By Business & Finance 
Former Portuguese Prime Minister and 11th President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso
The Business & Finance Awards programme, in association with KPMG, has announced the establishment of The Sutherland Leadership Award, recognising outstanding international leaders who have embodied the values of one of Ireland’s finest leaders, Peter Sutherland.
In January of this year, Ireland lost a global business leader in Peter Sutherland, with many commentators in Ireland and abroad lauding his contribution to Ireland and Europe as an active citizen.
In light of this, Business & Finance has announced the establishment of The Sutherland Leadership Award with the support of Mr Sutherland’s family. The Sutherland Leadership Award will now be an integral part of the Business & Finance Awards Programme.
Peter Sutherland had strong ties to the Business & Finance Awards Programme, having been recognised for his achievements in 1994 and 2007.
His contribution to all facets of Irish and European life includes serving as the 19th Attorney General of Ireland from 1981 to 1982 and taking over the role again from 1982-1984. For four years he served as the European Commissioner for Competition (1985-1989); he was also the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (1993-1995), Chairman of Goldman Sachs for 20 years (1995-2015) and the UN Special Representative for International Migration (2006-2017).
Peter Sutherland
The inaugural Sutherland Leadership Award will recognise former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso.
Mr Barroso will accept the The Sutherland Leadership Award at the Business & Finance Awards in December, with former Chairman/CEO of Unilever, and friend of Peter Sutherland, Niall FitzGerald presenting him with the special recognition in Mr Sutherland’s name.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal has had a distinguished career in office, including holding the positions of Minister for Foreign Affairs and President of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal.
Speaking of The Sutherland Leadership Award and its inaugural recipient, President/Publisher of Business & Finance Ian Hyland, said:
José Manuel Barroso embodies so many of the leadership principles that Peter displayed over an expectational career. With the support of Peter’s family, we are delighted to recognise a leader who has shaped the European landscape over the last decade in a critical period for the European Union.
The Business & Finance Irish Business Awards
The Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, has previously recognised some of the biggest names in business, politics and society, including President Bill Clinton, Sir John Major, former President Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, President Michael D. Higgins, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Senator George Mitchell and Sir Bob Geldof.
The event also honours the life of TK Whitaker and hosts the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Life, which last year was presented to former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
TK Whitaker was a central figure in the economic development of Ireland. He was Governor of the Central Bank from 1969-1976 and was also a nominated Senator from 1977-1982.
This year’s Business & Finance Awards takes place at the Convention Centre Dublin on Thursday, 13th December 2018.
