The CEO Magazine’s 13th annual Executive of the Year Awards have recognised the achievements of Australia’s top business leaders in a star-studded event hosted by Larry Emdur at The Star Sydney.
Highlights of the evening included awards for a retired cricketer-turned-philanthropist, the CEO of a global adventure travel company, and a new “100% Human at Work” category championing people-first organisational values.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Glenn McGrath Cricket legend and McGrath Foundation President Glenn McGrath received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions on and off the field. Known for his advocacy in breast cancer awareness, Glenn co-founded the McGrath Foundation with his late wife, Jane, to address the shortage of breast care nurses, especially in rural Australia. His ongoing dedication has positively impacted countless lives, with the foundation now supporting over 233 breastcare nurses.
In his acceptance speech, Glenn thanked his wife, Sara, for her support and praised the McGrath Foundation team for their commitment. Reflecting on his journey, he shared a guiding philosophy inspired by Mark Twain: “In 20 years, you’ll regret more the things you didn’t do than the things you did.”
100% Human at Work Award – Mirvac This year’s new addition, the 100% Human at Work Award, celebrates organisations prioritising respect, equity, and wellbeing. Mirvac won this honour for its holistic approach to the future workplace, emphasising mental health, gender equity, and adaptive workspace design using AI. Mirvac’s Group CEO, Campbell Hanan, highlighted the company’s decade-long commitment to fostering a people-first culture and advancing gender equality, setting a benchmark in the industry.
Overall CEO of the Year – James Thornton James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, received the top accolade for transforming Intrepid into a certified B Corp and achieving record growth while maintaining a solid purpose-driven mission. “It’s an honour for a Melbourne-based adventure travel company to be recognised,” he remarked. “At Intrepid, we believe in the power of travel to connect people and improve the world.”
Special Recognition for Leaders in Business Other notable honourees included Louise Baxter from Starlight Children’s Foundation and Gerhard Veldsman of Roy Hill Holdings, commended in the CEO of the Year category.
The event marked an inspiring celebration of leaders driving positive change in Australia’s corporate landscape. The CEO Magazine’s Chris Dutton concluded with praise for the night’s honourees: “These leaders showcase the profound impact of purpose-driven leadership on society.”
