The Institute of Directors (IoD) has announced the winners of the Director of the Year Awards 2025, recognising outstanding business leadership across a range of categories that reflect innovation, sustainability, people, governance and international impact.
The awards ceremony, held on 14 November 2025 at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, brought together directors from across England who demonstrate excellence in leadership, courage in decision-making, and a clear commitment to purpose-driven business.
The external, dedicated panel of volunteer judges scrupulously evaluated candidates based on criteria such as strategic insight, leadership of people, commercial results, governance excellence and broader societal impact.
The winners, announced on the day were:
Aspiring Director of the Year (sponsored by Oriium)
Rees Davis-Campbell – Bee N Spired
Growth Director of the Year (sponsored by Allica Bank)
Abu Sayed – Daintta Ltd
Innovation Director of the Year (sponsored by Diligent UK)
Julian Fris – Neller Davies
Sustainability Director of the Year
Allegra Fortunato – Tecno International
People Director of the Year (sponsored by Gallup)
Christopher Carter – Home Instead
Turnaround Director of the Year (sponsored by McCann Worldgroup)
Dipa Mistry Kandola – Parallel Employee Benefits Ltd
Global Director of the Year (sponsored by OnBoard)
Danny Brooks MBE – VHR
Chartered Director of the Year
Ellie Jobes CDir Chartered FCIPD CMIOSH – Alfred Bagnall & Sons Ltd
Highly commended finalists were also recognised, reflecting the depth of talent across this year’s entries.
Jonathan Geldert, Director General of IoD said: “Being a business director is not only about being able to deliver commercial success, but leading with integrity, stimulating innovation, building inclusive cultures and contributing meaningfully to our society.
“The Director of the Year awards are a chance to celebrate those who go above and beyond for the benefit of their people and organisations and who positively represent English business on the world stage.”
Why this matters
As England and the broader UK economy navigate change in the face of global competition, technological disruption and a shifting social landscape, the role of directors has never been more critical. The Director of the Year Awards highlight those individuals who steer organisations with purpose, resilience and foresight, setting the standard for others to emulate.
The winners came from a variety of organisations, with the Chartered Director of the Year being awarded to one of the programme graduates who have completed IoD’s flagship qualification and achieved chartered status this year.
For the full details of the awards including the category requirements please visit: England Director of the Year Awards | Institute of Directors
