QUT Business Leaders' Forum with Erica Berchtold, CEO, David Jones
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.
QUT Business Leaders' Forum
Leadership, unfiltered.
The Speakers
Erica Berchtold, Chief Executive Officer, David Jones
Erica Berchtold is Chief Executive Officer of David Jones and the first female CEO in the company's 188-year history. She is leading the next phase of the David Jones transformation, focused on accelerating the INSPIRE30 strategy, strengthening the Company's commercial and operational performance, modernising its technology and digital capabilities and enhancing the customer experience across stores and online. A highly respected retail executive with more than 20 years' experience, Erica has built a reputation for driving growth, transformation and innovation across some of Australia's most recognised retail brands. She brings deep expertise in ecommerce, digital transformation, brand curation, merchandising, supply chain and omnichannel retail. Prior to joining David Jones, Erica served as CEO of THE ICONIC, where she led the business through significant digital growth and innovation, as Managing Director of Rebel Sport and as CEO of Mosaic Brands. Erica is passionate about developing high-performing teams and creating inclusive workplaces where people can thrive. As one of Australia's most prominent female retail leaders, she actively mentors emerging leaders through initiatives such as Mentor Walks and is committed to supporting greater representation of women at every level of business. Beyond her executive role, Erica is an active contributor to the Australian retail industry and broader business community. She is a member of the Australia Post / NORA Consumer Advisory Group and has previously served as a Councillor on the Board of the Australian Retailers Association, President of the Australian Sporting Goods Association and a Board Member of Sydney FC. Erica regularly shares her experience with students, industry groups and future leaders, championing the values of courage, curiosity, resilience and humility. Throughout her career she has balanced senior leadership roles with family life and is a proud wife and mother of three children.
The Audience
Join 450+ senior executives from 150+ organisations across all industries.
This is the room where Queensland's corporate and professional community connects, collaborates and leads.
Members of Chartered Accountants ANZ and CPA Australia may claim this activity as formal CPD hours
The Inclusions
11.30am – Arrival networking with drinks
12.10pm – Doors open | Three-course lunch with drinks
2.00pm – Extended networking with drinks (until 2:30pm)
Arrive early and stay on to connect directly with our guest speaker and fellow senior leaders during our networking sessions.
The Partners
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Buy Tickets
This event has passedBuy Tickets
This event has passed