Wales Director of the Year Awards 2026
Celebrating the highest achieving business leaders in Wales
The IoD Director of the Year Awards celebrates the achievements of outstanding business leaders in our society. Hosted once a year, awards are given to those who excel in areas such as innovation, sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion, and more.
Open to all – whether you’re an executive, non-executive, partner or even a chief constable – we want to hear about the work you’re doing as a senior decision-maker to help build a better world through business.
Conversations with head judge Gareth Jarman
Hear from Gareth Jarman, last year’s Head Judge, as he shares why you should enter the Wales Director of the Year Awards — and his top tips for making your submission stand out.
In Conversation with Gareth Jarman - Part 1
In Conversation with Gareth Jarman - Part 2
In Conversation with Gareth Jarman - Part 3
In Conversation with Gareth Jarman - Part 4
Nominations and applications
5 December 2025 – 6 March 2026
Select an option below to start your own application or to nominate someone else. The IoD will contact those nominated to inform them and guide them to make an application.
Judging
16 – 27 March 2026
Our external, dedicated panel of volunteer judges will scrupulously review each application multiple times to determine each category’s Director of the Year, along with any highly commended applicants.
Awards ceremony
8 May 2026, ICC Wales
Finalists will be announced on the week commencing 6th April, and the awards ceremony will be held on Friday, 8 May 2026 at the ICC Wales.
Non-Executive
This award recognises individuals that have made a significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy, impacted on the financial success of the company, demonstrated high ethical standards and promoted the practice of good corporate governance.
Skills Development - sponsored by Welsh ICE
Nurturing talent is an essential part of any successful business. From offering apprenticeships through to the development of future leaders, we’re looking for Directors that are helping their people to develop their skills, achieve valuable qualifications and access future opportunities. Sponsored by Welsh ICE.
Start-up Business - sponsored by Space 2B at The Maltings
This award celebrates founders/co-founders of start-ups. It looks at the market opportunity identified by entrepreneurs, the model to capitalise on it and how it has been executed within the first three years of trading. Sponsored by Space 2B at The Maltings.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion - sponsored by RFCA
Diversity and inclusion within any business are key factors in determining organisational success. Over the years many organisations have worked hard to embrace diversity within their workplaces and create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or cultural background or disability, can flourish and succeed. Sponsored by RFCA.
Public and Third Sector - sponsored by Buffoon Media
Leadership is critical to good public governance, including good planning, efficiency, transparency and accountability. This award is open to directors of Third Sector organisations and leaders of public services, including public agencies, national bodies and governmental departments. Sponsored by Buffoon Media.
Sustainability - sponsored by Business Wales.
This award is aimed at leaders who can demonstrate how they integrate the success and smooth running of their business with a commitment to innovative initiatives & investments in green decarbonising and is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible green business leader in Wales. Sponsored by Business Wales.
Innovation - sponsored by Project Delivery Success (PDS)
This award recognises leaders that have achieved success through bringing an innovative and disruptive approach to their marketplace; a leader that has developed an innovative and transformational idea that displays creative thinking, has beaten the competition and has been developed and applied to improve commercial performance, operational effectiveness or customer engagement. Sponsored by Project Delivery Success (PDS).
Small Business (up to 50 employees) - sponsored by Bowen Eldridge
This award will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in enterprise, sustainability, as well as sound management practice, good corporate governance and commercial success. Sponsored by Bowen Eldridge.
Medium-Large Business (over 50 employees) - sponsored by Genero
This award recognises exceptional talent among leaders of the nation’s major organisations. It looks for directors displaying courage and vision in decision-making to keep their business ahead of the competition and whose leadership is based on knowledge, skills and a strong ethical mindset. Sponsored by Genero.
International - sponsored by Pugh Computers Ltd
We are looking for an international business leader with evidence of credible growth and development plans in place to build further on their company success globally. The leader will operate across borders and could be in any industry sector but is likely to be gaining market share due to strong international growth from a great product or service. Sponsored by Pugh Computers Ltd.
Highlights from the IoD Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025
Held on Friday, 9 May at ICC Wales, IoD Wales crowned its Director of the Year Award winners in front of 300 business leaders.
Read about this year’s winners in our news article and watch the video below to see the best of the IoD Wales Director of the Year Awards 2025!
Headline sponsor
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited business school with a clear public value purpose: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Category sponsors
Buffoon Media
Since 2011, we’ve been creating and streaming content for clients across the UK. We have worked with some of the UK’s biggest names including Unilever, Tata Steel, Nectar Card, UK Government and the NHS. Being a proud video production company based in Wales, we are experienced in producing Welsh language content for the public and private sectors and have bilingual staff who can take you through the whole process in whichever language you prefer.
