Strategic partners bring fresh energy

A select group of 40under40 winners enjoyed a double celebration on the awards night when they were selected for a second prize by WA Business News’ strategic partners.

The University of Western Australia prize was awarded to Australia FPSO Management’s Captain Suzannah Vaughan, who has built a successful career in a field dominated by men.

Captain Vaughan’s work, which involves managing an offshore oil production facility, meant she was unable to attend the awards night.

Her award was accepted by UWA Business School marketing manager Heather Merritt.

The Edith Cowan University prize was presented by Professor Robert Harvey to Royal Automobile Club of WA executive Kellie Benda.

As general manager assets and strategy, Ms Benda seeks to identify new business opportunities and improve the RAC’s returns on its motoring, insurance, finance, travel and security services.

She is also a director of the Art Gallery of WA, the Youth Focus charity and Methodist Ladies’ College.

The City of Perth prize was presented by Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi to retailer and Northbridge business campaigner Aimee Johns.

Ms Johns established her retail store Keith + Lottie in 2004 at the age of 22.

She continued with other work and operated on a very tight budget to overcome the barriers posed by her inability to obtain credit at such a young age.

The William Street business has since expanded to include a gallery, a secondary retail outlet, and a distribution arm.

As a campaigner for creative businesses in Northbridge, Ms Johns’ other roles include chairperson of The William Street Collective Inc and project coordinator of the Northbridge Festival.

Captain Vaughan was one of four short-listed candidates for the First Amongst Equals award, which went to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s coronary care unit director Michelle Ammerer.

Under-treasurer Tim Marney, who was appointed to what is arguably Western Australia’s most powerful bureaucratic role at the age of 35, and Carr Civil Contracting managing director Mark Blayney were the other short-listed runners-up.

An important supporter of the awards was the developer of the Century City building project in the central city, which was the innovative venue for the awards.

Once completed in March 2009, the $300 million Century City will boast an office tower and a high quality retail centre.

It is being developed by a joint venture between Axiom Properties Ltd, led by managing director Ben Laurence, and ISPT superannuation trust.