In an era of accelerating change and transformation across the retail and FMCG landscape, women leaders are stepping up, speaking out and shaping the future of the industry.

This October in Melbourne, the Women in Retail and FMCG Leadership Summit 2025 will once again bring together a powerhouse lineup of trailblazing women for two days of inspiration, strategy and community. Designed to empower women to navigate change, drive innovation and thrive in an evolving industry, the summit is more than just a professional development event, it’s a movement.

With every session, panel and keynote, the goal is clear: To elevate female voices, celebrate leadership journeys, and equip attendees with the tools they need to lead with purpose and impact.

At the heart of this year’s summit is an unwavering belief in the power of shared stories. Whether attendees are seasoned executives or emerging leaders, the summit offers a unique space to connect, learn, and grow alongside women who have paved the way, women like Carrie Kirkman, chief merchandise and marketing officer at Target Australia.

With over 25 years of experience leading major fashion and retail brands, Kirkman’s journey is a testament to the strength, resilience and strategic foresight required to succeed in high-pressure executive roles. Now at the helm of merchandise and marketing at one of Australia’s most iconic retailers, Kirkman brings her global perspective, proven track record and deep industry insight to the summit stage.

In her keynote-style presentation, Kirkman offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at her remarkable leadership journey from navigating corporate boardrooms to building high-performing teams and driving strategic transformation across borders. Drawing on her experience as former CEO of Sears Canada and now chief merchandise and marketing officer at Target Australia, she will explore how true leadership begins from within. Attendees will gain powerful insights into how confidence, self-belief, and resilience fuel bold, values-led decisions, especially in times of complexity and change.

With stories of reimagining retail strategies and leading through high-stakes transformation, Kirkman’s session is essential listening for anyone looking to future-proof their career and lead with authenticity, courage and purpose in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.

And while Kirkman’s session is a highlight, it’s just one part of a dynamic and diverse agenda. The summit will cover a wide range of topics, including managing complex challenges, balancing short-term demands with long-term impact, and leading through disruption. Interactive panels, hands-on workshops, and expert commentary will ensure attendees walk away with practical insights and renewed energy.

At its core, the Women in Retail and FMCG Leadership Summit is about bringing women together across roles, levels, and companies to celebrate achievements, share challenges, and champion each other forward. In a time when female representation in senior leadership still lags behind, events like this matter. They create momentum. They spark ideas. They fuel change. So whether you’re leading a team, managing a brand, or preparing for your next big career move, this summit is your invitation to step into a room where women lead, listen and lift each other up.