We use cookies to improve your experience. By your continued use of this site you accept such use.
Go Back
Sage
Source: Sage |

Sage’s Ivan Epstein appointed as a judge for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in Monaco

Prestigious awards focuses on the power of entrepreneurship to change for the world for the better

Like many of the businesses we serve, we started from humble beginnings, developing into a successful international business

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 2, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ --

Ivan Epstein (https://twitter.com/IvanEpstein) – President of Sage International (www.Sage.com) has been appointed to the judging panel for the 16th EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards 2016 (http://bit.ly/1dORiO0). Epstein, the winner of the 1999/2000 Ernst & Young (EY) South African Entrepreneur Of The Year  award will be part of a panel that will decide on the winner, to be announced in Monte Carlo at a gala award ceremony on the evening of Saturday, 11 June.

Says Epstein: “Like many of the businesses we serve, we started from humble beginnings, developing into a successful international business. I know about the human sacrifice and hard work it takes to create one of the millions of Small & Medium Businesses that power the global economy.

“For that reason, this award and its focus on entrepreneurial excellence is close to my heart. I look forward to learning more about how entrepreneurs from around the world are serving their communities, creating growth and prosperity with their inspiring ideas.”

The awards see the winners in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards from 49 countries compete for the global title. The independent judging panel comprises distinguished EY Entrepreneur of the Year past winners and other well-known entrepreneurs. In addition to Epstein, they are:

  • Rebecca MacDonald of Just Energy Group (chair, Canada)
  • Rosario Bazán of DanPer (Peru)
  • Jim Nixon of Sandvik Venture (US)
  • Lance Uggla of Markit (UK)
  • Dr. Kar Wong of The Advanced Group of Companies (UK)
  • Michael Wu of Hong Kong Maxim’s Caterers Limited (China).

The award is given on the basis of six criteria, giving all country winners an equal opportunity to compete: entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, global (or community) impact, innovation, and personal integrity/influence.

Epstein co-founded the company, Softline, in 1988 and grew it into a multinational, JSE-listed software group by the late 1990s. The company was subsequently acquired by FTSE 100 company, Sage plc, today a global market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems to the world’s Small & Medium Businesses.

Epstein was awarded the EY “South Africa’s Best Entrepreneur” in 1999/2000, and appointed to the panel of judges where he now serves as chair.  He has selected many of South Africa’s entrepreneurs including a global winner.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sage.

Sage Press contacts:

Idea Engineers: PR agency for Sage
Del-Mari Roberts
Tel:       +27 (0)11 803 0030
Mobile: +27 (0)72 5958 053
delmari@ideaengineers.co.za

Idea Engineers: PR agency for Sage
Ashmika Panday
Tel:       +27 (0)11 803 0030
Mobile: +27 (0)73 626 0108
ashmika@ideaengineers.co.za

Notes to editors:

  • A full list of speakers, panellists and the 49 countries competing this year is available at www.EY.com/weoy.  
  • For broadcast quality, downloadable video content, visit EY’s broadcast newsroom https://broadcast.ey.com. The videos include non-branded B-roll, web videos and sound bites.

Connect with Sage

About Sage

Sage (www.Sage.com) is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.

Sage – the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The YearTM

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.