Global recognition for local CSR initiatives

The Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) named Pick n Pay's new chairman, Gareth Ackerman, the winner of this year's CSR Award for Leadership on 9 March 2010. Marc Lubner, CEO of MaAfrika Tikkun, took home the CSR Award for Philanthropic/Non-Profit Organisation.

The Social Enterprise Networks of YPO recognizes its members and graduates for their contributions to making a difference through their companies and charitable organisations. The global organisation connects members through their shared interests in community, philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors.

The 2010 winners of the YPO CSR Awards are:

Environmentally Sustainable Business Practices: Thomas Darden, CEO of Cherokee Investment Partners (www.cherokeefund.com)
Economic Justice and Community Impact: Audette Exel, CEO of The ISIS Group (www.isis.bm)
Employee Impact: Dennis Overton, Board Director of Ikirezi (www.ikirezi.com)
Philanthropic/Non-Profit Organisation: Marc Lubner, CEO of MaAfrika Tikkun (www.maafrikatikkun.org.za)
Leadership: Gareth Ackerman, Chairman of Pick n Pay (www.pnp.co.za)

“It's great to see a shift from shareholders to stakeholders, with companies focused on the triple bottom line of people, planet and profits,” remarked Jim Kenefick, chair of YPO's Corporate Responsibility Network. “And it's YPO members and graduates who are leading the change.”

“This is a wonderful acknowledgement of Pick n Pay's work over more than four decades in the communities of South Africa. Social investment has always been part of our DNA and a core value of the company. It's great to be honoured by YPO,” said Ackerman.