LEAD Network Ireland Chapter announce inaugural People of the Year awards

LEAD Network launch first-ever People of the Year awards

LEAD Network is a non-profit volunteer-run organisation whose goal is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer goods industry

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Sonya Lennon, social entrepreneur, speaker and writer, together with LEAD Network Ireland Chapter co-chairs Sarah Ferguson, general manager, Kellanova and Jane McEvoy, Marketing Manager, Musgraves, Jane McEvoy and Dave Lawlor, president, Kellanova Europe, recently launched the global non-profit’s first ever LEAD Network Ireland Chapter People of the Year Awards.

The awards, which is open to all companies in the retail and consumer goods industry for nominations, will celebrate industry leaders who champion gender equality and equity in the workplace.

Originally established in 2011, LEAD Network has grown astronomically to more than 22,000 members, 10 country chapters, with 200+ manufacturers and 100+ retailers all working to bring about gender equality at all levels of the industry.

Awards

LEAD’s Ireland Chapter committee involves representatives from across the industry working together including Kellanova, Musgrave, Lidl, P&G, Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Kraft Heinz, Bank of Ireland, Irish Distillers, IBM and FMI.

The awards will have three categories including:

• LEAD Network Ally of the Year which will recognise an ally in championing gender equality in business. Nominees will have consistently and actively lead by example and has gone above and beyond to elevate women in the industry and ensure their contribution is valued, recognised and included.
• LEAD Network Mentor of the Year which will recognise a mentor who is a trusted advisor and positive role model and have gone the extra mile in supporting their mentee’s growth and development, helping them to achieve their professional goals and positively impacting their career trajectory.
• LEAD Network Leader of the Year is a lifetime achievement award which will recognise a great leader who has inspired those around them through their strategic vision, commitment and resilience and has had a remarkable impact on their organisation, through effective performance and people management throughout their career, helping to lift those around them and fostering a culture of equality.

Nominations are now open via LEAD Network Ireland Chapter’s LinkedIn page where peers can nominate a colleague, friend or any of their peers in the industry by answering a number of relevant questions.

Winners will be announced in an event in September.

The only criteria are that both parties, nominator and nominee, must be members of LEAD Network.

Membership to LEAD is free and members are invited to join a host of events, networking opportunities and best practise sharing designed to support peer to peer learning as well as ultimately achieve gender balance in the sector.

Sarah Ferguson, LEAD Network Ireland Chapter co-chair and general manager, Kellanova, commented: “During my time as co-chair I’ve been both humbled and inspired by the incredible work happening across our industry to advance gender equity.

“It’s been a true privilege to hear these stories, and I’m proud and delighted that we now have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate these efforts through our new Awards programme.”

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