Business leaders of the future revealed

Business leaders of the future revealed

A gala dinner on Friday night revealed potential new business leaders when the winners of the annual Heinz Wattie's Grocery Challenge were announced.

The winners, Fiona Pointon from Progressive Enterprises Ltd's head office and Susan Gordon of Price Chopper Whakatane, represent the head office and store levels of the supermarket industry respectively.

Heinz Wattie's Managing Director, Nigel Comer says "Winners of the Heinz Wattie's Grocery Challenge are the best in their industry and potentially will go on to run businesses with multi-million dollar turnovers. They have to be of the highest calibre to rise so far within their chosen profession."

The Heinz Wattie's Grocery Challenge aims to help these committed and enterprising stars of the industry become even better than they thought they could be. They are put through demanding mental, team building and leadership challenges.

This year's entrants all displayed a high degree of business acumen and leadership, illustrating the skill behind those who manage and run some of the country's biggest businesses.

Nigel Comer says that the supermarket industry is the perfect vehicle for those who are wanting to pursue high level careers in management and marketing. People often overlook that this is a multi-billion dollar industry offering numerous career options.

The Challenge is a perfect partnership for Heinz Wattie's and the supermarket industry. The largest competition of its kind in New Zealand, Wattie's is committed to helping young business leaders achieve their professional dreams. As New Zealand's number one brand, with more than 1200 Wattie's branded products and sales of $177 million (ACNeilsen May 2003) it is natural for the company to work with the supermarket sector, to encourage rising stars.

This is the premium event in the supermarket industry's professional development calendar. Each winner receives $7,500 towards a development course in Australia and will attend an Outward Bound 'Navigator' course.

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