Australian's Still Want to be Like Virgin Boss Richard Branson

Nearly one in two Aussies (43.9%) want to work for Virgin boss, Richard Branson, beating other business leaders by a long-shot, according to a survey of over 1300 respondents by Talent2 Australia's leading human resource and recruitment firm..

Gail Kelly, the new CEO of Westpac is the most in demand Australian boss with other employers on the wish list including Gerry Harvey, Richard Pratt, Channel 9's David Gyngell, Fairfax's David Kirk, David Morgan, former Westpac CEO and News Limited's John Hartigan, Alan Moore, departing CEO of Macquarie Bank and Sol Trujilio from Telstra

On a global scale Bill Gates is the second most desired employer, followed by Steve Jobs from Apple, Marius Kloppers from BHP Billiton, and Warren Buffet.

Craig Sneesby, General Manager of Talent2 Queensland, says Richard Branson has developed a reputation for being a risk-taker, an innovator, who enthusiastically takes care of his staff. People believe that working for Richard Branson, or by association a Virgin company, will be a fun, rewarding and sometimes surprising experience.

"Culture within an organisation is increasingly being scrutinised by potential employees. The way a company treats its staff or the work ethic or even the training and development opportunities others can impact hugely on employee attraction, particularly as there are such acute skills shortages.

"It is extremely encouraging that a female, Gail Kelly, is the most desired Australian boss. Her work at St George and her well known belief in work-life balance, good customer service, business acumen and innovative policies have helped make her one of the most sought after people in business by employers and employees alike."