The Institute of Directors (IoD) Wales hosted its prestigious Director of the Year Awards 2025 at ICC Wales, celebrating the vision, dedication and impact of leaders from across Wales’ public, private and third sectors.
Over 300 directors, CEOs and business leaders came together to recognise outstanding individuals who are shaping the future of the Welsh economy and society. Carole Green of ITV Cymru returned as host for the inspiring lunchtime ceremony, held in partnership with Cardiff Business School.
Awards were presented across ten categories, with winners selected by a judging panel chaired by Gareth Jarman, who said:
“It was an incredibly competitive field this year, and every finalist demonstrated exceptional merit. Our winners stood out for their ability to lead with vision, integrity, and impact—qualities that define modern leadership in a rapidly evolving world.”
Guests also heard from Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, who praised the resilience and innovation of the Welsh business community. In her keynote address, she said:
“We continue to face global and economic uncertainty which requires us to constantly adapt, evolve, and work together to create and grasp opportunities.”
Guests also heard from Jon Geldart, Director General at the Institute of Directors, who spoke passionately about the IoD’s continued work to support directors across the UK. He reminded attendees that the Institute is itself an SME, working alongside its members to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Jon also took a moment to acknowledge the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marked just a day before the ceremony, reflecting on the importance of strong, principled leadership both in history and today.
The awards also highlighted a commitment to social impact. NSPCC Cymru was the chosen charity partner for the event, and attendees were moved by a powerful speech from Jess Finnegan, Head of Fundraising at NSPCC Cymru, who bravely shared her own personal story and spoke about the vital work the charity does to support vulnerable children and families across Wales.
2025 Director of the Year Award Winners
Skills Development – Sponsored by Portal Training
- Winner: Craig Weeks, JCB
- Highly Commended: Sameer Rahman, Datamonet Ltd
Innovation – Sponsored by Pro Steel Engineering
- Winner: Dr David Banner MBE, Wales Interactive
- Highly Commended: Daniel Edmunds, Espanaro Ltd
Public & Third Sector – Sponsored by Buffoon Media
- Winner: Rhian Mannings, 2wish Cymru and 2wish
Start-Up – Sponsored by Space2B at The Maltings
- Winner: Owain James, Darogan Ltd
Small Business (under 50 employees) – Sponsored by Development Bank of Wales
- Winner: Daniel Edmunds, Espanaro Ltd
- Highly Commended: Gareth I Jones, Town Square Spaces Ltd
- Highly Commended: Robert Lewis, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd
Non-Executive – Sponsored by PDS
- Winner: Sarah Williams-Gardener, Fintech Wales
- Highly Commended: Karl Gilmore, DEEP
Medium–Large Business (over 50 employees) – Sponsored by Genero Group
- Winner: Bernard Ward, Acorn by Synergie
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Sponsored by Ministry of Defence – Defence Relationship Management
- Winner: Lesley Williams, Welsh ICE
- Highly Commended: Ruth Partington, Empower Translate (Global) Ltd.
- Highly Commended: Sadique Maskeen, Umbrella Faith
International – Sponsored by GE Aerospace
- Winner: Steven Pearce, Mine Environment Management
- Highly Commended: Joanna Morgan, Radnor Preserves
Sustainability – Sponsored by Welsh Government
- Winner: Robert Lewis, Celtic Financial Planning Ltd
- Highly Commended: Jarrad Morris, FleetEV
Chair’s Award for Excellence – Jane Tranter
The Chair’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice was presented to Jane Tranter, renowned television executive and co-founder of Bad Wolf, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, creative innovation, and commitment to developing talent in Wales’ booming screen sector.
Richard Selby MBE, National Chair of IoD Wales, commented:
“Jane Tranter is not just a creative visionary—she is a catalyst for transformation. Through her work at Bad Wolf and Screen Alliance Wales, she has created opportunity, built communities, and helped make Wales a global centre for world-class television.”
Her passionate and moving acceptance speech, captivated the room. Drawing on decades of leadership, Jane encouraged fellow directors to lead with humility, to accept responsibility over recognition, to nurture their teams as family, and to lead inclusively and transparently. She urged leaders to remain open-minded, resilient, and focused on service—not ego.
Professor Tim Edwards, representing headline sponsor Cardiff Business School, reflected on the event’s broader significance:
“We are proud to support this celebration of excellence in Welsh leadership. The achievements recognised today reflect the deep commitment of business leaders across Wales to innovation, equity and sustainability.”
Jo Price, Nations Manager at IoD Wales, added:
“The atmosphere in the room was one of pride and ambition. This year’s winners represent the best of Wales—leaders who are not only succeeding in business but also strengthening our communities, supporting talent, and inspiring change.”
