WA directors recognised for excellence in business and not-for-profit sectors

The WA Division Gold Medal Award is presented annually to an outstanding director whose achievements go beyond business. It is awarded to someone who exemplifies leadership values of excellence and integrity and encourages the highest ethical standards.

Frank Cooper AO FAICD, WA AICD Division President, presented the award to Ms Harris at the Institute’s annual black tie event last night.

“Ms Fiona Harris FAICD promotes the highest standards of corporate governance and directorship and had made an outstanding and consistent contribution to the business community of Western Australia,” he said.

“We are delighted to recognise Fiona, who joins a long list of eminent West Australian directors who are former recipients of this coveted Gold Medal Award.”

Ms Harris has been a professional non-executive director for the past 20 years. She is currently non-executive Chairman of Barrington Consulting Group Pty Ltd, a company which provides consulting services in the areas of strategic and business planning. She is also a NonExecutive Director of the BWP Trust, Infigen Energy and Perron Group Limited.

Fiona began her career with chartered accountants KPMG and was a partner in their Sydney office when she left the organisation in December 1994. In addition to the Gold Medal Award, the Australian Institute of Company Directors also presented the PwC Director Award for Excellence in the WA Not-for-Profit Sector to Mr Steven Cole FAICD.

Mr Cooper said the award recognises the substantial contribution of directors to the community and society.

"This award reflects the enormous impact that can be made by those who give willingly of their time and skills in the service of others. Steven is indeed a worthy recipient of this award,” he said.

Steven combines a successful senior executive career with an active involvement in a range of charitable, professional / member and community based organisations. He has been actively involved with Brightwater Care Group as a Director and then as Chairman from 2003. He was also Councillor and Deputy Chairman of the Presbyterian Ladies College from 1998 - 2006 and then the PLC Foundation Inc from 2000 – 2007.

Nick Henry, Partner, PwC Perth said PwC is delighted to extend their long standing relationship with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and once again sponsor the AICD’s Gala Dinner and the fourth annual PwC Award for Director Excellence in the Not-for-Profit Sector.

“At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems, so it is with pleasure we can play a part in recognising an outstanding director in the Western Australian community,” he said.

“The PwC Director Award for Excellence in the Not for Profit sector acknowledges a person who has exhibited leadership on director issues and promoted excellence in governance to achieve a positive impact for the economy and society.”