Winners at Business & Finance Awards

The awards programme recognised winners across multiple categories, showcasing innovation, sustainability, and leadership. Sir Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former UK Deputy Prime Minister was presented with the Sutherland Leadership award. This prestigious accolade was established in 2018 to honour the legacy of Peter Sutherland.  

Champion trainer Willie Mullins received the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland award for his unparalleled achievements in Irish sport. A trailblazer in the world of horse racing, Mullins has built a reputation as one of the nation’s most successful trainers.

The late Tony O’Reilly was honoured with the TK Whitaker award for his significant contributions to Irish business and public life. Renowned for his accomplishments as a rugby player, business leader, and philanthropist, O’Reilly left a legacy that continues to inspire. His family accepted the award on his behalf, underscoring his remarkable influence on Ireland’s economic and social progress. 

Congratulating this year’s winners of the KPMG supported Business & Finance Awards, Seamus Hand, Managing Partner of KPMG said, “This year’s awards celebrate the very best in Irish business and leadership. The exceptional calibre of our winners reflects the strength, creativity, and ambition that defines our business community. Congratulations to all honourees for their remarkable achievements.”

Speaking about this year’s winners, Ian Hyland, President and Publisher of Business & Finance, said, “As we celebrate 50 years of the Business & Finance Awards, we honour the remarkable leaders and organisations that shape Ireland’s future. This year’s winners exemplify innovation, resilience, and the power of leadership. From industry trailblazers to global changemakers, tonight’s honourees are an inspiration to us all.”

Other winners of this year’s Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG include:

• Elevation Company of the Year (in association with Enterprise Ireland): Sculpted by Aimee
• FDI of the Year (in association with IDA Ireland): Eli Lilly
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: Workday
• Environmental, Social & Governance Award (in association with Coillte): Gas Networks Ireland
• Innovation of the Year: XOCEAN

First established in 1974, the Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG have become a cornerstone of Ireland’s corporate and public life. Over five decades, the programme has celebrated some of the world’s most influential leaders, including President Bill Clinton, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, Ursula von der Leyen and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

As Ireland continues to thrive as a global hub for business, the awards provide a platform to reflect on the successes of the past while setting a vision for the future.

Renowned Actor and Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne accepted the 2023 TK Whitaker Accolade at last year’s Business and Finance Awards in association with KPMG. The award recognises his unique contribution to public life during an illustrious career spanning almost five decades.

Gabriel Byrne has starred in more than 100 feature films including Excalibur, Into the West, Little Women, The Usual Suspects and more. On Broadway, he received 3 Tony Award nominations and has twice won the Outer Critics Circle Award for his performances.

Commenting on being the recipient of the 2023 TK Whitaker Award, Gabriel Byrne said: “It is an honour to be chosen for the TK Whittaker award and to be aligned with such illustrious previous honourees.”

President of Carnegie Corporation and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and the University of St. Andrews, Dame Louise Richardson, was honoured with the Sutherland Leadership Award at last year’s awards ceremony. 

Dame Richardson is an Irish-born political scientist who has gained international repute for her extensive contributions to academia and public policy. Notably, she is the newly appointed President of Carnegie Corporation of New York and was the first female Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford. During her tenure at Oxford, she played an instrumental role in the development of the life-altering Covid vaccine with AstraZeneca.

Commenting on being the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award Dame Louise Richardson said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this honour and very grateful to those who so generously nominated me. I very much look forward to celebrating the occasion with such an accomplished group of fellow Irishmen and women.” 

Glen Dimplex was awarded the prestigious Company of the Year award for their superb record in sustainable innovation and global expansion. This company has over 8000 employees and a presence in markets across 20 countries.

The judging panel noted that their strategic acquisitions, investment in digital technologies and strong commitment to ESG goals all exemplify their leadership in both product innovation and environmental responsibility. 

Terry Clune, CEO of CluneTech, was named Business Person of the Year. As the driving force behind CluneTech since its inception in 1996, Terry has propelled the company to unparalleled heights in fintech.

According to the judges, his unwavering dedication to ethical standards, corporate governance, and extensive CSR initiatives, supporting over 70 charities, demonstrates his profound sense of personal and social responsibility. 

Our congratulations to all award winners and honourees who also included Fintech company Fenergo who won the Elevation award, insurance group Aviva who won the Environmental, Social & Governance award, recruitment company CPL who took home the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion award and medical solutions producer Boston Scientific who received the FDI of the year award.