Our Esteemed Judges

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

The CEO Magazine spans all major regions of the world, with cover stories featuring inspiring individuals such as Richard Branson, Oprah, 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.

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 more than 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, after which she founded Callander & Co. 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.

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 organizational lives.

More than two decades after he found his niche in private wealth management, John brings a wealth of wisdom as The CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Award’s longest-standing judge.

Jose Da Silva

Responsible for the Wilson Group businesses across all regions, Jose 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.

A diversified services organization employing more than 12,000 staff, Jose is a passionate, curious and driven leader focused on creating enduring value for his people, customers and the communities they operate in.

In 2014 and 2023, Jose was a finalist in the CEO of the Year Awards, and in 2019 and 2025, he was privileged to be a judge for the Awards.

Linda Mellors

Linda is the CEO of InvoCare. She has been a chief executive for 15 years with broad experience in health and aged care, including substantial growth and transformation execution.

Prior to joining InvoCare on 1 July 2026, Linda was the Managing Director and CEO of Regis Healthcare for nearly seven years.

Linda holds a PhD in Cardiac Physiology, Bachelor of Science with first class Honours, Bachelor of Arts and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Melinda Petrunoff

Melinda Petrunoff is the Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand at Pinterest. Based in Sydney, Melinda leads the team to increase advertising growth, supporting relationships with brands and ensuring Pinterest is the best possible localized experience for millions of users.

Melinda has more than 20 years of leadership, sales, marketing and operations experience building successful digital businesses across the Asia–Pacific, including helping grow Facebook across the region.

In 2023, Melinda was honored as the Women Leading Tech Executive of the Year, and by 2025, she was recognized on Mediaweek’s Top 100 Innovators list.

Ronni Kahn AO

Ronni Kahn AO is a social entrepreneur and Founder of Australia’s leading food rescue charity, OzHarvest.

Ronni is a passionate advocate and activist renowned for disrupting the food waste landscape in Australia. She leads with purpose and conviction in the spaces of food security and sustainability while also appearing regularly in national media.

Ronni is an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) and was named Australian Local Hero of the Year.

Samuel Viney

Samuel Viney is CEO of Lounge Lovers, where he leads the brand’s vision for design-led, accessible furniture and drives its next phase of national growth.

With more than two decades of experience spanning retail, marketing and customer experience, Samuel has worked with some of Australia’s most recognized brands, including Aldi, Westpac and Amart Furniture.

Since joining Lounge Lovers, he has championed a culture of operational excellence and long-term brand trust, positioning the company as a key player in Australia’s evolving home and lifestyle sector.