Stepping onto the world stage

Dr Elizabeth Lewis-Gray

Chairman and Managing Director, Gekko Systems
MBM graduate 1997, Doctor of the University Honoris Causa 2016

Dr Elizabeth Lewis-Gray co-founded Gekko Systems with husband Sandy Gray in 1996. Now a world leader in innovative mineral processing systems, the Ballarat-based company boasts over 400 installations across 44 countries. As Chairman and Managing Director, Elizabeth has led change in a traditionally male dominated industry, and won herself a reputation for being, in the words of a business rival, a “mover and shaker”.

Previously, Elizabeth worked in both strategic planning and stockbroking. She began her Masters of Business Management (MBM) as Gekko Systems began to take off. As a leader of a rapidly expanding global company, the opportunity to hone her management skills was welcomed: “The experiential learning through self-awareness and action learning cycles have been critical to the development of my management and leadership capabilities.”

Elizabeth’s success has been recognised in a variety of ways, ranging from her induction into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame to being named as one of the Canadian Institute of Mining’s ‘Top 20 Names to Know in Mining’.

In 2016, she was honoured by Federation University Australia for her eminent service and contributions to the mining sector, to mineral processing innovation, to business leadership, and to environmental management. Federation University Australia was pleased to award Dr Elizabeth Lewis-Gray the degree of Doctor of the University Honoris Causa.

Reflecting on her course of study, she sees that both professional and personal benefits have stemmed from her MBM: “The strongest memories I have while studying at Federation University include the course focusing on self-awareness, active learning and the development of leadership skills in a complex world. Also, studying and working with inspiring and passionate co-students.”