Our best in business: 6th Annual Executive Awards
Our experienced judging panel of 10 had a mighty challenge on their hands to determine the list of 105 finalists, and then ultimately the winners of each category, including the much anticipated CEO of the Year Award – an extremely close race this year with only a few points separating the top three finalists.
However, you can’t argue with the statistics, and SBS’s Michael Ebeid just pipped the other contenders at the post to be crowned CEO of the Year.
Runner-up was Jason Dooris whose accomplishments can’t be overlooked. The CEO of Atomic 212° had an outstanding year, leaving the judges with a tricky decision to make. Through a transformation of his company’s business model, Jason was instrumental in helping Atomic 212° achieve a phenomenal revenue increase. Additionally, the creative media business saw higher levels of client and staff retention under Jason’s watch.
"It’s a great honour," he said upon accepting the award. "I was a runner-up [in the CEO of the Year category] two years ago and it’s great to see how the event has grown. To receive this award is a reflection of the great work – and the hard work – that the people in our business have done. It’s a fun night as well."
Roy Hill CEO Barry Fitzgerald also received a special mention in the major category, getting the Highly Commended award. It was Barry’s second win of the evening, after taking out Energy and Resources Executive of the Year earlier in the ceremony.
Barry heads up the A$10 billion iron ore mining project Roy Hill in Western Australia and, from day one, he has ensured the effective management of its environmental impact, recruitment, contract structure and technology, delivering results on schedule and on budget.
"It’s really pleasing," he said. "It’s a great reflection of the team. [To be successful] the reality is you need three things: you need the opportunity, which I got through our chairman; you need someone at home, which is my wife; and most of all you need the leadership team, who make it easy."
"[To be successful] the reality is you need three things: you need the opportunity, which I got through our chairman; you need someone at home, which is my wife; and most of all you need the leadership team, who make it easy." – Barry Fitzgerald.
Roy Hill’s majority owner is Hancock Prospecting Group, of which Gina Rinehart is the Executive Chairman. She attended the Awards alongside Barry and didn’t go home empty-handed, winning Chairperson of the Year.
Gina has formed significant strategic relationships with multinational partners from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as achieving the largest-ever financing for a mainland greenfield resource project. She consistently devotes herself to her company group responsibilities, and has grown Hancock Prospecting Group exponentially since becoming Executive Chairman in 1992.
Gina was invited onstage by MC Eddie McGuire to share some words on the contentious topic of investment in Australia, of which she is a vocal advocate. Upon her closing remarks, guests at the black-tie event cheered in agreement.
"Investment right now is a problem in Australia," she said. "Investment is critical to our future, it’s critical to our standard of living and so many things. And, of course, what are we doing? We are not getting that investment. If you look at the Whitlam Government years, they were known to be anti-business and they were known to not be inducive to investment. Currently, investment levels in Australia per GDP are actually lower than they were in the anti-business, anti-investment Whitlam Government years. We’re in record debt as well.
"I believe in the two T's: taxation, less of it; and government red tape, much less of it." Runner-up in the Chairperson of the Year category was Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman Ann Sherry. She also won Hospitality and Tourism Executive of the Year.
The doers
For Trent Innes, Managing Director of Xero Australia, it was a very memorable evening. He won not only the IT and Telecommunications Executive of the Year Award, but also Managing Director of the Year.
Trent has steered his company’s yearly growth rate to more than 40% in both revenue and customers, which has elevated it into the ranks of Australia’s largest listed technology companies. "It feels absolutely fantastic and it’s an honour to win," Trent said. "It’s a really great sign of all the hard work our team has put in to build such an amazing business."
Hot on his heels was runner-up Alistair Venn, the Managing Director of Menulog Australia and New Zealand. It was a particularly successful night for the Menulog team with Alistair’s colleague Morten Belling recognised in his category as well – CFO of the Year.
As the company’s Finance Director, Morten has perfectly juggled the difficult balance of his role. He’s ensured stakeholder requirements are met while at the same time building a solid foundation for the future of the business.
"It means a lot, we’ve been through a massive transition over the past three years … so the fact that I can stand here today accepting this award is huge," Morten shared. "Tonight I’m going to celebrate this for myself but tomorrow we’re going to celebrate this as a team."
Runner-up CFO of the Year was Magdalena Kosior-Molloy, CFO of Holman Webb Lawyers.
The problem solvers
The CIO of the Year category is always one to watch as IT and computer systems become an increasingly important aspect of any business. Taking home the win was Peter Auhl, CIO of the City of Adelaide.
Peter has changed public perceptions of his organisation with bold programs that can more effectively solve problems big and small. He’s harnessed technology and information in a way that will allow the government entity to compete internationally as well as make businesses rethink the way they operate. "It’s incredibly humbling," he revealed after the announcement. "I’m a country boy from the South East of South Australia and to be impacting society in the way that we are at the City of Adelaide is fantastic. I’m incredibly passionate about making sure that our children and our state have an economic future."
