CEOs and Founders announced as finalists

CEOs and Founders announced as finalists

What do the co-founder of Kiwibank, the founder of Girlboss NZ, and the creator of the Education Perfect empire all have in common? They completed the Young Enterprise Scheme when they were at school, and they are being recognised at this year's Young Enterprise Alumni Awards.

The Young Enterprise Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of an estimated 75,000 students who have completed the Young Enterprise Scheme where students work in teams to create and run a small business for a year. The YES programme has been running for 37 years. It is run by the Young Enterprise Trust, which works with schools right across the country.

Distinguished Alumni Award 2018
The Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is prominent in their field of business and has had significant positive impact on the economic prosperity of New Zealand.

The 2018 YES Distinguished Alumni of the Year is Paul Brock – co-founder and ex-CEO of Kiwibank, and Chairman of the New Zealand Story Group. Paul is being recognised for the impact that Kiwibank has had on the banking sector, and subsequently all New Zealanders. As Chairman of the New Zealand Story Group, Brock again impacts the welfare of New Zealand by working to enhance our country’s brand and increase the benefits to New Zealand from export trade.

The Emerging Alumni finalists are also chosen for their positive contribution to New Zealand’s welfare, however as the name suggests are emerging in their fields.

Finalists in the emerging alumni category are:

• Alexia Hilbertidou: CEO of Girlboss NZ
• Ezekiel Raui: Founder of TūKotahi Program
• Brooke & Leighton Roberts: Co-Founders of Sharesies
• Craig Smith: Ex-CEO and Co-Founder of Education Perfect
• Ben Wigley: Co-Founder of Banqer
• Brad Rowe: Founder of Bluefix Boatworks
• Steph Benseman: Innovation Specialist, Creative HQ

Young Enterprise CEO Terry Shubkin said the judging panel was delighted to see such a wide range of nominations for the two awards.

“The list of finalists really demonstrates the positive impact that the Young Enterprise Scheme has had on New Zealand. These are just some of our alumni who have gone on to be employers and changemakers in their respective fields.”

The winners will be celebrated on Thursday 6 December at the 2018 Young Enterprise National Awards. The evening will also celebrate the achievements of the nearly 4000 school students taking part in The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme this year who set up over 9000 companies in 2018.

Tickets on sale at: https://bit.ly/2IXaFaO

ENDS

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