Infosys' Andrew Groth shares his Vinnies CEO Sleepout experience

Name – Andrew Groth

Position and company – Executive Vice President, AsiaPac, Infosys

How many Vinnies CEO Sleepouts have you taken part in? – 5, signed up for number 6 in 2025

What do you remember about your first Vinnies CEO Sleepout? –  First sleepout was during Covid.  A unique experience; sleeping on a sheet of cardboard in my back yard and connecting online with Vinnies and other CEOs around Australia. My first learning was what it felt like to dive into a dumpster to find that piece of carboard.

Why did you decide to take part in your first Vinnies CEO Sleepout? – Vinnies approached me and asked me to participate. I immediately signed up. Everyone was suffering during Covid and I thought – how even more terrible - to be dealing with the Covid situation and being homeless at the same time.

What makes you keep taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout? Every year I see the positive impact that Vinnies make and every year I learn and experience something new. It a no-brainer!

What are your Vinnies CEO Sleepout essentials i.e. a book, ear plugs or favourite thick socks etc.? – learning after two years of freezing feet all night – I now always take and wear 2 pairs of socks!

Advice you would give to someone thinking about doing the Vinnies CEO Sleepout? – stop thinking  …. just do it. The work Vinnies does is amazing. They have changed and saved lives (I’ve met those impacted) …and they need funds to keep doing that. The homeless situation is getting worse. Let’s all save lives together.

What is the best part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout? The Learning. I have learnt and I have been humbled. Learning from people who lived through terrible experiences. Understanding how easily anyone can fall into a homeless situation and learning how Vinnies have helped. Extremely moving.

What are you most proud of? I am just delighted to be a small part of raising needed funds and increasing awareness of the terrible homeless situation. It shouldn’t be the case in Australia – but it’s getting worse. I am so grateful to family, friends and so many supporters across Infosys and Industry colleagues – they are the ones who deserve to be proud of their generous contributions.

Is there anything else that you would like us to know?  Thank you Vinnies for your tremendous support and flexibility. Due to business commitments and travel I appreciate the support that has enabled me to be part of the CEO sleepout from my backyard (2020), White Bay Sydney (2021 and 2022), Canberra (2023) and Austin, Texas (2024)