A long way from suburban garage start-up for Australian Entrepreneur Of The Year
Friday, 18 November 2011— Michael Malone, founder and CEO of Australia’s second largest DSL internet service provider iiNet, has been named the 2011 Australian Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®.
Mr Malone won the prestigious title ahead of 31 other national finalists at a gala awards dinner held in Melbourne last night.
As the 2011 winner, he will now go on to represent Australia at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Monte Carlo next year, competing with national winners from over 50 countries globally.
Based in Western Australia, Malone’s inspiration for starting the business came from a simple desire to provide himself with internet access, at a time when there were no other internet service providers in the area.
The company has come a long way from its modest start in the garage of a suburban home in 1993. Publically listed in 1999, iiNet is now the leading challenger in the Australian telecommunications market with a reputation for innovation and exceptional customer service.
Chair of the judging panel, Raymond Spencer, said Michael Malone was the “role model of an entrepreneur”.
“Like so many entrepreneurs, he started his business in his garage and with determination and entrepreneurial spirit grew it to take on established market players,” Mr Spencer said.
The full list of 2011 Entrepreneur Of The Year national category winners, announced last night are:
- Emerging – Brian Siemsen, The Siemsen Group
- Industry – Naomi Simson, RedBalloon
- Services – David McMahon, McMahon Services
- Technology – Matt Barrie, Freelancer.com
- Listed – Michael Malone, iiNet
- Social entrepreneur – Melinda Cruz, Miracle Babies Foundation
Congratulating the winners, Ernst & Young Oceania CEO and Area Managing Partner Rob McLeod said entrepreneurs played a pivotal role for society, creating the jobs, growth and innovation essential for a robust economy.
“This is the 11th year of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards in Australia and we are pleased to help recognise and celebrate the significant contribution entrepreneurs make to our business communities.
“Ernst & Young congratulates all of our 2011 nominees and winners for the drive, determination and entrepreneurial spirit they bring to their endeavours,” Mr McLeod said.
Symon Brewis-Weston, Executive General Manager of Corporate Financial Services, Commonwealth Bank, congratulated both Michael Malone and all winners on their achievements in this year’s awards.
“This year we have seen some outstanding businesses and individuals recognised across the country, which really highlights the breadth and depth of talent available here in Australia,” said Mr Brewis-Weston.
“At the Commonwealth Bank, we are very fortunate to work with a number of entrepreneurs and talented business operators. It is these individuals and companies that continue to push the boundaries of success and who are responsible for further strengthening our nation’s innovation and business prowess.
“Importantly, these awards go further towards highlighting our ability to compete on the global stage. It has been a privilege to have been involved in this awards program and we wish Michael Malone the very best of luck as he moves on to the global awards ceremony next year.”
For more information on the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program go to www.eoy.ey.com.au.
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Editors please note: bios and quotes from each national category winner and judges comments on each winner are also available.
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