Events
Risk Leader Tour
Reflections and insights from RMIA’s CEO, Simon Levy.
Celebrating Excellence
The RMIA Risk Leader Tour was a resounding success, taking us to three vibrant cities – Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Each venue set a perfect backdrop for recognising and celebrating the exceptional achievements of our latest award winners. From the moment the doors opened, there was a palpable sense of anticipation, with attendees eager to hear from some of the leading risk professionals in the industry.
A Showcase of Talent and Diversity
The tour was not just about recognising individual success; it was a platform to highlight the diversity and depth within the risk management profession. Our Risk Award winners represented a broad cross-section of industries. Melissa, from the industrial manufacturing sector, shared her insights into managing complex risk environments. Abhi, with his background in advisory, brought a fresh perspective on strategic risk consulting. Jane and Peter, who responded to the Prudential Inquiry into CBA, shared their work on the transformation that followed. Their stories were about impact, cohesion, and alignment, underscoring how working together and being transparent are critical to success. They also highlighted the distinct but complementary nature of risk and compliance, showing how both disciplines can collaborate to deliver shared outcomes.
Each presentation was unique, reflecting the specific expertise and contributions of our winners. Attendees were captivated by the breadth of knowledge on display, and the passion these professionals bring to their work was undeniable.
Connecting with the Risk Community
Beyond the stellar presentations, the connection between the speakers and their audiences stood out. Each speaker spoke directly to their home risk community, delivering insights tailored to the challenges and opportunities faced by their respective industries. Jane, who travelled across all three cities, spoke powerfully about evolving leadership, the importance of building communities and tribes, and how these concepts can foster resilience within the profession.
Looking around the room at each event, I could see the audience completely engaged, absorbing the content and reflecting on how these insights applied to their own work. The diversity of talent in attendance was inspiring – from seasoned professionals to emerging leaders, all coming together to learn, share, and grow.
A Bright Future for Risk Management
The overwhelming feedback from attendees was incredibly positive. Many commented on the high calibre of both the speakers and the discussions. As CEO, I was particularly struck by the sense that the future of the risk profession is in good hands. The passion, dedication, and knowledge demonstrated by both the speakers and attendees was humbling.
While much of today’s conversation revolves around technology, artificial intelligence, and automation, this tour reinforced a simple truth: risk management is fundamentally a people-centred profession. Systems and processes can only take us so far – it's the expertise, intuition, and leadership of people that drives true risk management success.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this year’s Risk Leader Tour, I’m filled with optimism. The talent we celebrated and the enthusiasm of those in attendance remind me that the profession continues to evolve and thrive. The RMIA is proud to be at the forefront, supporting the growth and development of risk professionals across Australasia.
Our community is strong, our future is bright, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jane Couchman
Chief Risk Officer and Group Executive - Sustainability, Aware Super
RMIA's Risk Leader of the Year
Jane has had a remarkable career in risk management thus far. She has over 30 years’ experience in banking & financial services, in legal, risk and compliance, and governance roles. Jane is currently the Chief Risk Officer, and Group Executive for Sustainability at Aware Super. Before joining Aware Super, Jane was the Executive General Manager of Compliance at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where she was responsible for leading the bank’s Global Compliance Function, including co-leading CBA’s response to APRA's Prudential Inquiry into CBA; as well as the new Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR), and was a key member of CBA’s Royal Commission Taskforce.
Prior to her time at CBA Jane was the Global COO, Compliance and Head of Enterprise Compliance at Macquarie Bank. She was part of the global executive leadership team for the Compliance Division and drove the strategy and programme of work for the Division globally. Prior to Macquarie, she was Chief Risk Officer at BT Financial Group, and before that General Counsel at Perpetual.
Looking to be a part of this event in 2025?
We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available to showcase your organisation to over 400 industry professionals nationwide. Please reach out to Emma at partners@rmia.org.au with your interest, and we will contact you to discuss which opportunity best suits your needs.
ADELAIDE GUEST SPEAKER
Melissa Oors-L'Estrange
Group Manager - Risk, Adbri Limited
RMIA's Risk Manager of the Year
Melissa is a highly motivated and experienced Risk, Internal Audit, Corporate Governance and Finance professional and Non-Executive Director. Melissa has over 25 years' experience working across a myriad of sectors including Oil and Gas, Health, Resources, Banking and Agriculture. She holds the current designations of Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Committee for CAWRA (Central Adelaide Waste Management Authority), and is a Non-Executive Director of the Board of the Northeastern Community Hospital.
Melissa has a strong finance background including holding a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Management, MRMIA (Member of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia), MAICD (Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors), CPRA (Certified Practicing Risk Associate) and CPA. She is also a part of the Future Leaders Program (Elders Ltd), and High Performer Management Mentorship Program (BankSA).
MELBOURNE GUEST SPEAKER
Abhi Ganugapati
Director, Adaptus
RMIA's Risk Consultant of the Year
Abhi is a Director at Adaptus, a sustainability and resilience advisory firm that partners with leaders in business and society to improve ESG performance, navigate the energy transition, and increase resilience to climate change. Recently awarded the RMIA Risk Consultant of the Year, Abhi leads Adaptus' consulting practice in Victoria, bringing extensive experience in strategy, risk management, and sustainability across multinational corporations and government departments.
Abhi's expertise focuses on helping organisations understand and respond to strategic risks, to build resilience and capitalise on opportunities. He has worked closely with senior executives and board members across various industries, providing strategic guidance and implementing robust risk management frameworks.
Recently, Abhi developed a risk-based decision framework to enhance flood resilience for critical state infrastructure. He also led risk assurance services for Victoria's largest tunnelling project, showcasing his expertise in applying risk management principles to complex, high-stakes environments.
With a master's degree in engineering management, a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, and a graduate certificate in risk management, Abhi combines technical knowledge with strategic insight to deliver value to his clients. His ability to engage effectively with C-suite leaders and translate complex risk concepts into actionable strategies has made him a trusted advisor at the intersection of risk management and sustainability.
SYDNEY GUEST SPEAKER
Peter Taylor
Group Chief Risk Officer, IAG
RMIA's Risk Team of the Year
Peter is a senior financial services professional of 30+ years working across UK, Zimbabwe, and Australia in banking and investment markets. Currently Group CRO at IAG, responsible for the strategy and operations of the Group-wide risk management function.
Peter’s prior roles include General Manager, Enterprise Risk at Westpac, Executive General Manager and Head of Operational Risk for CBA Group and Chief Risk Officer for Support Units. Prior roles in risk management include working for CBA as their CRO for Life and General Insurers and CRO of CBA Wealth Management divisional business unit covering insurance, super, financial planning, funds management platforms and global asset management.
Peter is a Board Director of several wealth management/private banking entities and has previous been the Managing Director/founding partner of a financial services group and bank in Zimbabwe, as well as other start-up businesses. He is experienced in risk management frameworks - design, implementation, monitoring and assurance, operational risk capital management, corporate insurance programs, risk in performance and consequence frameworks, and compliance and regulatory relationship management.