Gerry Harvey

Gerry Harvey (born 18 September 1939) is an Australian entrepreneur best-known for being the executive chairman of Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd., a large company which runs Australian bulky goods retail chain Harvey Norman. He co-founded it with Ian Norman.

Gerry Harvey was born in country NSW and went to school at Bathurst and Katoomba before moving to Sydney to go to university when he was 17. He got his start early, selling vacuum cleaners and fridges door to door. When he was younger Gerry was determined to be a farmer. "I went to university for a couple of years and I didn't enjoy university. The studying and the accountancy, economics, I just hated that stuff. Now the irony is here I am lawyer, accountant, I do it all day every day and sit at a desk. So I've never ended up where I wanted to be in many ways. I always wanted to be a farmer."

The company also owns the bulky goods retailers Domayne, Joyce Mayne, along with numerous other, smaller businesses. Harvey adopts a very hands-on approach to his business, appearing as a spokesman during radio adverts for Harvey Norman. He frequently gives comment on economic and business matters in the national press and television media and has a sizeable public profile. He is generally regarded as a slightly maverick businessman with a down-to-earth Australian attitude and is often critical of Australian CEOs, particularly when it comes to remuneration. He often states that no one is worth the millions they earn and that if they think they are worth more, they can be paid in options and shares.

Over the last decade he has become increasingly involved in breeding race horses. He is now considered one of the largest breeders in the world, with over 600 thoroughbreds in his stables. He also owns 50% of the Magic Millions, one of the largest and most expensive thoroughbred auction events in the Australian racing industry.

In his second marriage he is wed to Katie Page who is the CEO of Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd..

External links

* [http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/conversations/stories/s2077530.htm?sydney Entrepreneur Gerry Harvey] - Gerry Harvey in conversation with Jennifer Byrne (audio available).