Origin Energy, Woolworths Chairman Gordon Cairns to speak at Luncheon in Toowoomba
The importance of creating an ‘achievement’ culture in the workplace will be highlighted when Gordon Cairns, Chairman of Origin Energy and Woolworths Limited speaks at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) Thought Leadership Luncheon in Toowoomba on Friday, 3 June.
With a strong background in the food and beverage sector, Mr Cairns will share with guests his wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience as a leading employer.
Mr Cairns started his career with Nestle, followed by Cadbury, the Imperial Group and PepsiCo, where he worked for 10 years across three continents in marketing, operations and finance.
Following his stints overseas, Mr Cairns went on to become Managing Director of Lion Nathan’s Australian beer business, and then moved into the CEO role for seven years.
It was here that Mr Cairns cemented his position as a leading employer, receiving the True Leaders award on three separate occasions with the company also receiving accolades for being a ‘best employer’.
Of his years of experience, Mr Cairns said companies need to better understand ‘why culture eats strategy for breakfast’.
“We need to change our perspective of organisations, we need to redefine our definitions of leadership,” Mr Cairns said.
“In order for an organisation to change, first we must change.”
TSBE chief executive officer Dr Ben Lyons said it was a real coup for the region and the business community to have the opportunity to hear from Mr Cairns.
“Mr Cairns has consistently been recognised throughout his career for being a leading employee and forging the way with innovative and forward-thinking strategies for developing positive work culture,” Dr Lyons said.
“TSBE initially brought the Thought Leadership Luncheon series to the region’s business community to promote on-the-ground innovative thinkers and doers to the decision makers in the business community, and we are excited to host Mr Cairns as a part of this plight.”
This is the second Thought Leadership Luncheon hosted by TSBE and follows the highly successful event held in 2015 with former Australian Prime Minister the Hon Bob Hawke AC.
The Thought Leadership Luncheon will be held at Brisbane West Wellcamp on Friday, 3 June kicking off at 11:30am. Tickets are still available at http://www.tsbe.com.au/events/event_view/156