Speakers

Session: From policy to implementation: lessons and strategies from the UK on achieving Australia’s EV charging infrastructure goals

With over 10 years of experience in sales and operations roles across the EMEA and APAC regions, Elena is a UK EV Network Project Delivery Director at bp pulse, a leading provider of electric vehicle charging solutions. She is responsible for delivering the EV network expansion strategy, managing the project lifecycle, and ensuring the customer satisfaction and retention.

Elena's core competencies include digital sales and operations, business development and revenue management, customer journey and stakeholder engagement, team building and leadership, innovation and problem solving. In her previous roles, she has created and led new business units, increased ancillary revenue through various channels, and fostered solid partnerships with clients and executive teams. She has a postgraduate degree in business administration and is fluent in Russian, Italian, and English. Elena passionate about driving sustainable growth and market expansion in the EV industry.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we navigate the challenges and benefits of EV charging stations in commercial, retail, and residential developments?

Julia has over 20 years’ experience in the Real Estate industry and has extensive experience in all aspects of Property Management.  She has a focus on building strong relationships with all stakeholders, meticulous financial management, proactive tenant retention strategies and future proofing assets. She supports the REMS NSW team to develop tailored asset management plans focused on delivering our clients investment objectives and increasing asset values through proactive management, improving building efficiencies and proactive capital expenditure programs.  

Julia started with Colliers in 2010 and has had various roles within REMS during that time. Julia’s current role as Head of Office Management is focused on the strategic growth of the national Office portfolio as well as ensuring a high level of service delivery across the NSW Commercial and Industrial portfolio. Julia works with our State Directors to implement business growth strategies, a nationalised approached to client deliverables and ensures that REMS is constantly delivering service that exceeds our clients’ expectations through a proactive management approach.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

Danielle is an experienced executive with more than 20 years working in the energy sector. During this time Danielle has worked in a broad range of functions and leadership roles, with experience in policy, regulation, commercial, strategy and consulting roles.

Danielle joined the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) in 2021 and is the Executive General Manager who leads the Networks & Technical function. This function includes the policy team responsible for rule changes and reviews relating to transmission and distribution network regulation reform for the transition to net zero by 2050.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should local government prepare for the rise of EVs while overcoming charging infrastructure challenges?

Greg Box is the Chief Executive Officer of Bass Coast Shire Council. A well-known and respected leader and advocate in Local Government, for over two decades Greg has provided leadership to multiple peri-urban and regional Councils. Greg is passionate and driven about the essential role of Culture in our lives.  He is a board member on two tourism destination boards, two creative boards, the Bass Coast Country Universities Centre and chair of the Nature Recovery Foundation.  Greg has led international award-winning engagement programs and presented extensively both in Australia and overseas. Greg is a highly skilled engagement practitioner with a sharp understanding of how to develop meaningful infrastructure to enable the best long-term service outcomes for the community.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we navigate the challenges and benefits of EV charging stations in commercial, retail, and residential developments?

Daniel has first hand experience assessing and designing optimal EV Charging solutions for an array of residential, apartment building and commercial applications. He is passionate about accelerating the electrification journey in Australia and enabling equitable access to EVSE.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How Australia's charging landscape is evolving: near term insights and strategies for the future

Ben Clift leads the NSW Government’s EV fast charging program, driving the expansion of charging infrastructure and accelerating the state’s transition to electric vehicles. With a background in economics and environmental management, he is passionate about emerging technologies to decarbonise the economy.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

Darrin is an innovative and passionate person who is focused on playing a role in shaping the future of the energy sector in Australia. He has been in the energy market since 2002, having worked across many industries and organisations, in creating pragmatic solutions to meet his clients toughest challenges, in a market that has been undergoing unprecedented disruption and change.

