Welcome Speaker
Chad Egan
Chad Egan has been a resident of Bali for the past 12 years and brings extensive experience in property investment across Australia and Southeast Asia. As the Director of Geonet Properties & Finance Group, Chad leads a passionate international team dedicated to making property investment accessible and focused on cash-flow-positive properties in tourism markets.
Under Chad’s leadership, Geonet has combined innovative technology with data-driven research to connect developers, agencies, and buyers seamlessly. His team provides a full-service approach, including market research, property search, and financial planning, all tailored to clients’ wealth-building goals. Geonet partners with world-renowned hotel brands and sold over $180 million in property across the region in just two years.
Chad’s commitment to excellence and his ability to build a network of top property specialists, financial advisors, and legal experts has made Geonet a leader in property investment throughout Southeast Asia and Australia.
Panelists
Evan Burns
Evan Burns has been a driving force behind the brand’s growth in the region over the past five years. With a strong background in hospitality across Australia and Indonesia, Evan’s passion for the industry began in Gippsland, Victoria, and led him to Jakarta a decade ago. His leadership has been key to establishing Cross Hotels & Resorts as a prominent name in Indonesia, particularly with luxury properties in Bali and Lombok.
Under Evan’s leadership, Cross Hotels & Resorts has expanded its portfolio with notable properties, including Tanadewa Resort & Spa, Away Bali Legian Camakila, and Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak. These developments reflect the brand’s commitment to offering exceptional, culturally immersive guest experiences. His commitment to offering authentic and luxurious guest experiences, along with a focus on sustainability, has driven the brand’s expansion.
Caleb Gibbins
With over a decade of experience in financial services, Caleb Gibbins brings a unique blend of legal expertise and technological innovation to the industry. As a former financial services lawyer at top-tier firm Minter Ellison, Caleb advised major fund managers such as BlackRock, BetaShares, and Vanguard on their Australian operations.
As the founder of Cache Invest, Caleb has transformed the company into a leading technology-driven fund services provider. Under his leadership, Cache delivers unparalleled solutions to the funds management industry, streamlining operations and enhancing client outcomes with cutting-edge innovation.
Dalton Grant Jr.
CO-CIO, Geonet International Fund
Dalton Grant Jr. brings over 15 years of experience in capital raising and management, with a focus on finance, property development, and digital asset markets. Known for his progressive mindset, Dalton excels at building meaningful connections and devising creative, out-of-the-box strategies that benefit all parties involved.
As the leader of a company focused on accelerating the development of a better digital world, Dalton supports blockchain companies by leveraging deep market insights, a trusted network, and access to capital. His team believes in the transformative power of blockchain technology to drive global economic and social change.
Dalton’s expertise, combined with his passion for innovative technologies, positions him as a forward-thinking leader in both traditional and digital investment spaces.
Charlie Hearn
Charlie Hearn, a qualified RIBA architect and graduate of the Bartlett School of Architecture at UCL, leads Inspiral Architecture and Design Studios. Known for creating innovative, eco-conscious designs that connect human nature with the environment, Charlie’s team of architects, engineers, and artisans has delivered dynamic projects across Southeast Asia and beyond. Their expertise includes bio-responsive construction techniques, integrating SIP technology, bamboo structures, and sustainable materials, earning global recognition and accolades such as the UNESCO Prix Versailles award for sustainability.
Inspiral Studios has become a leader in holistic and sustainable architecture, with projects featured in international publications and spanning diverse sectors from high-end residences to public infrastructure. A sought-after speaker at academic and industry events, Charlie shares his insights into architecture’s transformative role in fostering meaningful connections between people and their environments.
Chris Hodda
Advisor – Investment Committee, Geonet Investment Fund
Chris Hodda brings 35 years of expertise in banking, wealth management, and corporate advisory, holding senior executive roles at top institutions such as NAB, CBA, AMP, and MLC. As CEO of Aeternis Equity and Advisor to its Investment Committee, Chris is recognised for his strategic insight and leadership in navigating complex financial landscapes.
His extensive career includes consulting for global firms like Citibank, Macquarie, JP Morgan, Wilsons Advisory, and Morgans Stockbroking, further cementing his reputation as a trusted advisor in the financial sector.
A Harvard Business School alumnus, Chris combines world-class education with decades of industry experience, delivering innovative solutions and driving growth across diverse financial markets.
Mark Reed
With over 25 years of experience in sales management, Mark Reed brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his role as International Sales Manager at Geonet Properties & Finance Group. Renowned for his investor-focused approach, Mark leads a dynamic team that bridges international sales channels, ensuring seamless connections between global markets and investment opportunities.
Mark’s commitment to due diligence and client success underscores his ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each investor. His collaborative leadership and deep industry knowledge have been instrumental in building long-term relationships and driving exceptional results for Geonet’s international clientele.
Camille Thelu
Camille Thelu is the Senior Vice President for ELLE’s non-media activities, bringing 15 years of expertise in brand extension across fashion, home decor, services, and the burgeoning hospitality sector. Under his leadership, ELLE has successfully expanded its iconic brand into new markets and industries, setting benchmarks for innovation and excellence.
ELLE, part of the globally renowned Lagardère Group, operates in over 40 countries and achieved revenue of €8.1 billion in 2023. Camille’s strategic vision continues to drive the brand’s global influence, bridging lifestyle and luxury with a forward-thinking approach to brand development.
Chris Thompson
With over 30 years in the construction and project design industry, Chris Thompson has led $2.8 billion in developments across retail, hospitality, and commercial sectors. He is an expert in managing property fund compliance, joint ventures, and drafting complex legal agreements.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Construction Management & Economics and an MBA in Strategic & Project Management. He is a registered builder, project manager, licensed electrician, and licensed real estate agent, bringing a diverse skill set to every project he leads. His extensive experience positions him as a trusted leader in delivering large-scale, high-impact developments.
Keynote Speaker
Michael Klim
Michael Klim is a former elite athlete, renowned for his achievements in swimming, including two Olympic gold medals, five Commonwealth Games gold medals, and six World Championship titles. Now based in Bali, Michael has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding several Australian-based brands. These include Klim Swim, which offers quality swimming tuition, Milk & Co + Klim by Michael Klim, a skincare line for men, women, and babies, and his involvement with World Series Swim as a partner and ambassador.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Michael Klim has built a strong presence as a brand ambassador, working with Australian and international brands such as Chivas Regal, Mercedes Benz, and Woolworths. He has been the face of numerous global companies including Speedo, Omega, and Google. Drawing on his success as an Olympian and businessman, Michael delivers corporate keynote presentations and personal development mentoring programs.
Beyond business, Michael is dedicated to philanthropy, with affiliations to the Brainwave Foundation and the Polished Man Campaign. His swim program, Klim Swim, continues to promote water safety and nurture the next generation of swimmers. A proud father of three, Michael prioritises a balanced work and family life while continuing to focus on health, wellness, fitness, and transformative travel experiences.