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Today, The CEO Magazine’s 2019 Executive of the Year Awards’ finalists have been announced and for the first time in the event’s history, there is an even gender split for the major award, CEO of the Year. Last year, this award had just one female finalist but this time there are five female and five male finalists – a positive step towards gender parity for executives in Australia.

Traditionally a male-dominated event, this year’s Awards has seen the total number of female finalists increase by 10% on last year – a positive statistic for women to receive recognition for their contributions to business. This is particularly noteworthy given the most recent findings from the Chief Executive Women (CEW) ASX200 Senior Executives Census 2019, that show just 12 of Australia’s top listed companies have a woman chief executive, a drop from 14 last year.

Interestingly, there is also a 50/50 split for Executive Assistant of the Year, which has traditionally been dominated by females. For 2019, there are two male and two female finalists.

Susan Armstrong, Content Director of The CEO Magazine, said: “I was extremely excited and honoured to be a part of this year’s judging panel and was well aware of the fact that the role would come with much responsibility and require major effort. Something I didn’t expect was the sheer amount of knowledge I would absorb during the process. It was like having a front-row seat at the ultimate CEO Masterclass run by the very best in business. I was privy to the inner workings of some remarkable Australian businesses, and the most amazing advice from equally remarkable executives.”

“I am aware of just how lucky I am to have had this opportunity. Luck, on the other hand, has absolutely nothing to do with our fantastic finalists for this year’s Awards. Each and every person on the list deserves to be there because of their contributions to not only the companies they work for, but to our business community as a whole,” added Armstrong.

Now in its eighth year, The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards acknowledges the success and achievements of CEOs and senior managers across a wide range of businesses and industries within Australia.

Judged by a panel of highly regarded business professionals, the 14 esteemed Executive of the Year Awards’ judges were well-equipped to effectively critique the work of their peers.