He has extensive senior stakeholder and project development management experience having worked on complex engagements for large multinational’s as well as state and federal government entities. In his current and previous role he has been responsible for leading teams of consultants and engineers to develop projects in the areas of strategy and business improvement, business case assessments and commercial funding models. He has experience in developing focus groups to assist with a client’s future growth strategy, including large scale investments, involving detailed profitability analysis, competitive assessment and customer needs analysis.
He has put the challenges the energy industry is facing at the heart of what he does and has worked with clients to help navigate uncertainty and pursue opportunities as the energy sector is disrupted by new policies, technologies and business models.His aim is to help clients understand the environment they operate within and identify what actions they could take to get better outcomes for their business. He has learnt to use my technical grasp of complex projects coupled with real world understanding of financial returns to identify opportunities and engage clients in potential solutions.

Specialties: budgeting, business analysis, contract management, design, financial, functional, human resources, legal, management, management development, market planning, marketing, policy analysis, presentation skills, programming, retail, retail sales, sales management, specification, treasury

Session: Unlocking the the vast opportunities from EV infrastructure deployment in real estate

Chris is a New Energy Director at JLL Sustainability Consulting. His role is to assist JLL clients with energy procurement, distributed energy solutions, electric vehicle charging upgrades, and building sustainability. Chris is an expert in energy procurement and renewable energy, including solar PV and green power, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, battery storage, microgrids, and energy management solutions for the built environment. He focuses on strategic decision-making and helping customers understand all the moving parts, including navigating a complex regulatory environment and evolving technology options.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we drive EV adoption and improved charging infrastructure deployment through collaboration?

Session: Eliminating roadblocks and challenges for the energy sector: governance, regulation and strategy

Colin is an accomplished infrastructure asset manager and energy transition policy leader, known for his extensive expertise in energy planning, finance, policy, and regulation.

As General Manager of Future Grid & Asset Management at Endeavour Energy, Colin leads our future energy strategy, future grid technology, asset planning & performance, and design teams.

His role is crucial in future proofing the Endeavour Energy network by embracing innovative approaches, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support our customers' evolving energy needs.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the energy industry, Colin's background spans small and large-scale electricity network operations, engineering, contingency planning, network pricing, and regulatory affairs. His deep experience in asset management, energy transition, and change management is instrumental in guiding our shift from a traditional poles and wires operator to a forward-thinking distribution system operator. Colin’s leadership is key to accelerating Endeavour Energy’s adoption of technology, enhancing customer energy options, and ensuring inclusivity for all customer segments.

Prior to his current role, Colin led Endeavour Energy’s regulatory team, advocating for a customer-centric approach to investment. A strong advocate for innovation and collaborative design, he excels in stakeholder engagement, effectively working with electricity customers, decision-makers, and key stakeholders within Australia’s evolving electricity market.

Session: Understanding the EV regulatory framework, new requirements & the impact on the future of the sector

Ross De Rango is the Electric Vehicle Council’s Head of Energy and Infrastructure.  Ross is a robotics engineer by background, and has spent the last 5 years getting involved wherever the standards, codes and regulations relating to the electrical infrastructure supporting EVs in Australia are being considered.  Ross has been closely involved in the development of recently announced NCC minimum requirements for buildings in Australia in relation to EV readiness.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

 Melissa Doueihi is the Head of Strategy & Innovation at Endeavour Energy. She is a strategic business development manager with over 15 years of success across the health, energy, transport, and logistics sectors within both public and private enterprises.

Recognised for driving growth and enhancing performance, Melissa's expertise lies in developing and delivering strategic programs and projects. A natural communicator, she combines commercial acuity with strong interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, including C-suite and senior management teams. Known for identifying and meeting stakeholder needs, Melissa optimises decision-making processes and supports growth and performance improvement.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Dr Scott Dwyer is a Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney.

He is an industry-focussed leader in sustainability research and engagement with 20 years of experience across multiple jurisdictions.

His research interests revolve around the opportunities and challenges posed by disruption in the energy and transport sectors, especially those linked to markets, customers, technologies, policy, and business models. He undertakes applied research with its primary aim being to inform policy and practice.

