The National Retail Association’s (NRA) 2015 Young Retailer of the Year award has been taken out by KFC Australia human resource officer graduate leader, Medina Cicak, while Coles property graduate Laura Conquer was recognised as runner-up. The awards gala night was held on Monday 7 September.

Medina Cicak

Medina, who was up against 24 finalists, has won a place on Westfield’s 2016 World Retail Study Tour, alongside a number of retail executives seeking the latest trends and management techniques.

Kmart Toormina NSW store manager Scott Philips was recognised with the Leadership Award, while Target Success WA department manager, Tammy Drew, received the Rising Star Award.

NRA CEO, Trevor Evans said, “These future leaders have demonstrated that to compete and prosper in this challenging market, you have to be savvy in all areas and are proving that the retail industry can fulfil Gen Y’s desire for a dynamic and exciting career.”

“We are extremely proud of all our young retailers, as well as the collective achievements of the broader retail sector. Together, we are strengthening the industry for a brighter and more prosperous future,” Evans said.

The NRA Young Retailer of the Year Awards program has been around for close to half a century because retailers acknowledge that the youth of today are our leaders of tomorrow. Employers want to recognise and reward their employees and the NRA wants to showcase this passion to the industry.

The Award is recognised nationally as the highest accolade in retail and serves to acknowledge excellence in ambition, leadership and innovation within the retail discipline, for those under the age of 25.