Past Award Winners - 2008 National
2008 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year
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Leanne Wesche
Owner of Pacco Group
North Fremantle, Western Australia
Leanne Wesche is Managing Director of Pacco Group and Safeguard Innovations. Pacco Group, established by Leanne in 2004, has grown to become one of Australia's largest independent fruit and vegetable packing businesses, packaging over 60 different varieties and 150 tonnes of produce per week. Leanne has also recently launched Safeguard Innovations, a company which offers a range of fruit and vegetable washes designed to protect consumers from food contaminants. Leanne oversees all aspects of both businesses, and spends most of her time involved in customer relations as well as financial management.
National Winner of the Business Owner Award
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Leanne Wesche
Owner of Pacco Group
North Fremantle, Western Australia
Leanne Wesche is Managing Director of Pacco Group and Safeguard Innovations. Pacco Group, established by Leanne in 2004, has grown to become one of Australia's largest independent fruit and vegetable packing businesses, packaging over 60 different varieties and 150 tonnes of produce per week. Leanne has also recently launched Safeguard Innovations, a company which offers a range of fruit and vegetable washes designed to protect consumers from food contaminants. Leanne oversees all aspects of both businesses, and spends most of her time involved in customer relations as well as financial management.
National Winner of the Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award
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Rachel Argaman
Chief Executive Officer of Toga Hospitality Group
Ultimo, New South Wales
Rachel Argaman is Chief Executive Officer of Toga Hospitality Group, an Australian-owned hotel group which is currently expanding internationally. Toga Hospitality Group manages 46 hotels across Australia, Europe and New Zealand and comprises four brands, including Medina Apartment Hotels, Adina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels and Travelodge Hotels. With more than 16 years experience in the travel and tourism industry, Rachel's main responsibility is to optimise the profitability and performance of Toga Hospitality Group in all markets. Rachel leads a management team of eight, and oversees and works to deliver the company's future strategic growth strategy.
National Winner of the Community and Government Award
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Professor Margaret Abernethy
Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce, and Director of the Melbourne Graduate School of Management, University of Melbourne
Parkville, Victoria
Professor Margaret Abernethy is Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Commerce, and Director of the Melbourne Graduate School of Management at the University of Melbourne. As Dean, Margaret is responsible for almost 7,000 undergraduate and graduate school students, 360 academic and administrative staff, and a budget in excess of $130 million. In this role, Margaret is also responsible for obtaining funding for a new $125 million building, strengthening ties with business and alumni, developing new programs and implementing initiatives that have significantly improved the quality of research and teaching in the facility.
National Winner of the Nokia Business Innovation Award
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Naomi Simson
Founder and Chief Experience Officer
Pyrmont, New South Wales
Naomi Simson is Founder and Chief Experience Officer of RedBalloon Days, an online gift retailer where people can purchase unique experiences in Australia and New Zealand. Naomi began the business at home in 2001 and the business has grown since then to a team of 43 staff. In 2001, the company offered 50 experiences – it now offers more than 2,200 across Australia and New Zealand. Naomi has been instrumental in developing the GoDo.com.au portal, a real time online booking service offering 1,800 different activities or experiences to corporate and private customers. The portal allows activity operators to update their availability in real time and have it published on more than 50 travel websites.
2008 National Young Business Women's Award winner
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Jacinta Caithness
International COO, Boost Juice Bars
Glen Iris
Jacinta Caithness is a dynamic 29 year old who has quickly climbed the corporate ladder to become a key player of the Boost Juice Bars management team where she is responsible for driving the international expansion of the Boost brand. When Jacinta started, she didn't own a passport and had only a limited understanding of world politics and economics. Armed only with the English language and a fierce determination to succeed, in just over 18 months, Jacinta secured 13 international Master Franchise deals. Jacinta exudes energy, passion and is a firm believer in maximising every opportunity.