Meet the Young Executive of the Year 2017
The 2017 Young Executive of the Year has been chosen FROM A fiELD OF OUTSTANDING fiNALISTS AND SHE HAS BEEN LAUDED FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL STRATEGIC INSIGHT COMBINED WITH SUPERIOR EXECUTION SKILLS.
K omal Mistry, the general manager at Fonterra Ventures, has been awarded the 2017 Young Executive of the Year Award, sponsored by the Institute of Management New Zealand (IMNZ) and Eagle Technology.
The other finalists were Ed Hyde, CEO at Spark Ventures and Sasha Lockley, head of operations, Avanti Finance.
The award is part of the Deloitte Top 200 Awards and the Young Executive of the Year Award was judged by Mark Allan, the CEO at Eagle Technology; Liam Dann, the New Zealand Herald’s business editor at large; Steven Naude, the CEO at IMNZ and ASB Bank’s James Bergin who was the Young Executive winner in 2016.
Steven Naude commented that Komal Mistry, who is a qualified lawyer and an accountant, combines great intellect with energy and determination.
“She has taken on the challenge to ensure that Fonterra remains relevant for generations to come by adding new products, services and ventures to the already broad offering. Her new initiatives have been implemented on an international scale and there are many more exciting opportunities waiting in the wings.”
Mark Allen said that Mistry has exceptional strategic insight combined with superior execution skills and “understands how to leverage and harness broadly based organisational talent in her own team as well as multiple virtual global teams across a complex organisation and business environment”.
James Bergin said that this year’s winner presented an exciting approach to developing new business and exploring innovative operating models. “She has already exhibited great potential in her leadership style and approach to encouraging diversity of thought within her team and the broader business. Her varied background and non-traditional path into her current role definitely paves the way to future executive success.”
Of the other finalists the judges comments said that the calm exterior that Ed Hyde presents belies the strategic thinking he has demonstrated. “His crystal-clear understanding of his industry and his vision of what telecommunications can deliver to society makes him a leader of great significance. With a strong track record of commercial success, it is no surprise that Spark has chosen him to lead its new ventures into a highly competitive arena. He has the experience, technical skill and personal grit to steer large organisations into unknown territory.”
They also commented on Hyde's highly developed strategic capability understanding and strategy development and implementation skills in a fast changing and highly disrupted market place. “An innovative leader willing to face multiple challenges head on.”
The judges said that Sacha Lockley uses enthusiasm and people skills to ensure that Avanti Finance is a forward-thinking, mould-breaking organisation. “Stepping into a traditional, male-dominated industry, she has... implemented systems and processes that have been radical, but hugely successful for the wellestablished company. Her huge range of skills is supported by a drive to keep developing and a determination to succeed which makes her a very valuable leader.”
They saw Lockley as bringing a confidence and passion to her leadership that is inspiring. “She cares deeply about her team and her organisation, and exhibits an incredible amount of strength and managerial courage. Sacha will no doubt continue to be an agent for positive cultural change within her organisation and the country as she continues her executive career.”