The 2021 Business and Finance Awards in association with KPMG took place on 12th April 2022 at the Convention Centre in Dublin in front of an audience of almost 1,000 of Ireland’s business leaders and decision makers.
Hosted by broadcaster Pat Kenny and addressed by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe T.D., the Company of the Year Award was won by ICON plc and Business Person of the Year by Mark Roden, CEO of Ding. Guests of honour included former US Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Bono of U2, the Ukrainian ambassador Gerasko Larysa and the family of the late John and Pat Hume.
To all the award winners and nominees, particularly the nominees for company and business person of the year, I would like to say congratulations – I hope you are proud of what you have achieved - it has been fantastic to hear such inspiring stories of excellence within the Irish business community.
To our honouree for the Sutherland Leadership Award, Hank Paulson, I would like to thank you for your immense contribution on the global stage.
As recipients of the TK Whitaker Award for their outstanding contribution to public life, it is also timely we acknowledge the great leadership of the late John and Pat Hume and the role they played in the Irish peace process. The determination and compassion shown by both John and Pat, as partners and equals, has given us all a roadmap to follow and as we navigate the difficult geopolitical challenges faced today.
Business Person of the Year Award: Mark Roden of Ding
Pictured (L to R) are Ian Hyland, Business & Finance Media, Business Person of the Year award winner Mark Roden, CEO of Ding and Seamus Hand, Managing Partner, KPMG in Ireland.
Company of the Year Award: ICON plc
Pictured (L to R) are Ian Hyland,Business & Finance Media, Steve Cutler,ICON plc and Seamus Hand, Managing Partner, KPMG in Ireland.
Pictured (L to R) are M.C. and broadcaster Pat Kenny and Sarah Freeman, Managing Editor, Business & Finance Media
2021 Sutherland Leadership Award
A highlight of this year’s Awards ceremony was the presentation of the 2021 Sutherland Leadership Award to Mr. Hank Paulson, former United States Secretary of the Treasury.
The Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018, with the support of the Sutherland family, to honour the memory of the late Peter Sutherland. The inaugural award was presented in 2018 to former President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.
Pictured (L-R) are Paschal Donohoe T.D., Minister for Finance; Seamus Hand, Managing Partner, KPMG in Ireland; Ian Hyland, Business & Finance Media and Hank Paulson, former US Treasury Secretary.
Some of the stories of success and transformational transactions would be impressive in a normal environment but are truly inspirational given the environment in 2021. Businesses and societies have faced huge challenges over the last two years that have forced us to re-examine our business models and to innovate.
We have learned many lessons that will endure to make a positive and lasting contribution to our society and our economy. That is why I firmly believe that Irish business is entering a new era of excellence, an era in which they are more competitive, more resilient and in turn will further enhance Irelands reputation as a great place to do business.
TK Whitaker Award: The Late John and Pat Hume
Established in 2016, the TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Life recognises Irish and international social and political leaders who have been exemplary in their contribution to public life. Since its inception, the TK Whitaker Award has honoured President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in December 2016, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD in 2017 and former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese in 2018, Lord David Puttnam in 2019 and this year’s accolade was awarded to the late John and Pat Hume in recognition of their outstanding contribution to peace in Ireland.
Mark Durkan of the Hume Foundation accepting the TK Whitaker Award on behalf of the late John and Pat Hume.
Bono of U2 speaking on the contribution of John and Pat Hume to the peace process in Ireland.
Full list of award winners
- Business Person of the Year Award: Mark Roden
- Company of the Year Award: ICON plc
- The Sutherland Leadership Award: Hank Paulson
- TK Whitaker Award: The late John and Pat Hume
- Outstanding Contribution to Irish Business: Enterprise Ireland
- FDI of the Year Award: Pfizer
- Diversity Equality & Inclusion Award: Northern Trust
- Elevation Award: APC
To find out more about the Business & Finance Awards please see businessandfinanceawards.com.
Business & Finance Awards
Business & Finance was launched in 1964 as Ireland’s first business magazine with the Awards programme established a decade later. The Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG is Ireland’s premier business awards programme and includes among its previous honorees outstanding leaders of our time across business, politics and wider society. This includes former United States President Bill Clinton, former British Prime Minister Sir John Major, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, President Michael D. Higgins, former ECB President Mario Draghi, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Senator George Mitchell, and Sir Bob Geldof, among others.
Back in Business – 2021 Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, returns to live gala ceremony on the 17th February 2022 in the Convention Centre, Dublin. Pictured from left to right: Ian Hyland, President & Publisher, Catalyst Media Group; Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte; Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec; Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA Ireland; Estelle Davis, Managing Partner, Brightwater Executive; Seamus Hand, Managing Partner, KPMG Ireland; Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland. Photo taken at KPMG Innovation Hub Platform X.
2020 Business & Finance Awards
The 2020 Business & Finance Awards Programme, in association with KPMG, took place virtually for the first time in their 46-year history in February 2021. Hosted by Business & Finance Media Group’s Managing Editor, Sarah Freeman, awards were presented in five categories - Business Person of the Year, Company of the Year, the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award, FDI of the Year Award, and the Elevation Award – all recognising excellence and outstanding achievement in Irish business in challenging times.
Speaking about our support for the awards in his address to virtual attendees, KPMG’s Managing Partner, Seamus Hand said: “Congratulations to all of the winners of the Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG. In what has been a challenging time for so many, the calibre of those shortlisted in every category has been very impressive.”
2020 award winners
- Company of the Year: An Post
- Business Person of the Year: Tommy Kelly, CEO of eShopWorld
- Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award: Vodafone Ireland
- FDI of the Year in association with IDA Ireland: Sky Ireland
- Elevation Award in association with Enterprise Ireland: Aerogen
