CEO, Stedmans Hospitality Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2009
Business entrepreneur Annah Stretton has been named as the 2009 New Zealand recipient of the Veuve Clicquot Award.
Richard Yeomans, General Manager of Veuve Clicquot's local subsidiary, said the Award recognised and celebrated women who demonstrated entrepreneurship, audacity and vision.
Annah's business, Stretton Group has grown to include a chain of fashion retail stores throughout New Zealand, export accounts to the U.K., Ireland, Europe, USA and Australia and a publishing arm that currently delivers three magazine titles to the market.
In addition to directing her collection of business interests, Annah is actively involved in a huge number of philanthropic endeavours, supporting many national groups including Look Good Feel Better, Starship, SPCA, Safe and many Breast Cancer initiatives.
"Annah Stretton has the entrepreneurial drive, tenacity, charisma, vision and hardworking nature that were key values of Madame Clicquot. Her financial success is unquestionable and she continues to diversify and innovate in a manner which would do the Grande Dame of Champagne proud."
Operating under Stretton Group, Ms Stretton manages successful fashion and publishing businesses. However as well as business success, a commitment to community and corporate social responsibility was integral to the 2009 Award, Yeomans said.
"Apart from her own personal quest for success, Annah's significant commitment to philanthropic causes made her stand out. Not only does she work closely with various charities, she fosters young fashion talent and her commitment to helping New Zealand women in business is evident through the national networking and mentoring events she has built up."