CEO of AIS Water, Elena Gosse, has proudly led her multi-award-winning company through 28 years of setting new benchmarks and breaking through glass ceilings and stereotypes in the manufacturing industry. She has now been named a finalist for the prestigious CEO of the Year category of The CEO Magazine’s 2021 Executive of the Year Awards.
Elena will stand beside just 13 fellow finalists in her category, selected from across Australia in recognition of their exceptional leadership, innovation and passion for their fields.
In Elena’s case she is a renowned rule-breaker and change maker, passionate about speaking up to advocate for environmental responsibility and water conservation when it comes to water disinfection for residential and commercial swimming pools.
She is often invited as a public speaker to share her experience of arriving in Australia from Russia unable to speak English, going on to achieve a second university degree and transforming AIS Water from a three-person operation to an international success story.
AIS Water’s technology and systems operate in 55 countries worldwide, including pools for 90 Queensland schools, at major hotels and resorts, and municipal public pools across Australia and the globe.
She also advocates against domestic and family violence by fundraising and promoting the free legal services available to women through the work of Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
“I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be chosen as a finalist for such a sought-after award, I understand there was a huge number of high calibre nominations.
“This is an enormous opportunity to spotlight the tireless work of my AIS Water team who strive to lead our industry, demand greater sustainability, and to share our vision to conserve water for the future of our planet,” Elena said.
“It’s also humbling and rewarding to be the proof that others, of any gender, age or background, can find their voice, forge their own path no matter where they came from, and grow their business with integrity,” she said.
“As one of the few female CEOs working in my industry I know there is no lack of women who are able, ready and willing to lead. They exist in great numbers, and we need more women in leadership whether in the not-for-profit sector, corporate boards or politics.”
“I am delighted and excited to share the stage with Australia’s greatest business minds for the Awards announcement in November.”
The full list of more than 120 finalists across 17 award categories were announced by The CEO Magazine Australia & New Zealand today: 2021 Executive of the Year Awards: finalists announced (theceomagazine.com) www.aiswater.com.au