Dr Dwyer has a long track record of leading, managing, and contributing to transdisciplinary teams involved in complex, innovative research projects for the public and private sectors. During this time he has worked closely to collaborate with a diverse range of organisations, from energy utilities, manufacturers and start-ups to industry bodies, communities, businesses, and government.

He provides expert advice on a wide array of sustainable energy technologies and enablers, encompassing solar, batteries, VPPs, microgrids, embedded networks, UrbanREZ, water and space heating/cooling, demand flexibility, HEMS/BEMS, fuel cell, hydrogen, electric vehicles and its infrastructure.

Dr Dwyer is a regular contributor to media on these subjects, featuring on the ABC News, SBS World News, Nikkei-Asia, The Conversation, The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Monthly, and a variety of other specialist media outlets. He is also frequently engaged by policymakers for commentary and expert advice.

As a senior member of the Energy Futures group at the Institute and leader of its work on customer energy innovation, he is a key part of a team that works to deliver outstanding, award-winning research in close collaboration with its partners.

Session: How to electrify your fleet & solve charging infrastructure challenges: key lessons from the US, EU and Australia

Paul Fox is an investor, strategist, business builder, and technologist. He is a co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Evie Networks, Australia’s leading DC fast charging network for electric vehicles.

Now based in Sydney, Paul spent 14 years in Silicon Valley as an executive, start-up CEO and venture capitalist, building a huge network and reputation for customer focus, integrity and value. He is a regular speaker on business model and technology disruption, especially in regulated industries.

Prior to Evie Networks he held technology investment and new product-market development roles at Corran Toohill Capital, AGL Energy Limited, Southern Cross Ventures, the California Clean Energy Fund and Flextronics. He has held multiple board and advisory roles at high growth and technology companies in Australia and the USA.

Session: Driving the future: how data, electrification & funding innovation will shape charging infrastructure

Alex is a Director at ARENA in the Business Development and Transaction Team. ARENA invests in projects to accelerate Australia’s shift to an affordable and reliable renewable energy future.

He has experience across financial modelling, investment and commercial analysis, valuation, due diligence, contract negotiation, tax and accounting, project management and M&A advisory.

Alex holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) from the University of Sydney, is a CFA Charterholder and a Chartered Accountant.

Session: CASE STUDY: Reimagining the role of public-private partnerships in unlocking widespread EV adoption

Andrew is an EV enthusiast whose career has spanned a diverse range of industries, including banking, digital media and education, both in Australia and abroad.

As City Relations Manager at JOLT, Andrew is responsible for creating partnerships with local Councils and private entities to roll out an innovative network of zero-cost fast electric vehicle chargers across Australia.

Session: Overcoming the unique obstacles to electrifying heavy vehicle fleets

Anthony Headlam is the CEO and a Co-Founder of NewVolt.

NewVolt’s mission is to decarbonise heavy road transport by fast tracking Australia's transition to electric trucks. NewVolt is developing a national network of charging hubs, powered by renewable energy, along Australia's major freight corridors and at critical industrial precincts to support electric truck adoption. Prior to co-founding NewVolt, Anthony was a renewable energy and infrastructure lawyer with experience across the private and public sectors in Australia and across the Asia Pacific.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How Australia's charging landscape is evolving: near term insights and strategies for the future

Oliver is the Program Leader for Electric Vehicles at the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre, an industry-led collaboration aiming to invest $350 million in energy-related research by 2030. RACE’s research stretches across energy innovation in businesses, homes, electricity networks and electric vehicles, which includes themes of optimising transport and power use, and integrating electric vehicles with the grid.

Oliver has experience designing and delivering major research-industry collaborations across Australia, and sees the electrification of transport systems as an opportunity to advance energy equity and transportation productivity. https://racefor2030.com.au/race-for-evs/

His key areas of expertise are research development and management, stakeholder management, systems mapping, science communication and strategic thinking.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should local government prepare for the rise of EVs while overcoming charging infrastructure challenges?

