Our Young Exec wins again
Phil Routhan has done it again
Last September the plumber from Hokitika walked away with the NZIM/Management Young Executive of the Year award, on the strength of bringing his company back from the brink of bankruptcy, increase its turnover by 400 per cent and expanding it into a network that covers the West Coast.
And now he’s confounded the pundits once again by winning an award for “management excellence” in the Worldcom World Young Business Achiever competition, held in Belfast.
“The other finalists all seemed to be involved in multi-million dollar organisations,” grins Routhan.--They couldn’t believe that the award would go to a small-town plumber from New Zealand – and neither could I.”
Routhan was one of four award winners, beating out finalists from 22 countries.--The World Young Business originally only one award was planned but, after the judges were unable to choose between the top four contenders, three special prizes were created.
Phil Routhan, proving once again that “the average New Zealander,
no matter where he or she comes from, can make it.
As long as you set a goal, take professional management advice and go for it, it works.”
The ceremony was held at the Europa Hotel, one of Belfast’s finest, and Routhan’s trophy – a gold clock encased in a sold piece of carved crystal – was presented by Sir Patrick Mayhew, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
“It was a glittering occasion and an unforgettable experience.” Says Routhan.--“In fact, it’s all been a bit overwhelming, and my wife Julie and I are looking forward to a quiet holiday in Britain before returning home.
“The last 12 months since my selection as New Zealand’s young executive of the year have been very busy for me, with over 40 speaking engagements.--I was hoping things would get back to normal after the world event but I have a feeling that’s not going to happen just yet.”
Routhan gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Air New Zealand, British Airways, David Lawson of Cause & Effect (Worldcom’s sole New Zealand partner) and, lets not be coy about it NZIM and Management magazine.
Worldcom, the organiser of the World Young Business Achiever competition, is an international consortium of independent public relations consultants that provide the professionals who understand the language, culture and customers of the domestic and foreign arenas in which they operate.