Last Friday former CEO and chairman of Wesfarmers Limited, Trevor Eastwood, attracted more than 300 of Perth’s top business movers and shakers to the annual AICD Rottnest Forum, which Ajilon has been a long-time sponsor of.

In his signature style, Eastwood spoke candidly to guests about his leadership experiences and the responsibilities directors face in the boardroom. 

Drawing on over 40 years experience, he reflected on the critical issues for today’s directors, particularly the key role of appointing and monitoring the performance of company CEOs.

He also divulged some interesting insights into his personal pursuits outside the corporate world, which include his passion for collecting, racing and rallying cars, art and a great enjoyment of the outdoors, which Eastwood said impacted his thinking.

Eastwood was years ahead of his time in his financial management and business thinking.  Wesfarmers had a share market capitalization of $27 million when he took over in1984.  By the time he stepped down as CEO, the company had passed the one billion dollar mark.  Today Wesfarmers is one of the largest private employers in Australia, with an employee base of approximately 200,000 people.

A book about Eastwood, The CEO, the Chairman and the Board, was released at the end of March.  The book, by Rosemary Sayer, is a biographical account of Eastwood’s life, business philosophy and what has driven him to such extraordinary levels of success.

Following Eastwood’s presentation, guests were presented with a pre-release copy of his book, before heading to the newly-refurbed Hotel Rottnest for a beer garden lunch.

Ajilon’s WA General Manager, Chris Benthien, certainly didn’t disappoint punters, delivering a highly amusing speech that satired the current global financial crisis, in addition to profiling some of the bigger project work Ajilon is currently engaged in for its WA clients.

His speech raised that many smiles that the comic who followed him, James O’Laughlin [host of the ABC’s New Inventors program], quipped to the audience that Chris had stolen his thunder.

All in all, the day was a great success, enabling Chris and his staff the opportunity to positively showcase the Ajilon brand, while strengthening client relationships.
 

To view the full album of photos taken by AICD on the day, click here.