Mills invited to sit on prestigious panel

16 March 2006

Phillip Mills invited to sit on prestigious world judging panel

Fitness pioneer will help identify the world's leading entrepreneur

Phillip Mills, founder of Les Mills International and the winner of the 2004 New Zealand Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, will join an international line-up of judges to determine the world winner of the 2006 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year.

It is the third time a New Zealander has been invited to join the judging panel, made up of previous award winners and international business figures.

"It is a huge honour to be representing New Zealand on the international judging panel of this globally recognised business award," Mr Mills says.

"Being asked to join the panel reflects well on New Zealand businesses and in particular our entrepreneurial ability, which is world class. New Zealander's have a real 'can-do' attitude, something we can teach the rest of the word," he adds.

The 2006 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year is being held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and the winner will be announced at a gala dinner on 10 June. Thirty-five country winners, including New Zealand's own George Fistonich are competing in the competition.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Director, Carol Campbell, is delighted with Phillip Mill's inclusion on the judging panel.

"Phillip was a great ambassador for New Zealand when he competed in the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year. He will bring energy and expertise to this year's judging and once again demonstrates that New Zealand continues to produce innovative and competitive entrepreneurs," says Ms Campbell.

"We believe that George Fistonich's achievements with Villa Maria on the world stage make him a real contender for this year's world title," Ms Campbell says.

Entries for the 2006 New Zealand awards opened on 17 March and close on 23 June 2006. New Zealand's 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced at an Award Banquet on Wednesday, 11 October 2006.

Now in its ninth year in New Zealand and twentieth year worldwide, the award programme was launched by Ernst & Young to celebrate the world's leading entrepreneurs and share their stories to inspire others. It is recognised as the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs and is the only global business award in New Zealand.

Potential entrants can contact Ernst & Young for more information, phone 0800 368 737, email entrepreneur@nz.ey.com or visit www.ey.com/nz . Applications close on Friday, 23 June 2006.

About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(r) awards programme was created and is produced by the professional services firm of Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(r) awards recognise outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programmes in over 150 cities and 35 countries.

About Ernst & Young Ernst & Young, a global leader in professional services, is committed to restoring the public's trust in professional services firms and in the quality of financial reporting. Its 107,000 people in 140 countries pursue the highest levels of integrity, quality, and professionalism in providing a range of sophisticated services centered on our core competencies of auditing, accounting, tax, and transactions.

Further information about Ernst & Young and its approach to a variety of business issues can be found at www.ey.com/perspectives . Ernst & Young refers to all the members of the global Ernst & Young organization.

ENDS

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