 20-year plan for NSW’s energy infrastructure. The roadmap spurs private investment in renewable energy while reducing emissions and power bills for the people of NSW.

Matt commenced in the role of Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Wollemi Capital on 15 August 2024.

Matt studied a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney and is a Chartered Accountant by profession.

Highly regarded for her experience and expertise in digitalisation for the energy, mining and infrastructure, Schneider Electric’s Pacific Zone President Colette Munro is responsible for its next era of success in the region’s key markets.

Supporting businesses, teams, and individuals to embrace different ways of working, Colette is passionate about the impact of digital technologies, particularly for environmental and social outcomes.

As a member of Schneider’s International Operations Management Committee, she is focused on delivering profitable growth, increasing market share, accelerating digital and field services, and strengthening the company’s position in the new energy landscape.

A chartered engineer, Colette brings extensive international experience in electrical engineering, industrial control and infrastructure design. She is passionate about supporting businesses, teams, and individuals to enhance the transformative impact of digital technologies, particularly for positive environmental and social outcomes.

Previously, Colette held various leadership roles in innovation and digital transformation at Citect and as a former 13-year Schneider Electric veteran. Most recently, she was Global Chief Digital Officer at the leading infrastructure consulting firm, AECOM.

Segolene is a strategic customer and stakeholder specialist with 20 years’ experience leading public relations, communications, innovation and project management in international business environments. Her career has spanned Europe, the UK and the US, and she joined Keolis Downer in 2017. Segolene has been with Keolis Group since 2011, and previously worked in the software and IT sector for 10 years.

Segolene oversees Keolis Downer’s future mobility projects that include automated vehicles, on demand transport, digital services and supports the development of energy transition projects.
She is passionate about delivering mobility services that are inclusive, sustainable and encourage modal shift. Her experience working on projects around the world has given her a deep understanding of the diversity of mobility challenges and the importance of having a local and collaborative approach to deliver social and economic outcomes.

Farokh Ghadially is Vice President, Secure Power for Schneider Electric in the Pacific Zone, having moved into this role following his six-year tenure as VP for Power Products and Digital Power.

Farokh firmly believes that digitalisation and electrification will enable a ‘smarter and greener’ future and that Schneider Electric is playing a significant role in this globally. He is passionate about the sustainable progress that happens at this intersection, and how this can enrich and reshape the future. Whether it’s in the data centres that power our digital world, the advancements in AI that reshape how we think, or the infrastructure that connects us all, he is committed to advancing our shared goals with integrity and purpose.

Starting his career as an electrical engineer in India, he then worked in the US and Canada, and now calls Australia home. His 20 years’ experience in the electrical and automation industry includes design and development, marketing, sales, and general management working across data centres, commercial real estate, and industrial infrastructure.

Farokh is customer-centric and loves coaching, building, and leading diverse teams, as well as immersing himself in new technology.

As a committed, empathetic, and strategic leader he drives sustainable business growth by challenging the status-quo, deploying new business models, and building strong partnerships. He is also a strong advocate of ‘digitising and connecting power’ to enhance safety, availability, and efficiency for business and society.

Emma is a Partner with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability team and the Co-leader of the EY Net Zero Centre. Emma is a skilled professional with over 20 years’ experience in climate change, sustainable finance and sustainability practice. Prior to joining EY, Emma was Chief Executive Officer of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) (2015-2021) and Environment Commissioner for the Greater Sydney Commission (2020-2021). Previously, Emma worked at Westpac for over 15 years across a range of sustainability, environment, sustainable finance, climate change, carbon trading and ESG risk management roles. Emma is a regular media contributor on climate change matters and a respected voice on climate transition implications for business.

