IoD Wales celebrates Wales’ top leaders at Director of the Year Awards 2026

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Institute of Directors Wales has honoured some of Wales’ leading business and public sector figures at its Director of the Year Awards 2026, with more than 300 senior leaders gathering at ICC Wales for the annual ceremony.

Held on Friday 8 May and hosted by broadcaster and journalist Mariclare Carey-Jones, the awards celebrated directors and executives driving innovation, growth, sustainability and skills development across Wales’ economy.

The event, organised in partnership with headline sponsor Cardiff Business School, recognised leaders from the public, private and third sectors, with 38 finalists shortlisted across 10 categories.

Among the winners were Cherrie Bija, chief executive of Faith in Families, who won the Public and Third Sector category, and Liam Evans-Ford of Theatr Clwyd Trust Ltd, who received the Sustainability award.

Other winners included Sharon James Evans of Cardiff and Vale College in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion category, and Marian Evans of Monmouthshire Building Society, who won the Non-Executive category.

Simon Pritchard, chief executive of Philtronics Limited, received the Skills Development award, while Simon Goodson of AerFin won the International category.

The Medium to Large Business award went to Rachael Flanagan, founder and chief executive of Mrs Buckét, while Pauline Brookes of Eastman Chemical Company received a highly commended recognition.

In the Innovation category, Pete Burnap of Cyber Innovation Hub Ltd was named winner, while Victoria Hall of Impact Lawyers Ltd took the Start-Up award.

The Small Business under 50 Employees category was won by Dave Matthews of NuStaff, with John Hannah of Project Delivery Success Ltd receiving a highly commended award.

Richard Selby, national chair of Institute of Directors Wales, said: “The Director of the Year Awards are an opportunity to recognise the exceptional people leading organisations across Wales with vision, resilience and purpose.

“Every finalist and winner has demonstrated the impact that strong leadership can have, not only within their own organisation, but across communities, industries and the wider Welsh economy.

“At a time of continued challenge and change, it is inspiring to see so many leaders committed to innovation, inclusion, sustainability and developing future talent. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists.”

The ceremony also recognised Professor Simon Gibson, who received the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice.

Professor Gibson, co-founder, president and chief executive of Ubiquity Software and chief executive of Wesley Clover Corporation, was honoured for his contribution to technology, entrepreneurship and public service. He also continues to support startup growth in Wales as chairman of the Alacrity Foundation.

Sponsors of this year’s awards included Bowen & Eldridge, Buffoon Media, Genero, Pugh Computers Ltd and Business Wales, among others. The chosen charity partner for the event was The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026.