2026 Nominations
are now open
Nominate yourself, a peer, or an exceptional leader
The HotTopics Global C-suite Awards are peer-nominated, independently judged, and celebrated globally — recognising leadership that delivers real impact across business, technology, and transformation.
Award categories
Two programmes — C-suite and Future C-suite
What makes a HotTopics Global C-suite Award winner
All awards are judged across four key areas that define a HotTopics Global Award winner.
Our judges look for leaders who create meaningful, measurable change — for their organisations, their teams, and their communities.
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.
Alejandro Becerra
Digital Security Director, Telefónica
Alison Davis
ED, IT/Business Relationships, GE Healthcare
Anna Barsby
Founder and Managing Partner, Tessiant
Anna-Lisa Miller
Group CIO, Spectris plc
Avril Chester
CTO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Bradley Schaufenbuel
VP and CISO, Paychex
Brian Brackenborough
CISO, Channel 4
Catherine Buhler
Executive Director, Impleo
Charlotte Baldwin
CIO, Burberry
Christina Scott
Chief Product and Technology Officer, RWS Group
Christopher Neal
Global CISO, Ramsay Health Care
Conor Whelan
Group CIO, The Access Group
Deborah Wheeler
CISO, Delta Air Lines
Donna Ross
CISO, Radian
Eileen Jennings-Brown
COO, Exergy3 Limited
Freddie Quek
Board Director, eLife Sciences Publications
George Eapen
Corporate CTO and CISO, Abdul Latif Jameel
Georgina Owens
NED, OLA CAB
Ian Cohen
Managing Director, Lumen 360
Inken Braunschmidt
NED, TT Electronics plc
Itumeleng Makgati
Divisional Executive: Group Technology, Nedbank
Joanna Drake
CTO, THG
Juan Villamil
Group Chief Innovation Officer, UBDS Group
Les McCollum
SVP, Deputy CISO, Synchrony
Liz Banbury
CISO, Thames Water
Mark Walmsley
MD, Global CISO, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Norma Dove-Edwin
Group CDO & CIO, Rolls-Royce
Paul Coby
CIO, Persimmon Homes
Robert Sheesley
Board Member / CIO, Bump Social
Vukosi Sambo
CIO, STM Healthcare Investments, PHA & Marara Group
FAQs
HotTopics Global C-suite Awards 2026
Who can be nominated?
Any senior technology or marketing leader — including CIOs, CISOs, CDOs, B2B CMOs, and rising Future C-suite talent (Future CIO, Future CISO, and Future B2B CMO) — who’s driving meaningful impact in their organisation or industry.
The HotTopics Global C-suite Awards celebrate both established leaders and emerging talent, recognising excellence across innovation, transformation, and leadership.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes — we encourage it. The HotTopics Global C-suite Awards are about recognising leadership and impact, whether you’re putting yourself forward, nominating a peer, or submitting on behalf of someone exceptional. We also welcome nominations from third parties and organisations who want to spotlight great leadership.
Can I nominate someone else?
Yes. You can nominate a peer, colleague, or another leader whose work deserves recognition. If you do, we’ll share your reason for nomination with them so they can complete their part of the entry.
Can I submit a nomination on behalf of my company or client?
Yes — we also accept third-party nominations from organisations, partners or agencies who want to recognise exceptional leadership.
How are the winners selected?
All nominations are reviewed by independent judging panels of senior executives from across business and technology. They assess each nominee based on our five key criteria: leadership, innovation, business impact, team development, and community contribution.
Is there a deadline for nominations?
Yes. Nominations for the 2026 Global C-suite Awards close in 1st May 2026. We recommend submitting early to give nominees time to complete their entry.
Where do the award ceremonies take place?
The HotTopics Global C-suite Awards are celebrated at iconic venues around the world — including Abbey Road Studios and BAFTA in London, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Award winners are invited to join us in person and connect with peers through these unforgettable experiences, alongside exclusive virtual gatherings throughout the year.
Is there a cost to enter?
No — nominations are completely free.
What happens after I submit a nomination?
No — nominations are completely free. The HotTopics Global C-suite Awards are a celebration of leadership and impact.
Award winners are invited to join us at our global ceremonies and connect with peers through exclusive virtual and in-person experiences throughout the year.