Our Esteemed Judges

As the Co-Founder and Executive Director, Anna Dutton has poured her energy and passion into building a multimillion-dollar business bolstered by The CEO Magazine, a globally recognized publication created for executives, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The CEO Magazine spans all major regions of the world. Exclusive cover stories have featured inspiring individuals such as Elon Musk, Oprah, Richard Branson, Elle Macpherson, Chris Hemsworth, Bill Gates and Serena Williams, to name just a few.

Anna is a firm believer in the power of connection and networking, and she loves to help make a difference for women in business. Through her media platform, she provides them with a voice to tell their stories. As The CEO Magazine evolves in the digital age, Anna is excited to see where she will land and what she will learn and be inspired by next.

She is also a passionate supporter of The Gidget Foundation, helping families affected by postnatal depression.

Chris Dutton has been a true entrepreneur and visionary in the media industry since emigrating from the United Kingdom in 2005.

The epitome of a startup success story, Chris founded his award-winning company upon arrival in Australia with A$50 while working from his spare bedroom, and he has since grown it into a truly iconic global brand. While The CEO Magazine was founded in Australia, Chris has expanded the iconic publication into Europe, the Middle East, India, South-East Asia and the United States, and it is now widely recognized as one of the most influential business magazines in the world. The CEO Magazine talks to more CEOs than any other magazine globally.

Chris has been invited to Richard Branson’s private home, Necker Island, on numerous occasions.

He is an ambassador for the Children’s Cancer Institute to help find a cure for cancer in children, and he is passionate about giving back and positive change.

Christian Stevens is recognized as one of the top mortgage brokers in Australia and a leading figure in finance. As CEO of Flint and Farmers Finance Australia, he leads over 100 specialists helping thousands build wealth through property. Flint has been named Australia’s Leading Finance Brokerage, while Farmers Finance Australia is now the nation’s largest agribusiness brokerage.

A five-time Best Residential Broker and 2024 CEO of the Year (BFSI), Christian also holds the record for the fastest broker to settle A$1 billion in loans. His educational finance content reaches over a million impressions monthly, with 125,000-plus followers and a first-home buyer group of 20,000. In 2025, he launched SheInvests, empowering women to achieve financial independence. Christian also mentors new brokers and champions impact investing to drive social change, using finance as a force for good.

Colleen Callander is an award-winning former Sportsgirl CEO, Founder of Mentor Me Women, bestselling author, keynote speaker and business advisor and recognized by The CEO Magazine Celebrating ‘Women of Influence’ 2025.

With over three decades of exceptional expertise in the retail fashion industry, Colleen Callander served as CEO of two iconic Australian brands, Sportsgirl and Sussan, for 13 years. Throughout her career, Colleen has been renowned for her ability to build successful brands, foster winning cultures and create environments that ignite high performance.

Her visionary leadership has left a lasting impact on Australia’s fashion industry, inspiring current and future generations of leaders and establishing her as a modern thought leader.

Following her remarkable tenure as CEO, Colleen founded Callander & Co and is now a sought-after keynote speaker, best-selling author, business advisor and Founder of Mentor Me Women.

James is the Chief Executive Officer of Intrepid Travel, with the responsibility for setting the strategic direction and vision of the global purpose-led business. Since joining Intrepid nearly two decades ago, James has expertly led the company through his fair share of highs and lows – from B Corp certification to a period of record growth, followed by successfully navigating the business through the COVID-19 pandemic and securing its record capital raise. In 2024, he led the business to its strongest year of results in its history.

Jason Price is a highly accomplished business leader known for his ability to transform organizations, empower teams, and drive high performance. As President and CEO of NEC Australia and New Zealand, Jason champions a leadership approach that balances business outcomes with employee wellbeing. He is passionate about building strong workplace culture, fostering engagement, driving digital transformation and unlocking market expansion to support sustainable growth and meaningful results.

Before joining NEC, Jason served as Vice President and General Manager of IBM’s Technology Division, where he successfully led large teams and implemented transformative strategies to enhance business performance. His ability to foster collaboration and inspire excellence is evident in his track record, particularly in unifying NEC’s teams to deliver outstanding outcomes for both the organization and its clients.

Beyond driving business success, Jason is a dedicated advocate for mentorship, diversity of thought and employee empowerment. He is committed to creating a workplace where all employees – from emerging talent to seasoned professionals – feel valued, included and supported in reaching their full potential.

Celebrated author, keynote speaker, thought leader, CEO and Executive Chair of The CEO Circle are just some of John Karagounis’ many hats. Engaging with the world’s brightest minds at confidential and highly exclusive forums, John connects with like-minded business leaders, striving for greater success in their personal professional and organisational lives. More than two decades after he found his niche in private wealth management, Karagounis brings a wealth of wisdom as The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Award’s longest-standing judge.

Responsible for the Wilson Group businesses across all regions, Jose Da Silva leads a dynamic team in the parking, security, self storage and medical services segments.

Passionate about people and strategic leadership, Jose has more than 25 years of experience delivering growth and leading transformation within a multidisciplinary group with significant field force operations.

As Group CEO of Wilson, leading businesses in rapidly evolving segments and geographies, he has enhanced resilience and delivered exceptional performance.

Jose has demonstrated industry flexibility and developed a broad base of experience spanning a range of disciplines in several organizations and global markets over the course of his career.

Jose was nominated twice as a finalist in The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Award: in 2014, in the IT and telecommunications category; and in 2023, for CEO of the Year A$100m+. In 2019, he was privileged to be invited to join the esteemed judging panel.

Louise Baxter is Chief Executive Officer, Starlight Children’s Foundation. Louise has significant experience in senior roles in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors and is described as an inspiring and authentic leader. In 2009, Louise returned to the not-for-profit sector as Starlight’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.

Louise’s focus on exceptional experiences and relationships has seen improved metrics across all areas of Starlight. Louise is regularly asked to speak on topics such as positivity, organizational resilience, diversity and innovation.

Louise Baxter is also a Non-Executive Director for the Community Council for Australia and Stanford Australia Foundation. Louise was awarded The CEO Magazine’s CEO of the Year Not-For-Profit in 2015 and 2024. In 2024, Louise was also awarded Runner-up for The CEO Magazine’s Overall CEO of the Year Award.