The Leader of the Year Award is one of the most contested accolade's to be presented at The National Business Awards, and the only award to be judged by a combination of public vote and a jury of peers. Five respected and inspirational CEOs, recognised for the impact they have had on their organisation and their industry, have been shortlisted. Characterized by certain styles of leadership, and distinguished by the performance of the organisations they lead, they have been invited to participate as finalists by submitting to a filmed interview. Conducted by Alex Evans, Programme Director of the National Business Awards, these interviews focus on their leadership styles and philosophies, the challenges that have defined their leadership, and the legacy of their personal impact on their organisations. Previous winners of this award include Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco UK & Ireland (2012), Ruby McGregor-Smith, CEO of MITIE (2011), Martin McCourt, former CEO of Dyson (2010), and Peter Marks, CEO of The Cooperative Group (2009). The 2013 Leader of the Year will be decided by a combination of votes from the business community, cast online from 28th September to 30th October, and from a jury of peers who will convene at a private screening at the Bulgari Hotel on 31st October to vote in a secret ballot.

• published: 27 Sep 2013
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