Keynote Speakers

Zion joined the Jamie Kay team as CEO in 2023. As a values-based leader Zion is world- renowned for his ability to connect and empower teams, foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and grow talent. He believes if you put people first results will always follow. A former president of adidas North America, Zion oversaw the business in the U.S and Canada and was responsible for driving the vision and culture.

Zion’s successful history with adidas spanned many years and many countries. Starting in 1998 the journey took him to Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and the US with role progressions from Product Manager to president of adidas North America. During his time Zion led the North American team to deliver record results, more than doubling revenues to 6BLN USD and posting record profitability. Alongside his role at Jamie Kay, Zion is non-executive director of KMD Brands and US company, Cosmo.

Zion Armstrong is an avid sports fan. He competed in the IAAF World Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Games and is a former New Zealand record holder for 400-metre hurdles. Born and raised in New Zealand, Zion is one of 10, he has six sisters and three brothers. Zion has two kids and lives in between Auckland and Christchurch.

Cam is New Zealand’s leading independent economist, with extensive experience in business and agriculture and brings a local and international flavour to his conversations. Cam’s ability to take complicated and complex information and data and make it accessible and meaningful for his audience sets him apart.

Cam also runs two other businesses besides Bagrie Economics and sits on a couple of boards so is a business honed economist, not a theory or ivory tower based one. Join Cam as he takes us through the issues and opportunities for the dairy sector, provides commentary and analysis on what the present and future holds and how the sector can thrive in these uncertain times. A not to be missed intimate breakfast where you’ll get to be informed, ask questions and engage with fellow business owners.

Dr John Roche is a globally recognised expert in agricultural science and was appointed Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in May 2025.

He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, which was established to guide the government on key scientific priorities and challenges.

Dr Roche grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, Ireland, where his early experiences shaped his passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability. He holds an Honours degree in Animal Science, a Master’s in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition. His academic and professional career spans Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with a focus on advancing sustainable farming practices and improving agricultural productivity.

Dr Roche has also served as Chief Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) since 2018, a role he continues on a part time basis. At MPI, he led the organisation’s science forum, chaired the science governance group, and oversaw the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. He also contributed to the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor’s Forum and held an adjunct professorship at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences.

Dr Roche’s previous roles include Principal Scientist for Animal Science at DairyNZ, where he worked on innovative solutions to enhance the dairy sector’s sustainability and resilience. His expertise in animal nutrition, farm systems, and pasture management has made him a trusted advisor in both scientific and policy circles.

Julia Jones

Zion Armstrong

Cameron Bagrie

Dr John Roche

Delegate registration

Lincoln University - April 2026