Andrea Walsh, CIO of Isentia, was also recognised on the evening for this category as runner-up CIO of the Year.
Winning HR Executive of the Year was BankVic’s Mari Ruiz. As the organisation’s Chief People and Culture Officer, she has consistently gone above and beyond to transform staff culture and engagement through a fresh vision that espouses the highest of values and performance. The judges were impressed with how she has redefined the human resources role into one that is unique and impactful.
"It's an amazing group of people here tonight, so to walk away with a win is no mean feat." – Mari Ruiz
After receiving her award, Mari said she was "totally and utterly in shock". "I’m honoured. It’s an amazing group of people here tonight, so to walk away with a win is no mean feat.
"[The Awards] are an absolute acknowledgment of the quality of the people in the market. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate people’s success and to assess the diversity of talent we’ve got in the room – it’s wonderful."
Marketing Executive of the Year went to another individual playing an influential role in her organisation – Trisca Scott-Branagan who is the Executive Director, Marketing of Deakin University.
Trisca has spearheaded a major national marketing campaign for the institution, repositioning it as an ambitious and exciting challenger brand in the education space.
"I am beside myself, I seriously did not think that we would make it," she said of the win. "It means that after years of work and belief, it has come true. For my team, it’s a symbol of the fact that we’re on the right course, that we're doing the right stuff and that they’re bloody awesome! You know internally when you’re doing good stuff because you’re meeting your KPIs, but you don’t know if you’re doing world-class stuff. Awards like this just validate that what you’re doing is more than meeting your internal KPIs. You’re doing best practice nationally and globally."
The change makers
It’s not often it happens, but in this year’s Sales Executive of the Year category there were two winners. Steven Hoyle, Commercial Director of Employsure, and Andrea Ingham, Director of Sales ANZ for Spotify, received the same scores from the judging panel after both having a year filled with notable achievements.
Steven has created and implemented a new sales strategy at a company that’s today recognised as one of Australia’s fastest growing and best places to work. Meanwhile, Andrea has collaborated productively with rival firms, advised and mentored others in the field and overseen industry-leading staff satisfaction ratings.
"It’s pretty surreal to be honest," Steven commented. "[Employsure] is a great business and team so it’s more for them than me." Andrea added: "I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s an amazing award associated with a reputable magazine."
A determined Sara Kahlau from icare took out the next award, Young Executive of the Year. As the General Manager, Office of the CEO, she has driven disruptive change, creating exciting opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Sara helped rework and update the customer experience, in the process changing the way people think about her industry.
On accepting her trophy, Sara said she was surprised and grateful. "I feel like we’ve done a lot in the past couple of years in starting icare so it’s a huge acknowledgement for the organisation and of what we’re trying to do."
Start-Up Executive of the Year went to Anthony Svirskis, CEO of TRIBE – a modern-day marketplace that connects influencers with brands. Anthony has strengthened the organisation’s position in Australia and steered it through a lucrative international expansion.
Meanwhile, he has restructured TRIBE to establish core KPIs and exceed market demands. "Everyone in the company has been working really hard for the past two years and I think it’s just a moment to reflect. It’s an individual reward but certainly reflects the qualities of the whole business."
"I think it's just a moment to reflect it's an individual reward but certainly reflects the qualities of the whole business." – Anthony Svirskis
When asked what qualities make the best leaders, Anthony stated: "Leading by example, putting your head down and working hard. I always try to do that and as a start-up we employ everyone to really put that effort in too."
Winning the Not-For-Profit Executive of the Year category was Caitlin Pearson, General Manager of Marketing and Engagement for Macarthur Disability Services. An inspiring individual, Caitlin navigated her organisation through a massive rebranding process, overhauling its customer service strategies and increasing fundraising revenue by more than
50%.
"I’m so excited," she told The CEO Magazine backstage after receiving her trophy. "I was shocked when I made finalist so I’m actually shaking, I’m beyond excited. I can’t believe it.
"I really hope [this award] is acknowledgement for my team. I’m one of a small team and we’ve had a big year. It’s been a tough 12 months for our organisation with lots of changes going on but we’ve really pulled together and done some amazing things."
The Executive Assistant of the Year Award went to Simone Koolloos, Executive Assistant to Group CEO for the pharmaceutical company Blackmores. Simone was recognised by the judging panel as a hard worker who has overcome numerous obstacles by building strong relationships, being flexible and developing a trusted support group.
"It's such an amazing event for everybody in every industry" – Simone Koolloos
"It’s amazing; it feels incredible," Simone said. "This is my third year [as a finalist] and I’ve actually won this year so it’s fantastic. It’s such an amazing event for everybody in every industry. I truly believe that getting to be a finalist is an amazing experience, and being a finalist for three years and now winning is just a delight."
