The CEO Magazine has just announced applications are open for its annual Executive of the Year Awards, and this year the publication has announced a series of new categories, including one aimed specifically at real estate industry leaders.
Recognising the efforts of those who have navigated businesses during a pandemic will be a focus this year, The CEO Magazine is set to honour startup executives, young executives and CEOs.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Executive of the Year Awards, and organisers have added several new categories for 2021, including Real Estate Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Global Pioneer Executive of the Year, and Corporate Responsibility Executive of the Year.
Founder of The CEO Magazine, Chris Dutton, told Elite Agent 2021 was a fitting year to add Real Estate Executive of the Year as a category.
“Our hard-working real estate sector has been essential to the Australian economy, especially when other sectors have been drastically affected by COVID-19, and again, it’s the people in the business driving these real estate companies forward,” Mr Dutton said.
“Despite the pandemic, the real estate industry in Australia has boomed in the past 12 months.
“Not only has it been felt in the cities, but in outer regions as businesses have developed a work-from-home culture. Interest rates stayed low, meaning it was perfect timing for first-time buyers, investors or those just looking for a change.
“We’re lucky to be in Australia and, although our options are limited in terms of travel at the present moment, people are finding ways to invest the money in property.”
Mr Dutton said judges were anticipating applications for Real Estate Executive of the Year from “a whole range of departments in the property sector”.
“If you’re a sales executive, director, broker, consultant or agent that has shown excellence in your sector, this is your year to shine,” he said.
“Judges will be looking for how the applicant has stayed ahead of the competition, strategies to attract and retain customers, and how the individual has used the latest developments in the industry to help their company’s thrive.”
Mr Dutton said he was also expecting the new Entrepreneur of the Year category to attract plenty of interest.
“While we previously included Start-up of the Year in our awards categories, we felt there was a piece of the puzzle missing when it came to our entrepreneurs,” he said.
“Although the start-up category means your company has to have been established in the past three years, we know an entrepreneur might have spent 10 years developing, innovating and investing to get the company to where it is today.”
He said he was also excited about the introduction of the Corporate Responsibility Executive of the Year category, which will be presented to an individual leading corporate, social and/or environmental responsibility in an Australian business.
“We encourage all leaders who are making a positive impact through implementing greener solutions or improving equality and diversity.
“You might be consulting for an external business or building responsible frameworks within your own company – this award isn’t limited to an industry and is open for all sectors.
“The judges will be looking at your core values, your cost assessment process and how you’re staying innovative in a rapidly changing environment.”
Each year, the judging panel is composed of members of Australia’s executive elite, and past judges have included Shark Tank Australia Investor Steve Baxter; Lorna Jane founder and Chief Creative Officer Lorna Jane Clarkson; and Optus Managing Director Small and Medium Business Libby Roy, to name a few.
“To those unfamiliar with the awards, this is the year to get involved,” Mr Dutton said.
“We have 19 categories including our major CEO of the Year award, which for the first time ever has been split into three revenue turnover categories.
“Many have found the application process invaluable as it helped them to reflect on their successes and achievements. It’s always worth taking a moment to look back at the brilliant things you’ve achieved on an individual level.”
For more information and a full list of categories, visit the awards’ entry page.