Terry Lampard B Eng M Eng Mgt FIEAust CPEng NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus) MIEEE

Terry has over 45 years experience in the Electricity Supply Industry. He spent 37 years at Ausgrid in a variety of technical and managerial roles, finally as General Manager – Design and Engineering. He was the Lead Technical Advisor at NSW Treasury for the Electricity Network Lease transactions, which realised over $34B. He has been a participant and/or Chair of numerous industry standards committees in StandardsAustralia and the Energy Networks Association, was a Board Director of the Australian CRC for Renewable Energy, has lectured in High Voltage Engineering at Sydney University and is currently National President of the Electric Energy Society of Australia.

Nicky is a Partner with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services team in Sydney. She has more than 14 years’ experience advising companies on their sustainability activities, including two years in London working with several global leaders. Nicky works with clients to help shape their corporate sustainability programs and non-financial reporting to meet emerging stakeholder expectations. Her expertise covers a variety of sustainability matters, such as environmental management, health, safety & wellbeing programs, social and community activities, modern slavery and human rights, as well as people and diversity matters. Having started her career at EY in the financial audit practice, Nicky’s passion is to support organisations measure and value the intangibles that increasingly impact business performance today.

Joining AXA XL in 2022, Brian Maruncic leads the climate business for Australia and New Zealand.

Brian is responsible for driving growth and relationships across the Australia and New Zealand markets, promoting climate offerings in the form of Parametric and Derivative insurance products with key broking partners. This includes working to protect businesses from significant weather events and risks. He is also supporting customers on their sustainable ESG transitions with consulting and education services.

Prior to joining AXA XL, Brian worked with industry leaders in underwriting and insurance broking, leading their distributon teams. He is well versed on the impacts of climate change on the insurance industry and is passionate about providing future-focused solutions to help businesses manage their risks.

Originally from Canada, Brian has worked in Australia for the past 10 years in both Perth and Sydney. He holds an MBA from the University of Western Australia and has a Bachelor of Commerce.

Brian can be found playing ice hockey on the weekend and lives with his wife, Crystal in Sydney.

Françoise joined Endeavour Energy at its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in October 2020 and plays a pivotal role in transforming the company’s financial operations and regulatory protocols. Françoise has over 20 years’ experience in the engineering, infrastructure and defence sectors encompassing finance, risk management, project performance, commercial and contractual negotiations. Françoise’s previous roles include ten years in the defence sector, across the Australian Defence Industry and Thales, prior to joining Aurecon as Global Chief Financial Officer.

Françoise’s operational experience and financial background is a key driver in leading Endeavour Energy’s transformation to a modern grid, with a focus on sustainable outcomes through emphasising the strategic partnership model, automation and adoption of new technologies. Her executive leadership and sponsorship at Endeavour Energy was instrumental leading up to the first sustainability strategy that was approved and executed in 2022. In January 2022, Françoise implemented and drove the inaugural Sustainable Linked Loan, setting an industry benchmark.

Françoise is also passionate about Diversity and Inclusion and driving the organisational rewards associated with it, with a focus on increasing female leadership in senior and executive roles.

A Fellow of CPA Australia, Françoise holds a Master in Business Administration from ESSCA Business School in France and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Françoise was appointed Chair of the French Foreign Trade Advisory Board in January 2020, having joined in 2018.

Jan heads up our global activities with teams across 4 continents. He has over 15 years of experience in staffing and managing renewable energy, environment, energy efficiency and infrastructure projects.

He has an unrivalled network of contacts within the global energy and engineering markets, having worked with some of the world’s best known renewable energy and infrastructure project developers and equipment manufacturers from Europe, America, Australia and recently Africa.

Being fluent in both German & English, Jan’s cross-cultural profile means he is globally sought after. He has been involved in staffing some of the most important technical and management roles in the Australian renewable energy and energy storage projects.

Currently based out of Sydney, he is deeply passionate about renewable energy (both for business and for private usage). So much so that in 2016 Jan co-founded Spark Club, a Thinktank supporting startup businesses in the Australian Energy industry (covering Generation, Storage, and Management).

