EY Australia announces Entrepreneur Of The Year™ national finalists 

AUSTRALIA - 12 JUNE 2026

EY Australia is proud to announce the national finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) award, as the program celebrates 26 years of supporting Australian entrepreneurship. Since its inception in 2001, the program has recognised and celebrated the achievements of visionary entrepreneurs who have transformed industries, re-imagined sectors, and created tens of thousands of Australian jobs.

The collective economic impact of entrepreneurs who have won the award since 2001 is equivalent to that of a small nation, with their firms now generating an estimated AUD$30 billion in annual revenue, an estimated AUD$70 billion in market valuation, and more than 80,000 jobs¹ .

This year’s national finalists represent a diverse array of industries and sectors, showcasing the breadth and depth of entrepreneurial talent across Australia. The finalists have demonstrated outstanding innovation, leadership, and resilience, making them exemplary role models for aspiring entrepreneurs. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australian national finalists are: 

Consumer

• Rob Cowie, HenCo Group Pty Ltd
• Katherine McConnell, Brighte Capital
• Lina Calabria, Bellroy
• Lou Tandy, The APT Travel Group

Emerging Category:

• Sam Crowther, KASADA
• Omar and Zane Sabré, MAISON de SABRÉ
• Bill and Ed Ovenden, The Lad Collective
• Michael Christidis, Untitled Group
• Sam Coote, SIERA Marine Management

Industry Category:

• Gavin Li, Energy Spurt Pty Ltd
• Garth Chester, Valenhold Pty Ltd
• Abhay and Ishan Sinha, Care Essentials
• David Riches, GenusPlus Group Ltd

Services Category:

• Nicholas Murphy, MLEI Group
• Joel Hepburn-Brown, Torrens Health
• Paul Valenti, Gema Group
• Daniel Tucker AM, Carey Group Holdings

Social Impact:

• David Elliott OAM, Australian Age of Dinosaurs Ltd
• Rachel Lowry, Bush Heritage Australia
• Julian Pace, Happiness Group

Technology Category:

• Geoffroy Henry, Ofload
• Katrina Leslie, Swipejobs
• Adam Centorrino, Centorrino Technologies
• Daniel Werzberger, Auto Grab

Colin McNeil, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Australia Program Leader, said, “The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ awards program is entering its 26th year of supporting the ambition, ingenuity and determination of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs. This year’s cohort of national finalists reflect the strength and breadth of Australia’s business community, demonstrating the vision and resilience required to create lasting impact.

“We’re proud to recognise the ways that entrepreneurs shape new industries, strengthen communities and support Australia’s continued economic growth both locally and on a global scale. The EOY program champions these achievements and highlights the important role entrepreneurs play in shaping Australia’s future.”

The national finalists will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges, who will score the finalists based on a set of criteria that includes entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact. The winners will be announced at a gala event in Melbourne on 22 October 2026. 

This year’s judging panel includes:

• Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice Bars and co-owner of Yo-Chi
• Michael Malone, co-founder of iiNet, Diamond Cyber Security, auDA and Autism West
• Naomi Simson OAM, founder of RedBalloon and co-founder of the Big Red Group
• David Hyman, founder and CEO of monō ai
• Tony Duthrie, Managing Director of Private Equity at Pacific Equity Partners 

Previous Winners:

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program has celebrated numerous outstanding entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to their industries and communities. Some notable recent past winners in Australia include:

• Shadi Kord and Natalie Khoei, Co-CEO and Co-Founders of MESHKI, who were named joint winners in the 2025 EOY award for their industry-leading fashion enterprise.
• Laurent Boillon, founder of Laurent Bakery, named the 2026 EOY winner for his approach to bringing artisanal French baking to Australia. He recently represented Australia at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards in Monaco.

-ENDS-

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) is a unique global program that supports entrepreneurs as they unlock their ambitions. Established in 1986, this flagship program operates across more than 60 countries and jurisdictions and boasts a global ecosystem of over 30,000 distinguished entrepreneurs. In 2025, EOY Australia celebrated 25 years of uplifting Australian entrepreneurship.

Program participants benefit from lifelong connections, learning resources and insights to help navigate their growth journey, and opportunities to raise the profile of their companies. Each program concludes with a competition and announcement of a winner who goes on to represent their country or region in the ultimate global competition and event for entrepreneurs: EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™. ey.com/eoy.

About EY

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. 

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. 

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fuelled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.  

All in to shape the future with confidence. 

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Media Contact:

Molly Scholes - Communications Specialist, EY Oceania
Phone: 0457 319 593
Email: Molly.scholes@au.ey.com