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ARC

CEO Lunch 2026

Brought to you by American Express

Competing on a global stage

How retailers in Australia are playing to win

Please join us for ARC’s exclusive annual CEO lunch in Sydney where we will explore the rising forces of retail competition and how retailers operating in Australia can stay ahead.     

Under Chatham House rules, we will discuss:  

  • How are Australian retailers succeeding on the world stage?  
  • How are retailers changing up their global supply chain strategies to stay ahead?  
  • What are some innovative responses to the emergence of ultra low-cost global competitors?  
  • What more can we do to back the retailers that back Australia?   

Full agenda and speakers will be announced shortly.

This event is brought to you by the Australian Retail Council, supported by principal partner American Express.   

Featured speakers

Amanda Bardwell

Group CEO & Managing Director Australian Food

Woolworths Group

Erica Berchtold

Chief Commercial Officer

David Jones

Event details

Buy tickets

Early Bird - Single Ticket

7 May 2026 @ 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm

Venue: The Lands, By Capella

Member: $199.00
Non Member: $249.00

Full speaker lineup

Full speakers will be announced shortly 

Amanda Bardwell

Group CEO & Managing Director Australian Food

Woolworths Group

Amanda Bardwell was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on 21 February 2024, effective 1 September 2024.  

Prior to this, Amanda was Managing Director of WooliesX, leading the Group’s eCommerce, digital and rewards and loyalty businesses since March 2017. Amanda joined Woolworths Group in 2001 and has held a number of roles across both the Supermarket and Drinks businesses. Amanda holds an MBA from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Queensland and is a member of Chief Executive Women. 

Erica Berchtold

Chief Commercial Officer

David Jones

With over 20 years of experience in retail and tech, Erica Berchtold is a seasoned senior executive having been CEO of online retailer THE ICONIC, Managing Director of Rebel Sport,  CEO of ASX listed Mosaic Brands Ltd and currently as Chief Commercial Officer of David Jones. 

As a leader that has continuously broken new ground in traditional industries-and made no apologies for prioritising her family at the same time-Erica is committed to the role she plays having been one of the few female CEOs in ANZ and operating as a C-Suite executive for over 15 years. She has also held industry positions, having previously been a Councillor on the Board of the Australian Retailers Association, President of the Australian Sporting Goods Association and board member of Sydney FC A-League club to name a few. 

Though Erica mentors many women-and men-informally, she also formally mentors aspiring leaders through programs such as Mentor Walks, an organisation that brings female leaders and aspiring business women together to help build a network to share career advice. Erica uses her voice and profile to drive positive change, which extends to creating an inclusive environment where women feel empowered and supported at all business levels. 

Erica is committed to her community, presenting to business students at schools, contributing to local government business forums, and sharing her expertise at conferences and roundtables across industries. She values courage, humility, resilience and curiosity, and has always lived by the motto “why not”.  

In addition to her extensive leadership experience and roles across many industries, Erica is a proud wife and mum of three young children. 

Chris Rodwell

Chief Executive Officer

Australian Retail Council (ARC)

Chris Rodwell is CEO of the Australian Retail Council (ARC) – the amalgamated entity which will combine the strengths of leading retail peak bodies the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA).

He is determined to elevate the critical contribution the $444 billion retail sector makes to the Australian economy and communities across the nation.

A seasoned CEO and Board Director with experience working across Australia and internationally, Chris was previously the outgoing CEO of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA).

During his seven-year tenure at CCIWA, Chris secured several major policy outcomes, including landmark reform of Australia’s system for GST distribution, improving environment regulation and employment support for people with disabilities. Chris also led CCIWA in playing a fundamental role in supporting business and workplaces through the pandemic.

Prior to this role, Chris spent an extended period abroad developing Australia’s international trade and investment footprint for both the Australian and Queensland Governments, supporting business across all sectors of the economy.

His work in international business spans Australasia, North America, Latin America, and Europe. Chris will be located in Sydney and has lived and worked across many parts of the nation.

He is married to Katie and together they have four children. He is also a passionate advocate for people with disabilities through D-Dads.

Fleur Brown

Chief Industry Engagement & Marketing Officer

Australian Retail Council (ARC)

Fleur leads the Industry Affairs portfolio for ARC which encompasses policy and advocacy, media, marketing, events and partnerships. Fleur has worked as an executive leader in government, media, marketing industries and prior to joining the ARA ran the award-winning Launch Group agency which was responsible government and investor relations, advocacy and media management for many leading Australian brands and public entities.

With a rich background in technology and innovation, she is a former Director of TechSydney, a founding team member of StartupAUS (now Tech Council Australia) a founding director of TEDxSydney and founder and producer the Nine Network’s Entrepreneurs TV show. Fleur is author of the business book The Business of Being You.

Nicole Sheffield

Chair

Australian Retail Council (ARC)

Nicole was appointed Managing Director, Wesfarmers OneDigital in November 2021, leading the Group’s cross-divisional data and digital strategy and implementation. This includes the OnePass membership program, the Group shared data asset, and from July 2022, the Catch marketplace.

Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Nicole held a number of leadership roles. She was the Executive General Manager, Community & Consumer, at Australia Post where she led the Australia Post retail network of 4400 Post Offices, digital channels and the customer contact centre. Previous roles include Chief Digital Officer and Managing Director, Digital Networks at News Corp Australia, overseeing digital strategy, audience and subscription growth, and Chief Executive of NewsLifeMedia, leading the lifestyle publishing division.

Nicole is a regular speaker and commentator on business and media and is the Chair of the Australian Retail Council and a member of Chief Executive Women. She has previously served as Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Advisory Council, Chair of the Interactive Advertising Bureau Australia and was a non-executive director of Capital Health. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and a Masters of Business from the University of Technology Sydney.

Agenda

Full agenda will be announced shortly 

11:30 AM

Registration, Refreshments and Networking

12.00 PM

Welcome to Country

12:05 PM

Welcome & Opening Remarks 

Nicole Sheffield, Board Chair, Australian Retail Council

12:10 PM

Fireside Chat: From Shop Floor to CEO: Amanda Bardwell on Leadership and The Retail Fundamentals

Chris Rodwell, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Retail Council (ARC)
Amanda Bardwell, Group CEO & Managing Director Australian Food, Woolworths Group

1:00 PM

Fireside Chat:

Nicole Sheffield, Board Chair, Australian Retail Council (ARC)
Erica Berchtold, Chief Commercial Officer, David Jones

2:00 PM

Event concludes

Event partner

About American Express

American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With over a hundred million merchant locations across our global network, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations.

For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.comamericanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.