Entries Now Open for the 2026 Wales Director of the Year Awards

These awards recognise exceptional business leaders who are driving positive change through innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. Every year, more than 300 directors from across Wales join us to celebrate those making a real difference in their organisations and communities.

We’re delighted to welcome Cardiff Business School back as our headline sponsor, continuing their long-standing partnership with IoD Wales. Their support reflects a shared commitment to championing responsible leadership and sustainable growth.

Professor Tim Edwards, Dean and Head of Cardiff Business School, said:
“These awards shine a light on the individuals driving positive change and sustainable growth across our economy. At Cardiff Business School, we believe in public value and responsible leadership, and this partnership reflects our mission to champion those values in the business community.”

Richard Selby MBE DL, National Chair of IoD Wales, added:
“The Wales Director of the Year Awards are always a highlight in the IoD calendar, celebrating those who inspire others through their leadership, innovation and commitment to doing business the right way.
This year’s event will be particularly special for me as it will be my final awards as National Chair, and we hope to introduce my successor at the ceremony. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to look ahead to the future of leadership in Wales.”

Jo Price, Nations Manager for the IoD, said:
“The Director of the Year Awards are a true celebration of excellence, recognising leaders from every corner of Wales who are shaping a stronger economy and fairer society. We’re delighted to have Cardiff Business School as our headline sponsor once again, whose ongoing support helps us showcase and champion responsible leadership across Wales.”

Entries open on 5 December 2025, finalists will be announced on 6 April 2026, and winners revealed at the ceremony on 8 May 2026 at ICC Wales.

Directors from all sectors and regions are encouraged to apply. Categories include:

• Non-Executive
• Skills Development – Sponsored by Welsh ICE
• Start-up Business – Sponsored by Space 2B at The Maltings
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Sponsored by RFCA for Wales
• Public and Third Sector – Sponsored by Buffoon Media
• Sustainability – Sponsored by Welsh Government
• Innovation
• Small Business (up to 50 employees)
• Medium-Large Business (over 50 employees) – Sponsored by Genero
• International

Find out more and enter: https://www.iod.com/director-of-the-year-awards/wales-awards/