The shortlist for the highly anticipated Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025 has been revealed, celebrating the achievements of outstanding directors from across Wales.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony at ICC Wales on Friday 9th May.
This year’s awards will highlight leadership excellence across various sectors, from Skills Development to Sustainability, with nominees demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, innovation, and impact in their respective industries.
Gareth Jarman, Head Judge of the Wales Director of the Year Awards, said:
“From my perspective, it has been truly enlightening to see the breadth of talent and ambition showcased in this year’s nominations. We have seen some outstanding individuals not only achieving remarkable success but also driving exciting initiatives across Wales. This sends a strong, forward-looking message about the strength and innovation within Welsh business—something we should all take pride in.
“One of the key themes that stood out for me was the deep sense of community responsibility embedded in so many of these stories. The impact these leaders are having extends beyond their businesses, enriching communities and shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future for Wales. It has been a privilege to read their personal stories and witness the passion, resilience, and commitment that define this year’s finalists.”
Richard Selby, Chair, IoD Wales, said:
“The Director of the Year Awards are always a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding leadership driving Wales’ businesses and organisations forward.
“In 2025, Welsh businesses continue to navigate an evolving economic landscape, adapting to changes in global trade, digital transformation, and workforce challenges. Despite this, it’s inspiring to see so many leaders demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. Huge congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist, and best wishes to everyone for the final.”
The full list of shortlisted nominees is:
Skills Development – Sponsored by Portal Training
- Ann Nicholas, Customer Account Director, The Educ8 Training Group
- Craig Weeks, Operations Director, JCB Transmissions & Power Products, JCB
- Sameer Rahman, CEO, Datamonet Ltd
- Vicki Roskams, Director, Enbarr Enterprises Ltd
Non-Executive, sponsored by PDS
- Karl Gilmore, Chief of Staff, DEEP
- Kate Methuen-Ley, Board Chair, Orchard (Orchard Media and Events Group Ltd.)
- Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair, Fintech Wales
- Sameer Rahman, Non-Executive Director, Football Association of Wales
Small Under 50 Employees – Sponsored by Development Bank of Wales
- Daniel Edmunds, Director and Founder, Espanaro Ltd
- Gareth I Jones, CEO, Town Square Spaces Ltd
- Johnal Simpson, Owner, Hummingbird Lounge
- Louise Smith, Director/Founder, Wales Perfumery
- Robert Lewis, MD, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd
Medium-Large Business – Sponsored by Genero
- Bernard Ward, Managing Director, Acorn by Synergie
- Chris Wynne, Managing Director, Wynne Construction
- Jen Doody, Human Resources Director, Cardiff Bus
- Simon Ames, Managing Director, Dragon LNG Ltd & Dragon Energy Ltd
International – Sponsored by GE Aerospace
- Dr. David Banner MBE, CEO & Co-founder, Wales Interactive
- Joanna Morgan, Director, Radnor Preserves
- Steven Richard Pearce, Director, Mine Environment Management
Public & Third Sector – Sponsored by Buffoon Media
- Bernie Bowen-Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, Safer Wales
- Clair Swales, Chief Executive Officer, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations
- Heather Anstey-Myers, Interim CEO, Hybu Cig Cymru
- Rhian Mannings, CEO and Founder, 2wish Cymru and 2wish
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Lesley Williams, CEO, Welsh ICE
- Ruth Partington, Founder and Global Chief Executive, Empower Translate (Global) Ltd
- Sadique Maskeen, CEO, Umbrella Faith
Innovation
- Daniel Edmunds, Founder and Director, Espanaro Ltd
- Dr. David Banner MBE, CEO & Co-founder, Wales Interactive
- Ian Benbow, Managing Director, Case-uk
- Lesley Williams, CEO, Welsh ICE
Sustainability – Sponsored by Welsh Government
- Jarrad Morris, Founder & CEO, FleetEV
- Matthew Farrall, Managing Director, Farrall’s Group
- Robert Lewis, Managing Director, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd
- Stephen Marshall, CEO, The Essential Expert
Start-Up – sponsored by Space 2B at The Maltings
- Bryher Hill, Therapy Director, Helping Kids Shine Ltd
- Owain James, Founder and Managing Director, Darogan Ltd
- Paul Price, Managing Director, Llanw
Jane Tranter, one of the UK’s most influential television producers, has been awarded the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice at the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025.
The Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025 will recognize the outstanding contributions of these remarkable leaders, whose commitment to their teams, industries, and communities continues to inspire others.
For more information and to book tickets contact: Rebecca.davies@iod.com
