white_dots_right_1

Nominate:

HotTopics Global C-suite Awards 2026

white_dots_right_2

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

C-suite

HotTopics Global CIO 100
HotTopics Global CISO 100
HotTopicsGlobal CDO 100 (Data)
HotTopicsGlobal CDO 100 (Digital)
HotTopics Global B2B CMO 100
HotTopics Global Hall of Fame

Future C-suite

HotTopics Future CIO 100
HotTopics Future CISO 100
HotTopics Future B2B CMO 100

 

 

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.


 

Nominate here

Simply complete the form below to enter your nomination

Nominations close 1st May 2026


 

Global C-Suite Awards judges

Our judging panels are made up of respected industry leaders with deep expertise across business and technology.
Their insight ensures a fair, rigorous selection process that celebrates true excellence and innovation.
Alejandro Becerra

Alejandro Becerra

Digital Security Director, Telefónica

Alison Davis

Alison Davis

ED, IT/Business Relationships, GE Healthcare

Anna Barsby

Anna Barsby

Founder and Managing Partner, Tessiant

Anna-Lisa Miller

Anna-Lisa Miller

Group CIO, Spectris plc

Avril Chester

Avril Chester

CTO, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Bradley Schaufenbuel

Bradley Schaufenbuel

VP and CISO, Paychex

Brian Brackenborough

Brian Brackenborough

CISO, Channel 4

Catherine Buhler

Catherine Buhler

Executive Director, Impleo

Charlotte Baldwin

Charlotte Baldwin

CIO, Burberry

Christina Scott

Christina Scott

Chief Product and Technology Officer, RWS Group

Christopher Neal

Christopher Neal

Global CISO, Ramsay Health Care

Conor Whelan

Conor Whelan

Group CIO, The Access Group

Deborah Wheeler

Deborah Wheeler

CISO, Delta Air Lines

Donna Ross

Donna Ross

CISO, Radian

Eileen Jennings-Brown

Eileen Jennings-Brown

COO, Exergy3 Limited

Freddie Quek

Freddie Quek

Board Director, eLife Sciences Publications

George Eapen

George Eapen

Corporate CTO and CISO, Abdul Latif Jameel

Georgina Owens

Georgina Owens

NED, OLA CAB

Ian Cohen

Ian Cohen

Managing Director, Lumen 360

Inken Braunschmidt

Inken Braunschmidt

NED, TT Electronics plc

Itumeleng Makgati

Itumeleng Makgati

Divisional Executive: Group Technology, Nedbank

Joanna Drake

Joanna Drake

CTO, THG

Juan Villamil

Juan Villamil

Group Chief Innovation Officer, UBDS Group

Les McCollum

Les McCollum

SVP, Deputy CISO, Synchrony

Liz Banbury

Liz Banbury

CISO, Thames Water

Mark Walmsley

Mark Walmsley

MD, Global CISO, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Norma Dove-Edwin

Norma Dove-Edwin

Group CDO & CIO, Rolls-Royce

Paul Coby

Paul Coby

CIO, Persimmon Homes

Robert Sheesley

Robert Sheesley

Board Member / CIO, Bump Social

Vukosi Sambo

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.

white_dots_left_1

 

Get involved

There’s more than one way to be part of the HotTopics Global C-suite Awards

Reset