Jeremy is an experienced, qualified association CEO, who has led associations nationally in Australia and New Zealand as well as state associations in Australia. Jeremy served as a political adviser in federal Parliament in the late 1990s/ early 2000s before transitioning to association executive roles. He has led associations for over 15 years including in the education/training, social services, and construction sectors. Jeremy’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts (Organisational Communication). He was also one of the first association executives in Australia to complete the internationally recognised Certified Association Executive course and exam.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we drive EV adoption and improved charging infrastructure deployment through collaboration?

Carly is an Executive Director – Advisory and Contracting with Prospecta Utilites.

As a seasoned senior executive specialising in enterprise transformation and business innovation, she brings a proven track record across diverse industries including Education Disabilities, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport. Her career spans private, public, and government organisations, where she’s driven major organisational change, led significant customer experience reforms, and spearheaded operational transformation programs.

Session: Creating robust, accessible, resilient and cost-effective light vehicle infrastructure

Jack is passionate about Energy, with over 23 years of experience in the sector, as Head of Green Transport at EnergyAustralia, he is responsible for leading the company’s efforts to decarbonise the transport sector by identifying and scaling products and services.

Jack has a track record of driving strategic initiatives and have held various previous leadership roles, including Head of Strategy, Head of Reputation and Head of NextGen at EnergyAustralia, and Head of Strategic Planning for the Siemens Energy business.

Session: How are property investors analysing EV charging obstacles and opportunities?

Rebecca is the ESG & Sustainability Director for Taronga Ventures. She is responsible for supporting the ESG ambitions our portfolio companies and institutional investors, and providing ESG advisory services to the market through Taronga Advisory.

Her career has spanned in-house ESG strategy development and deployment to consultancy and advisory. Rebecca has a passion for the intersection of ESG and real assets, and at Taronga Ventures is working with companies to leverage technology and innovation solutions to mitigate ESG risks and take advantage of sustainability related opportunities.

She has worked in ESG program design and implementation, with a specialist focus on real assets from reporting and disclosure to strategy and roll-out. Rebecca was previously Head of ESG & Sustainability, Asia Pacific with Cushman & Wakefield, guiding and supporting owners, investors and occupiers to realise their ESG visions through program deployment.

She has a passion for cutting-edge solutions to promote and advance responsible business practices in the industry.

Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science, Environment (hons) from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s Degree in Sustainability and Business Management from Monash University.

Session: Vehicle to grid technology: unlocking the full economic and grid benefits of V2G services in Australia

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

Andy Kondola is a seasoned energy expert and Senior Systems and Network Planning Manager at Horizon Power, bringing more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning and integration of emerging technologies within the energy sector. In his current role, Andy oversees system and network planning initiatives across all of Horizon Power’s microgrids, building on his previous experiences where he played a key role in advancing distributed energy resources (DER) and sustainable microgrids across Western Australia.

Before joining Horizon Power, Andy held various technical and leadership positions at the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Western Power. As Principal Engineer at AEMO, he focused on integrating DER as part of Project Symphony, while ensuring safety and efficiency for customers, as well preserving secure market outcomes.

Earlier at Western Power, he served as Head of Network and Standards for many years, and then as Emerging Technology and Innovations Manager where he was accountable for leading and developing various pathways for emerging technologies to ensure overall safer, reliable, and more affordable customer outcomes. Andy’s career reflects his commitment to advancing resilient energy systems and promoting emerging technology adoption within the industry.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How Australia's charging landscape is evolving: near term insights and strategies for the future

EVSE was inspired by a trip to Europe in 2014 by its two founders Brendan Wheeler and Sam Korkees, where they were amazed to find the breadth of EVs available and charging stations lining the streets of Amsterdam. Since then, EVSE has quickly grown from startup to one of Australia’s leading EV charging solutions providers from the driveway to the highway. Sam's mission is to make EV charging simple and easy for every Australian.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should local government prepare for the rise of EVs while overcoming charging infrastructure challenges?