Genero
Genero Group is a leading creative events agency based in Wales, delivering dynamic brand experiences across the UK and Europe. Specialising in live event production, stage design, and technical delivery, Genero partners with major brands to craft impactful, immersive experiences that engage audiences and bring campaigns to life with precision and flair.
Space 2B at The Maltings
Space2B at The Maltings is a premier business hub in Cardiff, offering state-of-the-art serviced offices and co-working spaces within a Grade II listed building. With flexible contracts, free parking, an on-site gym, and networking opportunities, it’s designed to support businesses of all sizes.
Business Wales
Business Wales helps new entrepreneurs, existing micro-businesses and SMEs to build more resilient businesses and develop their business practices. The service aims to improve productivity and stimulate business growth in an inclusive and sustainable way, supporting access to investment, export, and the creation of good quality employment.
RFCA
The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales supports and promotes the interests of the UK’s Reserve Forces and Cadets in Wales. It provides vital administrative, estate, and engagement services, helping strengthen relationships between the military, local communities, employers, and government across the region.
Welsh ICE
Welsh ICE is a collaborative coworking space and business support community based in Caerphilly. It helps startups and entrepreneurs grow by offering affordable workspace, expert mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to funding. ICE fosters innovation and supports the development of sustainable businesses across Wales.
Project Delivery Success (PDS)
Project Delivery Success (PDS) Ltd is an infrastructure consultancy delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable programme solutions. They integrate multidisciplinary systems to enhance planning, design, and delivery, reducing risk and carbon impact. Guided by ingenuity and excellence, PDS transforms traditional delivery through AI-enabled tools and offers services from bid management to investment appraisal.
Bowen Eldridge Recruitment
Bowen Eldridge Recruitment is an independently owned agency based in Cardiff, covering south Wales. Their three specialisms are Accountancy Practice, Finance and Marketing and handle vacancies across all sectors and at all levels.
Pugh Computers
Pugh Computers supports education, charity, government and SMB organisations with software licensing, modern work and meeting space solutions, and Microsoft Copilot and AI adoption. Working with global technology partners, we help organisations adopt new technology, manage change and improve productivity, while maintaining a strong commitment to community and developing local talent.
Sponsorship enquiries
For all Director of the Year sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rebecca Davies or Joanna Price.
FAQs
Here you’ll find many common questions about the Director of the Year Awards.
Do I have to be an IoD member to apply to the awards?
No, our awards are open to entry to both IoD members and non-members. The only exception is where a region awards a Chartered Director of the Year Award – only IoD members can be awarded this award.
I’m not a director, am I still able to apply?
Yes, so long as your role is one that makes decisions for a business at a senior level, then generally you can apply for our awards – please make sure to read the eligibility criteria for the category you’d like to apply for. Some categories are naturally aimed at non-directors i.e. Public and Third Sector, or Start-up & Young. Download eligibility criteria here.
Is there an entry fee?
No, our awards are completely free to enter, whether you apply to one category or to multiple categories.
Can I apply to multiple categories?
Yes you can, we encourage you to apply to all categories where you have exemplary achievements. However, you must only apply to one region i.e. if you work in both England and Wales, if you apply to IoD England then you are unable to apply to IoD Wales.
Can someone else fill in an application for me on my behalf?
Yes, it’s fine for someone else i.e. an assistant, to fill in an application on your behalf, but we would ask that they use first person to respond to questions and be clear who the nominee for the award is.
How are the awards judged?
Each region employs an impartial panel of judges – made up of previous awards winners, IoD Fellows and exceptional members of the business community – to judge all applications multiple times, once the application period has closed. Our judges follow a clear set of criteria to complete judging and finalists for each category are chosen based on the highest percentage of scorers.
Do I apply on behalf of my company?
Our Director of the Year Awards look to celebrate your personal achievements – while we recognise that many achievements are made through teamwork and the support of your colleagues and employees, we want to hear about your efforts in making it happen.
In your application you will be asked to list your company name and this information will be used in press releases; where you have ties to multiple companies, we recommend listing the name of the company which supports the evidence you give in your application best.
Why can't I apply for the 'Chair's Award for Excellence' category?
This award is the highest accolade in the Director of the Year Awards, recognising the personal imprint of the UK’s most high-profile leaders on the culture and success of their organisations through outstanding professionalism and the implementation of best practice in governance and leadership. Winners will be selected by our national or regional IoD Chair.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on [email protected].
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