The CEO Summit 2026 NSW will set the stage for another remarkable year of insight and inspiration. Hosted at the prestigious Crown Sydney, this flagship event will bring together some of the nation’s most influential business minds under the theme Leading Together.
Guiding the day’s conversations will be acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Deborah Knight, whose depth of experience and commanding presence will ensure a day of engaging discussion and meaningful connection
The speaker lineup features Paul Bloxham, HSBC’s Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities, and Katja Forbes, award-winning CX innovator and Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank. We will release many more speakers over the coming weeks.
With powerful insights, real-world perspectives, and the opportunity to connect with peers from across industries, Leading Together promises to be an unmissable event for today’s CEOs and business leaders.
Visit our 2025 page to see last year's lineup and some event day images.
Deborah Knight is an accomplished Australian journalist and broadcaster with a distinguished career spanning radio and television. A Charles Sturt University graduate, she began her media journey at 2WG Wagga Wagga before joining the ABC, where she built a strong reputation across programs including AM, Radio National Breakfast, and Landline.
Deborah went on to serve as Network Ten’s US Bureau Chief, covering major global events such as September 11, before returning to Australia as co-anchor of Ten News at Five. In 2011, she joined the Nine Network, later becoming co-host of the Today Show and continuing as a trusted news presenter.
In 2020, Deborah made history as 2GB’s first female talkback radio host, where her program remains a strong performer. A respected journalist and media personality, she is celebrated for her professionalism, versatility, and engaging presence both on-screen and on-air.
Katja Forbes
Katja Forbes is a fearless CX innovator and award-winning leader who consistently challenges the boundaries of customer experience and AI. Named one of Westpac/AFR’s “100 Women of Influence” and ranked among CX Network’s Top 20 CX Leaders in AI and Financial Services, she boldly transforms traditional corporate cultures into dynamic, client-centric powerhouses.
As an Executive Director at a Global Financial Services firm, Katja expertly blends human-centered design with cutting-edge technology, establishing her organisation as a global thought leader. An outspoken advocate for women in leadership, her compelling voice, sharp insights, and magnetic on-camera presence make her an industry standout.
Paul Bloxham
Paul Bloxham is HSBC’s Chief Economist for Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities and a Managing Director. He is chief spokesperson for HSBC on forecasts and trends for the Australian and New Zealand economies, their interaction with global financial markets and international economies, and a key spokesperson on HSBC’s unique view on global commodity markets.
Paul is a regular commentator on local and international business television and a frequent contributor of opinion editorials to major Australian newspapers. In 2017, his team won two Focus Economics awards: for best overall forecaster for each of Australia and New Zealand. In 2024, he was named the most accurate Australian economic forecaster by the Australian Financial Review.
He is also an Adjunct Professor at Curtin University. Prior to joining HSBC in 2010, Paul spent 12 years as an economist with the Reserve Bank of Australia. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Financial Policy from the London School of Economics.
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