Business & Finance Awards 2026 shortlist announced following significant surge in entries

The 52nd annual awards will recognise Ireland’s leading businesses and executives, introduce a new Digital Transformation Award and honour Ambassador Samantha Power and Sir Bob Geldof at a ceremony in Dublin on 10 December.

Business & Finance, in association with KPMG, has announced the shortlist for the 52nd annual Business & Finance Awards 2026, following a significant increase in entries that reflects the ambition and resilience of Ireland’s business community.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin on Thursday, 10 December 2026, bringing together more than 1,000 business, political, civic and social leaders from Ireland and around the world to celebrate achievement, leadership and innovation across Irish and international business.

This year’s shortlist spans indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), high-growth businesses, established Irish companies and multinational organisations, recognising their contributions to economic development, innovation and Ireland’s international business reputation.

A key addition to the 2026 awards is the Digital Transformation Award, a new category recognising businesses that are using technology to improve operations, enhance customer experiences, increase productivity and unlock opportunities for growth.

The introduction of the award reflects the growing importance of digital capabilities to business competitiveness, particularly as artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies reshape operating models across sectors.

Digital transformation and competitiveness in focus

The new category places technology-led business transformation among the key themes of this year’s awards, recognising the role of digital investment in supporting productivity, operational efficiency and sustainable growth.

For organisations operating in an increasingly competitive international environment, the ability to translate technological advances into measurable commercial outcomes is becoming a critical differentiator.

The 2026 shortlist also reflects the breadth of business performance and leadership across Ireland, with awards recognising achievements in innovation, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, diversity and inclusion, brand development, foreign direct investment and public enterprise.

Among the headline categories are Business Person of the Year, which recognises entrepreneurs and executives whose leadership is making a significant impact nationally and internationally, and Company of the Year, which celebrates outstanding organisational performance, sustained growth and innovation.

The Elevation Company of the Year award, presented in association with Enterprise Ireland, will recognise business achievement, while the FDI Company of the Year award, in association with IDA Ireland, highlights the contribution of foreign direct investment to Ireland’s economic landscape.

The shortlist also includes awards for Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, ESG Business of the Year, Innovation, Brand of the Year and Public Enterprise of the Year.

Now in its 52nd year, the Business & Finance Awards remain one of Ireland’s longest-running business recognition platforms, highlighting the companies and individuals contributing to the country’s economic success and international standing.

Samantha Power and Bob Geldof to receive prestigious honours

Alongside the shortlisted businesses and executives, the 2026 ceremony will recognise two internationally renowned Irish figures for their contributions to public life, humanitarian advocacy and global leadership.

Sir Bob Geldof will receive the Sutherland Leadership Award in recognition of more than four decades of humanitarian campaigning and his efforts to address poverty, famine and global inequality.

Geldof’s work includes co-founding Band Aid in 1984 and organising the Live Aid concerts in 1985, landmark fundraising events that mobilised international attention and resources around famine in Ethiopia. His subsequent campaigning on poverty, debt relief and international development has continued to highlight the role of leadership in addressing global challenges.

Ambassador Samantha Power, the Dublin-born former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will receive the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Ireland & Public Life.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and distinguished academic, Power has built an international career focused on democracy, human rights, humanitarian assistance and international cooperation. The award recognises her contribution to public service and her influence on international policy and global affairs.

Both awards will be presented at the ceremony on 10 December.

Business leaders highlight ambition and resilience

Ian Hyland, President and Publisher of Business & Finance, said the increase in entries demonstrated the strength of the Irish business community and the calibre of organisations operating across the economy.

“The exceptional response to this year’s Business & Finance Awards, with a significant increase in entries, is a powerful reflection of the ambition, resilience and confidence of Ireland’s business community. What is particularly encouraging is not simply the volume of submissions, but the outstanding calibre of the companies and individuals being recognised.

“This year’s awards will also be particularly special as we honour two extraordinary Irish figures whose influence extends far beyond our shores. 

“We are delighted to recognise Ambassador Samantha Power with the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Ireland & Public Life, and Sir Bob Geldof with the prestigious Sutherland Leadership Award. Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage and a lifelong commitment to making a difference on the international stage.”

Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner, KPMG Ireland, explained that AI and technology are reshaping how companies compete. 

“The Digital Transformation Award recognises businesses turning that change into real opportunity. The quality of this year’s entries reflects the strength of Irish business today. At KPMG, we’re proud to support the Business & Finance Awards and to celebrate those helping to shape Ireland’s future,” he explained. 

Business & Finance Awards 2026 shortlist

The 2026 awards shortlist comprises the following categories.

Book your table

If you wish to book your table for the Business & Finance Awards, please visit the awards website or contact Priyanka Kotian at priyanka.kotian@businessandfinance.com