Finalists announced for the 2025 IoD England Director of the Year Awards
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has revealed the shortlist for this year’s England Director of the Year Awards – a celebration of the very best in business leadership.
As the IoD’s flagship event, the awards recognise leadership excellence across England, celebrating directors who drive growth and positive change across businesses of all sizes and sectors.
A panel of expert judges will select winners who demonstrate outstanding achievements in innovation, sustainability, people, strategic transformation, and more.
This year’s new Growth, Turnaround, and People categories reflect the evolving challenges and priorities facing businesses today. They highlight leaders who drive expansion, successfully navigate difficult transitions, and foster inclusive, high-performing workplaces – all crucial for long-term success and resilience.
The winners will be announced at a lunchtime awards ceremony in The Grand Birmingham Hotel on Friday 14 November.
Tickets are now on sale! Click here for further information and to secure your place.
Meet the 2025 national finalists across all categories:
Aspiring
- Abdulwahab Al Maimani, Abdulwahab’s Office
- Craig Fearn, The Lighthouse Collective
- Jordon King, Delta Fire
- Rees Davis-Campbell, Bee n Spired
Chartered Director
- Alex Whitfield Cdir, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Ellie Jobes Cdir, Alfred Bagnall & Sons Ltd
- Paul Campbell Cdir, Osmotics Consulting Ltd
- Peter Harding Cdir, Equitix Ltd
Global
- Chris Comens, DSL Flooring Ltd
- Craig Fearn, The Lighthouse Collective
- Danny Brooks MBE, VHR
- Fatih Tekin, TKN Group
- Jack Hayes, Champions Speakers
- Oliver Darke, British Antarctic Survey
- Stephen Gilmore, Crux Product Design Ltd
Growth
- Abu Sayed, Daintta Ltd
- Adam Walsh, John Good Group
- David Talbot, HCF CATCH Ltd
- Fatih Tekin, TKN Group
- Frank Khalid, Elbrook Studios Ltd
- Gavin Currie, Legacie
- George Adams, Captivate Technology Solutions Ltd
- Helen Shaw, VCTC Ltd
- Jack Hayes, Champions Speakers
- Karen Woodey, CRUK Cambridge Institute
- Luke Brumhead, Snug Services Group Ltd & Scaffx Ltd
- Nick Bunting OBE, Royal Air Forces Association
- Paul Robinson, Virtual Human Resources
- Rebecca Lewis, J Dunton Associates Ltd
- Stefano Dall’Aglio, SaddleDrunk Travel Experiences Ltd
- Steve Miller, The Workplace Depot
- Tom Allen, ALCo Group Ltd
Innovation
- Ben Harwood, Naismiths Ltd
- Fatih Tekin, TKN Innovation Technologies
- Gavin Currie, Legacie
- Helen Shaw, VCTC Ltd
- Jack Hayes, Champions Speakers
- James Harrison, inVOLve Community Services
- Jens Gemmel von Döllinger, Public Sector Reformist
- Julian Fris, Neller Davies
- Martin Jackson, JMAC Business Consulting Ltd
- Victoria Cope, Ministry of Defence
- Victoria Marie, GetYourBellyOut Community Interest Company
People
- Christopher Carter, Home Instead
- Claire Weston, Great Lakes Insurance SE (Headquarter and UK Branch)
- Clare Hughes, Blue Sky HR Consultancy
- Heather Martyn, Ammtek Ltd
- James Harrison, inVOLve Community Services
- Kate Clay, eStar Truck and Van Ltd
- Kate Davis, Meraki People Ltd
- Mark Hussein, HSBC Life UK Ltd
- Sasza Bandiera, Oyster
- Sophia Reed, Champions Speakers
- Steve Miller, The Workplace Depot
Sustainability
- Allegra Fortunato, Tecno International
- Frank Khalid, Elbrook Studios Ltd
- James Harrison, inVOLve Community Services
- Mark Smith, The Brand Strategy
- Martin Pike, Greencore Homes Ltd
- Mary Hardwick, Inspire2tri Community Interest Company
- Muhammad Rajput, Freshbreeze Environmental Ltd
- Pranav Chopra, NEMI Teas Ltd
- Sanjay Sah, Makesworth Accountants
- Kat Lees, KaNect Ltd
Turnaround
- Dipa Mistry Kandola, Parallel Employee Benefits Ltd
- Jens Gemmel von Döllinger, Public Sector Reformist
- Kate Davis, Meraki People
- Mark Hussein, HSBC Life UK Ltd
- Steve Noakes, Pioneer Safety Group Ltd
- Victoria Cope, Ministry of Defence
