Stela Solar is the CEO of Stone & Chalk, Australia's largest innovation community. Stela also serves on the Data & AI Advisory Council at Beyond Blue. A recognised technology leader, she was previously Managing Director for Data&AI at Accenture ANZ, served as the Inaugural Director of Australia's National AI Centre and Co-chair of the Commonwealth AI Consortium, after holding several leadership positions at Microsoft, including Global Director of AI Solution Sales and Global Partner Co-sell Leader.

Throughout her distinguished 20 year career, she has driven business model transformations that enable organisations to capture new opportunities through emerging technologies including Cloud, IoT, and AI, and has developed nation-wide AI frameworks such as the Voluntary AI Safety Standard.

Combining her background in sustainability and creative industries with deep technical expertise, Stela is known for delivering business outcomes anchored in business value, market differentiation and responsible impact. Beyond her professional endeavours, Stela enjoys sailing and tries to find time to play cello and piano.