Seven News Network Finance Editor and Director of News Operations — financial journalist, MC and chair.
Gemma Acton is Seven News' Network Finance Editor and, since her appointment in 2024, the network's Director of News Operations, leading digital-first strategy across its newsrooms. She brings more than 20 years of experience across global finance and broadcast media. Before moving into journalism she worked in investment banking and wealth management at Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and PIMCO; she then reported on air for CNBC International in London, covering European markets and major economic events, before returning to Australia in 2017. She holds a BA from University College London, an MBA and MA from the Wharton School and the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
What Acton brings to a stage is broadcast fluency on top of genuine financial training. She is as comfortable in a live, unscripted environment as she is in a prepared keynote — a skill built across years of breaking-news journalism where there is no second take. She understands how to read a room, manage a panel, and translate the language of finance into something an audience without an economics degree can follow and apply to its own decisions. Having lived and worked across London, New York, Dubai, Milan and Paris, and reported from close to twenty countries, she brings first-hand context to questions about the global economy.
As a master of ceremonies, panellist and conference chair for business, finance and corporate events, Gemma Acton brings credibility that is immediately apparent to an audience. For annual general meetings, investment conferences, economic forums and high-profile corporate events, she provides the kind of anchor that makes the whole program feel considered and authoritative. Delegates leave with a clearer understanding of the economic context around the event.
Gemma Acton is a keynote speaker and MC based overseas who speaks on business strategy, finance & economics and media & journalism. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Gemma is a professional, engaging and versatile host for your next event. From international conferences to gala award ceremonies, product launches to board forums, Gemma has the experience, professionalism and warmth to bring out the best in your event and your speakers. Gemma also facilitates panel discussions, conducts media training, hosts award programs and presents corporate videos.
An entertaining, surprising and empowering look at money. Perfect for women's events and conferences, Gemma's signature presentation draws on her decades in business and financial journalism to unpack why women need to take control of their financial futures, and how they can do so – starting right now. Expect humour, warmth and actionable takeaways.
As a former TV and print journalist turned financial consultant, Gemma is the ideal speaker to set the scene for any business or industry event. Gemma has worked across retail, superannuation, banking and finance, property and the broader economy. She is perfectly placed to deliver an authoritative but accessible overview of current issues, trends and outlook for the industry and economy.
Gemma's unique combination of media, business and economics experience means she can engage a broad audience with topics from the financial world. Whether your audience needs an overview of the domestic economy, an update on global issues, or an insight into how the media scrutinises business and investment, Gemma can deliver an informative and engaging presentation, tailored to your audience.
I just wanted to thank you for a brilliant job as our MC for the Property Council of Australia's Retirement Living Conference in Hobart. The feedback on the conference has been universally positive – and much of that success comes from an excellent MC who managed the entire flow of the day to keep delegates engaged throughout. Your ability to take complex economic data and make it digestible and enjoyable is a real talent!General Manager / Property Council of Australia
Thank you so much for your fantastic contribution to our ANZ Private Bank Women's Network luncheon. Your speech about investing for women was well thought out, informative and entertaining, and it was very well received by our guests. I don't think anyone expected it to be quite so much fun, and your insights were invaluable.ANZ Private Bank
Gemma was brilliant as MC at our 500+ delegate conference in Melbourne. She was professional yet natural - the perfect combination to make everyone feel at ease. She kept the day running beautifully, not only maintaining the correct timing but also injecting some humour here and there to bring the attendees back to reality. We would highly recommend Gemma to anyone looking for a professional, experienced and fun MC!CEO / Industry Super Australia
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