AFR Boss names winners of 2023 Boss Young Executives Awards

Renewable energy, supply chain and innovation experts are among the six young leaders who are today named BOSS Young Executives for 2023.

Now in its 20th year, the awards are designed to recognise outstanding executives who can demonstrate leadership in the community as well as in business, and who have a strong track record in people and thought leadership.

Run in conjunction with global leadership consulting firm Development Dimensions International (DDI), the six recipients, all under the age of 35, have been chosen for their strong leadership, business aptitude and emotional intelligence. This year’s cohort comes from a variety of industries, including banking, retail, energy and property.

The judging process included interviews and a CEO-for-a-day simulation exercise, and the award recipients, from NSW, Victoria and Queensland, assembled in Sydney for a ceremony.

The six 2023 BOSS Young Executives, who have been profiled during the week on afr.com.au and are featured in today’s The Australian Financial Review are:

Jessica Hallett, head of digital strategy, partnerships and innovation, Westpac
Naureen Alam, group manager, future low carbon portfolio, AGL Energy
Andrew Cooper, head of transformation, Woolworths
Emma Wright, chief people officer, WorkCover Queensland
David Donnoli, associate director operations, Australia and New Zealand, Swisse Wellness
Angus Ferguson, head of customer solutions at Domain Group

BOSS Editor Sally Patten, said: “On the 20th anniversary of the BOSS Young Executives program, it is wonderful to be able to highlight such a talented group of emerging leaders. I have high hopes for their futures. Several of their predecessors have gone on to run some of Australia’s most high profile organisations or set up their own successful businesses.”

Dominique Powrie, managing director of DDI, said: “Every year we see outstanding young executive talent, and 2023 was no exception. This year, we saw customer-focused leaders who champion organisational cultures that keep the customer’s needs in the forefront of everyone’s decisions and actions.

“I think the recent experience of leading through a pandemic has taught these young execs a great deal about steering businesses through turbulent times, valuing their customer base, customer responsiveness, incorporating customer feedback into strategic plans and ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction.”

The judges were Nerida Caesar, a director of Westpac, Bonnie Boezeman, owner of marketing consultancy Business Benefits International and Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe in Australia and New Zealand.