Leadership in the Loop

The Founder of Bright Labs, Rishad, has over 15 years of experience in the digital and creative industries. With a background in computer science, interaction design, and human-computer interaction he has built Bright Labs to be ever considerate towards delivering magical customer experiences - balancing the delivery of form with function.

Mark Santomartino is a journalist and startup founder. After more than a decade reporting across Australian TV and radio, he founded Newsie in 2024 to revolutionise the distribution of video news with artificial intelligence. 

Rita Arrigo, Strategic Engagement Manager at the National AI Centre, focuses on empowering the Australian AI industry by fostering collaboration and advocating for responsible AI adoption. She has extensive experience in digital and AI strategy, delivering thought leadership on topics such as Generative AI, AI in Cyber Security, and AI for Climate Tech. Arrigo launched the AI Industry Connection forum and previously served as Chief Digital Advisor at Microsoft, where she was appointed an AI Ambassador. She is an active supporter of Women in AI and believes in the power of women supporting women.

Amrita is the Managing Director of Medianet and Medianet Insights and a proud Board Director of AMEC - (International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication), which is the world's largest media intelligence and insights professional body. She holds a deep understanding of the Australian and New Zealand communication landscape having led technology, business strategy, sales growth and relationship management in the digital and media industries, including the implementation of a range of AI and automation solutions at Medianet.

Chris Janz has worked in the industry for 30 years, with roles spanning mature and growth businesses and advertising and subscription-funded products. He currently leads Capital Brief, a disruptive news startup founded on quality journalism. He was previously chief digital and publishing officer at Nine where he led the Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, 9Now, nine.com.au and technology, data and digital investments for the group. Prior to Fairfax, he was CEO of HuffPost Australia, founding CEO of Allure Media, editor of news.com.au and a journalist. 

Mediality CEO Bruce Davidson is a journalist and entrepreneur with more than 40 years media experience. After a career in newspapers, where he served in senior editorial roles at the Herald and Weekly Times, Bruce formed media solutions provider Pagemasters in 1991. In 2002, Pagemasters was sold to AAP and Bruce stayed on as Managing Director until his appointment as AAP CEO in 2010. After the sale of the AAP Newswire in 2020, Bruce was appointed CEO of Mediality.

Sarah Macartney is the Director of Communications, PR, and ESG at Domain Group. Throughout her career Sarah has overseen crisis, government relations, ESG, PR, corporate affairs, and internal communications. Sarah is experienced in building and evolving Communications and ESG teams and resourcing to match business aspirations and the rapidly changing regulatory landscape. With a commitment to fostering talent, Sarah thrives on leading teams that have a deep sense of ownership, accountability and empowerment with the agility and capabilities to support high growth and dynamic businesses. Sarah is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.