LEAD Network Ireland Chapter co-chairs Sarah Ferguson, General Manager, Kellanova and Laura Canavan, Head of Culture and Engagement, Lidl Ireland, today launched the global non-profit’s LEAD Network Ireland Chapter People of the Year Awards. The awards, which are 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. LEAD’s Ireland Chapter committee involves representatives from across the industry working together including Kellanova, Lidl, Musgrave,Coca Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Irish Distillers and Richmond Marketing.
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 led by example and have 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 here 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 member of LEAD Network. Membership to LEAD Network is free and members are invited to join a host of events, networking opportunities and best practice 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:
“The LEAD Network People of the Year Awards shine a light on the individuals who are making a lasting difference through their actions, influence and commitment to developing others. Whether through mentoring emerging talent, championing inclusive workplaces, or demonstrating exceptional leadership over many years, these award categories celebrate the diverse ways people contribute to a more equitable industry. We encourage our members to take this opportunity to recognise those whose impact may often go unseen but whose efforts are helping to shape stronger teams, better businesses and a more inclusive future for all.”
Laura Canavan, Head of Culture & Engagement at Lidl Ireland and Co-Chair, LEAD Network Ireland Chapter, commented:
“We are delighted to launch the second annual LEAD Network People of the Year Awards 2026. Recognising leaders that are driving gender equity in their daily roles is critical to ensuring we build a workplace and a society that benefits us all. We’re calling on peers who know a colleague or individual that has gone that extra mile in creating a culture that supports, develops and empowers women in the workforce to nominate them and celebrate their achievements.”
