Knipe tops field as WA businesswoman of the year

An automotive dealer from the Wheatbelt has been named Telstra’s Western Australian Business Woman of the year, joining a group of 24 former winners including Gina Rinehart and Sharon Warburton.

Leonie Knipe operates three dealership and has plans to create a car sales business tailored for female buyers.

Ms Knipe has been principal of the dealership since 2012, and was the first female dealer principal for Nissan and for Mitsubishi in Western Australia.

Nationally, she was the first female dealer principal for Isuzu.

Ms Knipe said she was focused on inclusivity.

“I want to continue to break down the typical stereotypes of the motoring industry and male-dominated roles, while growing the business, employing locals and building the community,” she said.

Ms Knipe graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree from Curtin University in 1995.

Telstra regional Australia executive Janet Barnes said Ms Knipe was an example of challenging the status quo in her industry..

“Ms Knipe has done extraordinary work for the automotive industry as well as being a powerful mentor for successful local business women in the future,” she said.

“By employing a majority of women, not only has she fostered a sense of inclusion within the industry, she has also cultivated impressive growth for the business.”

KAS Accounting Solutions managing director Jodie Silvester won the small business award, Fremantle Prison director Paula Nelson won the public service award, and From Dust Creative Arts director Brie Healy won the emerging leader award.

Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Kylah Morrison scooped the purpose and social enterprise award.