As the nation takes time this month to honour the role of women in our society, the Durban ICC is proud to announce that its outgoing chief executive Officer, Julie-May Ellingson has been acknowledged for her contribution to the success of the Centre by no less than three award programmes.
Ellingson has been recognised for her achievements in CEO Magazine’s Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business and Government Award, which received over 9000 nominations from across the continent. She won top spot in the Public Enterprises category as the country winner for South Africa as well as the SADC regional winner.
For the last 15 years, this award programme has recognised women across the African continent, who consistently exercise a positive influence on their organisations and their respective communities. Having won the regional award, Ellingson is now in the running for the overall African award in the public sector category which will be announced in October this year.
During her tenure at the Durban ICC, Ellingson not only achieved record profits for the company but also made the highest contribution to Economic impact, created the highest number of jobs and substantially increased the company’s Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment spend. She was also influential in improving the company’s skills development programmes and introduced a graduate programme to the Durban ICC.
In addition to receiving this accolade, Ellingson is also currently a finalist in the Business Women’s Association of South Africa Businesswoman of the Year Award in the government sector. Now in its 35th year, this award programme is regarded as the premier award for women achievers in business and honours the invaluable contribution women make to economy. This year’s winners will be announced at a gala event on the 26th August, which aims to celebrate the courage, achievement and leadership of women in business and inspire others to follow their example.
Durban ICC’s Acting CEO, Nicolette Elia-Beissel noted, “The entire Durban ICC team congratulates Julie-May on receiving this kind of recognition of her hard work. We are immensely proud of her and grateful for the outstanding contribution she has made over the past three years in helping to establish the Durban ICC as Africa’s leading convention centre. We are looking forward to hearing the results of the overall winners of these competitions where we are all rooting for Julie-May.”
Ellingson was also selected as one of Meetings magazine’s Top 40 Women in MICE initiative
