Finalists announced for ‘Top 200’ business awards
Finalists
AUCKLAND: In a year which has forced businesses to adapt to operating in a global pandemic, the finalists in the Deloitte Top 200 Awards for 2020 showcase New Zealand businesses which have proven their outstanding commercial strength and resilience, as well as agility to succeed in these unprecedented times.
Representing some of the country’s top companies and business leaders, this year’s finalists had demonstrated their true depth in even the most challenging of times.
‘‘Many of our finalists have used the disruption caused by Covid19 as a chance to reset their foundations, while continuing to demonstrate the leadership the business community contributes to New Zealand,’’ Deloitte chief executive Thomas Pippos said.
New Zealand Media and Entertainment head of business Fran O’Sullivan had returned as judges’ convener for the 31st year of the awards.
‘‘The finalists in this year’s Deloitte Top 200 awards have demonstrated resilience in the
Deloitte Top 200 Awards finalists. —
Company of the year:
Zespri, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Delegat.
Chief executive of the year:
F&P Healthcare’s Lewis Gradon, Zespri’s Daniel Mathieson, Beca’s Greg Lowe. Chief financial officer of the year:
Xero’s Kirsty GodfreyBilly, Mainfreight’s Tim Williams, Delegat’s Murray Annabel. Chairperson of the year:
John Loughlin (Powerco), Liz Coutts (Ports of Auckland, Skellerup, Ebos). Sustainable business leadership:
Kathmandu, Vector, Beca.
Best growth strategy:
Bunnings, Beca, Xero.
Most improved performance:
AsureQuality, Vector, Beca.
Young executive of the year:
Matthew Ross (group financial controller, Infratil), Lucie Drummond (risk assurance officer, Mercury), Craig Ward (chief technology officer, Kiwi Wealth — Kiwibank).
Diversity and inclusion leadership:
Kathmandu, Synlait Milk, SkyCity Entertainment.
Visionary leader:
Announced on the day.
face of the Covid19 pandemic,’’ Ms O’Sullivan said.
‘‘Exceptional leadership, coupled with the underlying
strength of these businesses, has resulted in strong business performances in difficult times.’’
This year’s judges also included Jonathan Mason, Neil PaviourSmith, Cathy Quinn, Ross George, Joan Withers, Rob Campbell, Liam Dann, Jo Cribb, Scott Pickering and Ranjna Patel.
‘‘The judging for the Deloitte awards mirrored the unique year we have had as businesspeople and a country,’’ Mr Mason said.
‘‘In addition to judging the overall success and profitability of businesses, we also evaluated how business met the challenges of the pandemic, including keeping supply chains running into key markets, protecting the health of employees, maintaining key customer relationships during multiple lockdowns, and successfully operating with an unprecedented level of uncertainty.’’
A full list of finalists can be found below. This year’s Top 200 finalists and winners will be celebrated at an awards presentation luncheon on December 3, followed by the release of The New Zealand Herald’s Dynamic Business report on December 4. — The New Zealand Herald