QUT - QUT Business Leaders' Forum

Upcoming forum

Erica Berchtold
CEO, David Jones

Date: Tuesday 15 September
Time: 12-2pm
Arrival networking from 11.30am, extended networking with our speaker and guests until 2.30pm
Location: Plaza Terrace Room
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Cost: $199 per ticket or $1,950 per table of 10 (incl. GST)
Includes a three-course lunch and beverages

The Forum

Join us for the next QUT Business Leaders' Forum as we welcome Erica Berchtold, CEO of David Jones, for a compelling conversation on leadership, transformation and the future of retail. As the first female CEO in the company's 188-year history, Erica is leading the next phase of the iconic retailer's transformation, focused on accelerating growth, strengthening commercial performance, advancing digital capability and enhancing the customer experience across stores and online.

One of Australia's most respected retail leaders, Erica has built a career spanning more than two decades across some of the country's most recognised consumer brands. Prior to joining David Jones, she served as CEO of THE ICONIC, where she led the business through significant digital growth and innovation. She has also held senior leadership roles as Managing Director of Rebel Sport and CEO of Mosaic Brands, earning a reputation for driving transformation, innovation and customer-led strategy.

In conversation with ABC journalist Ellen Fanning, Erica will explore:

Leading one of Australia's most iconic brands through a new era of retail transformation and growth.
Balancing customer expectations, digital innovation and commercial performance in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
Building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive workplace cultures that enable people to thrive.
The leadership qualities needed to navigate change, drive innovation and create long-term business success.

Join the conversation shaping the future of retail, leadership and customer experience in an increasingly digital world.

About the forum

The QUT Business Leaders' Forum is Brisbane’s leading event for dynamic conversations on business and leadership. For over two decades, it’s built a global reputation for hosting visionary speakers who tackle the big issues shaping today’s business landscape.

The forum dives into key themes like:

Leadership in a changing world
Business innovation and excellence
Corporate responsibility and sustainability
Public policy that drives impact

Hear from influential leaders as they share their personal journeys and unpack the trends transforming our economy and society.

The forum is also Brisbane’s top-tier networking event - bringing together decision-makers, changemakers, and future leaders.

Why attend

Hear from world-class leaders

Keep your business know-how relevant and hear from executive thought leaders. Our forum has developed an international reputation for attracting dynamic world-class leaders in a dialogue on today's leadership challenges.

Professional development

Attend the forum as a professional development activity. Members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand may claim this activity as formal CPD hours.

Expand your network

Our forum brings together a diverse community of business leaders giving you the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and extend your network. Make an impression on your clients by inviting them to the forum when you buy a table.

Previous speakers

The QUT Business Leaders' Forum has developed its reputation and following by inviting only prominent and effective speakers with the requisite national and international standing.

After each forum, we produce a snapshot video to showcase the highlights of the speaker's keynote presentation and Q&A session with the forum moderator.

Previous speakers and highlight videos