Write a commentNewry businesswoman Naoimh McAteer was among those honoured at the annual Institute of Directors Northern Ireland (IoD NI) Director of the Year Awards.
Naoimh, Director of MJM Group was named Young Director of the Year at a ceremony in the Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Judges commended Naoimh as a director who “has made, and is making, a very significant and positive impact on a large and complex business, playing a key role in driving growth across MJM Group firms MJM Marine, Mivan and Topglass”.
Appointed a company director at the age of 29, Naoimh also took a lead role in the negotiations for MJM Marine’s Azamara Pursuit project, which delivered the largest cruise ship refit programme to come to Belfast in recent history.
Other award winners included Nick Whelan of Dale Farm who was named the Large Business Director of the Year award while Jackie Henry of Deloitte was awarded Director of the Year in the Inclusivity category
Winners
Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Director and Board Practice, sponsored by First Trust Bank – William Barnett, W&R Barnett
Director of the Year – Non-Executive, sponsored by Deloitte - Mark Ennis, Chairman, SSE Airtricity
Director of the Year – Innovation, sponsored by KPMG - Alan Lowry, Environmental Street Furniture
Director of the Year – Young, sponsored by Carson McDowell - Naoimh McAteer, MJM Group
Director of the Year – Public Sector, sponsored by Capita Managed IT Solutions - Jill Minne, Northern Ireland Civil Service
Director of the Year – Third Sector, sponsored by Capita Managed IT Solutions - Carol Fitzsimons, Young Enterprise NI
Director of the Year – Family Business, sponsored by BDO Northern Ireland - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – International, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland - Lisa McLaughlin, Herbert Smith Freehills
Director of the Year – Small to Medium Business, sponsored by Ulster University Business School - Angela Bennett, Diamond Systems
Director of the Year – Inclusivity, sponsored by Abacus - Jackie Henry, Deloitte
Director of the Year – Start-Up, sponsored by Amplifi Solutions - Robert McConnell, Pinnacle Professional
Director of the Year – Large Business, sponsored by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council - Nick Whelan, Dale Farm
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Gordon Milligan, IoD NI Chairman, said “Congratulations go to all this year’s winners that prove once again that the Northern Ireland economy benefits from leaders across the private and public sector, performing to the very highest standards.”
Adrian Moynihan, Head of First Trust Bank, added:
“It is vital that we continue to nurture, reward and grow the leadership traits that strengthen our business community and on behalf of First Trust Bank, I would like to congratulate all the winners on their well-deserved accolades
“The IoD Director of the Year Awards programme is a fantastic way for us to highlight the importance of leadership within the business community and given the uncertain times we live in, we must ensure that our business leaders voices are heard loud and clear. Each of the finalists demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, innovation and visionary thinking - truly inspiring qualities which help drive Northern Ireland’s growing business community.”
The Category winners will now progress to be considered for the national IoD Director of the Year Awards taking place in London later this year.
