In today’s competitive retail landscape, leadership can make or break a company. According to Deloitte, the global retail market is worth over $26 trillion, with success hinging on a company’s ability to innovate and lead. This is where Katie Page stands out. As the CEO of Harvey Norman, one of Australia’s most recognized retail brands, she has led the company through decades of economic shifts, industry disruption, and changing consumer behaviors. And she hasn’t just survived — she’s thrived.
I’ve long admired Katie Page for the clarity of her vision and the resilience she brings to Harvey Norman. In this post, I want to take a closer look at how she’s managed to keep the company ahead of the curve and what we can learn from her leadership journey.
Leading with Vision: Katie Page’s Leadership Style
Katie Page took the reins of Harvey Norman in 1999, becoming one of the few women at the helm of a major Australian corporation. What sets her apart is her hands-on, transparent approach. She doesn’t just sit in a boardroom making high-level decisions—she visits stores, listens to franchisees, and constantly scans the horizon for what’s next.
Page emphasizes collaboration across all levels of the company. Under her leadership, Harvey Norman has maintained a decentralized model, allowing franchisees more autonomy than most traditional retailers. This empowers store operators to respond to local market needs while aligning with the broader corporate vision.
Why Choose Our Australian CXO Database?
- Access 20,514+ verified CEOs, Founders, and Business Owners from 47 industries.
- Perfect for B2B outreach, sales, and market research.
- Manually verified for accuracy and high deliverability.
- Instant download – Get your database immediately.
- No subscription fees – One-time purchase, lifetime access.
Purchase Now and start connecting with key decision-makers today.
Growth and Global Expansion
Under Katie Page’s leadership, Harvey Norman has expanded not just across Australia, but internationally into markets like New Zealand, Singapore, and Ireland. What impresses me most is how this growth hasn’t come at the expense of the brand’s identity.
Page has kept a clear focus on core product categories — electronics, furniture, and appliances — while strategically entering new markets that align with Harvey Norman’s strengths. In FY2023, Harvey Norman reported total system sales revenue of over $9.5 billion AUD, a testament to the company’s robust performance under her guidance.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
The retail industry is nothing if not unpredictable. From the GFC to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing shifts in consumer behavior, Harvey Norman has faced its share of obstacles. Katie Page’s ability to navigate these challenges has been a cornerstone of the company’s resilience.
During the pandemic, while many retailers struggled, Page spearheaded a swift digital transformation. Harvey Norman doubled down on its online capabilities and leveraged its supply chain strength to maintain product availability. Her decisive action ensured the brand remained accessible and relevant.
Staying Competitive in a Changing Retail Landscape
Retail today is shaped by e-commerce giants, changing consumer expectations, and digital disruption. Yet Harvey Norman has stayed competitive, largely due to Katie Page’s forward-thinking strategy.
She doesn’t view online and physical retail as opposing forces. Instead, she’s built an integrated approach that supports both. By investing in omnichannel retail and store experience, Harvey Norman has managed to keep foot traffic high while expanding digital revenue streams.
Katie Page has also championed sustainability, pushing for energy-efficient stores and responsible sourcing—moves that resonate with today’s values-driven shoppers.
The Lasting Impact of Katie Page
Katie Page has not only sustained Harvey Norman’s status as a retail powerhouse but has elevated it to new heights. Her leadership is a case study in adaptability, strategic foresight, and the power of staying true to a company’s core values.
For anyone in business or leadership, her story is more than just impressive—it’s instructive. Whether you’re leading a startup or managing a global brand, Katie Page’s journey offers valuable lessons on how to navigate change, inspire teams, and lead with both strength and empathy.
