Discovery: AI & Search Summit

Strategy and Insights Lead, Amazon Ads, Australia

With nearly two decades across digital strategy, enterprise transformation, and behavioural sciences, Aneeket translates complex data into insights that drive real business growth. Previously Principal Digital Strategist at Adobe APAC, he's held leadership roles at OMD, Havas, and AKQA, and is a keynote speaker at Adobe Summit, Mumbrella 360, and AWS Summit.  

Head of Performance, Google NZ

As Head of Performance, Nikki partners with leading Kiwi advertisers and their agencies to drive business growth and navigate the changing digital landscape. She brings a wealth of strategic insight to the industry; with 20 years of digital marketing experience in agency and in-house roles across NZ and Canada. Nikki will unpack the future of search; exploring Google’s evolving, AI-powered ecosystem and what it means for marketers.

Head of Solutions and Expertise, Kantar

Jason Schoeman is Head of Solutions and Expertise at Kantar New Zealand, where he helps brands turn data into growth. He specialises in media, AI-driven insights and creative effectiveness, working closely with clients to navigate changing consumer behaviour and deliver measurable impact through smarter marketing strategies. 

Chief Commercial Officer, Kantar

David Thomas is Chief Commercial Officer, New Zealand at Kantar, leading strategic research and commercial growth. He specialises in translating data into commercial impact, with expertise in brand, CX and analytics. Known for clear thinking and practical insight, David helps organisations make smarter decisions and drive sustainable growth.

Founder CEO, Pure SEO & The Optimisers 

Richard Conway is the founder and CEO of The Optimisers, a native GEO, AEO and Agentic Search agency in New Zealand and Australia. He’s also the author of 'How to Get to the Top of Google Search' (Penguin Random House), a Gold IAB Award winner (Service to The Industry), and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.  

Co-Founder, Pattern

Rowan Schaaf is co-founder of Pattern, an AI-native software agency in Auckland. Pattern builds and operates inside the shift to agent-mediated work exploring what changes when agents sit between companies and the tools, vendors and information they rely on, rather than humans doing the reaching.

Senior Lecturer, Digital Marketing, University of Auckland 

Dr. Shahper Richter is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Auckland. She works at the intersection of digital marketing, education and emerging technologies. With a strong focus on making AI understandable and usable in real-world settings, Shahper brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to conversations about digital change

Head of Search, MBM

Jill is Head of Search at MBM, bringing more than 15 years’ experience across New Zealand’s agency landscape. She has deep expertise in paid search and SEO, with a strong track record of delivering strategic, performance-driven digital marketing solutions for leading Kiwi brands.