Early Life and Education

Born in 1956 in Mareeba, Queensland, Katie Leslie “Katie” Page is a prominent Australian business executive, best known as the CEO of Harvey Norman. Growing up in a family that relocated frequently due to her father’s career as a bank manager, Page spent her formative years in various Queensland towns, including St George, Rockhampton, and Brisbane. This nomadic lifestyle, coupled with her father’s encouragement to stay informed about the business world, shaped her early ambitions.

Page attended Brisbane State High School, a progressive institution known for its emphasis on gender equality. Originally aspiring to become a surveyor, she shifted her focus after encountering discouragement over the low pay prospects for women in that field. Instead, she ventured to Sydney, where at 19, she participated in an intelligence test event for children with autism, where she first met Gerry Harvey, who would later become her husband and business partner.

Career

Page’s professional journey began in 1983 when she joined Harvey Norman, an Australian retail giant founded by Gerry Harvey and Ian Norman in 1982. Starting as an assistant at one of the company’s new stores, she quickly distinguished herself through her work in ad buying, sales, marketing, and publicity. Her versatility and dedication earned her a prominent role within the company, and by 1999, she was appointed CEO, a position she holds to this day.

Under her leadership, Harvey Norman has seen substantial growth, expanding into international markets including New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Slovenia, and Ireland. The company also embraced e-commerce early, launching its online store in 2001. By 2015, Harvey Norman operated 277 stores across eight countries, generating revenues of A$4.9 billion. Page’s compensation in 2014 was A$2.07 million, reflecting her significant contribution to the company’s success.

Recognition and Achievements

Katie Page’s impact on the business world is widely recognized. In 2015, she was ranked fourth on The Australian Business Review’s list of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business”. Her achievements in retail were further acknowledged in 2021 when she was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.

Support for Sports and Women

Beyond her role in retail, Page is a passionate advocate for sports, particularly women’s sports. She co-owns the Magic Millions Thoroughbred auction house with Gerry Harvey, along with four breeding studs and approximately 1,000 racehorses. The Magic Millions event has become a major fixture in the thoroughbred racing calendar, bolstered by Page’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the sport.

In 2004, Page became the first woman elected to the board of the National Rugby League (NRL), where she introduced the Women in League initiative in 2005. Harvey Norman’s sponsorship of the NRL’s State of Origin series from 1997 to 2012 and ongoing support for women’s and Indigenous All Stars matches underscores Page’s dedication to advancing women in sports.

Page has also initiated several programs to support female athletes. In 2013, she introduced the Racing Women’s Incentive Bonus, a special prize for horses owned or leased by women at the Jeep Magic Millions 2YO Classic. This initiative was renewed in subsequent years, showcasing her commitment to female empowerment in racing.

In March 2015, Page announced Harvey Norman’s sponsorship of the Auburn Giants, a predominantly female, Muslim Australian Football League team. Later that year, she supported an all-female racecar driving team at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Personal Life

Katie Page married Gerry Harvey in 1988, and the couple has two children. An avid badminton player, Page also has a passion for high-end property development. Her latest project, M3565 at Main Beach, Queensland, is a luxury residential development reflecting her love for modern architecture.

Net Worth

Although historically assessed separately from her husband, Gerry Harvey, Page’s financial status was combined with his starting in 2021, reflecting their joint achievements and assets.

Katie Page’s career is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and commitment to advancing women’s roles in business and sports. Her leadership at Harvey Norman and her active support for women’s sports make her a distinguished figure in both fields, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.