Fourteen business leaders from across Wales have been recognised at IoD Wales’ Director of the Year Awards 2017.
Celtic Manor owner Sir Terry Matthews was named IoD Chairperson Jean Church’s Director of the Year while IoD Wales Director Robert Lloyd Griffiths’ accolade was given to Debra Barber,
Managing Director at Cardiff Airport and Miriam Warner, Managing Director at Miracle Workers Agency was given the Judges’ awards, which wasn’t included in the shortlist but was announced at the event.
Talent & Innovation was also a surprise category, announced on the day and awarded to Bradley Cummings and Gareth Williams of Tiny Rebel Brewery in Newport.
There were four additional categories at this year’s awards, which are now in their seventh year. The awards have become an established highlight on the Welsh business calendar and celebrate business achievements and inspirational leaders across Wales while bringing all sectors of the business community together, irrespective of size, geography and longevity.
Patrick Nash, CEO at Nantgarw-based Connect Assist was named Director of the Year in the Corporate Responsibility category and Chris Macnamara, owner of The Brogue Trader was named winning Director of a Family Business.
Mark Burn, Chief Financial Officer at Newport-based Henry Howard Finance was named Director of the Year in the Finance sector while Steven Ades, Financial Controller at Aerfin Ltd was Highly Commended. Maxine Wiseman, Director of Organisational Development at Trivallis Ltd in Pontypridd was given the accolade of HR Director of the Year and Scott Liddle, Operations Director at Acorn was named Director of the Year in the Medium / Large Business category.
Gareth Chapman, Chief Executive at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council was named Director of the Year in the Public Sector and James Smith, CEO and Co-founder of DevOpsGuys won the Small Business category.
Matthew Cole, Managing Director of Gofal Enterprises in Bridgend was named Director of the Year within Social Enterprise and Glyn Jenkins from Bastleford Engineering and Consultancy in Pembrokeshire was named winner in the Start-Up category.
Rob Dance, Founder and CEO at RockIT in Pencoed was named Young Director of the Year with Emma Hill, Co-founder of Pembrokeshire Falconry Highly Commended in the same category.
Robert Lloyd Griffiths, Director of IoD Wales said: “Today exemplifies what is at the very heart of what the IoD is all about – good governance and leadership. Good leaders and good directors enable businesses to meet their full potential. In simple terms, better directors mean better business means a better economy. Today we have honoured directors and senior managers who are exemplars in the business community from across Wales, who have this year lead their organisations with distinction.
“Many congratulations to all finalists today.”