She runs Australians largest cruise company, manages hundreds of staff, contributes to numerous charities, advocates for more port space and still finds the time to run a household.
There’s no doubt Carnival Australia’s CEO Ann Sherry is an incredible (and busy) woman, but she’s finally being recognised for what she truly is – Australia’s most influential woman.
Over the weekend, Sherry was named as the 2015 The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards overall winner.
While the tourism industry is lucky enough to have a great deal of amazing and inspiring women, Sherry is the first in four years to take out the title.
Just as her predecessors, Sherry received the title for her leadership across corporate Australia, as well as her significant contribution to the social and economic advancement of women.
Among her contributions include being instrumental in introducing paid maternity leave into the corporate sector during her time at the Westpac Group and today female employees within the Carnival Australia head office have access to generous entitlements.
She served as the First Assistant Secretary of the Office of the Status of Women in Canberra and Australia’s representative to the United Nations on human rights and women’s rights and was influential in the creation of the innovative not-for-profit Jawun.
Ann Sherry has contributed to restoring cruising’s reputation in Australia.
There’s also her work in restoring the reputation of cruising in Australia – she is part of the reason why the sector is now growing at record breaking levels.
Sherry said it is an ‘unbelievable honour’ to receive the title, which allows women to ‘visualise a pathway for success’.
“We change the world one person, one organisation, one company at a time and it is vital that we support each other to achieve an Australia that values contribution regardless of gender.”
Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia CEO
“I would like to see a focus on Constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, reducing violence against women and challenging corporate cultures that do not recognise the value of women at every level.”
The 100 Women of Influence Awards also recognised ten other esteemed women across the categories of Board/Management, Public Policy, Diversity, Business Enterprise, Young Leader, Global, Local/Regional, Innovation, Culture and Social Enterprise.
Brian Hartzer, Westpac Group Chief Executive Officer said by celebrating women who drive changes, the company is helping to ‘create role models that will inspire and give confidence to the next generation’.
“We have a responsibility to encourage and recognise the influential women of Australia like Ann Sherry, who are – each in their own way – shaping the future of our nation.”
Brian Hartzer, Westpac Group Chief Executive Officer
Click here to read over the full list of The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards for 2015.