The industry shapers
There were 11 industry-related categories in the 2017 Executive of the Year Awards, from retail to manufacturing to building and construction. Professional Services Executive of the Year went to Acquire BPO's CEO Scott Stavretis – a driven leader who is shaping his industry.
Scott has placed a strong focus on inspiring loyalty and developing human capital and, as a result, secured exceptional long-term growth for his organisation both in Australia and globally.
"Really the award is for the team, the staff – the 7,000 employees that we have – and the customers that enjoy the journey of what we do."
Stephen Capello, CEO of BankVic, was the winner of the Financial Services Executive of the Year category. He has successfully implemented a range of strategies that have positively transformed the business, its culture and its values.
Under Stephen’s leadership, BankVic’s staff engagement has jumped significantly, digital sales have increased and the customer experience continues to improve. "It’s a wonderful achievement to be among so many talented individuals who are at the pinnacle of their career; their passion, their success. It’s really humbling to be here tonight and to win the award."
In the Hospitality and Tourism Executive of the Year category Carnival Australia’s Executive Chairman Ann Sherry took out the prize. She was recognised for her determination and customer-centric attitude that has enabled the business to stay ahead of the competition. Her objective for the past year was further growth for Carnival Australia, which she emphatically delivered. Ann was unable to attend the awards ceremony to accept the award in person.
Barry Fitzgerald, CEO of Roy Hill, was the leader who won the Energy and Resources Executive of the Year category for his emphasis on employee empowerment and welcoming approach to innovation. His exceptional project-planning skills have optimised the Roy Hill operation in a billion-dollar industry.
"After seven years, we’ve received some success and recognition," Barry commented to The CEO Magazine after being presented the award. "Our team deserve it and I’m sure they’ll be very happy about it."
Manufacturing Executive of the Year went to Dr Aniss GE Chami of Vitex Pharmaceuticals. This CEO has worked tirelessly to promote innovation in Australia’s manufacturing industry. He’s committed to supporting the local economy, and is proving that profitability and integrity can go hand in hand. "I’m deeply humbled and it’s great that the industry is recognised, not just myself," he noted.
"I'm deeply humbled and it's great that the industry is recognised, not just myself" – Dr Aniss GE Chami
George Boumoussa, CEO and Managing Director of GJ Building and Contracting, was presented with the trophy for Building and Construction Executive of the Year. In his winning application he shared that his buzzwords are: fast, efficient and effective. So, it’s no surprise that by the company’s fourth birthday, it was already celebrating more than A$50 million worth of projects. It now has plans to up the ante with a target of achieving A$200 million within the next year.
"It’s a surprise; I didn’t expect this," George revealed after accepting his award. Inspired by real estate developer and Managing Director of Meriton, Harry Triguboff, George shared his belief that great leaders have "push and a big vision".
Health and Pharmaceutical Executive of the Year went to Nathan Cheong who heads up BioCeuticals as its Managing Director. Under his leadership, the company achieved its 10-year growth target in less than half that time and there is strong evidence of high employee engagement.
"It’s such an honour and a privilege to win this great award on behalf of BioCeuticals," Nathan said. "I have my team to thank, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here tonight."
Trent Innes, Managing Director of Xero Australia, was the winner of IT and Telecommunications Executive of the Year. The judges highlighted his work in expanding the company’s customer base while maintaining high levels of service.
In the Transport and Logistics Executive of the Year category, Bob Black, CEO of StarTrack and Group COO of Australia Post, received the accolade. Working in an industry that’s undergoing major disruption, Bob has strengthened alliances with key strategic partners, overseen a major change journey and embraced innovation. By equipping his teams with a clear framework, he’s helped his organisation to continue to thrive and prosper.
"It’s completely amazing, thank you very much," he commented. "We’ve got 36,000 people so this award is for everybody – the whole team. It’s for all their hard work and determination, and what they deliver for customer satisfaction."
Founder and CEO of ModelCo, Shelley Sullivan, was the next to win an award. She has driven impressive growth through a multi-channel marketing strategy and strong digital presence and, for this, she was presented Retail Executive of the Year. Shelley was also the only female finalist in the major category – CEO of the Year.
"Women in business should be encouraged to celebrate their success" – Shelley Sullivan
"I believe women in business should be encouraged to celebrate their success, especially at events such as the Executive of the Year Awards," she said. "It’s a fantastic stepping stone in a male-dominated environment."
The remaining industry award was for Media Executive of the Year, which went to the 2017 CEO of the Year, Michael Ebeid, who is the CEO and Managing Director of SBS.
More information about the Awards can be found at executiveawards.com.au.