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Acclaimed Journalist, Facilitator & MC

Ian Leslie was one of the original reporters on the 60 Minutes team. He is, by reputation and accomplishment, one of Australia’s outstanding broadcast journalists and corporate communicators.

Ian Leslie’s extraordinary 47 year career in journalism was recognized by his fellow Australians in the 2009 Queen’s birthday honours list, which saw Leslie awarded the Medal(OAM) of the Order of Australia, in recognition of his services to the media and to the community.

Recipient of Australia’s most coveted honour for journalism, the Walkley Award and three times Logie winner, Ian’s breadth of experience, contact with world leaders in business and politics and journalistic integrity have earned him universal respect.

About Ian Leslie
Ian Leslie began his career in journalism as a cadet journalist and trainee cine cameraman in Toowoomba Queensland in the 60’s. Having attained the position of News Editor, he made the move to Sydney and took up a position as senior reporter with Ten Network.

In 1977 Ian joined the Nine Network as a reporter with A Current Affair before being appointed as one of the three original reporters on the 60 Minutes Team, where he joined Ray Martin and George Negus in a program that made television history.

Ian rejoined Ten Network in 1989 to form his own documentary and special projects unit responsible for the Network’s public affairs productions. Later that year he took up the position as anchorman for the Ten Evening News. In 2005, Ian was chosen by Fox Television as the anchor for the award winning series Running on Empty on the Weather Channel. This was the first indepth investigation into the water crisis facing Australian cities. The series had a major impact on the NSW Government’s decision not to desalinate Sydney’s water supply and won best short documentary category, ASTRA Awards for subscription television.

Post his commitment with Fox Television, Ian formed his own production company specializing in corporate communications.

Ian’s career highlights with 60 Minutes included:

  • Covering conflicts in most of the world’s major trouble spots: Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lebanon, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Burma, Korea, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.
  • Gaining access to many world leaders...including audiences with, Moraji Desai (Prime Minister of India), Benazir Bhutto (Prime Minister Pakistan), Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines), Ugandan Presidents, Beniza, Obote, Muzeweri.
  • His most notable coup was an interview with Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt and Camp David fame. The only Australian journalist to profile the great World Statesman.

    Ian Leslie’s corporate expertise:
  • Keynote Speaker
  • Conference Facilitator
  • Master of Ceremonies for Award Presentations
  • Product Launches
  • Corporate Video Anchor
  • National Marketing Campaigns
  • Chairing of Government Programs

    Perfectly suited to present business visions and strategies, Ian is a highly skilled communicator whose credibility and sound journalistic principles make him ideal for any occasion. As one of Australia's most acclaimed broadcast journalists, Ian was the face of Woolworths for Australia’s most successful public share float; Arnott’s turned to him to help restore public confidence when they were faced with a crisis and The Victorian Government used Ian to launch it’s electricity privatisation scheme.

    An exciting key note speaker, Ian Leslie draws on a journey of extraordinary experiences to breathe new life into conferences, seminars, and trade functions.

    For a conference or seminar, Ian Leslie can interview the Managing Director and Senior Executives either one on one or in a panel format, before opening the discussion to the floor, initiating exchange between the panel and the audience. Knowing which questions to ask, to whom and when, results in a lively informative session allowing delegates to participate. Ensuring that the issues of importance to your company are the issues discussed, the audience leave better informed and better equipped for the workplace.

    With Ian Leslie at the helm, your conference never gets boring or loses momentum. By exploring the key issues and asking the right questions, he brings maximum value to your conference.



    • Client testimonials

    A thorough professional who demonstrates an appreciation of the...corporate environment.

    Don Argus, Chairman BHP Billiton

    The power of Leslie’s credentials as an authoritative television journalist cannot be under estimated - a pleasure to work with... such a professional.

    Rick Osborne, Former President George Patterson Bates, Hong Kong

    An invaluable anchor to generate discussion, keep things on track and relevant to an audience.

    Institute Municipal Management

    An outstanding master of ceremonies. He does his homework and makes speakers feel relaxed.

    Tower Corporation

    An invaluable anchor to generate discussion, keep things on track and relevant to an audience.

    Institute Municipal Management

    A high profile with the credibility Fujitsu wants to be associated with.

    Fujitsu Australia

    An incisive questioner of speakers with the right touch of humour.

    IAG

    His integrity and professionalism has been a great asset to us.

    G.M.H.

    Ian’s expertise, superb presentation skills, dedication to excellence …raised the QBE National Roadshow, 2009 to new levels of professionalism

    QBE.

    A thorough professional who demonstrates an appreciation of the...corporate environment.

    National Australia Bank