Levi Fawcett named overall winner at inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards

Pictured above: Levi Fawcett.

Levi Fawcett, CEO of Partly, has been honoured as the overall winner at the inaugural New Zealand Leadership Awards.

Hosted by Robert Walters and supported by New Zealand Rugby, last week’s prestigious gala celebrated exceptional leaders who have made significant strides in New Zealand’s professional and community spheres.

Fawcett’s entrepreneurial vision and execution were highlighted as key factors in his selection for the top accolade. The judging panel commended his extraordinary talent, noting, “Levi demonstrates the quintessential qualities of leadership: entrepreneurialism, innovation, vision, resilience, and the ability to execute and scale a complex business idea globally. His consistent bravery in the face of challenges is truly remarkable.”

Fawcett’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination. Educated at home until the age of 14 and once advised he might be unemployable, Fawcett forged his own path. His latest venture, Partly, is aiming to capture a $1.6 trillion global opportunity within the automotive industry by connecting automotive parts through an extensive database. Under his leadership, Partly achieved a record-breaking Series A fundraise of $36 million, marking it as New Zealand’s largest Series A to date.

The New Zealand Leadership Awards, which saw over 630 nominations across ten categories, were evaluated by a distinguished panel including four Knights, three Dames, and industry leaders such as Sir Peter Beck from Rocket Lab and James Fuller, CEO of Hnry.

Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand, spoke highly of the leadership showcased this year. “The incredible quality of the nominations we received underscores the pivotal role that leadership plays in New Zealand. The Leadership Awards were created to celebrate exceptional leadership that drives growth, fosters innovation, enhances productivity, and supports community wellbeing.”

Peters added, “Having been deeply involved with the Awards this year, I am humbled by the outstanding work of so many passionate New Zealanders. Congratulations to all finalists, and especially to Levi Fawcett, whose leadership will continue to shape a brighter future for our nation.”

NZ Leadership Awards winners

The winners of the New Zealand Leadership Awards 2024 across various categories include:

• SME Business Leadership Award – sponsored by Xero
  • Nicola Taylor – Co-Founder, Tax Traders & Taxi
• Community Leadership Award – sponsored by Anthony Harper
  • Charlotte Gibson – Chairperson, Te Poho-O-Rawiri Marae
• Innovation Leadership Award – sponsored by Hnry
  • John Rendall – Head of Technology and Innovation, Animation Research Limited
• ED&I Leadership Award – sponsored by SkyCity
  • Sarah Archer – Head of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion, Chorus NZ
• Entrepreneur Leadership Award – sponsored by Steinlarger
  • Levi Fawcett – CEO, Partly
• Most Incredible Emerging Leader Award
  • Ratu Mataira – Founder & CEO, OpenStar Technologies
• Public Sector Leadership Award – sponsored by Meredith Connell
  • Joint Winners: Debbie Power – Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development; Carolyn Tremain – Chief Executive, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
• Māori Leadership Award – sponsored by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
  • Donna Flavell – CEO, Waikato-Tainui
• Pasifika Leadership Award – sponsored by Tuputoa
  • Joint Winners: Paul Retimanu – Chairman, Pacific Business Trust; Nina Nawalowalo – Artistic Director, The Conch Charitable Trust
• Sustainability Business Award – sponsored by Fonterra
  • John Berry – CEO, Pathfinder Asset Management
• Large Business Leadership Award – sponsored by Air New Zealand
  • Paul Newfield – CEO, Morrison
• Most Incredible Leader Award
  • Levi Fawcett – CEO, Partly