Ryan Stokes has been named the Business Leader of the Year at the Australian Institute of Management WA Pinnacle Awards, held on November 1, 2023, in Perth. This accolade recognises his significant contributions over the past decade as CEO of SGH, as well as his roles at Beach Energy and his family’s firm, Australian Capital Equity. Stokes acknowledged the weight of expectation that accompanies his family name but expressed his determination to meet those challenges.
Leadership and Impact
During the awards ceremony, Stokes reflected on the obligations and privileges that come with his position. “It’s frankly an opportunity and a privilege, without doubt… but with that comes an obligation,” he stated. He emphasised the importance of earning his role and contributing positively to the business community. “Every opportunity is a privilege… it’s been a guiding element within my mindset,” Stokes added.
According to AIM WA Chief Executive Gary Martin, the award highlights “sustained outperformance by a business leader.” He noted that the success of SGH is closely linked to Australia’s mining and energy sectors, which are crucial to the nation’s economy. Martin praised Stokes for his “increasingly active leadership role” at Beach Energy, a company that holds substantial gas assets in the Perth Basin.
Stokes has been vocal about the need for the Federal Government to reassess its climate policy, particularly the safeguard mechanism, which he described as a de facto tax during Beach’s annual general meeting in Adelaide.
A Legacy of Excellence
Martin commended Stokes for transforming SGH into “one of Australia’s great, diversified companies” over the last decade. He credited Stokes with his exceptional work ethic, values-based approach, and commitment to continuous improvement. “He has demonstrated enormous respect for the opportunity he was given,” Martin remarked.
In his acceptance speech, Stokes expressed “huge satisfaction” in his work and acknowledged the influence of his father, Kerry Stokes, on his career. “He has a kind of insatiable work appetite and work ethic, and those things shape your approach over time,” he explained.
Stokes, a fellow of AIM and a previous judge for the awards, was among 11 winners announced at the Pinnacle Awards ceremony, which highlights the best and most innovative businesses in Western Australia.
SGH’s diverse portfolio includes a 30 percent stake in Beach Energy and a 40 percent holding in Seven West Media, which publishes The West Australian. The company also owns Boral, a major player in building products and construction materials, along with WesTrac, a Caterpillar dealer, and equipment hire provider Coates.
Among the other award winners were:
- Hawaiian – Corporate Social Impact: Excellence
- Horizon Power – Customer Experience Excellence
- Superyou Therapy – Emerging Business Excellence
- Bellevue Gold – Environmental Sustainability: Excellence
- Winyama Contracting Group – First Nations Business Excellence
- Rockingham Peel Group – Innovation Excellence
- The Y WA – Local Engagement Excellence
- Air Force Association WA Limited – Marketing Excellence
- Rockingham Peel Group – ICU – People and Culture Excellence
- Horizon Power – Workplace Wellbeing Excellence
Ryan Stokes’ recognition as Business Leader of the Year underscores his influential role in shaping the future of Australian business, with a focus on ethical leadership and community impact.
