The 2025 40under40 award winners. Photo: Matt Jelonek courtesy of Business News
ECU congratulates all five winners for their innovation, leadership and impact — and applauds their dedication to making a difference in their industries and communities. These business leaders came out on top following a rigorous interview and application process.
Their success stands as a powerful reminder of the talent nurtured at ECU and the diverse paths our alumni take to create lasting change.
Hosted by Business News, the annual awards recognise individuals under the age of 40 who are making waves in their industries and contributing to our State's future. This year's gala event brought together over 600 of Perth's business elite for a night of inspiration and celebration.
The ECU Alumni recognised in this year’s honours list are:
- Lucy Cooke, founder of SpaceDraft, a world-first visual logistics software born from her film industry experience. A Master of Professional Communications (Screen Studies) graduate from ECU's School of Arts and Humanities, Lucy is helping revolutionise remote collaboration and digital storytelling.
- Laura Hunter, CEO of the Australian Council on Smoking & Health, has become a prominent voice in the national push to address youth vaping. A graduate of ECU's Bachelor of Science (School of Science), Laura is helping to shape vital public health policy.
- Steven Roberts, director at Oakmont Financial Group and managing director of Business for Doctors, started his journey through ECU's University Preparation Course. He now champions financial wellbeing for health professionals across Australia.
- Chi To Tang, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Street Food Lab, Sweet Food Lab, Bio Packaging WA, and Quick Cut Express, is known for championing sustainable business and fair work practices. Chi is a Bachelor of Business graduate from ECU's School of Business and Law.
- Kat Thompson, co-founder of ZestHR, is challenging traditional human resources models with a future-focused, people-first approach. With two decades of experience behind her, Kat completed a Bachelor of Learning and Organisational Development at ECU's School of Business and Law.
Woollahra Group founder and proud Mandandanji man Christopher Schmid was honoured as the First Amongst Equals, edging out three other finalists to take home the highest honour at this year’s 40under40 Business News awards gala.
Business News senior journalist and chief judge Mark Pownall said all of this year's applicants were of an extremely high calibre.
"Our 40under40 awards program never ceases to amaze me in the people it turns up and the great stories they tell of overcoming the odds," he told the crowd on Friday night.
"I have been a 40under40 judge for most of the 24 awards held since it started in 2002, each year offering a window into the business talent of Western Australia. This year is no different."
Read more about the 40u40 Awards here.
