By Business & Finance 
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious Sutherland Leadership Award.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, will receive the coveted Sutherland Leadership Award on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 at a special Gala Dinner at O’Reilly Hall, UCD Dublin in the company of over 600 international business, political and social leaders.
This Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018 with the support of the Sutherland Family to recognise international leaders who epitomise the values of Peter Sutherland. Madame Lagarde joins a distinguished list of previous honourees, including: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, former President ECB and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, former Vice Chancellor University of Oxford and President Carnegie Corporation of New York Dame Louise Richardson, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Sir Nick Clegg.
Speaking about receiving the award, Madame Lagarde said: “It is an honour to receive the Sutherland Leadership Award. Peter Sutherland dedicated his life to driving positive change at the national, European, and global levels.
“His commitment to European integration and global cooperation sets a powerful example for leaders today as we navigate an especially challenging environment for policymaking.”
Announcing her special recognition with the Sutherland Leadership Award, Ian Hyland, President Business & Finance & Ireland Inc, said: “Christine Lagarde has redefined leadership on the global stage. Her vision and determination have helped steer Europe through unprecedented economic challenges, embodying Peter Sutherland’s values of collaboration, progress, and positive change. We are delighted to honour her with the Sutherland Leadership Award at this very special occasion in Dublin.”
Seamus Hand, Managing Partner at KPMG, added: “KPMG is proud to support the recognition of exceptional leaders such as Christine Lagarde, whose contributions to global financial stability and economic progress have been transformative. Her unwavering commitment to collaboration and innovation reflects the values we strive to uphold in driving positive change in the business world.
“The Sutherland Leadership Award is a fitting tribute to Christine Lagarde’s remarkable vision and leadership, and we are delighted to partner with Business & Finance for this prestigious event.”
An Illustrious Career
Christine Lagarde was born on January 1, 1956, in Paris, France. She became the first woman to serve in several influential roles, including: Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry in the French government (2007–2011), Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF; 2011–2019), and President of the European Central Bank (2019–present).
Lagarde received her early education at the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Maryland, before pursuing legal studies at Paris Nanterre University, where she later lectured. She further specialised in labour law, earning a postgraduate diploma, and also holds a master’s degree in English.
Her legal career began with the international law firm Baker & McKenzie in Paris, where she rose to prominence as the first woman to serve on the firm’s executive committee and later as its chairman.
Public and Global Affairs
Her tenure at the helm of France’s economy was characterised by bold policy measures aimed at fostering growth and competitiveness. She championed structural reforms and foreign investment.
As Managing Director of the IMF, she confronted complex global challenges, including the Greek debt crisis, where she advocated for pragmatic debt relief solutions. In 2019, she assumed the presidency of the European Central Bank, where she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping European monetary policy amidst an increasingly volatile economic landscape.
Honouring the Legacy of Peter Sutherland
The Sutherland Leadership Award celebrates leaders who exemplify the principles of Peter Sutherland, a steadfast advocate for European integration and global cooperation. Christine Lagarde’s career reflects these ideals, underscoring her commitment to fostering multilateral collaboration and addressing the complexities of global governance.
The Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018 with the support of the Sutherland Family to recognise outstanding international leaders who have embodied the values of one of Ireland’s and Europe’s finest leaders, Peter Sutherland.
For more information, please contact priyanka.kotian@businessandfinance.com
Read more:
Dame Louise Richardson to be honoured with Sutherland Leadership Award
Ursula von der Leyen to accept Sutherland Leadership Award on behalf of the European Union
