Melissa Parra, Speedmaster's HR Director, has been named the 2021 Employee of the Year. The selection was unanimous across the awards committee, which included executive team members and previous winners.

"We are all proud to have MP on our team, and we hope to keep her on her toes for many years to come." - Jason Kencevski, CEO

The Annual Leadership Retreat

The award was presented at Speedmaster's annual company retreat, which brings global leadership together outside the office once a year. This year's event - nicknamed "The Oasis" - was held at La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs, California.

The three-day programme includes keynote presentations and guest speakers, with a deliberate bias towards personal development over company targets.

"We'll have a sales or board meeting to discuss goals, targets, and expectations. But the purpose of the event is to invest in our most valuable asset - our people." - Tim Kawasaki, Deputy CEO

Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat creates space for engagement through activities including Speedmaster's own version of Shark Tank - a format designed to surface ideas and build the company's future ethos.

The Trophy

The Grand Perpetual Annual Employee of the Year Trophy is a depiction of Nike, the female Goddess of Victory. Standing nearly two feet tall, the trophy carries both historical weight and a deliberate statement about what the award represents.

Previous Award Winners

• 2020 - Mike Skeels
• 2019 - Jason Kencevski
• 2018 - Erickson Pereira
• 2017 - Erickson Pereira
• 2016 - Erickson Pereira
• 2015 - Gamaliel Verduzco
• 2014 - Jason Kencevski
• 2013 - Ken Kencevski
• 2012 - Ronald Smelt
• 2011 - Mark Ward
• 2010 - Miroslav Nikolovski
• 2009 - Viktorija Nikolovska
• 2008 - Fleet T.
• 2007 - Jose L.
• 2006 - Miroslav Nikolovski
• 2005 - Viktorija Nikolovska