Meet the Keynote Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026

February 20, 2026

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Meet the Keynote Speakers at Retail Show Australia 2026

Retail Show Australia 2026 is proud to present an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, bringing together global retail leaders, innovators, and experts.

Here’s a preview of the thought leaders you’ll hear from and the topics they’ll be exploring:

Thu Ya Kyaw

Senior Developer Advocate | Google Cloud

Thu Ya Kyaw helps developers and businesses learn, develop, deploy, and scale applications on Google Cloud. Passionate about AI, he shares practical insights on solving real-world problems using emerging technologies.

Keynote: Google AI Innovations for the Retail Industry

  • How AI is transforming retail with generative AI, visual & product discovery
  • Image and video generation
  • Virtual try-on and personalisation

ShiSh Shridhar

Global Director, Retail & CPG Startups | Microsoft for Startups

ShiSh Shridhar has nearly three decades of experience at Microsoft, working with global retailers to harness AI, machine learning, and agentic systems. Recognised as a top retail technology influencer, he champions disruptive innovation and helps startups scale.

Keynote: Agentic AI in Retail: From Task Automation to Business Autonomy

  • Transition from task automation to autonomous decision-making
  • What makes an AI system truly agentic
  • Multi-agent architectures across merchandising, marketing, and supply chain
  • Transforming customer experience, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage

Bernie Brookes AM

Chairman | Australian Food & Grocery Council (AFGC)

One of Australia’s most respected retail leaders, Bernie Brookes has held senior executive roles across Myer, Woolworths, and international retailers. He is an Order of Australia recipient and a United Nations HeForShe Ambassador.

Keynote: The Changing Nature of Retail

  • Leveraging AI and emerging technologies
  • Adapting to shifts in consumer behaviour and social trends
  • Navigating geopolitical and regulatory impacts
  • Building leadership and resilience in a changing retail landscape

Martin Stirling

Chief Executive Officer | Master Grocers Australia

Martin Stirling brings deep expertise in Industrial Relations and Employment Law, advocating for family-owned and independent retailers. His keynote explores MGA’s approach to rising retail crime and the practical reforms being pursued.

Keynote: From the Shopfloor to Parliament: MGA Taking on Retail Crime

  • Understanding the escalating frequency, severity, and cost of retail crime
  • Frontline insights from independent retailers
  • Advocacy and practical reforms with governments and enforcement agencies

Nick Gray

Founder & Chief Executive Officer | IGU Global

With over 25 years in retail and brand leadership, Nick Gray advises global organisations on behavioural change, technology disruption, and consumer expectations. He helps leaders build future-ready strategies for human–machine collaboration.

Keynote: THE HUMAN OPERATING SYSTEM: Emotional Intelligence, AI, and the New Architecture of Retail Leadership

  • Core awareness as a source of competitive advantage
  • Building brands that are machine-trustworthy and human-loved
  • Leadership capabilities for human–machine collaboration in retail

Adam Posner

Chief Executive Officer | The Point of Loyalty

Adam Posner is a loyalty strategist with decades of experience across retail, hospitality, financial services, and B2B sectors. Creator of the “Joyalty* Program” concept, he helps organisations evolve their loyalty programs beyond discounts.

Keynote: Lifting Retail Loyalty Programs from Discount Dependency to Emotional Equity

  • Moving from price-led mechanics to emotional connectivity
  • Eight opportunities to enhance loyalty beyond financial rewards
  • Building emotional equity through loyalty “memory makers”
  • Insights from the For Love or Money™ 2026 research series

This lineup promises actionable insights, inspiring ideas, and forward-looking perspectives for anyone shaping the future of retail. Don’t miss your chance to learn from these industry leaders at Retail Show Australia 2026.

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