Gregory J. Owens, IronPlanet chairman and CEO, was named a semifinalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 Northern California Region Award.

Now celebrating its 31st year, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs in more than 145 cities and 60 countries who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Owens was selected as a semifinalist by a panel of independent judges. Finalists will be announced Monday, May 15 and winners will be announced at an awards gala on Friday, June 23 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

“By harnessing vast data analytics and spearheading unique technology advancements we have been able to grow an ambitious initial promise into an online platform that brings ever greater efficiency to the heavy equipment industry worldwide,” Owens said. “I am honored to make the short list for EY Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Owens is responsible for the development, refinement and execution of IronPlanet’s overall business strategy. In addition to a prior role as managing director at Red Zone Capital, Owens also served as chairman and CEO of Manugistics Group.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, CA, on November 18, 2017