BACKGROUND
Andrew Downs began his working life as an apprentice electrician.

Later in his career having experienced frustration working with Automation companies, Andrew started his own, founding SAGE Automation from his family backyard shed.

He is the Managing Director of the SAGE Group of Companies, which now has 7 offices across Australia, employs more than 250 people and an annual turnover in excess of $50 Million.

SAGE Automation is Australia's leading System Integrator specialising in industrial control and automation systems for a wide range of industries. Committed to the development of both its in-house talent and the next generation of industry talent, SAGE Didactic was founded in 2007 to provide advanced industrial technology training. SAGE Capital was formed 2008 as a strategic partner to industry, working collaboratively to develop and commercialise new patented technology for advanced manufacturing businesses.

Andrew is the President of the Australian Industry Group in South Australia and in 2004 was named the Ernst and Young South Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, Technology.

ROLE AND HOPES FOR ILF
Andrew Downs founded his business on the values of People, Passion and Performance and is committed to Delivering Certainty for SAGE people, SAGE Customers and the industries in which SAGE operates. Andrew believes the ILF will become a pivotal platform from which the industry leaders of the future can be nurtured and develop into strong, focussed and empowered people.

Andrew explains "The foundation of a strong industry is strong leaders. First and foremost, strong leaders need to believe in themselves and the value of a good mentor cannot be overstated. I have been lucky enough in my career journey to have learned from those who have travelled the path before me and their experience and insight has been invaluable."

Andrew has always focused on surrounding himself with the right people. "No-one is an expert in all areas of business, it is vitally important to develop a network of people, each bringing areas of expertise to create a strong unified team."

"My wish for the ILF, is that it will form a foundation on which industry in South Australia will continue to develop leaders who have vision, passion and discipline in line with their core values to achieve their goals."

Examples of successful leaders Andrew admires are:
Steve Jobs, Henry Ford, Rupert Murdoch and Warren Buffett