Early Life and Challenges
At the age of 21, Diane Foreman faced the challenges of being a solo parent, struggling to make ends meet and pay her mortgage. A far cry from her current lifestyle, Foreman's journey to success has been marked by resilience and determination.
The Rise of a Business Mogul
Married at 18 and later joining her husband's plastics business, Trigon, Foreman's first taste of entrepreneurship came in 1996 when she oversaw the sale of Trigon for a substantial $130 million. Rather than resting on her laurels, she embarked on creating her own empire, the Emerald Group.
Building Emerald Group
Emerald Group became a conglomerate of global food, property, and investment businesses, with a significant focus on the ice cream industry. Brands like NZ Natural, Movenpick, and Killinchy Gold were part of Foreman's portfolio. Her dedication to the business earned her the title of EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009, a recognition she considers one of her greatest achievements.
The Ice Cream Operation
Foreman's "baby," the ice cream operation, became a focal point of her entrepreneurial success. Her strategic decisions fueled the growth of Emerald Group, showcasing her ability to navigate the business world. Even after selling the ice cream subsidiary to a Hong Kong company, Foreman remains connected, occasionally reaching out to former staff to discuss business matters.
Family and Personal Life
Despite her busy career, Foreman emphasizes the importance of family. As a New Zealander living in London, she remains closely tied to her roots. Foreman is a mother of four adult children and a grandmother to five grandchildren.
The $180 Million Woman
With a current net worth of approximately $180 million, Foreman acknowledges that wealth is not just about the zeros in the bank account. For her, it's about what one does with that wealth that truly matters.
What's Next for Diane Foreman
After selling her ice cream business, Foreman is taking a year off before delving into her next venture. With an entrepreneurial spirit deeply ingrained in her, she expresses certainty about having "one more in her." Her upcoming book, "In the Arena," promises insights into her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.
Advocacy for Entrepreneurship
Foreman believes that New Zealand should do more to encourage children to embrace entrepreneurship. Despite the challenges, she sees the potential for small businesses in New Zealand to make significant global deals, drawing from her experiences of selling businesses to major multinational corporations.
Beyond Business: Personal Highlights
Apart from her business achievements, Foreman reflects on personal highlights, including winning the New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year award and being invited to be a global judge for the EY world competition. Her passion for getting more women into business is evident, and she continues to advocate for diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Written by Michael Zippo
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