Sutherland Leadership Award Gala

The Sutherland Leadership Gala, in association with KPMG will take place on the evening of April 22nd, at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin and is expected to see more than 600 business, political and social leaders attend.  

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will travel to Dublin to receive the prestigious Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to leadership and public life. Nancy served as the 52nd Speaker of the US House of Representatives and has been instrumental in advancing key policies in healthcare, climate change, economic reform, and has consistently promoted equality throughout her time in politics.

The Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018 with the support of the Sutherland Family to recognise outstanding international leaders who have embodied the values of one of Ireland’s and Europe’s finest leaders, Peter Sutherland. 

Nancy Pelosi

Look back at last year's awards

The 49th annual Business and Finance Awards in association with KPMG took place at Dublin’s Convention Centre Dublin in December 2023. Honourees included Dame Louise Richardson and Gabriel Byrne.

The awards were attended by Ireland’s business leaders, recognise excellence in business, social and political leadership.

The Company of the Year Award

In association with KPMG

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. 

Photographed: Business & Finance Media Group’s Ian Hyland, Glen Dimplex CEO Fergal Leamy and KPMG Managing Partner Seamus Hand.

Business & Finance Media Group’s Ian Hyland, Glen Dimplex CEO Fergal Leamy and KPMG Managing Partner Seamus Hand.

The Business Person of the Year Award

In association with KPMG

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. 

Business & Finance Media Group’s Ian Hyland, CluneTech CEO Terry Clune and KPMG’s Managing Partner Seamus Hand.

Business & Finance Media Group’s Ian Hyland, CluneTech CEO Terry Clune and KPMG’s Managing Partner Seamus Hand.

2023 Sutherland Leadership Award

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 this 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.” 

Dame Louise Richardson

Dame Louise Richardson

2023 TK Whitaker Honouree

Renowned Actor and Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne accepted the 2023 TK Whitaker Accolade at this 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.”

Gabriel Byrne

Gabriel Byrne

Congratulations to all our winners!

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. 

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