By The Veblen Directors Programme has announced the winners of the 2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Awards, spotlighting eight exceptional leaders across industries and continents. Now in its second year, the Awards celebrate individuals driving change through mentorship, innovation, and impact — with a focus on amplifying the visibility of leadership that is shaping the future of business.
DUBAI – 31 July 2025 – The Veblen Directors Programme today announced the winners of the 2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Awards, recognising 8 outstanding individuals whose leadership, vision, and impact are shaping the future — and whose achievements deserve wider recognition.
Now in its second year, the Awards celebrate leaders across industries, sectors, and regions — individuals mentoring others, challenging norms, and moving the world forward in bold, meaningful ways.
This year’s Awards featured eight categories, each honouring one winner and two runner-ups, with nominations received from across five continents.
“These awards are about more than recognition, they’re about visibility,” said Callum Laing, Founder of the Veblen Directors Programme. “Some of the most powerful leadership shows up in the way people build, mentor, challenge the status quo, and support those around them. Each of these leaders is shaping the future of business, both through the results they deliver and through their leadership.”
2025 Veblen Directors Leadership Award Winners
Each category recognises one winner for their outstanding leadership and impact. Full details about their achievements and journeys, along with the names of two runner-ups per category, are available at: https://veblendirectors.com/veblen-directors-awards-2025
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
Sponsored by BigBooster—supporting globally scalable impact startups
Winner: Elijah Durman
For transforming 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
Sponsored by Ellect—advancing gender diversity in leadership
Winner: Jane Masite
Honoured for a groundbreaking career advancing audit, governance, and inclusive leadership, empowering hundreds through mentorship and structural reform in South Africa.
Business Builder of the Year Award
Sponsored by GILD Ambassadors—helping founders become capital-ready leaders
Winner: Moyo Ogunmiloro
Recognised for building transformative ventures across tech, real estate, and social enterprise, fusing innovation with purpose and inclusive leadership.
Global Leadership Award
Sponsored by Harbour Club—connecting M&A leaders across 57 countries
Winner: Dr Reji Kurien Thomas
Celebrated for science-led leadership delivering sustainability, cybersecurity, and climate resilience solutions that have transformed lives and systems worldwide.
Thought Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored by Prominence Global—building CEO influence on LinkedIn and beyond
Winner: Dr Reji Kurien Thomas
Awarded for pioneering ideas and interdisciplinary breakthroughs that have shaped global policies and inspired responsible innovation across sectors.
Best Mentor Award
Sponsored by The Mentoring Club—democratising access to leadership guidance
Winner: Manish Bhatt
Acknowledged for his far-reaching mentorship across industries and continents, guiding leaders at every level with generosity, insight, and strategic vision.
Rising Leader of the Year Award
Sponsored by The Last Industry—spotlighting next-gen leaders shaping post-profit futures
Winner: Manoj Raveendranathan
Honoured for championing ethical innovation and driving impact at the intersection of technology, ESG, and people-first leadership.
ESG Leader of the Year Award
Created in honour of B1G1—embedding giving into everyday business operations
Winner: Ewa Noji
Recognised for embedding empathy into ESG strategy, leading with heart and data to create inclusive, human-centered sustainability initiatives.
About the Veblen Directors Programme
The Veblen Directors Programme equips professionals and executives with the skills, network, and confidence to serve on boards and in advisory roles. Founded by Callum Laing—who has interviewed over 2,000 leaders and helped hundreds secure their first board seats—Veblen champions purpose-driven leadership and boardroom diversity. The Veblen Directors Leadership Awards honour individuals driving meaningful, values-aligned change in their industries and beyond.
www.veblendirectors.com
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