About Our Data & AI Panelists

Leo Paas

University of Auckland

Leo is a Professor in Marketing at the University of Auckland Business School.
With a rich background in data science and marketing, Leo has held various academic positions in the Netherlands and New Zealand. He has been with the University of Auckland since 2019, where he also serves as the Program Director for the Master of Business Analytics. Leo's research focuses on big data analytics, segmentation, and consumer behaviour. He has published extensively in top-ranked marketing and statistics journals.

Sarah Cawsey

Auckland Council

Sarah is the General Manager of Data Services at Auckland Council. She brings extensive experience in data services and analytics, having held key roles at Bank of New Zealand, ASB Bank, and ANZ. At BNZ, she led teams in Data & Analytics Platforms, Data Management, and Enterprise Insight. Sarah is known for her expertise in leveraging data to drive business insights and improve decision-making processes. She has a strong background in managing data projects and has been instrumental in implementing data strategies that enhance organisational performance.

Matt Bain

Spark New Zealand

Matt is the Data & Marketing Director at Spark New Zealand, a role he assumed in November 2018. He is an AI leader with a track record of success in driving growth and engagement through AI and automation across the enterprise, spanning marketing, technology, data, and product domains. He is a skilled leader who operates at the intersection of data, technology, and design, driving innovation and efficiency across the organization. Before joining Spark, Matt was based in Amsterdam as the European Managing Director for AKQA, one of the world's leading innovation and brand experience agencies. 

Peter Gavin

ANZ New Zealand

Peter is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in leveraging data and analytics to drive business success. At ANZ, Peter leads a team dedicated to harnessing the power of data to deliver actionable insights and innovative solutions. Peter is known for his strategic vision and ability to foster cross-industry collaboration, which has been instrumental in advancing ANZ's data and AI capabilities.

Helius Guimaraes

Fonterra Co-operative Group

Helius is the Chief Data & AI Officer at Fonterra. Helius’ career began in a start-up company driving digital transformation in Brazil. He led global data, digital and technology transformation teams at De Beers, Rio Tinto and Alcoa. Helius chaired the Global Mining Guidelines group during 2017-18. He joined Fonterra in 2022 and moved with his wife to Auckland. Early in his career Helius has delivered tangible business value through the use of Data & AI technologies. Like many of us, he is passionate about the opportunities in leveraging generative AI in our personal and professional lives.