A new scholarship for women leaders in media, television and avertising is being named after Maureen Kerridge (formerly Plavsic), the first woman to become head of a television network, who died last year after a long fight with cancer.
Chief Executive Women (CEW) and Keith Kerridge, Maureen's husband, announced the new scholarship in her honour to inspire Australian women leaders working in media, television and advertising.
CEW president Sam Mostyn: “This annual scholarship in memory of Maureen’s achievements as a pioneering woman in media is a wonderful celebration and recognition of her remarkable leadership.”
Maureen was posthumously made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) his year for her significant service to the television industry, the arts and charitable organisations.
Maureen Kerridge was the first woman to run an Australian television network, Seven, and the first female CEO of a free-to-air television network globally.
Her career included senior roles at Unilever and on the board roles for a range of organisations including Opera Australia, Pacific Brands, Macquarie Radio Network, the Seven Group and the charity Bestest.
She was also a council member of the National Museum of Australia, a Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria and supported many charities and causes that were close to her heart.
Keith Kerridge: “Maureen always supported women in her industry. She was passionate about women following in her footsteps into leadership roles and one of her greatest passions was mentoring younger women in all spheres.
"Maureen never did anything by halves, so we hope the people who nominate for this scholarship really want to make their mark.”
CEW’s Scholarship Program has expanded in 2021 to support applicants from more diverse sectors. The new Maureen Kerridge Scholarship is designed for mid to senior women executives with at least five years of leadership and business experience in the media, television and advertising industries.
Candidates can nominate the course they wish to attend, anywhere around the world, to accelerate their career with full tuition fees up to $35,000 covered. Courses can be online or face-to-face and must start after October 2021 and not exceed 36 months.
Successful scholarship candidates will become CEW Scholars and be part of Chief Executive Women’s alumni community, CEW Connect, alongside more than 200 women who have been awarded scholarships to business schools in Australia and internationally since the CEW executive program commenced in 1992.
Applications close Monday, August 9.
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