The 12th annual Executive of the Year Awards, hosted by The CEO Magazine, took place at The Star Sydney on Thursday, 16 November 2023. The event recognised the achievements of leaders across a range of industries and disciplines, highlighting their contributions to their respective fields.

The awards were evaluated across seven categories of excellence, with a judging panel comprising industry heavyweights. The panel included Chris Dutton, Founder of The CEO Magazine; Anna Dutton, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The CEO Magazine; John Karagounis, Executive Chair of The CEO Circle; Ronni Kahn, CEO and Founder of Oz Harvest; Andrew Hume, CEO of Converge International; Scott Power, CEO of BMD; and Tristan Sternson, NCS NEXT Global Co-Lead, ARQ Group CEO & NCS Senior Partner.

In the category of 'CEO of the Year - $100M+', John Winning, CEO of Winning Group, emerged as the winner. Winning, who founded Appliances Online in 2005, now oversees four separate business entities and employs a workforce of approximately 700 across Australia. The judges said his leadership and business acumen have been instrumental in the growth and success of his enterprises.

The runner-up in the same category was Michael Rebelo, CEO of Publicis Groupe Australia & New Zealand. Rebelo, with his 25 years of international leadership experience, heads a company that employs close to 2,000 people, demonstrating his ability to manage large teams and drive organisational success, according to the judges.

In the company of some Australia’s most respected leaders, it was a proud moment for Publicis Groupe ANZ when our chief executive Michael Rebelo was recognised in The CEO Magazine - ANZ's 12th annual Executive of the Year Awards, in a ceremony held last Thursday.

According to a Publicis Groupe ANZ statement, "Mike was named runner-up CEO of the Year in the final major award of the evening, celebrating leaders running companies with a turnover of A$100m+. Competing in a field of finalists from industries such as retail, energy, tech and healthcare, Mike was highlighted for his ability to rebuild, repurpose, establish, acquire and integrate agencies to deliver business growth through creativity and innovation."

"His contributions outside of Publicis were also noted by the judges, including serving as a governor of the St. George Foundation; a member of the Fundraising Committee for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance; and as deputy chair of the Advertising Council Australia and board member of the Media Federation of Australia."

In the 'CEO of the Year - $20M-$100M' category, Melissa Fein, CEO of Initiative Australia, took home the award. Fein was recognised for her 'people-first' leadership approach and her commitment to the personal and professional growth of her team. Her leadership style has been lauded for fostering a positive work environment and promoting employee development.

The Executive of the Year Awards serve as a testament to the exceptional leadership and innovative thinking that drive Australia's business landscape. The winners and nominees alike set a high standard for future leaders, demonstrating the importance of strong leadership in achieving business success.