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3 minute read 14 Dec. 2021
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What makes this year’s panel of judges’ entrepreneurial heart tick?

EY Oceania
By EY Oceania

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

3 minute read 14 Dec. 2021
Related topics Entrepreneurship Private equity Alumni
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In the 21 years since EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ Australia was established, the program has recognised over 1,600 entrepreneurs, shining a light on their visionary work and remarkable achievements.

With an exceptional line up of finalists this year, our independent judging panel had a significant task ahead, deciding who will win EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ Australia.

Coming from a diverse cross-section of industries and backgrounds, and with inspirational stories to share, let’s meet this well-credentialled group of entrepreneurial leaders who make up our judging panel.

Meet our Judges

  • Lucy Turnbull AO

    Chair of Judges

    Urbanist, Businesswoman and Philanthropist, Chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust

    The best entrepreneurs I’ve ever worked with or seen in operation are the ones that have a beautiful idea, have a creative imagination, and the capacity and the confidence to think they can solve a challenge to move on from business as usual.
    Lucy Turnbull AO

    Lucy Turnbull AO is an inspiring businesswoman and philanthropist, a lawyer by trade who has worked in investment banking, local government and the not-for-profit sector. Passionate about reshaping the future of our cities, Lucy has long-standing interests in culture, technological and social innovation, urban design and Australian research.

    A former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission and a recipient of the Order of Australia, Lucy lives and breathes her life’s work, fuelled by entrepreneurial thinking and exemplary leadership.

  • Jack Cowin

    Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Competitive Foods Australia Pty Ltd

    Jack Cowin has changed the way we eat – in Australia and around the world. From the gridiron field and the wrestling ring where he competed as a young man in Canada, to a business started door to door, he has always taken risks that have paid off exponentially.

    Moving to Australia at the age of 26, more than 60 years ago, Jack took a gamble on foreign shores, using borrowed money to open one of the first fast-food outlets in Australia. From there, his fast-food empire ballooned.

    A true adventurer and entrepreneur at heart, Jack is a billion-dollar success story, with a wealth of knowledge and some fascinating stories to share about his life as a leader in highly competitive businesses.

  • Ronni Kahn AO

    CEO & Founder, OzHarvest

    The moment you hear Ronni Kahn AO speak, you’re drawn into her passionate and purposeful story. A vibrant and energetic social entrepreneur, Ronnie gave us OzHarvest, spearheading the growth of this revolutionary food rescue charity since 2004, and earning an Order of Australia along the way.

    Ronni has a fascinating journey to share – beginning with one question that would spark an opportunity, and ultimately change the way we all think about food waste.

  • Dr Glen Richards

    BVSc. (Hons), MSc., FAICD.
    Chairman, Healthia Ltd and People Infrastructure Ltd

    At the age of 27, Glen Richards bought a small vet practice in Townsville. 10 years later he had opened up five vet clinics, a large format pet store and two veterinary hospitals in China. It’s amazing what an entrepreneurial mindset and a lot of hard work and persistence can achieve.

    Driven by the needs of his customers, and the desire to create real, positive change, Glen now operates more than 200 veterinary hospitals, as well as Petbarn, City Farmers and Animates brands. His multi-million-dollar integrated pet care empire now has more than 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, and over 6,000 employees.

    An entrepreneur at heart, an investor, mentor and director, Glen has a unique vision for a better working world in the pet and vet industry.

Summary

Meet the group of entrepreneurial leaders who make up the 21st Entrepreneur of the Year™ Australia judging panel. Listen to their stories as they explore what lies at the heart of the entrepreneur.

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EY Oceania
By EY Oceania

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

Related topics Entrepreneurship Private equity Alumni
Upvote