This is the first time the revered publication has created an exclusively female awards category for CEOs, and will now become an annual event offering a dedicated platform to recognise standout female leaders across various industries. 

The Director and CEO of Australia’s biggest arts festival rose to the top amongst a cohort of remarkable Female CEOs from across the globe to be named the first ever recipient of the award. 

Heather Croall stated it is a humbling accolade to receive this commendation from a global authority on leaders in business and is absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for the work she and the team have achieved at Adelaide Fringe. 

“The team is absolutely pivotal to the success we see each year at Adelaide Fringe with our festival having become an ingrained part of our city and state’s DNA.” said Heather. 

When asked about her biggest achievements in business Heather responded, “collaboration is where we have made leaps and bounds as an organisation, and I truly believe we have strength together, which is part of the ethos I apply when considering operations both internally and externally. Whether it be our incredibly successful arts marketplace, Honey Pot that runs alongside Fringe, or our ever-growing ability to attract new and diverse talent to the event each year, it all stems from a collaborative approach.” 

Adelaide Fringe Chair, Kate Costello said, “It’s great to see our Director and CEO receive this recognition for her work within the organisation. She has absolute vision and an incredible ability to work with her board members, staff and community as a whole.” 

Heather’s Adelaide Fringe story and professional profile will be circulated to 48,000 industry leaders and CEOs in the October edition of CEO Monthly.