The Veblen Directors Programme revealed the winners of the 2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Awards, shining a light on eight remarkable leaders from diverse industries and geographies. In its second edition, the Awards honour individuals making a difference through mentorship, innovation, and influence, with an emphasis on raising the profile of leadership that is redefining the future of business.
Official Announcement in Dubai
DUBAI – 31 July 2025 – The Veblen Directors Programme is proud to unveil the 2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Award winners, honoring 8 exceptional individuals whose leadership, vision, and influence are building the future, and whose accomplishments need greater recognition.
Honoring Leaders Across Industries and Regions
In its second year, the Awards honor industry leaders, sector influencers, and regional change-makers, individuals inspiring others, breaking conventions, and propelling the world forward in bold, significant ways.
Global Reach and Participation
The Awards this year had eight categories, each recognizing one winner and two runner-ups, with nominations from around five continents.
Statement from the Founder
“These awards are not just about recognition, they’re about visibility,” said Callum Laing, Founder of the Veblen Directors Programme. “Leadership on a micro level is some of the most powerful leadership that shows up in the way people build, mentor, challenge the status quo, and support the people around them. Each of these leaders is creating the future of business, both through the outcomes they produce and through their leadership.”
2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Award Winners
Each category has one winner for their exceptional leadership and impact. Full information on their work and stories, as well as the names of two runner-ups per category, can be accessed at: https://veblendirectors.com/veblen-directors-awards-2025
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Supported by BigBooster, backing globally scalable impact startups
Winner: Elijah Durman
For revolutionizing refugee and host communities through youth-led innovation in tech, e-waste recycling, and communications access in East Africa.
Female Director of the Year Award
Supported by Ellect, driving gender diversity in leadership
Winner: Jane Masite
Awarded for a path-breaking career developing audit, governance, and inclusive leadership, empowering hundreds through mentorship and structural change in South Africa.
Business Builder of the Year Award
Supported by GILD Ambassadors—enabling founders to become capital-ready leaders
Winner: Moyo Ogunmiloro
Awardee for developing catalytic businesses in tech, property, and social enterprise, combining innovation with purpose and inclusive leadership.
Global Leadership Award
Supported by Harbour Club—unifying M&A leaders in 57 countries
Winner: Dr Reji Kurien Thomas
Honored for science-driven leadership providing sustainability, cybersecurity, and climate resilience solutions that have transformed systems and lives globally.
Thought Leader of the Year Award
Supported by Prominence Global—amplifying CEO presence on LinkedIn and beyond
Recipient: Dr Reji Kurien Thomas
Honored for trailblazing concepts and multidisciplinary innovations that have transformed global policies and promoted responsible innovation across industries.
Best Mentor Award
Supported by The Mentoring Club—making leadership mentorship accessible
Recipient: Manish Bhatt
Recognized for his visionary mentorship that transcends industries and continents, inspiring leaders at all levels with kindness, wisdom, and strategic foresight.
Rising Leader of the Year Award
Presented by The Last Industry—highlighting next-generation leaders who are redefining post-profit futures
Winner: Manoj Raveendranathan
Recognised for leading by example in championing values-based innovation and creating impact at the intersection of tech, ESG, and people-first leadership.
ESG Leader of the Year Award
Established in memory of B1G1—integrating giving into daily business practice
Winner: Ewa Noji
Known for infusing empathy into ESG strategy, and leading with heart and data to build inclusive, human-centered sustainability initiatives.
About the Veblen Directors Programme
The Veblen Directors Programme empowers professionals and executives with the abilities, connections, and confidence to join boards and advisory boards. Established by Callum Laing, who has interviewed more than 2,000 leaders and enabled hundreds of people to gain their first board appointments, Veblen advocates for purposeful leadership and boardroom diversity. The Veblen Directors Leadership Awards recognize those leading transformational, values-based change in their sectors and beyond.
Media Contact
Organization: Financial Media
Contact Person: Franziska Grobler
Website: https://www.financialmedia.group/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +6584555350
Address: 51 Goldhill Plaza
City: Singapore
Country: Singapore
Release Id: 31072531733
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