Over the last two decades, Felicia Mariani has forged a career as a C-Suite innovator, disruptor and leader in the tourism, events, and entertainment industries across three states.

Throughout her career, Felicia has navigated premier destination marketing agencies through major phases of change and reinvention to emerge stronger and more focused on the objectives and outcomes they were looking to achieve.

Over the past three years amid the global pandemic, she emerged as a primary influencer and key spokesperson for media and government on behalf of Victoria’s $32 billion visitor economy sector.

From being part of the team that delivered the globally recognised and awarded destination campaign, “You’ll Love Every Piece of Victoria”; to guiding the creation of the first-ever ‘non-accredited media centre’ as part of the Sydney 2000 Olympics to crafting the 10-year destination strategy that acted as a blueprint for reinventing Tasmania’s brand proposition beyond nature and wilderness, Felicia has been at the helm of leading organisations through critical junctures in their development and positioning.
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Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How Australia's charging landscape is evolving: near term insights and strategies for the future

Vivian is the Chief Strategy Officer at The NRMA - Australia's largest member-owned organisation that is driving an electrification agenda across the breadth of its operations - EV charging, roadside assistance, SIXT vehicle rental, holiday parks and marine. She leads strategy, policy & advocacy, corporate affairs and ESG. This includes advancing public policies for cleaner transport and hosting community activities such as EV Drive Days and the EV Hub. Together with the other Autoclubs, NRMA owns ChargeFox - Australia's largest EV charging network.

Vivian is on the Board of the EV Council. She previously worked in strategy consulting with Booz & Company, investment banking with Deutsche Bank, and in carbon markets with GreenCollar.

Session: A roadmap for developing a fleet electrification strategy and essential infrastructure

Michael is an accomplished asset management and operations practitioner, with over 20 of experience in a variety of maintenance and leadership roles.

With a career spanning multiple sectors, Michael has been involved in the management of a diverse range of fleets including off-road Mining, Mobile Cranes, Civil equipment and Heavy Haulage.

Holding mechanical trade background and a Diploma of Leadership, Michael has also completed a Leadership Development Program with Mt Eliza Business School and is currently completing a MBA with the University of Newcastle.

Michael currently works in the energy sector and is deeply passionate about people, safety and the electrification of fleet.

Session: Accelerating sustainability through EV charging infrastructure

Natasha joined CBRE in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience in precinct development, sustainability, and complex project delivery.

Natasha has extensive experience working across industry and government to create projects which deliver triple bottom line results. Natasha was the Sustainability & Engagement Manager for West Village, the multi-award winning, $1.1 billion urban renewal project by Sekisui House Australia. Natasha has also held senior roles with Stockland, and Moreton Bay Regional Council and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

In 2019 she became the inaugural winner of the Architecture & Design Women in Sustainability Award, and in 2020 was named a Green Star Champion by the Green Building Council of Australia.

Natasha is an experience presenter and facilitator, and enjoys working collaboratively with clients to deliver ESG Strategy.

Session: Building momentum for the EV transition

Terry Niemeier is an electrical engineer, and executive leader with experience delivering large-scale programs across the Electricity supply, and Transport industries. He is the Director of Program and Market Development at the Office of Energy & Climate Change, with oversight of the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle program portfolio, along with the Business Decarbonisation program and the Energy Security Safeguard programs which create competitive markets for the delivery of energy efficiency and peak demand reduction activities. Terry is passionate about energy efficiency and shifting the economy to low emissions technologies through electrification.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we drive EV adoption and improved charging infrastructure deployment through collaboration?

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we drive EV adoption and improved charging infrastructure deployment through collaboration?

Anita is the Program Manager for EV Charging at RAA.

She is a visionary leader with a proven track record of success in leading complex initiatives from inception to completion. Her expertise is in planning, organising, and executing complex projects or programs to achieve goals within budget and on time.