Florence is a trusted advisor with nearly 20 years’ experience advising both public and private sector clients on major infrastructure and energy projects and industrial
facilities.

She is dedicated to the efficient, strategic and streamlined planning and delivery
of her clients’ projects and advises on planning and regulatory approvals (including EPBC
referrals, permitting and planning scheme amendments), environmental assessment, land
access, native title, cultural heritage, environmental compliance, contamination and incident management.

Florence has been instrumental in the drafting and passing of key planning and environmental laws and guidelines and regularly advises on major appeals and proceedings.

Florence will moderate our Energy and Resources talk.

Philippe Vincent is the Managing Director of Menard Oceania, and a non-executive Director on the boards of Conetec and SFIT corporations.

Philippe has been with the Soletanche Freyssinet group, a subsidiary of the Vinci group, for 17 years. Over the course of his career he has worked across Soletanche Freyssinet’s businesses including Freyssinet, Bachy Soletanche, Menard Oceania and REMEA.

During the course of his tenure with the SF group Philippe has practiced his geotechnical skills on many substantial infrastructure, energy and commercial/residential projects across the region.
Philippe is a Chartered Engineer in Australia, NZ and with the APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), he is also a Fellow and Engineering Executive with Engineers Australia.

The visionary CEO of SUEZ Australia and New Zealand, whose passion for creating a more sustainable water future has driven positive change in the water sector for over two decades. With a wealth of experience in strategic planning, commercial acumen, and exemplary leadership, Kevin stands at the forefront of innovation and progress.

Kevin's expertise in the industry is unparalleled, and his impressive track record includes delivering over 100 high-profile infrastructure projects. From advising on significant transactions such as the refinancing of the Sydney Desalination plant to shaping regulatory frameworks and procuring multi-billion-dollar projects, his contributions have had a lasting impact on key entities like Sydney Water, WaterCare, SA Water, and many others, reshaping their operating models and driving infrastructure investment and growth.

Having recently been appointed as the Australian Water Association’s next President, Kevin actively contributes to collaborative efforts aimed at building a resilient future, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all communities.

Throughout his career, Kevin has been a driving force behind several drought projects, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to tackle water scarcity challenges in different regions. From supporting WaterCare NZ to assisting Sydney Water in devising strategies to address drought-related issues, Kevin's influence has been felt far and wide. His contributions during the millennium drought as a financial advisor on significant projects like the Adelaide Desalination Project and the Sydney Desalination Project further highlight his commitment to overcoming water challenges.

At the heart of Kevin's leadership philosophy lies a deep understanding of the value of people. As the driving force behind SUEZ ANZ’s strategy, he recognises that true innovation thrives in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Kevin fosters a culture that inspires his team and partners to co-create and work towards a more sustainable and water-secure world.

With Kevin's proven leadership and wealth of experience, he continues to shape the water sector to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

As SUEZ ANZ’s CEO, Kevin leads by example, driving us to achieve our purpose – to partner with utilities, government leaders and First Nations communities coming together as custodians of our resources.

Together, we’re connecting to create a better future.

Lisa Zembrodt leads Schneider Electric's Sustainability Consulting Business for Pacific Zone, which helps some of the world’s largest companies to set, implement, and report on sustainability strategies that reduce emissions and increase energy & resource efficiency through technological and operational changes. SB is the largest advisor of renewable procurement globally and manages $40B in annual energy spend. Over her nearly two decades in the energy industry, Lisa has supported organisations across various sectors and geographies through transformations of their approach to energy and sustainability issues, pioneering new solutions and advocating for policy that enables the net zero economy transformation with equitability for users.

She advises some of Australia’s largest energy users and holds an MBA, a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics, and a Sustainability and Climate Risk Certificate from the Global Association of Risk Professionals. She sits on the boards of the Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP), and the Energy Users Association of Australia.

French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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NSW-Hybrid | FACCI 2024 Sustainability Forum