The 2026 IoD Jersey Director of the Year Awards winners have been announced at a gala black-tie event to celebrate the island’s most inspiring and ethical leaders.
Renowned Broadcaster, Ballroom Star and TV personality, Anton Du Beke hosted the awards with Chair of the IoD Alex Ruddy. The event was made possible by Gold Sponsor, Appleby, and Silver Sponsor, Zenzero.
517 members and guests were joined by the Bailiff, Mr Robert MacRae, Ministers, the Director General of the IoD and some key members of our local community.
The Awards celebrate excellent leadership across a range of sectors and organisations in Jersey. Nine categories, plus the discretionary Chair’s Award, were announced on the evening.
Chair of IoD Jersey, Alex Ruddy, said: “We are immensely proud of the success of this year’s Director of the Year Awards gala dinner. The event brought together an inspiring cross-section of Jersey’s business community to celebrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. It was a powerful reminder of the vital role directors play in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for our island. On behalf of the IoD Jersey, I would like to congratulate all of our nominees and winners, and thank everyone who contributed to making the evening such a memorable and impactful occasion.”
This year’s judges were: Eliot Lincoln (Head Judge), Jill Britton, Dean Blackburn, Helen, Ruelle, Ed Daubeney and Alex Morel.
The Winners in the 10 Award categories are;
Large Business
- Ian Gray – Seymour Hotels of Jersey
SME Business
- Christopher Dobbing – United Club Jersey
Innovation
- David McGrath – Channel Islands Cooperative
Aspiring Director
- Chris Bester – HLG Associates Limited
Third Sector
- Marcus Liddiard – Association of Jersey Charities
Public Sector
- Alison Fossey – States of Jersey Police
Sustainability
- David Postlethwaite – KPMG in the Crown Dependencies
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Gaëlle Deschamps – G Force
Non-Executive
- Caroline Dutot – Invesco Bond Income Plus (BIPS)
Chair’s Award
- Aidan McAvinue – CEO Flagstone International and Chair, Family First.
Picture Credit: Paul Wright Photographer
