Monday 6 November 2006

Gladstone Manager Recognised as World Class Leader

Gladstone businessman Johann Van Zyl from Queensland Alumina took the gong for Professional Manager of the Year at Friday night’s Management Excellence Awards, organised by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).

The AIM Management Excellence Awards is one of the few awards which recognise the individual and his or her influence on the environment in which they work.

Johann Van Zyl won the award in recognition for his work as Managing Director of Queensland Alumina. The judges commented that he was a global executive with world class leadership ability. “He demonstrates strategic ability to lead change and to inspire his team with values-based approaches, strong communication and a bias towards action,” they said.

Johann said he accepted the award on behalf of everyone in Gladstone. “There are 500 people at Queensland Alumina who help us to do business every day,” he said.

Three other outstanding Queensland Managers were also recognised for their contribution to leadership in the Smart Sate, winning over 19 other finalists.

Richard Oddo from McConaghy Retail Pty Ltd won Rural / Remote Manager of the Year for his work as Centre Manager at Kingaroy Shoppingworld and Westlands Roma.

In the other categories, it was a great night for Cairns as Mario Calanna, CEO of Calanna Pharmacies took the honours as Owner Manager of the year, while Danae Jones, Managing Director of In Touch Media won the gong for Young Manager of the Year.

The 2006 Medal for Management Innovation went to Deborah Fleming, the creator and producer of ABC’s Australian Story who was praised for her “commitment to excellence in journalism, her fairness, level head and calm demeanor”.

AIM CEO Carolyn Barker said all the winners were successful and motivated people who have a positive effect not just on the bottom line but on the people around them and the culture of their workplace.

“The Management Excellence Awards are designed to acknowledge the efforts of some of the best managers and leaders on the cutting edge of their field,” Ms Barker said.

“The judging is so hard every year because the awards continue to draw increasing interest, generating hundreds of nominations across each category annually. The depth and breadth of talent amongst our nominees and finalists is amazing and is incredibly positive for Queensland.”

The Management Excellence Awards have grown in the last decade to become a ‘must-attend’ event on the Queensland corporate calendar. Regional finals are held in the run up to the State final in Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville.