The founders of a healthcare organisation that operates in challenging and under-resourced environments have been jointly named 2016 Australian EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.
As the Australian winners, Dr Andrew Walker and Glenn Keys of Aspen Medical Pty Ltd will travel to Monaco in June, next year, to compete against national winners from more than 60 countries, for the chance to be named the 2017 EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
Founded by Dr Walker and Keys in 2003, Aspen Medical employs more than 2,200 healthcare professionals and support staff across Australasia, Africa, the United States, Europe and the Gulf Region.
Chair of the independent judging panel Josephine Sukkar, the co-owner and principal of Buildcorp, said Dr Walker and Keys stood out from other finalists due to their organisation’s capacity to drive economic and social change on a global scale.
“Aspen Medical is an extraordinary business with the potential to make a huge impact in the health sector,” she said.
“Andrew and Glenn design solutions to problems in a way that can move the world forward. It is an innovative and noble Australian business with global reach.”
Five other Australian entrepreneurs took home national trophies at the ceremony held at Sydney’s Star Casino, last Thursday.
- Emerging category – Tim Gurner, GURNER
- Social entrepreneur – Bec Scott, STREAT
- Technology category – Ray Dennis, Lightforce Australia
- Industry category – Radek Sali, Swisse Wellness
- EY Family Business Award of Excellence – The Honan Family, Manildra Group
EY Oceania CEO and Area Managing Partner Tony Johnson congratulated the winners, saying at a time when innovation and entrepreneurialism is top of mind for the Australian government and business community, there is much to be celebrated.
“The quality and creativity of the finalists this year is proof of the overwhelming potential of Australian businesses and entrepreneurs,” he said.
“The entrepreneurial spirit and bold efforts of Dr Andrew Walker and Glenn Keys are to be applauded. Aspen Medical combines philanthropy with a service model that delivers affordable, efficient, and exceptionally high quality health solutions.”
“As businesses and governments respond to previously unimaginable levels of disruption, entrepreneurship has never been more important to our future. Recognising the contribution of leading entrepreneurs and empowering them to innovate is key to EY’s purpose of building a better working world.
“I congratulate not only the very deserving winners in each category, but also the finalists for continuing to raise the bar and driving our economy forward.”
About the awards
The regional, national and global EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards programs honour entrepreneurs whose ingenuity and perseverance have created and sustained successful, growing business ventures. Launched in 2001, the Australian awards program is conducted in five regions culminating in the national awards. For more information, visit www.ey.com/au/eoy.
