Bringing together the Director, CEO and Sustainability communities for a korero on managing a climate strategy. Chapter Zero NZ (hosted by the Institute of Directors) is delighted to be hosting a breakfast event at the Climate Change and Business Conference.&nbsp;
A productive relationship between the board and management is critical for good governance and organisational effectiveness. This breakfast session will discuss the role of the board in climate action, and explore the importance of the relationship between sustainability professionals, management and the board to making meaningful changes to reduce emissions, and identify adaption pathways.&nbsp;
We will be joined by a panel of speakers representing different perspectives in the operational, management and board structure to discuss how the working relationship is operating in their organisations to develop and implement sustainability strategies.&nbsp;
Panellists:
<h4>Alison Barrass CFInstD</h4>
Alison has significant governance experience and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Her current governance roles include Chair of Tom and Luke and Babich Wines, and Director of Spark (where she Chairs the People and Culture Committee), Suncorp New Zealand Ltd, Rockit Global and Zespri.
She is also the Chair of the Global Sustainability Advisory Board of Zespri.
Alison has more than 30 years’ experience working in major international FMCG companies in both sales and marketing, and is the former CEO of Goodman Fielder and Griffin Foods.
<h4>Malcolm Johns</h4>
Malcolm joined Genesis Energy in 2023 as Chief Executive prior to this he was the Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport for 9 years.
Malcolm is responsible for leadership, strategic direction and management of Genesis’ business interests.
He is a signatory and founding member of the Climate Leaders Coalition Steering Group and served as Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council leading the regional trade policy task force for climate change.
Malcolm has also been Chief Executive of InterCity Group and held several governance roles within New Zealand’s transport, infrastructure and tourism sectors.
He has a Bachelor of Management Studies at the University of Waikato and has completed a range of executive leadership programs through Wharton Business School (USA), IESE (Spain), CIEBS (China), Northwestern University (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK).
<h4>Lee Stewart MInstD</h4>
Lee Stewart, a 20-year sustainability expert across Australia, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand, spans startups, consulting, and global firms. Accredited by Al Gore in 2011, he's mentored 100+ students. As Fujitsu's Sydney-based Head of Sustainability, Lee pioneered AI-powered Digital Owl, safeguarding species in remote NSW. Leading a Sydney consultant team, he focused on emissions and climate risk.
At Fonterra in NZ, he headed Corporate Sustainability, advancing methane research, regulations, and strategy.&nbsp; Late last year Lee founded ESG Strategy, prioritising education, and capacity-building. He currently guides Briscoe Group's sustainability and aids Tongan Government's zero-waste efforts with a goal of helping Tonga be the inaugural Circular Kingdom by 2040. His upcoming book offers a guide to sustainability strategy.

Chapter Zero NZ breakfast - A kōrero on managing a climate strategy