Mainfreight’s Don Braid has been named Executive of the Decade at the 2019 Deloitte Top 200 Awards.
Mainfreight was also named Company of the Year at the ceremony held in Auckland on December 5.
The winners were chosen from New Zealand’s top companies and were recognised for their focus on shaping the future, innovation and globalisation.
“The judges were unanimous that amongst a group of other high-performing CEOs over the past decade, Don Braid stood out as the most deserving of this recognition,” judging panel convenor and NZME head of business content Fran O’Sullivan says.
“Mainfreight has demonstrated that a company founded on Kiwi values can succeed with a focus on people and hard work. Leading the way has been Don Braid.”
Naming Mainfreight Company of the Year, judge Neil Paviour-Smith says the company “reported one of the standout performances of the 2019 year with strong growth in operating earnings in the international regions it operates in”.
The Sustainable Business Leadership accolade was awarded to Air New Zealand which recognised its commitment to creating long-term environmental, social and economic value.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts chief executive Andrew Poole presented the award and says it’s a well-deserved win. He also congratulated Z Energy and Mercury who were named as finalists in the category.
“A focus on sustainability is fundamental for all businesses seeking continued survival and growth moving towards the future.
“With climate change firmly on business leaders’ agenda around the world, sustainable practices must be prioritised to ensure New Zealand’s future prosperity,” Poole says.
Port of Tauranga’s David Pilkington was named Chairperson of the Year in recognition of his “pragmatic leadership style, deep understanding and experience in governance”.
Port chief executive Mark Cairns says Pilkington “ensures a diverse range of opinions are heard from around the board table”.
“His foresight has helped us stay focused on our long-term goals, while remaining flexible and responsive to our operating environment.
“David has a very direct approach and does not shy away from pulling the management team into line when he sees the need,” Cairns says.
2019 Deloitte Top 200 Awards:
- Executive of the Decade: Don Braid
- Company of the Year: Mainfreight
- Chief Executive of the Year: Fraser Whineray, Mercury
- Chief Financial Officer of the Year: Grant Ellis, Restaurant Brands
- Chairperson of the Year: David Pilkington, Port of Tauranga
- Business Sustainability Leadership: Air New Zealand
- Most Improved Performance: The Warehouse
- Best Growth Strategy: Datacom Group
- Diversity and Inclusion Leadership: Downer
- Young Executive of the Year: James David, Datacom
- Visionary Leader: Dame Fran Wilde
