The Institute of Directors Wales (IoD Wales) has revealed the business leaders shortlisted for this year’s Wales Director of the Year Awards.
The annual awards, held in collaboration with headline sponsor Cardiff Business School, recognise senior decision-makers who are helping to build a better world through business and have demonstrated leadership excellence in areas including innovation, skills development, and sustainability.
38 directors from the private, public and third sectors have been named as finalists across 10 categories, with directors from Cardiff and Vale College and Flintshire social enterprise Cyd Innovation Ltd leading the nominations with appearances on the shortlists for three categories each.
Head judge Alys Smith said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to review this year’s submissions. The calibre of entries across Wales has been exceptional, showcasing not only innovative and resilient businesses, but also truly inspiring leadership.
“My thanks go to my fellow judges for their time, insight and thoughtful debate throughout the process. Narrowing down the shortlist was no easy task, which is a testament to the strength and depth of talent we have here in Wales.”
Richard Selby MBE DL, National Chair of IoD Wales, added:
“The Wales Director of the Year Awards celebrate leadership talent, success and achievement across all industry sectors, highlighting the remarkable contributions of business leaders to their teams, industries and communities. This year’s incredibly strong shortlist exemplifies what these awards stand for.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the ICC Wales, Newport on Friday 8 May. The Chair’s Award for Excellence will also be presented at the event.
The full list of shortlisted nominees is:
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Amy Hubbuck, Mental Health Lead, Hidden Strength
- Beth Baldwin, Founder, Trainer, Coach, Facilitator, The Fabulous Facilitator
- Nicola Noél, CEO and Founder, Brainworks Therapy
- Sarah Jones, CEO, FinTech Wales
- Sharon James Evans, Principal, Cardiff and Vale College
- Steven Reynolds, Managing Director, Cyd Innovation Ltd
Innovation
- Gethin & Iolo ap Dafydd, Business Owners and Directors, AberPoeth Sauna
- Pete Burnap, Director, Cyber Innovation Hub Ltd
- Rhian Parry, Managing Director, Workplace-Worksafe Ltd
- Steven Reynolds, Managing Director, Cyd Innovation Ltd
International
- James Phipps, Managing Director, Cokebusters Ltd
- Pauline Brookes, Manufacturing Director – Speciality Fluids and Energy, Solutia UK Ltd (Eastman Chemical Co)
- Rhian Parry, Managing Director, Workplace-Worksafe Ltd
- Simon Goodson, CEO, AerFin
Medium-Large Business
- Chloe Stanford, Executive Director, A&R Contract Cleaning Specialist Ltd trading as Always Responsive Commercial Cleaning
- Pauline Brookes, Manufacturing Director – Speciality Fluids and Energy, Solutia UK Ltd (Eastman Chemical Co)
- Rachael Flanagan, Founder and CEO, Mrs Buckét
- Will Carroll, CEO, Monmouthshire Building Society
Non-Executive
- Catherine Smith, Chair & Non-Executive Director, Hybu Cig Cymru, Meat Promotion Wales
- Ffrancon Williams, Non-Executive Director, Caulmert Ltd
- Marian Evans, Chair & Non-Executive Director, Monmouthshire Building Society
- Sameer Rahman, Non-Executive Director, Football Association of Wales
Public & Third Sector
- Carwyn Jones-Evans, Portfolio Senior Responsible Owner, Growing Mid Wales (Ceredigion and Powys Councils)
- Cherrie Bija, CEO, Faith in Families
- Laura Labonne, Founder, Romodels
- Lowri Jones, Director of Gwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog, Urdd Gobaith Cymru
- Sharon James Evans, Principal, Cardiff and Vale College
Small under 50 employees
- Dave Matthews, Managing Director, NuStaff
- John Hannah, Director, Project Delivery Success (PDS) Ltd
- Louise Morgan, Director, TMPR
- Sarah Jones, CEO, FinTech Wales
Skills Development
- Kate Ablett, People and Operations Director, Mrs Buckét Commercial Cleaning
- Nicola Garnish, Managing Director, Genpower Ltd
- Rachael Tate, Human Resources Director, National Fostering Group
- Sharon James Evans, Principal, Cardiff and Vale College
- Simon Pritchard, CEO, Philtronics Limited
Start-Up
- Bleddyn Escott, Director, Prevention 1st
- Ross Harris, Commercial Director, Rha Commercial Limited
- Medi Parry-Williams, Founder and Director, MPW Making Places Work
- Victoria Hall, Co-Founder and Director, Impact Lawyers Ltd
Sustainability
- Liam Evans-Ford, CEO, Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd
- Richard Wynne, Director, Wynne Construction
- Stephen Marshall, CEO, The Essential Expert
- Steven Reynolds, Managing Director, Cyd Innovation Ltd
