Shortlist revealed for 2026 IoD Isle of Man Director of the Year Awards
IoD Isle of Man has named the finalists for the 2026 IoD Isle of Man Director of the Year Awards, sponsored by SW Legal, which recognise leadership across the Island’s private, public and third sectors across the seven award categories.
2026 saw a record number of entries, with the calibre of entrant typically exceptional. Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel, and applications were rigorously scored in line with the IoD’s Director Competency Framework.
Steve Billinghurst, Chair of IoD Isle of Man said:
“The Institute of Directors 2026 Director of the Year Awards has had a fantastic response from leaders of Island organisations, with more nominees than in previous years. It’s great to see continued interest in celebrating the achievements of outstanding leaders in our society who have excelled in areas such as sustainability and innovation across all sizes of organisations. It hasn’t made our judges’ jobs any easier this year to select the shortlists in each category, whom I wholeheartedly congratulate.
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate: it’s always a pleasure to learn about the exceptional entrepreneurialism, leadership and commitment that is happening across the Island. I’d like to thank our judges too for their rigour, diligence and insight throughout the process.
I am now looking forward to the gala awards night on 19 June when we come together to celebrate some very talented people of the Isle of Man.”
IoD Isle of Man is delighted to welcome SW Legal as the main sponsor for the awards gala.
Stephen Savage, Director at SW Legal said:
“We’re incredibly proud to support the IoD Director of the Year Awards – recognising the individuals and organisations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to raise the bar across the Isle of Man.
This year’s finalists are of an exceptionally strong calibre, reflecting the depth of talent and ambition across the island. To be shortlisted among such high-quality peers is a significant achievement in and of itself. These awards shine a spotlight on the talent and dedication that drive our community forward, and it’s inspiring to see such a strong group of deserving nominees.
Congratulations to everyone recognised – you represent the very best of excellence on the Island.”
Large business (>50 employees): sponsored by Canaccord Wealth
Haseeb Qureshi, Conister Bank
Nina Johnston, Equiom Group (Isle of Man)
Sandra Robertson, Momentum Pensions Limited
Medium business (11- 49 employees) sponsored by Crowe Isle of Man LLC
Captain Kuba Szymanski, Ramsey Shipping Services
Gillian Christian, Whittles
Jayne Hartley, Noventre Limited
Sara Collister, FIM Capital Limited
Small business (<10 employees): sponsored by Atla Group
Gail Yeowell, Smart HR Solutions Limited
Nic Le Merle, Afundi
Tom Gough, Proofdesk
Aspiring: sponsored by Appleby
Adam Belfield, AstroPay
Dominic Wall, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man
Juliet Gomes, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man)
Innovation sponsored by KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
Antony Kelsey, Capital International Limited
Chloe Chau, The Galpals Collective Ltd
David Cox-Cooper, Koops & Co
Donald Edwards, Atla Fiduciaries Limited
Sustainability: sponsored by SW Legal
Graham Makepeace-Warne, Manx Wildlife Trust
Mark Emmington, Comis Hotel & Golf Resort
Ty Smith, Carn Advisory
Public and Third Sector sponsored by Conister Bank
Cathryn Bradley, Sight Matters
Paul Healey BEM, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation
Victoria Hotchkiss, Isle of Man Football Association
This year’s theme is ‘championing local, a theme which will be woven throughout the event with locally sourced products, and culminating in compere Josh Stokes interviewing Miles Pettit, founder of NOA Bakehouse.
Tickets for the gala awards evening on Friday 19th June can be purchased from https://www.iod.com/director-of-the-year-awards/isle-of-man-awards-2026/
ADDITIONAL NOTES
The panel of judges were:
Bernice Woolley, Chartered Director – Managing Director, EIP Limited
Catriona Watt – CEO, PDMS (winner 2022 Young Director of the Year)
Guy Templer – Business Owner, Non-Executive Director, Chair of Junior Achievement
Jason Bissell – Data and AI advisor, Investor and Chair UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man
Phil O’Shea, Chartered Director – Non-Executive Director
Roelf Odendaal, Chartered Director – Business Development Executive, Boston Multi-Family Office
Sacha Horsthuis – Marketing Consultant (winner 2024 SME Director of the Year)
Finalists were selected by an independent judging panel. Judges were allocated three categories, considering conflicts of interest and relevant experience. Applications were rigorously scored in line with the Institute of Directors Director Competency Framework, and discussed during an intensive judging session. IoD Isle of Man sincerely thanks the panel for their professionalism, diligence, and the considerable time they dedicated to the process.
