Gareth Jarman Announced as Head Judge for the Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025

Organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales, these prestigious awards celebrate outstanding leadership across various sectors, recognising individuals who drive business success, innovation, and positive change. The categories for the 2025 awards include:

Skills Development – sponsored by Portal Training

Start-Up Business – sponsored by Space2B at The Maltings

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – sponsorship available

Public and Third Sector – sponsored by Buffoon Media

Sustainability – sponsored by Welsh Government

Innovation – sponsorship available

Small Business (up to 50 employees) – sponsored by Development Bank for Wales

Non-Executive Director – sponsorship available

Medium-Large Business (over 50 employees) – sponsored by Genero

International – sponsored by GE Aerospace

With over two decades of experience in international HR and business leadership, Gareth Jarman has built a career helping organisations navigate the complexities of global employment. As the founder of Gentium International, he has advised companies across the UK, Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East, working with businesses from start-ups to multinational corporations. His expertise spans the practical implications of employment law and change, HR strategy, risk management, and workforce planning, making him a trusted advisor to businesses looking to expand or operate internationally.

Prior to founding Gentium International in 2018, Gareth held senior HR roles across multiple industries, including financial services, technology, and professional services. His career has seen him live and work in countries such as Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the UAE, Qatar, the UK, the US, Canada, and South Africa, giving him a unique understanding of cultural and regulatory differences in employment practices.

Gareth is passionate about responsible leadership and ethical business practices, believing that success is built not just on knowledge and compliance, but on strong relationships and trust. His wealth of experience and global perspective make him an invaluable asset to the Wales Director of the Year Awards as he leads the judging panel in recognising Wales’s most outstanding business leaders.

Richard Selby, National Chair of IoD Wales explains “We are thrilled to have Gareth Jarman as Head Judge for this year’s Wales Director of the Year Awards. His extensive experience in international business and leadership, paired with his deep understanding of the global employment landscape, makes him the perfect fit to lead the judging panel. Gareth’s passion for ethical business practices and building trust aligns perfectly with the values we champion at the Institute of Directors, and we are confident he will bring great insight and expertise to this year’s awards.”

Judging is now in progress, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of this year’s nominees. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 9 May 2025 at ICC Wales, where we will honour the directors making a significant impact in Wales and beyond.

Tickets to the event are on sale now and can be purchased here.