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      The 2026 Annual Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, will take place on Thursday, 10 December 2026 at the Convention Centre Dublin.

      This year's event promises to be another exceptional evening, celebrating the very best in Irish business and recognising the leadership, innovation and impact of some of the country's most influential figures.

      Three distinguished individuals will be honoured on the evening. This year's recipients announced to date include Bob Geldof, who will receive the Sutherland Leadership Award, and Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, who will be presented with the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life.

      Previous honourees include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Nancy Pelosi, Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton and Mary Robinson.

      This year’s programme also sees KPMG and Enterprise Ireland partner on the Elevation Award, alongside the introduction of the new Digital Transformation Award. Together, these awards recognise organisations and leaders who are driving growth, embracing innovation and navigating change with confidence.

      They celebrate those demonstrating ambition, vision and leadership, while harnessing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create competitive advantage and shape the future of business.

      Pictured: Ian Hyland, President & CEO of Business & Finance Media Group, Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner of KPMG Ireland, Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of the Judging Panel and Tom Wood, Head of Clients & Markets, KPMG. Pictured: Ian Hyland, President & CEO of Business & Finance Media Group, Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner of KPMG Ireland, Julie Sinnamon, Chairperson of the Judging Panel and Tom Wood, Head of Clients & Markets, KPMG.
      Delighted to formally announce the 52nd Business & Finance Awards. Along with our partners KPMG, we look forward to recognising and celebrating the leaders and organisations shaping the future of business both domestically and internationally.
      Ian Hyland

      Ian Hyland

      President and Publisher

      Business & Finance

      The Business & Finance Awards continue to reflect the ambition, resilience and innovation that define Irish enterprise. Adaptability, strategic investment and digital capability are vital to safeguarding Ireland’s reputation as a world-class place to do business. KPMG is proud to continue supporting this important platform that recognises and celebrates excellence across the business community.
      Ryan McCarthy
      Ryan McCarthy

      Managing Partner

      KPMG in Ireland

      Smurfit Westrock and Dalton Philips winners of KPMG-supported 2025 Awards

      The 2025 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, took place on 11 December in Dublin. Smurfit WestRock won the Company of the Year award and Dalton Philips, CEO of Greencore, was named Business Person of the Year at a packed Convention Centre in Dublin.

      Both Smurfit Westrock and Dalton Philips epitomise the innovation, resilience and optimism that defines the best of Irish business.
      Ryan McCarthy
      Ryan McCarthy

      Managing Partner

      KPMG in Ireland

      Managing Partner KPMG Ryan McCarthy at Business & Finance Awards Managing Partner KPMG Ryan McCarthy at Business & Finance Awards
      Smurfit WestRock, Company of the Year (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Ken Bowles - Smurfit Westrock, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD) Smurfit WestRock, Company of the Year (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Ken Bowles - Smurfit Westrock, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD)
      Dalton Philips, Business Person of the Year (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Dalton Philips - Greencore, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD) Dalton Philips, Business Person of the Year (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Dalton Philips - Greencore, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD)

      Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton honoured

      Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was also recognised on the evening as she accepted the prestigious Sutherland Leadership Award. Secretary Clinton was recognised for her contribution to the peace process and her long standing commitment to Ireland.

      Congratulations to all honourees and finalists for an inspiring evening celebrating leadership and excellence in Irish business.

      Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
      Sutherland Leadership Award Honouree Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton - Honouree, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD) Sutherland Leadership Award Honouree Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton (Ian Hyland - Business & Finance, Ryan McCarthy - KPMG, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton - Honouree, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD)

      2025 Business & Finance Awards Honourees 

      Awards honourees also included Loretta Brennan Glucksman, and the late Eddie Jordan, both recognised for their exceptional contributions to Irish life.

      Established in 1974, the awards, supported by KPMG for many years, 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.

      Ian Hyland, Micheál Martin, Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Ryan McCarthy

      2025 Business & Finance Awards Winners

      • Outstanding Contribution To Ireland Award: Eddie Jordan
      • TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life: Loretta Brennan Glucksman
      • Company of the Year (in association with KPMG): Smurfit Westrock
      • Business Person of the Year (in association with KPMG): Dalton Philips, Greencore
      • Elevation Company of the Year (in association with Enterprise Ireland): Manna Drone Delivery
      • FDI of the Year (in association with IDA Ireland): Amazon Ireland
      • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award: Northern Trust
      • Environmental, Social & Governance Award (in association with Coillte): Tesco Ireland
      • Innovation of the Year: Deciphex
      • Brand of the Year: National Broadband Ireland
      • Public Enterprise of the Year: Bord na Móna

      Christine Lagarde joins esteemed Sutherland Leadership Award recipients

      As part of the 2025 Business & Finance Awards Programme, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, was honoured with the Sutherland Leadership Award at a Gala Dinner in April at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin.

      Over 600 global business, political, and social leaders attended to celebrate her contributions to international economic policy. Lagarde joins past recipients such as Ursula von der Leyen, Hank Paulson, José Manuel Barroso, Mario Draghi, Louise Richardson, Sir Nick Clegg, and Nancy Pelosi.

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