The Institute of Directors Jersey branch has announced that nominations are now officially open for the Director of the Year Awards 2026.
Each year, the awards shine a spotlight on directors, or aspiring leaders who exemplify excellence in governance, strategic vision, and social responsibility. In 2026, the awards will honour leaders across nine distinct categories, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of modern enterprise:
Large Director of the Year (over 100 employees)
This award recognises exceptional talent among leaders of Jersey’s major organisations. It looks for directors displaying courage and vision in decision-making to keep their business ahead of the competition and whose leadership is based on knowledge, skills and a strong ethical mindset.
SME (Small to Medium) Director of the Year (under 100 employees)
This award is designed to celebrate those directors working in a business that employs under 100 employees. This award will go to the leader that shows outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in enterprise, sustainability, as well as sound management practice, good corporate governance and commercial success.
Innovation Director of the Year
This award recognises directors that have achieved success through bringing an innovative or disruptive approach to their marketplace. These improvements may include but are not limited to improved commercial performance, operational effectiveness, and customer engagement. Key factors to consider are the level of innovation, time taken to market, design process, competitive edge, USP, and potential growth and profitability. Additional factors could include job creation, environmental sustainability, strong corporate governance, effective teamwork, project management capabilities, originality and the use of market research.
Aspiring Director of the Year
This award recognises upcoming directors and entrepreneurs who are senior managers, have started to operate at director level or have set up their own business in the last three years. You should already demonstrate excellent innovation of thought, ability, ambition and vision, as well as a recognition of the importance of good corporate governance. What sets you apart from other aspiring leaders on the Jersey business scene?
Public Sector Director of the Year
Leadership is critical to good public governance, including good planning, efficiency, transparency and accountability. This award is open to leaders of public services, including public agencies, national bodies and governmental departments. The judges are looking for leaders that can demonstrate how to get the best out of others’ professional expertise and their contribution to civic society. Wider considerations include how leaders have explained their societal contribution and impact to their stakeholders in the context of the environment in which they operate, their viability and good corporate governance.
Third Sector Director of the Year
Leadership in the voluntary sector is critical to good governance, including planning, efficiency, transparency and accountability. This award is open to directors whose organisations are charities, community organisations or social enterprises that do not generate profit for individuals. The judges are looking for leaders that can demonstrate how to get the best out of others for the benefit of their organisation and the people/communities it serves. You will have a compelling vision and demonstrate a commitment to empowering others, inclusive decision-making collaborative leadership, and innovative solutions to fulfil your organisational purpose and values. The judges will also consider how you demonstrate impact in the context of your operating environment, financial sustainability and good governance.
Sustainability Director of the Year
This award is aimed at leaders who can demonstrate how they integrate the success and smooth running of their business with a strong sense of social responsibility and corporate values and is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible or green business leaders in Jersey. Judges are looking for directors that are aware of the impact of their business on all aspects of society including economic, social, and environmental and your own direct and active role in this.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Director of the Year
Diversity and inclusion within any business are key factors in determining organisational success. Over the years many organisations have worked hard to embrace diversity within their workplaces and create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race or cultural background or disability, can flourish and succeed.
Non-Executive Director of the Year (NED)
NED’s can bring exceptional value to any organisation; their role is to provide a creative contribution to the board by providing independent oversight and constructive challenge to the executive directors on a broad range of subjects. The most important qualities are judgement, wisdom and the ability to gain respect and attention from colleagues. This award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy, impacted the financial success of the company, demonstrated high ethical standards and promoted the practice of good corporate governance.
Whether you’re leading a start-up, steering a public institution, or driving change in the third sector, the IoD invites nominations and applications from individuals and organisations who are making a measurable difference through bold leadership and strategic excellence.
Each applicant will be required to complete an online application which includes answering eight general criteria questions (60-100 words maximum) and one category-specific question (500 words maximum). This process ensures that nominees can clearly demonstrate the depth of their leadership, impact and contribution within their chosen category, providing judges with a comprehensive understanding of their achievements.
IoD Chair, Alex Ruddy (pictured) said: “These awards are more than a celebration, they’re a call to recognise the leaders who are shaping a better future. We encourage everyone to nominate directors or leaders who inspire, innovate, and lead with purpose.”
Nominations close on Friday, 19th December 2025 at 23:45. To nominate a director or learn more about the awards criteria, visit here.
