Young Leader

KPMG Young Leader Award

Winner: Stephan Knoll

Stephan Knoll, 24, is the General Manager of Barossa Fine Foods; a 16 year old family owned and operated business specialising in smallgoods and meats. Managing five retail outlets and over 70 staff, Stephan has managed the company during a period of 20% national growth per annum, decreased staff turnover and improved factory efficiency. Stephan is the current Chair of Flavour SA and member of the Premier’s Food Council; he has completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Adelaide University.

Judges Comments

Stephan has demonstrated strong leadership in the food industry through his representation of industry on the Premiers Food Council. He has also given generously of his time in his role as Chair of Flavour SA.

Stephan has demonstrated substantial personal growth and determination, which in turn has strongly influenced the broader success within Barossa Fine Foods since assuming the role of General Manager. Stephan has led the company through a very strong growth phase by preparing clear operational plans, staff training manuals and other procedural manuals for all staff to follow which has aided in providing a clear path to business success.

Stephan prides himself in developing extensive in house training programs so that staff becomes more versatile within the business, being a jack of all trades rather than just a master of one. This provides flexibility within the business and has brought sustainability in an industry which can often be challenging in terms of staff attraction and retention.

Stephan believes he is a born leader, he sees himself as a person who naturally guides and inspires others. Stephan is well-respected by his immediate colleagues and the broader industry. He also shows a clear and exciting vision for the future of Barossa Fine Foods.