The National Retail Association (NRA) have announced the winners of the industry’s largest and most prestigious awards program – Rewards for Excellence.

Tony Lowings, Managing Director of KFC Australia was awarded the 2015 NRA CEO of the Year.

Tony is known for his authentic leadership style, hands on approach, broad operations experience and profound passion for the quick service industry. Under his leadership, KFC Australia has become widely recognised for its exceptional talent, outstanding product innovation, and strong operating standards and sophisticated training systems.

Mr Lowings places significant emphasis on building HR best practices. He has been instrumental in ensuring diverse career paths are provided for young Australians, investing over $15 million in training each year, and cultivating a powerful culture of reward and recognition.

On accepting the award Tony has said:

“I’m humbled to accept this award on behalf of our team of 30,000 employees in Australia. I am grateful to the National Retail Association for their recognition of our dedication to our workforce and culture. It is a daily privilege to lead KFC Australia and this award is a reflection of the energy and commitment of our team members, franchisees and all of our support staff, all of whom have allowed KFC Australia to be the success it is today."

The NRA awards recognise the best of the best in the retail industry, acknowledging elite individuals and businesses who have consistently proven themselves to be thought-leaders in their field, and who are setting a whole new standard of excellence in the sector.