Dr George Kailis wins prestigious WA Seafood Industry Leadership Award
The leadership, innovation and dedication of Dr George Kailis was recognised when he was presented the prestigious Michael & Patricia Kailis Leadership Award at the 2021 Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards.
The Awards event, recognising excellence in the WA seafood industry, was held at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and opened by Minister for Fisheries Hon Don Punch MLA in front of a packed audience of industry participants and seafood stakeholders.
“Dr George Kailis has carried on the MG Kailis legacy of achievement and has already had a far-reaching and enduring impact on the fishing industry, locally, nationally and internationally,” WA Fishing Industry Council CEO, Darryl Hockey said.
Dr Kailis was a foundation Director of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and has served 18 years as a WAFIC Director, providing instrumental rationale and political impetus for much needed reform during his tenure. He was also Chair of the industry’s National Native Title Committee providing key input into the High Court’s Wik decision.
In addition, Dr Kailis is the chair of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association; an advisor to the International Association of sustainable Fisheries; the Executive Chair of MG Kailis Group; Adjunct Professor of Management and Law at Notre Dame University, whilst also serving on a number of boards Including Yale University and CSIRO.
More recently he was invited to provide advice to the UK Government and industry on best practice in fisheries management following the Brexit decision.
Darryl Hockey said Dr Kailis had demonstrated his ability to make a substantial positive difference to the seafood industry over many years and has been a highly effective and respected seafood industry leader. He has a special ability to generate ideas, and through leadership and innovation, translate these ideas into positive changes for the seafood industry.
“Dr Kailis’ passion, leadership, enthusiasm and dedication has seen him effect position change across the Australian seafood and broader food industries.”
“Dr Kailis has been a participant in the fishing industry for well over 30 years and has come to be recognised as one of its most respected industry leaders.”
“As an industry body, we recognise the importance of acknowledging those individuals and organisations who make a substantial contribution to benefiting our industry, and Dr Kailis is certainly a worthy recipient of this award,” Mr Hockey concluded.