Founder and CEO of ICE Professionals, governance leader

Overview

Nuwanthie Samarakone is the founder and CEO of ICE — Inspire, Create, Engage — a talent and people consultancy that helps organisations across the Asia Pacific, UK and US build the workforces of the future. She is one of New Zealand's most respected voices on early careers, intergenerational workforces and inclusive leadership.

Who is Nuwanthie Samarakone? Born in Sri Lanka and educated in Auckland, Nuwanthie completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences at the University of Auckland before working in NZ's public and private health sectors. In 2014 she founded ICE, which now operates across 24 markets and 6 countries. She is an independent director of Tourism Talent, Kalandra Education Group and Kokiri Construction, a judge for the CIO 100 Awards and the NZ Hi-Tech Awards and a former Chair of the Auckland ICT Graduate School.

Career Highlights • Founder and CEO of ICE Professionals since 2014 • ICE operates in 6 countries and 24 markets across Asia Pacific, London and San Francisco • Independent director of Tourism Talent, Kalandra Education Group and Kokiri Construction • Former Chair of the Auckland ICT Graduate School • Trustee of the Well Foundation, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Royal New Zealand Ballet • Judge for the CIO 100 Awards and the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards

Key Speaking Themes • Early careers, graduate talent and building future-fit workforces • The intergenerational workplace and leading multi-generation teams • Diversity, equity and inclusion in business • Women in leadership and migrant success stories • Entrepreneurship and scaling across the Asia Pacific

What Your Audience Will Gain Nuwanthie blends operational rigour with warmth and lived migrant experience. Audiences leave with a sharper view of how to attract, develop and keep talent — and a fresh perspective on inclusive leadership.

Ideal For • HR, talent and learning conferences • Leadership and CEO summits • Women in business and International Women's Day events • Diversity, equity and inclusion forums • Universities, careers and government events

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Nuwanthie Samarakone speak about? Early careers and the future workforce, intergenerational leadership, diversity and inclusion, women in business and entrepreneurship.

What is ICE Professionals? The people and talent consultancy Nuwanthie founded in 2014. ICE helps organisations design, deliver and develop early-careers and graduate programmes.

Where does ICE operate? In 6 countries and 24 markets across the Asia Pacific, with offices in London and San Francisco.

What is Nuwanthie Samarakone's background? Born in Sri Lanka and educated in Auckland, she holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences and worked in the NZ health sector before founding ICE.

What governance roles does Nuwanthie Samarakone hold? She is an independent director of Tourism Talent, Kalandra Education Group and Kokiri Construction, and a former Chair of the Auckland ICT Graduate School.
Is Nuwanthie Samarakone available for international events? Yes. Nuwanthie speaks regularly across NZ, Australia, Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific.