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.

Alice Guehnnec

Directrice Tech, Data & Digital Groupe, Sodexo

Alla Whitston

Chief Information Officer, MUFG

Amit Sharma

Vice President Marketing, Tata Communications

Andy Caddy

CIO, PureGym

Andy Piper

CISO, Barclays

Åshild Hanne Larsen

Åshild Hanne Larsen

Vice President Subsurface Excellence & Digital, Equinor

Ben Bachmann

Director Group Security & Architecture, Bilfinger

Charles Forte

DG CIO, UK Ministry of Defence

Chris Lugo

VP, CISO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Datta Junnarkar

Datta Junnarkar

CIO - Maritime, Boeing

Frankie Shuai

CISO APAC, DWS Group

George Maropakis

George Maropakis

Global CISO, Advance Auto Parts

Hendy Harianto

Group CIO, Meratus group

Howard Miller

CIO, UCLA Anderson School of Management

Indu Sajeev

CISO, ASOS

Ivan Sanchez Lopez

Ivan Sanchez Lopez

Group CISO, Bupa

Jamil Farschi

CTO, Equifax

Jason Oliver

CTO, Western University

Jay Thurston

Field CISO, Thales

Jenny Rae

CIO, Imperial College

Joanna Drake

CTO, THG Ingenuity