IoD announces shortlist for best business leaders in Scotland as awards celebrate 20th year

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland has announced the finalists for its 2025 Director of the Year Awards. Among the 41 shortlisted entrants is Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport Ltd, Celine Sinclair, chief executive of The Yard, and Ashley Ryan, director at Enable.

Now in their 20th year, the awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding directors across the country, recognising strong leadership skills, inclusive workplace cultures, investment in future talent, and continuous professional development.

Over 80 submissions were received across the country for consideration across 10 key categories. Those shortlisted for the small, medium, and large business leaders of the year include:

• Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport Ltd (medium/large business)
• Sarah Boyd, Lothian (medium/large business)
• Josiah Lockhart, Changeworks (medium/large business)
• David Clark, Vysus Group (medium/large business)
• Ken Sutherland, Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd (medium/large business)
• Celine Sinclair, The Yard (small business)
• Dean Banks, Dean Banks group (small business)
• Charlie Cameron, AquaTerra Training (small business)
• Callum Cruden, RI Cruden Ltd (small business)
• Tracy Clark, ITC Hydraulic Services Ltd (small business)

Third sector leaders being recognised as finalists include Zahra Hedges, Winning Scotland, Gail Burden, Capella Charity, Josie Saunders, Ceteris Scotland Ltd, Ashley Ryan, Enable, and Jackie Stone, St Columbia’s Hospice Care.

The winners will be announced on 9 October 2025 at Crowne Plaza, Glasgow, followed by an exclusive gathering for winners at Bute House later in the year.

Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director at the Institute of Directors Scotland, said: “Our Director of the Year Awards is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of so many incredible leaders throughout Scotland.

“I’m immensely proud to work alongside IoD Scotland members and cross-sector directors who continue to show commitment to their own professional development, inclusive work practices, and investment in the talent pipeline.

“Good leadership is crucial to inspiring young people into the sector, retaining skilled workers, and allowing businesses to grow and flourish. It’s something that deserves to be recognised, which our awards set out to do.”

Tickets for the ceremony are available here.

The full list of individuals shortlisted for the IoD Scotland 2025 Director of the Year Awards is attached.