The Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland has announced the winners of its Director of the Year Awards 2025.
Scotland’s top business leaders were named during a ceremony hosted by Stephen Jardine today (9 October) at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. A total of 13 winners were presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding leadership skills, inclusive workplace cultures, investment in future talent, and continuous professional development.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, was named Director of the Year for Medium/Large businesses for her drive towards improving bus transport across Scotland’s communities. Her strong commitment to leading on diversity and environmental sustainability beyond her company was commended, as well as her involvement in the Scottish Government’s Bus Taskforce, which has seen positive steps towards solving the issue of driver shortages across the country.
Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of The Yard received the Small Business Director of the year award and was recognised for her people-first approach and significant contribution to advocating for disability interests across various committees and networks. She was awarded the accolade based on her effective leadership, strategic business and financial planning, and community engagement, which has resulted in the continued expansion of The Yard over nearly two decades.
Third Sector Director of the Year was awarded to Zahra Hedges, Chief Executive of Winning Scotland, for her work to create meaningful change through policy and social impact. Judges were impressed by how Zahra’s personality manifests positively in the organisation and how her honest and transparent communication with employees and stakeholders has driven growth.
Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director at the Institute of Directors Scotland, said: “The Director of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of those who have helped shaped Scotland’s business landscape.
“Our winners represent a number of exemplary cross-sector leaders, who’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, skills development, industry innovation and good governance shines both inside and outside the boardroom.
“The 13 individuals awarded today have demonstrated their passion for positive change within their industries and the communities they serve. Their commitment to professional development and fostering a culture of learning within their own organisations is what makes them among the best in their fields.
“Congratulations to all our winners; it has been a privilege to celebrate you and your achievements today.”
The 2025 Director of the Year Chair’s Award was presented to Joyce Onuonga, Managing Director of JWS Precision Weighing, for her future-focused and innovative approach to diversity and inclusion at the heart of operations.
Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance, was also recognised at the ceremony, and was awarded the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. During the ceremony, Marc was recognised for his exemplary contribution to the tourism industry, representing Scotland across the globe, and his continued commitment to the future talent pipeline.
The full list of category winners is below:
| IoD Scotland Director of the Year Award Category | Name | Organisation | Based in |
| Operations | · Alison Welsh | · Tweed Wealth Management | · Edinburgh |
| Small Business | · Celine Sinclair | · The Yard | · Edinburgh |
| EmergingSponsored by YouthLink | · Ewan Rattray | · Peterhead Port Authority | · Peterhead |
| Specialist | · Fiona Campbell | · Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers | · Glasgow |
| People & HR | · Gary Brewer | · Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland | · Edinburgh |
| Sustainability and Innovation | · Josie Saunders | · Ceteris Scotland Ltd | · Alloa |
| Sales & Marketing | · Lee Fitzpatrick | · Zebra Growth | · Edinburgh |
| Medium / Large Business | · Sarah Boyd | · Lothian | · Edinburgh |
| Start-Up | · Steve Harris | · Integrity HSE | · Aberdeen |
| Non-Executive DirectorSponsored by Wheatley Group | · Steven Dickson | · Scottish Water | · Glasgow |
| Third Sector | · Zahra Hedges | · Winning Scotland | · Edinburgh |
