Thriving in the reality of a turbulent business environment

Zoe Kleinman, Technology Editor, BBC
Zoe Kleinman is the BBC’s first-ever technology editor. With over 20 years’ broadcasting experience, she has spent most of her career as a specialist presenter and reporter covering all areas of the tech agenda and has presented Radio 4’s PM programme.

Helen Brand, Chief Executive, ACCA
Helen Brand OBE is chief executive of ACCA. Since taking up the role in 2008, Helen has led ACCA through a period of global growth which has seen its membership double to more than quarter of a million. She was a founding member of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and played a role in its successor organisations. Helen is also a member of the UK government’s Professional and Business Services Council, and has participated in a number of trade advisory forums and university advisory boards. 

Lee White, Chief Executive Officer, IFAC
Lee has more than 30 years of global executive, regulatory and leadership experience. While at the IFRS Foundation, from 2018 to 2024, he led the creation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and the launch of the ISSB’s first two standards. He also worked at the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) for nine years, including as its CEO. Prior to that Lee was chief accountant at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

Navin Gadia, Global Controller, Wipro
Navin Gadia is global controller for Wipro, India. Before starting at the IT and business process consultancy 18 years ago, he was chief accounts officer for a shipping company and assistant finance manager for a pharma business.

Maria Luciana Axente, Head of AI Public Policy and Ethics, PwC UK
Maria Luciana Axente is head of AI public policy and ethics at PwC UK. She has chaired TechUK’s data analytics and AI leadership committee, and her ongoing research at Jesus College Cambridge aims to ensure AI advances with human-centric values at its core.

Rashika Fernando, Vice President, Portfolio Management Office, RBC Capital
Rashika Fernando is vice president of the portfolio management office for RBC Capital, Canada. A seasoned leader in finance, analytics, project management and technology, he has been establishing key functions and delivering industry-leading results in the banking and tech sectors for 20 years.