Her key strengths include strategic planning and execution, exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills and proven ability to manage and motivate cross-functional teams. She is an energetic and dedicated multi-degree qualified professional.

Her experience is in a variety of industries including Automotive, IT, Telecommunication, Engineering, Energy and Mining.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

Anthony Seipolt is a self-confessed energy nerd. He has a passion for distributed energy and how it will change (not only the electricity grid) but how we live our lives.

A key focus for Anthony is as a translator. To translate between the realm of physics, and those of economic regulation. Bringing money and electrons into a common and understandable narrative.

Anthony has an MBA, and has also held Board positions for a number of not-for-profit community businesses. He also has a passion for cycling, but best not to get him started on that.

Session: Driving innovation in electricity networks to accommodate EV charging

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: Solving the energy equation: how can we build a smarter grid for EV charging success?

Glenn Springall is Energy Queensland’s General Manager of the Renewables and Distributed Energy group. The team focuses on fringe of grid innovation, demand and energy management solutions, network connections including technical performance assessment and standards, Isolated Systems asset management and decarbonisation along with the development of a cohesive future network strategy.

Glenn holds a dual Bachelor Engineering (Electrical/Electronic) and Bachelor Science (Chemistry), a Master of Business Administration (Digital Transformation), is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland and is a Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we navigate the challenges and benefits of EV charging stations in commercial, retail, and residential developments?

Nick is a highly accomplished individual and natural leader. Throughout my career, I have become well-versed in overseeing the strategic implementation of complex projects, with a proven track record in driving B2B customer relations and directing large-scale deployments.

His areas of expertise include DNSP engagement, risk assessment, procurement scoping, operational management, and a deep understanding of DC Charging technologies (ABB, Tritium, Kempower. Alpitronic). He has a firm grasp of power systems and processes, and am adept at translating strategic visions into actionable, results-oriented plans. He also places a strong emphasis on maintaining excellent stakeholder relations and ensuring superior customer satisfaction.

Dedicated to continuing his career focused on high-quality, relationship-based services to facilitate the efficient and effective delivery of business operations. He welcomes the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals or discuss opportunities within the EV charging and future energy solutions space.

Session: From policy to plug: Merri-bek City Council’s insights on rolling out public EV charging

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How should local government prepare for the rise of EVs while overcoming charging infrastructure challenges?

Paul works on reducing Merri-bek Council’s corporate and community carbon footprint. He is primarily responsible for managing and expanding Council’s portfolios of electric vehicle chargers (20+, 7kw – 80kW) and solar PV (1.3MW). He is also focussed on the degasification of Council sites, specifically of our aquatic centres.

Prior to moving to Australia, Paul worked at the Carbon Trust, a London-based sustainability consultancy. Paul supported corporates such as Heathrow Airport, Vodafone, Carlsberg, AXA and Samsung. His projects included product carbon footprinting, Scope 3 reporting and science-based carbon targets.

Session: PANEL DISCUSSION: How can we drive EV adoption and improved charging infrastructure deployment through collaboration?

Session: Getting to 70%: Leveraging home charging to become an EV nation

Tim Washington is the CEO and co-founder of JET Charge, Australia’s largest EV charging technology business. Tim was also the co-founder of Chargefox, now the country’s largest EV charging network. Tim is also the Chair of the Australian Electric Vehicle Council, Australia’s peak body for the EV industry.

Session: Opening remarks from the Chair

Kendra has over 20 years of combined industry, government and academic experience as a sustainability specialist in the built environment sector. As the Sustainable Development Planner in the Buildings and Property Division of Monash University, she leads the development and delivery of the University’s Sustainability Strategy. Kendra’s expertise and experience in renewable energy focuses on the client-side, including developing net zero implementation plans, business case development, low carbon financing and procurement of renewable energy. She was project lead on Monash University’s Power Purchase Agreement with the Murra Warra Wind Farm. Kendra is often asked to share her experience on PPA procurement and implementation with other corporate buyers and stakeholder groups.