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Paul Zahra
PrintA leading force in the Australian Retail Industry for over 40 years
Paul Zahra is a CEO, Non-Executive Director, Board and Company Advisor and one of Australia's most influential diversity advocates and a powerful champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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Testimonials for Paul Zahra
NORA and Salesforce partnered recently to run a prominent Diversity and Inclusion event with senior leadership in the Australian retail ecosystem. Paul Zahra was our keynote and also moderated the expert panel. Paul is not only one of Australia’s leading retailers, he is also a prominent advocate and role model for D and I. His presentation was a standout, authentic and eloquent. His moderation of the panel was masterfully handled, navigating some sensitive and often misunderstood principles and facts. I unreservedly recommend Paul Zahra as a keynote.
Paul Greenberg, Founder NORA Network
I had the pleasure of working with Paul Zahra on a diversity and inclusion panel and also listening to his keynote speech at a recent NORA and Salesforce event. Paul creates the perfect atmosphere and, with his ability to connect with many people at the same time, engages easily with his audience. Paul is inspirational, insightful and uplifting - a true professional and one of my all-time favourite speakers. I can recommend Paul as a keynote speaker without reservation or hesitation.
Dominique Lamb, CEO of National Retail Association
Fee Range: POA
Paul Zahra's Biography
Paul Zahra is a CEO, Non-Executive Director, Board and Company Advisor and one of Australia's most influential diversity advocates.
A leading force in the Australian Retail Industry for over 40 years, Paul's corporate roles have included Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of former ASX listed department store, David Jones Limited as well as senior leadership roles at Target Australia and Officeworks Superstores.
Paul has been previously credited for leading the digital transformation of one of the oldest department stores in the world, achieving market-leading momentum, resulting in financial stability for the business during the worst retail conditions in 25 years and leading to its successful sale at a premium in 2014.
Paul is currently CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, a not for profit that is the country's oldest, largest, and most diverse retail body, representing a $400bn sector which employs 1.3m Australians. The ARA has gone through a significant transformation during his leadership, welcoming the recruitment of well-known large and major retail brands since his appointment, whilst successfully retaining 95 per cent of members that are small to medium size businesses.
Starting his working career in a family small business, he has been a strong advocate for small to medium size retailers, celebrating their contribution to the intellect and diversity of the retail community.
A powerful champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Paul has led numerous high profile LGBTI campaigns and initiatives. He is the former Chair of PwC Diversity and Inclusion Board, Former Chair of the Pinnacle Foundation, Former Chair of Australian Institute of Music and currently an ambassador for the 30% Club Australia. He has held non-executive director roles in ASX listed companies, private equity, start-ups and not-for-profits in the education, retail and FMCG sector.
Paul is an alumnus of Stanford University, USA, and a Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Speaking Topics Include
Leadership - CEO & Company Director
Change Management
Disruption
Diversity & Inclusion
Sales & Business Growth
Customer Service
Australian Retail Landscape