KPMG Young Leader Award

Winner: Claude Cicchiello

Claude Cicchiello, 35 is Managing Director of La Casa Del Formaggio, a family business since 1988, manufacturing a range of premium quality Italian style cheeses. Employing over 50 staff and producing 30’000 kg of fresh cheese each week, Claude is responsible for the strategic direction of La Casa which has grown significantly in the last five years. Claude maintains a strong connection with the SA food industry, in particular mentoring other small family orientated businesses.

Judges Comments:

Claude is clearly passionate about his business and a quiet achiever who works within the business community, providing leadership at the ground level through mentoring and sharing of knowledge. One of his key strengths is knowing what he doesn’t know – thus allowing leverage from the wider business community to the benefit of La Casa Del Formaggio. Claude places strong emphasis on implementing strategies and processes particularly around people, training, quality and the environment – all of which are first class.