Celebrate the power of change with these women in business
In August, South Africans celebrate Women’s Month in remembrance of the more than 20’000 women who marched to the Union Buildings against the pass laws on 9 August 1956. Today, women in business are having a positive influence in South Africa and are part of the change which could lift the emerging market’s GDP by 12%. In 2012, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), found that 126 million women had started running businesses in 67 countries around the world, including South Africa. Businesswomen across the country are showing their entrepreneurial spirit and this is reflected by the statistics that show that 28% of senior management positions are held by women (compared to the global average of 21%).
Fry’s is a business that operates as a family, with women playing a major role in all levels of operations and management. The company was co-founded by Debbie Fry, with her husband Wally back in 1991. Debbie was a born vegetarian and was part of the inspiration for Wally developing a range of meat alternatives that were high in protein and delicious. Their daughter, Tammy Fry Kelly, is the International Marketing Director of Fry’s Family Foods. Tammy combines her passion for healthy food and animal welfare to market a product that allows anyone to eat a compassionate diet.
The Board of Directors also consists of Hayley Richardson, who is the Technical Director. Hayley is responsible for the research and development of all new products and the maintenance of the highest factory standards. The South African business is run by Acting Managing Director, Caroline Garnett, who is a Chartered Accountant and the Chief Financial Officer. Caroline oversees all operations of the company and ensures that delicious food is available to all leading retailers across the country.
Fry’s Family Foods is dedicated to making a difference to the Earth and the animals that inhabit it. This is made possible by the businesswomen who make key decisions on how to grow the company in the most sustainable way possible.
Follow Tammy now if you want to find out more about Fry’s and the businesswomen who run it!
