ABERDEEN BUSINESS LEADERS NAMED BEST DIRECTORS

Aberdeen business leaders named best directors of 2025 at IoD Scotland awards ceremony. 

Peterhead Port Authority and Integrity HSE chiefs among winners

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 on 9th 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.

Among the recipients was Ewan Rattray, Harbour Master and Director of Port Operations at Peterhead Port Authority. He received the Emerging Director Award for his achievements in corporate governance, and his commitment to building on his management and leadership skills Ewan’s personal connection to his role was also commended by the judges.

Steve Harris, Founder and Managing Director of Integrity HSE, was named Director of the Year in the Start-Up category. Alongside his expertise in risk, business continuity and emergency response, Steve is leading the development of the organisation’s in-house health clinic, driven by a belief that proactive health monitoring can improve employee wellbeing and reduce preventable risk.

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 this evening 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.”

During the ceremony, Joyce Onuonga, Managing Director of JWS Precision Weighing, received the 2025 Director of the Year Chair’s Award for her future-focused and innovative approach with diversity and inclusion at the heart of operations.

Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance, was awarded the inaugural 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. 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.

Some of this year’s other winners include:

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 involvement in the Scottish Government’s Bus Taskforce has seen positive steps towards solving the issue of driver shortages across the country and a strong commitment to leading on diversity and environmental sustainability beyond her company.

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.

The full list of category winners is below: