Each year Ray White New Zealand celebrates the winners of its CEO Cup award, who have had a significant impact on the trajectory of the group over the last 25 years.
The theme of this year’s CEO Cup lunch was reconnection, as past winners came together in person at the boathouse of the Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, following two years of the event being held on a virtual platform.
Ray White New Zealand CEO Carey Smith welcomed members past and present, extending back to the first CEO Cup award winner Bob Mountford in 1997.
“Each year the CEO Cup award, which is the pinnacle of recognition for the company, is received by a member who has had a moment which has helped the company significantly to add value in decision-making and signaling of leadership,” Mr. Smith said.
“Last year’s award winner was the Kemeys family. Both Llew Kemeys and his son Elliot attended the day and were acknowledged as the 2021 receivers of the CEO Cup award.
“The Kemeys family have had a huge impact on the Ray White group, in particular in 2017 when the group welcomed the Leaders Real Estate group to Ray White, which was the biggest independent business across New Zealand in the region of Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kapiti and also Hawke’s Bay.”
Mr. Smith said the Kemeys family had recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary in real estate.
“Their offices in Petone in Eastbourne are an amazing example of success and growth,” he said.
“The leadership of their business, run through Elliott, shows the value of youth and the next generation being supported by an environment of mentorship within the family and particularly from Llew Kemeys.”
Mr. Smith said it was an honour to have everyone back in the room together.
“The lunch was about reconnection this year,” he said.
“Across our organisation the Ray White group respects members who have made a significant impact with our company, including those who may no longer be actively part of the business.
“However, each year this is an opportunity to acknowledge each of our CEO cup winners who have made our company a better place for those who consider a career path with our organisation today.
“Our business continues to grow exponentially on the back of the years of quality support and trust within the organisation. It is fundamental to our success in the continued operating mantra of being a place of ambition.”