Become a judge | HotTopics Global C-suite Awards 2026

What we’re looking for

Each HotTopics Global C-suite Award has its own judging panel — made up of respected industry leaders with deep expertise across business, technology.

Our judges bring insight, experience and integrity to ensure a fair, rigorous process that celebrates true excellence and innovation.
Judges review nominations independently and collaboratively, recognising leaders who are driving transformation within their organisations and industries.

Judges should be available throughout the awards series timeline to take part in the selection process, join virtual and in-person meetups, and attend our global awards ceremonies.

Judging criteria

Every nomination is evaluated across four key areas of impact:

Functional Innovation

New ideas, strategies or initiatives that have driven measurable improvement

Leadership and strategic vision

Clear direction and the ability to bring people with you

Team development

Building diverse, high-performing teams and developing future leaders.

Community contribution

Giving back beyond your organisation — through mentorship, thought leadership, DE&I or contributions to the wider HotTopics and industry community.

Alla Whitston

CIO, MUFG

Charles Forte

DG CIO, UK Ministry of Defence

Datta Junnarkar

Datta Junnarkar

CIO - Maritime, Boeing

Howard Miller

CIO, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Jason Oliver

CTO, Western University

John Sullivan

CIO, Major League Soccer

Manika Gupta

CIO, GE

Marina Spyrou

CIO, PPFA

Nick Edwards

Chief Digital Officer, The AA

Sarah Cunningham

Sarah Cunningham

CIO, ARM

Sebastian Weber

Sebastian Weber

CIO, E.ON

Doug Drinkwater

Doug Drinkwater

Editorial and Strategy Director, HotTopics

Frankie Shuai

VP of Information Security, Bitdeer

Indu Sajeev

CISO, ASOS

Ivan Sanchez Lopez

Ivan Sanchez Lopez

Group CISO, ALS

Jamil Farshchi

CTO, Equifax

Munawar Valiji

CISO, Close Brothers

Pedro AdamoviÄ‡

Pedro AdamoviÄ‡

CISO & Head of Fraud Prevention, Galicia Bank

Ravi Mani

SVP CISO, Quest Diagnostics

Rosalia Hajek

CISO, Topgolf Callaway Brands

Vijay Samtani

CISO, University of Cambridge