Pictured (L-R): Tom Wood, Head of Clients & Markets, Ian Hyland, President & CEO of Business & Finance Media Group , Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of the Judging Panel and Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner of KPMG Ireland.
The 2025 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, will take place on 11th December at the Convention Centre Dublin.
Catalyst Media Group has launched the 2025 Business & Finance Awards Programme, in association with KPMG Ireland. The awards programme is open for nominations for a number of prestigious awards which honour and celebrate the very best in Irish and International business.
Business & Finance was launched in 1964 as Ireland’s first dedicated business periodical, with the Business & Finance Awards programme established in 1974. The Business & Finance Awards is Ireland’s premier business & leadership awards programme and has recognised some of the most outstanding leaders of our time across business, politics and wider society over five decades.
This year’s ceremony sees the introduction of two new awards: Brand of the Year, and Public Enterprise of the Year. The 2025 iteration of the Business & Finance Awards also sees Julie Sinnamon, former CEO of Enterprise Ireland, appointed to the position of Chairperson of the judging panel.
Ian Hyland, President & CEO of Business & Finance Media Group, said: “I am excited to launch the annual Business & Finance Awards Programme with our partners KPMG, and in doing so, continue the tradition of championing the leading Irish entrepreneurs, business leaders, as well as their outstanding teams, in addition to some of the most outstanding international, political and social change makers of our time.”
Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of the Judging Panel, said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of the Business & Finance Awards. Having been involved with the awards over the last number of years, it is wonderful to engage with the businesses and business leaders throughout Ireland who supply highly innovative products and services globally. The awards provide a great opportunity to celebrate these heroes and inspire the next generation of great Irish companies.”
Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner of KPMG Ireland said: “KPMG is delighted to continue our partnership with the flagship Business & Finance Awards.
“There are so many companies and individuals in the Irish business community that have achieved amazing success and demonstrated incredible innovation but also resilience over the last year. We look forward to receiving many superb nominations and extend our very best wishes to all the companies and individuals entering the awards.
Honorary Awards
The awards programme includes nine categories as well as three special honorary awards:
TK Whitaker Award – Established in 2016, the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life recognises Irish and international social and political leaders who have been exemplary in their contribution to public life. Since its inception, the TK Whitaker Award has honoured President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins , Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD , Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, renowned producer Lord David Puttnam CBE, John and Pat Hume, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, actor Gabriel Byrne, and in 2024, business leader Tony O’Reilly.
Sutherland Leadership Award – 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. Since its inception, the Sutherland Leadership Award has recognised Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Henry (Hank) Paulson, former US Secretary of the Treasury; José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and Prime Minister of Italy, Dame Louise Richardson, former Vice Chancellor Oxford University and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Christine Lagarde, President European Central Bank.
Outstanding Contribution to Brand Ireland – The Outstanding Contribution to Brand Ireland recognises an individual or brand who has made significant contributions to Brand Ireland on the international stage. Former honourees include Champion Horse trainer Aidan O’Brien, Irish and British & Irish Lions Captain Brian O’Driscol, and Champion jockey Rachael Blackmore.
Pictured (L-R): Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner of KPMG Ireland, and Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of the Judging Panel
Categories:
Company of the Year – Companies eligible for the Company of the Year Awards in association with KPMG are Irish businesses who, along with having a significant impact in Ireland, operate with an international focus and have annual revenue exceeding €200 million.
Business Person of the Year – The Business Person of the Year Award, in association with KPMG, recognises an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement across his/her/their career over the past year.
Elevation Company of the Year – Companies eligible for this award in association with Enterprise Ireland are Irish-owned high-performing companies on their journey to achieving greater international scale to become global leaders in their field with an annual revenue ceiling of €200 million.
FDI Company of the Year – The FDI Company of the Year in association with IDA Ireland is awarded to an international company with significant investments in Ireland, while also having an impact on Irish life both economically and socially.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I) – The Business & Finance Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award will recognise a company that is at the forefront of improving the lives of their employees while also enhancing the civic environment in which they operate.
ESG Business of the Year Award, in association with Coillte – The Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) category will recognise companies making exceptional contributions across ESG in having a clear strategy across environmental, social and governance indicators.
Innovation Award, in association with Bord Gáis – This award will recognize and celebrate groundbreaking ideas, products, or processes that push the boundaries of what is possible. This award highlights the pioneering spirit as a key driver of progress and success in various industries, encouraging a culture of creativity and forward thinking.
NEW – Brand of the Year – This award honours a brand that has delivered outstanding performance, innovation, and audience resonance. It celebrates strategic clarity, creative excellence, and meaningful engagement, recognising brands that have achieved commercial success while staying true to their purpose and values.
NEW – Public Enterprise of the Year – The Public Enterprise of the Year Award celebrates a state or semi-state organisation that has delivered significant economic or societal impact in Ireland through innovation, leadership, and operational excellence
Business & Finance is seeking an exclusive partner for this new Award. For more information on this unique partnership opportunity to align with Innovation at C-level please click below
Become a partner now: https://businessandfinanceawards.com/partners/#partnership-enquiries
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