IoD Scotland director of the year awards honour Scotland’s top business leaders

The IoD presented 20 business leaders with awards in a ceremony that acknowledged the best in business across 11 key director categories and seven regional categories, including the new categories for innovation and exclusivity.

The winners of the 11 national Director of the Year categories will progress to the prestigious UK Director of the Year Awards, which take place in London in October.  

Last night’s winners included:

Anna Daroy, Interim Director General, Institute of Directors, presented the accolades to the winners of the IoD Scotland Director of the Year – Large Business and Small-Medium Business categories.

Commenting on the two biggest awards of the night, the judging panel, which was chaired by Raymond O’Hare said: “Robin Watson’s entry was exceptional, showing leadership in circumstances which required bold and decisive action yet maintained corporate strength and robustness and integrity. Robin has a very personal yet professional approach and honest self-appraisal and respect for others. First class.”

“Jamie McGowan shows extensive entrepreneurial spark and engagement. He has set out a clear vision focused on excellence with great design branding. He is doing this in a busy marketplace far away from the commercial centres. His is a great story about building with the local community.”

The Awards highlight the diversity of the business landscape in Scotland, with categories for SMEs to large businesses; charities to the public sector.  They also honour those individuals whose creativity, leadership or innovative business practices have led to success for their organisation and the communities they serve.

Speaking at the Awards, IoD Scotland Chair, Aidan O’Carroll said of Lord Haughey Kt. OBE when presenting the Chair’s Award: “Lord Haughey has demonstrated so many of the attributes that we want to recognise; a strong record of business success, an international business with over £1 billion turnover and major contracts being secured around the world. He has also ensured that a high standard of leadership is maintained within the organisation by encouraging his Board and executives to attend the IoD’s training programmes, as well as committing to the creation of more leadership opportunities across his business. He is a global player and has demonstrated not just how to create and innovate but has also committed to giving so much back to the community here in Scotland.”

Speaking of Philip Long, director of V&A Dundee and recipient of the inaugural IoD Scotland Award for Transforming Scotland at the ceremony, IoD Scotland Chair, Aidan O’Carroll said:“The V&A Dundee has become a beacon of success for Scotland and a focal point in the transformation of Dundee, and in particular, its waterfront. Since opening less than a year ago, the V&A Dundee has already become one of the most popular attractions in the country and Philip Long has been fundamental to this. Throughout the build, opening and ongoing promotion of the venue, Philip has shown how a clear vision and strong leadership can help to not only create a successful tourist attraction, but has also contributed to the city of Dundee earning the title of UNESCO City of Design.”

David Watt, executive director of the Institute of Directors in Scotland, said: “In what has been one of the most challenging and unpredictable political and business environments of modern times, business leaders have been truly tried and tested. Tonight’s winners are testament to the tenacity and commitment not only to their organisations, but also their employees, stakeholders and customers.

“It is clear that excellence in leadership is spread across all sectors and the length and breadth of Scotland. The Director of the Year awards provide a chance to recognise and celebrate these fantastic examples of the dynamic thinking and strategic planning which will benefit the companies and the country long into the future, as well as cementing Scotland’s place on a global stage.

“Key traits that emerged throughout the judging process centered on a fearlessness to innovate; collaboration with partners; and a commitment to ongoing investment in their employees to ensure their businesses grow further. These are crucial values which will engage and inspire the next generation of business leaders. Congratulations to all of tonight’s finalists and winners.”