User:PhilippaLowe/NaomiSimson

Naomi Simson pioneered experiential gift-giving in Australia and New Zealand in 2001 when she launched up RedBalloon. Originally operating out of a small home office with little more than a second hand computer, RedBalloon grew to become one of Australia and New Zealand's most successful online businesses.

Before founding RedBalloon, Naomi had a long career as a corporate marketer with companies such as IBM, KPMG, Ansett and Apple.

Naomi wanted to test if a business could be successful by simply listening to its people and its customers, and focusing on what would get people talking: the giving and receiving of experiential gifts that create memories.

Naomi’s accolades include 2008 national Telstra Business Womens Awards - Innovation, and being one of four finalists in the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year Awards, as well as being listed as a woman to watch in 2011. RedBalloon been listed on the Business Review Weekly’s Fast List six years running (2004 - 2009), awarded Number One website by Hitwise for the Flowers and Gifts category from 2004 – 2010, and is the recipient of the Deloitte Tech Fast 50 Award.

RedBalloon is acknowledged in the top ten Best Places to Work in Australia by BRW and according to Hewitt has a 97% employee engagement score.

Naomi has written a book 'I want what she is having'.