The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025 winners are…

One of the biggest nights on our social calendar, the annual IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on Friday, April 25.

A celebration of Ireland’s most inspiring businesswomen, the calibre of entries this year was exceptional. Over the past few weeks, our highly esteemed judging panel whittled the applications down to one outstanding shortlist, from which they chose this year’s winners.

Every single year, without fail, we’re blown away by the immense talent that exists in this country and 2025 was no exception. Now in its 17th year, IMAGE Media is proud to recognise the amazing achievements of Irish businesswomen, their unparalleled contribution to the Irish economy and their vital role within the Irish business community, both at home and abroad. These awards are a testament to the skill and resilience of Irish women and our winners are richly deserving of recognition.

Hosted by expert entertainers Melanie Morris, IMAGE Media’s Group Contributing Editor, and entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr, we had a fantastic evening with a gourmet dinner, delicious drinks and a very special musical performance from the incredible Róisín O.

Thanks to our incredible partners PwC, sponsors DS Automobiles, Eversheds Sutherland, Kuehne + Nagel, Samsung, Cpl, Designed by Woulfe, Its4women Car Insurance, Cantor Fitzgerald, Nespresso, Pinergy and Tarasis, and in association with Marks & Spencer, Brooke & Shoals and istil-38, we were able to commemorate these women’s achievements, congratulate them for their innovative work and celebrate excellence across all of our distinguished award categories.

From social entrepreneurs to sustainability champions, young businesswomen and start-ups to CEOs and STEM professionals, we are honoured to champion some of our country’s most amazing businesswomen and their stories — the innovators, the changemakers and the determined hard workers. Congratulations to all our winners and to the wonderful runners-up.

These are your IMAGE PwC Businesswomen of the Year 2025.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Siobhán Talbot, former Group Managing Director, Glanbia Plc

Overall Businesswoman of the Year

Aimee Connolly, CEO, Sculpted by Aimee

CEO of the Year

Carolan Lennon, Country Leader Salesforce Ireland, Salesforce

Runners up

2. Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown

3. Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte

Creative Businesswoman of the Year

Anna Guerin, Director, The Landskein

Runners up

2. Ella de Guzman, CEO and Co-owner, Siopaella

3. Edwina Forkin, Managing Director, Treehouse Media

Diversity and Inclusion Businesswoman of the Year – Community Advocate

Jeanne McDonagh, CEO, The Open Doors Initiative

Runners up

2. Mamobo Ogoro, Founder and CEO, GORM

3. Sharon Kelly, Chief People Officer, Woodie’s

Entrepreneur of the Year

Prof Caitriona Ryan and Prof Nicola Ralph, Co-founders and Consultant Dermatologists, Institute of Dermatologists

Runners up

2. Linda Stinson, CEO, Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze

3. Loretta Dignam, Founder and CEO, The Menopause Hub

ESG Champion of the Year

Rosie O’Neill, Director of Sustainability, Ifac (Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative)

Runners up

2. Aideen O’Neill, Head of Activations and Head of Sustainability, Verve The Live Agency

3. Aoife McNamara, CEO, Aoife McNamara Ltd

Family Businesswoman of the Year

Ursula Kelly, Managing Director, Cormac Tagging

Runners up

2. Orla Good, Group Commercial Director and Managing Director, Portwest

3. Danielle Tutty, Owner and Managing Director, Rathmines Glass

International Irish Businesswoman of the Year

Deirdre O’Neill, Co-founder and Chief Commercial and Legal Officer, Hertility Health Ltd

Runners up

2. Jane McCooey, Executive Director, Enterprise Technology and Services, Morgan Stanley

3. Nicola Bates, President and CEO, Siemens Capital Company, USA

Management Professional of the Year — Senior Professional

Aisling Teggart, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Accounting and Fund Administration, State Street

Runners up

2. Maura Winston, Chief People Officer, Cairn Homes PLC

3. Ciara McGuinness, Ireland Head of Aviation Services, Avenue Capital Management

Management Professional of the Year — Emerging Professional

Leanne Brolly, Vice President of Risk, Genesis Aircraft Leasing Services

Runners up

2. Aoife Beirne, AML Manager, An Post

3. Lucy Tobin, Healthcare Compliance Consultant, Pharma Integrity

Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Community Impact

Eileen McHugh, Founder and CEO, Hair Together CLG

Runners up

2. Sinéad Ryan, Founder and CEO, Little Fitness

3. Angela Hayes, CEO, The Thomas Hayes Trust CLG / Teac Tom

Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Charitable Organisation

Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland

Runners up

2. Aisling Hurley, CEO, Breast Cancer Ireland

3. Ciára Dalton, Sorcha Killian and Rosie McDonagh, Co-founders, Hygiene Hub

Start-up Businesswoman of the Year

Laura Dowling, Founder and CEO, fabÜ

Runners up

2. Morgan Pierce, CEO, SolarSmart Energy Ltd

3. Gráinne Mullins, CEO, Grá Chocolates

STEM Professional of the Year

Jacqui O’Connor, Founder and CEO, MedScan3D

Runners up

2. Susan McGarry, Director of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Ecocem Global

3. Rena Maycock, Founder and CEO, Chirp

Young Businesswoman of the Year (Under 35)

Nancy Costello, Co-owner, The Belle Brush and Owner, Belle Hair

Runners up

2. Sarah O’Sullivan, Founder, SOS Cookies

3. Sophie Leahy, Director, The Wine Opener Ltd