The night of nights

Words Julie Cooper • Images Scott Ehler

6-min read

The CEO Magazine’s 13th annual Executive of the Year Awards was a night to remember, with Australia’s biggest names in business celebrating their successes and impact at The Star Sydney.

The CEO Magazine’s 13th annual Executive of the Year Awards was a night defined by glitz, glamor and an impressive display of executive power.

More than 500 Australian business leaders suited up in style to celebrate their achievements and that of their fellow leaders at The Star in Sydney after a whirlwind 2024, marked by its fair share of challenges.

However, these high-caliber executives not only met these challenges head on, but they also turned them into opportunities for growth. And as the winners took to the stage, one thing became clear – they didn’t do it alone.

“Together we can do some incredible things – and the world needs more ‘Intrepid’ people.”

- Overall CEO of the Year winner James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Travel

“We live in a bit of a geopolitically divided world. We’ve got the climate crisis among us. But, ultimately, we at Intrepid believe that we have more similarities than we do differences,” said Overall CEO of the Year winner James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Travel, before extending immense gratitude to his team.

“Massive thanks to the people on table 39 because without them we could not do the amazing things with you every single day. The world ultimately needs to remember that together we can do some incredible things – and the world needs more ‘Intrepid’ people.”

Glamor and grandeur

As the night began, glittering tones of a harpist filled the air, greeting Australia’s business elite as they filtered in, pausing for their photo opp on the elegant black carpet before heading in for their pre-event bubbles.

The anticipation for the evening ahead was palpable. But guests chatted away any nervous energy, enjoying a break from the hustle to connect and share laughs over a glass of Champagne.

“These Awards are really emphasizing that without the right people, companies have nothing.”

- The CEO Magazine Founder Chris Dutton

With the ceremony about to begin, guests were ushered into the ballroom, which had been transformed into a dreamscape of elegance and sophistication. Soft lighting, beautiful floral arrangements and the familiar melodies from Bridgerton filled the space.

It wasn’t long before crowd favorite Larry Emdur took to the stage as emcee, returning to host the evening for his second consecutive year, introducing the evening’s entertainment, including DJ Claire Elliot, string quartet Strings of Life led by Yena and captivating female vocalist Reigan.

Shining the spotlight

The CEO Magazine Founder Chris Dutton took to the stage, welcoming everyone to the Awards, and saying, “As I’ve said for 13 years now, we are here to celebrate the brilliant job that you have done over the past year and unlike other business awards, we shine the spotlight on the people within Australian companies – not the actual companies themselves.

“These Awards are really emphasizing that without the right people, companies have nothing.”

Dutton went on to introduce the Executive of the Year Awards’ first 100% Human At Work Award, in partnership with Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite, which was awarded to leading development and management property group Mirvac for its efforts in shaping the future of work and possessing core values of respect, equity, growth, belonging and purpose.

“We strive to create an environment where people can grow, where they can belong, where leaders can trust, empower and create an environment where people are safe to speak and be themselves.”

- 100% Human At Work Award winner, Mirvac – Benjamin Morris, Mirvac

“As one of the leading property employers in this country, we strive to create an environment where people can grow, where they can belong, where leaders can trust, empower and create an environment where people are safe to speak and be themselves. And we’re really proud of the progress we’ve made as an organization,” said Benjamin Morris, Group Head of HR, Mirvac.

“We provide flexibility, we provide support for families and we provide care for our people. [However], we are not yet done and we won’t stop until we are.”

Showtime

The moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived – the announcement of the rest of this year’s winners commenced. Excitingly, the Awards ceremony featured an expansion, with the introduction of 10 new categories, reflecting the evolving landscape of leadership in Australia.

The total number of awards reached 13, perfectly coinciding with the Executive of the Year Award’s 13th anniversary. The second award of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to ‘Australia’s greatest cricketer’, Glenn McGrath, for the incredible things he’s done both on and off the pitch.

Accepting the award, McGrath expressed deep gratitude. “I feel very humbled to receive a lifetime achievement award. It does make me think I’m not quite as young as I used to be,” he quipped, getting a few laughs from the audience before quickly adding, “But it is a massive honor.”

McGrath, reflecting on his cricket career, went on to highlight the camaraderie of the Australian team, noting that, every time they walked on the field, everyone came together for a common goal.

“I think we spent more time with our old teammates than we did with our own families at that time. But also I think we enjoyed each other’s success as much as our own. When you’ve got a great team or a group of people like that, it’s amazing what you can achieve,” he said.

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner continued to share how his experiences on and off the field led to his work with the McGrath Foundation, which he co-founded with his late wife, Jane McGrath, to support families facing breast cancer.

“That’s the way we should live our lives – get out there, back ourselves completely and have a real red hot go.”

- Lifetime Achievement Award winner Glenn McGrath

Detailing how the foundation has grown beyond their ‘wildest dreams’, McGrath was quick to bring the praise back to the people that made this success possible.

“Having the right people is what it’s all about. I was lucky enough to play on the Australian team, [now the] incredible team at the McGrath Foundation is an amazing team with an amazing game plan and no shortage of passion and energy,” he said. “And to get up there and have fun is what it’s all about. So again, a huge thank you for this honor tonight.”

Wrapping up his speech, McGrath left everyone in the room with a quote from Mark Twain, saying, “Twenty years from now, you’ll have more regrets from the things you didn’t do than from the things you did.

“And I think that’s the way we should live our lives – get out there, back ourselves completely and have a real red hot go, but live life to the fullest and enjoy every minute.”

As the night went on, guests tucked into their meals, watching in awe as gold-clad aerialists performed powerful acrobatics. They then applauded each winner’s moment in the spotlight – celebrating those whose leadership, vision and innovation are shaping Australia’s future.