The Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Award celebrates entrepreneurial women and businesswomen who are changing the world of business one decision at a time. The awards ceremony, hosted by International Veuve Clicquot Director Thomas Bouleuc, saw guests commending the raw talent and dedication of powerhouse women in business in South Africa.
Veuve Clicquot Champagne was served while some of South Africa’s top businesswomen recognised the achievements of their peers and networked with their business heroes, including high profile judges including Yolanda Miya, Managing Director Financing and Solutions Group for Deutsche Bank SA (and the only female on Deutsche Bank AG Johannesburg Branch Executive Committee) and of course powerhouse Khanyi Dhlomo, Founder & CEO of Ndalo Media and ELLE magazine.
Following a day of intense debate, a panel of six high-profile judges selected two winners – one from the corporate category and one from the entrepreneurial category, of which one overall winner was crowned as the Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss for 2018.
This year’s high caliber judges included Carol Bouwer, CEO of Bouwer Productions, Maira Koutsoudakis, CEO of the Life group of companies and Life Interiors, Architecture and Strategic Design, Veuve Clicquot brand manager Monique Mass, Yolanda Miya, MD in Financing and Solutions Group for Deutsche Bank SA, Maria Lambros of Prestige Cosmetics and Khanyi Dhlomo.
The finalists all clearly showcased entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, creativity and determination and are all women who are redefining the world of business, embodying Madame Clicquot’s audacious spirit and innovative approach.
Introducing this year’s Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss winner – Dr. Judey Pretorius
The exceptional Dr Judey Pretorius of Biomedical Emporium holds a B.Sc. in Biological Science, a B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry and a M.Sc. in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology and a Ph.D Pharmaceutical Chemistry, drug design and development.
“Our overall winner Dr Judey Pretorius exemplifies what a true Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss stands for: the kind of businesswoman making a real difference to everyday lives and moving South Africa forward,” commented Judge Khanyi Dhlomo.
Dr Pretorius’ passion was born out of her love for science and her incredible business journey was inspired by her fascination with the skin. It was this combination of business savvy and her passionate humanitarian drive in finding solutions to pressing issues in South Africa that moved and impressed the judging panel.
In addition to public recognition received on the evening of the awards and the exceptional networking opportunities provided, Dr Pretorius will be flown to visit the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Maison and hosted by Veuve Clicquot in Reims, France, the home of Champagne in 2019. To continue to network with the all winners from around the world.
Dynamic Melody Xaba was selected as the winner of the Corporate award.
A 33-year-old TV producer, Melody Xaba is currently the Executive Producer for The Morning Show on e.TV. A leader in the workspace for over 8 years, she has worked as a producer on Jam Alley and Club808, to name but a few. But her claim to fame is conceptualising Mzansi Magic’s: Our Perfect Wedding, born out of her own wedding experience.
“Veuve Clicquot is a proud supporter of women in business internationally with the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award, honouring our founder Madame Clicquot, who established herself as one of the first leading female figures in the world of business. We are therefore extremely proud to partner with ELLE magazine in South Africa. This award champions the success of South African business women who share the same inspirational qualities as Madame Clicquot: an enterprising spirit, creativity, courage, determination and, of course, success,” says Thomas Bouleuc, Veuve Clicquot International Director.
Veuve Clicquot ELLE Boss Judge Chair Khanyi Dhlomo, herself recognised and honoured as one of SA’s most influential and inspiring businesswomen summed up the 2018 Awards: “All of our finalists this year were natural leaders, confident, strong, committed and risk-takers who are driven to succeed.”
