CMI Awards of Excellence 2024 shortlist announced

It’s that time of year again – another chance to shine a light on the success of the CMI community. The CMI Awards of Excellence 2024 recognise amazing managers, students, volunteers and apprentices, as well as the HE institutions and training providers who are helping them thrive as leaders.

Our judges have been busy – the panel assessed each entrant at least twice – and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about everyone’s efforts and achievements. 

The shortlist is a fantastic advert for CMI’s four core values: professional, progressive, passionate and practical. We’ve been impressed by the level of curiosity, ingenuity and quality on display this year, as well as the candidates’ commitment to management and leadership excellence. 

The winners will be announced in autumn 2024. But regardless of who eventually scoops the top prizes, a place on the shortlist is already a huge achievement – and can bring a lot of benefits. 

“Being shortlisted enhances my credibility and reputation,” says Sandy Farar CMgr FCMI, who’s in the running for Chartered Manager of the Year. 

“The validation of skills and achievements and the increased visibility can lead to new networking opportunities and speaking engagements. And it enhances trust and confidence with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, which can lead to more significant responsibilities, promotions or new opportunities.”

Congratulations to every individual and organisation selected. And good luck!

Here’s the shortlist in full: 

Chartered Manager of the Year

Sandy Farar CMgr FCMI, business services partner, Arup

Major James Golding CMgr MCMI MSc IEng MIMechE, officer commanding – Light Aid Detachment, British Army

Dr Thesara Jayawardane CMgr FCMI, head of the department and senior lecturer – Grade I, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Jenna Jenkins CMgr FCMI, senior operations manager, Nationwide Building Society

Riwilo Masulani CMgr MCMI MBA MSc, principal permitting manager, The Coal Authority

Deon Pillay CMgr MCMI, head of marketing technology, enablement and governance, Legal and General Asset Management

Volunteer of the Year

Will Cass CMgr MCMI, events lead, UK Regional and Devolved Nation Boards

Catherine Myszka CMgr FCMI ChMC, deputy chair and diversity and inclusion lead, UK Regional and Devolved Nation Boards – East Midlands and Eastern

Zarina Naqvi CMC ChMC FIC, IC Advisory Committee

Guna Seelan Rethinam CMgr FCMI, events and member engagement lead, International Regional Boards – Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore

Monique Yong FCMI, diversity and inclusion lead, International Regional Boards – Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore

Training Provider of the Year

Corndel Ltd

BAE Systems

Roads Academy with National Highways

HE Provider of the Year

Hertfordshire Business School, University of Hertfordshire

London School of Business and Finance

School of Business and Law, Buckinghamshire New University

Student of the Year

Anne Abimbola Adetonwa LLB LLM MBA, studying MBA Management at Bangor Business School, Bangor University

Dylan Davies, studying MSc Management and Finance at Bangor Business School, Bangor University

Stephen Knott CMgr FCMI, studying Senior Leader Apprenticeship Executive Education MBA (Open) at University of Sheffield

Christian Nunn, studying Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship at University of Exeter

Lauren Pope, studying BA (Hons) International Business at Nottingham Trent University

Apprentice of the Year

Trish Burley, distribution manager, JD Wetherspoon, studying at Leeds Beckett University

Laura Fenton, advisory service support manager, Hargreaves Lansdown

Dr Hiba Khan, chief revenue officer, Medics Academy, studying at Exeter University

Debbie McArthur BA(Hons) Cert Ed fCMgr, head of apprenticeships (internal delivery) and leadership development, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), studying at Accipio

International HE Partner of the Year

London Institute of Business and Technology

Sunway University

Universiti Teknologi MARA

International Student of the Year

So Hiu Lam, studying BSc Enterprise Engineering with Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Akshaya A/P Thanasegaran, studying Diploma of Accountancy at IPK College Penang, Malaysia

Tan Yong Wah, studying Diploma in International Business at IPK College Penang, Malaysia

Chua Hwe Yen, studying BSc Global Supply Chain Management, Sunway University

“A fantastic platform”

Have you worked hard to push your own knowledge of leadership and management? Been busy driving improvements at your organisation? If so, how about entering the CMI Awards of Excellence next year? It’s an invaluable opportunity to reflect on your growth, and a chance to gain recognition for your achievements and stand out from your peers. 

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s Riwilo Masulani CMgr MCMI, another shortlisted candidate for Chartered Manager of the Year 2024, on why you should enter:  

“The awards provide a good opportunity to reflect on and showcase your accomplishments. Never mind winning, getting nominated itself is a win that's worth celebrating.”

You can find more information on the awards here. 

Image: CMI