Business

Search begins for Northern Ireland’s top directors

Launching the Director of the Year Awards are IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan (left) and Adrian Moynihan, head of awards sponsor First Trust Bank
Launching the Director of the Year Awards are IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan (left) and Adrian Moynihan, head of awards sponsor First Trust Bank Launching the Director of the Year Awards are IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan (left) and Adrian Moynihan, head of awards sponsor First Trust Bank

THE Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched its annual search for Northern Ireland’s most outstanding business leaders.

Entries and nominations are now open for the prestigious IoD NI Director of the Year Awards 2019, sponsored by First Trust Bank.

The awards seek to honour the best performing directors in the private, public and third sectors across the region, but also afford business leaders the opportunity to be recognised on the national stage.

IoD NI chairman Gordon Milligan said: “With the high calibre of entrants and nominations received each year for these awards, it's unsurprising they are considered among the premier accolades available to local business leaders.

“The awards form part of the wider IoD Director of the Year Awards, so category winners are also put forward to be short-listed for the national ceremony, where local directors have enjoyed unrivalled success in recent years.

“This year Gary Thompson of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Denis Lynn of Finnebrogue Artisan collected the UK Director of the Year awards for inclusivity and innovation respectively.”

Adrian Moynihan, head of First Trust Bank, added: “Against a backdrop of political uncertainty, strong business leaders are playing a critical role in the stability and growth of our economy locally and our reputation further afield

"It is essential we continue to nurture, reward and grow the leadership traits that strengthen our business community including innovation, creativity, good governance and community engagement.”

Category winners will be announced at a ceremony at Belfast's Merchant Hotel on May 17. Entries must be submitted by February 1. More details at www.iodawards.com.