ASSOCIATION LEADER OF THE YEAR
Association for Project Management – Professor Adam Boddison OBE
Since becoming APM CEO, Professor Adam Boddison OBE has overseen a period of sustained growth for the organisation. APM now reaches over 45,000 members and 460 corporate partners, a marked increase compared to before he joined.
The visibility of the organisation has grown through Adam’s tireless efforts in promoting APM regionally and globally. His actions include opening a new branch in the Channel Islands, hosting events in the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Ireland and expanding partnerships with key industry players. By expanding APM’s presence in new countries and partnerships, Adam has been able to position APM as the leading provider of professional development and accreditation for their respective project profession.
British Institute of Innkeeping – Steve Alton
Steve Alton has led the BII for the last 5 years, taking the reigns just before the pandemic in March 2020. Since then he has grown the organisation, taking it from 10,000 to 13,000 members, and has solidified the BII’s position in the pub sector as the leading member organisation, charity and trade body that it is today.
Digital Entertainment and Retail Association – Kim Bayley
The past 12 months have seen the fruition of Kim Bayley’s decade-long mission to steer digital entertainment and retail association ERA out of one of the most brutal business transformations suffered by any sector – the impact of the internet on the entertainment and particularly the recorded music business.
Bayley exemplifies the core leadership combination of a relentless eye for detail, combined with constantly scanning the horizon for opportunities – and threats. Her evidence-based decision-making disarms opposition and allows ERA to embrace new ideas and new ways of working.
Bayley’s approach of broadening membership to embrace the new breed of technology companies whilst also throwing ERA’s weight behind the nascent Record Store Day has seen the Association’s revenues and membership reach new heights.
Never one to stand still, she has continued innovating adding a new awards event and a future leaders programme in the last 2 years all whilst continuing to embed a sense of mutual respect between new music streaming companies and high street retail – which few believed possible.
Global Waste Cleaning Network – Dr Roger Achkar
Dr Roger Achkar is a distinguished engineer, social scientist, and social entrepreneur renowned for his contributions to environmental sustainability and the energy sector. He holds academic credentials from esteemed institutions such as Harvard, Leicester, Cranfield, and CentraleSupélec. In addition to his role as General Manager for two power plant and renewable energy EPC companies, he is the founder of the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN), a UK-based international non-profit organisation that unites over 2,100 member organisations across 187 countries to address environmental challenges.
Dr Achkar’s professional endeavors are centered on environmental conservation, waste management, and sustainable energy solutions. Through GWCN, he has fostered collaborations with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to implement effective strategies in these areas.
His contributions to the field are widely recognized, and he has been a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences and seminars. In addition to his professional achievements, Dr Achkar is dedicated to community engagement and promoting awareness about the importance of sustainable energy and waste management. His visionary approach and leadership have earned him several accolades and international awards.
Institute of Directors in South Africa – Parmi Natesan
Since taking the helm of the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) in 2019, Parmi Natesan has redefined leadership in the governance space—guiding the organisation through transformation and triumph. With a clear vision and bold purpose, she has strengthened stakeholder trust, driven digital modernisation, and delivered consistent financial outperformance. Her leadership, grounded in authenticity and values, has propelled the IoDSA to the forefront of ethical leadership and professional excellence.
Parmi’s bold actions—such as launching the Women on Boards Foundation Programme, revising membership frameworks, and introducing Member Disciplinary Regulations—have advanced inclusion, integrity, and impact. As a key voice in the development of King V and a regular presence in national media, she has elevated the discourse on governance while reinforcing the IoDSA’s role as a trusted authority.
Under her guidance, the IoDSA has won prestigious accolades, achieved measurable member value improvements, and deepened its thought leadership influence. Parmi’s leadership is not only strategic and innovative—it is deeply human. She leads with conviction and compassion, ensuring every initiative is rooted in purpose and progress. Her work stands as a model for future-ready, ethical leadership—and exemplifies the best of what modern governance can achieve.
National Residential Landlords Association – Ben Beadle
Five years after the creation of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) through the merger of legacy organisations, Chief Executive Ben Beadle has taken the organisation from strength to strength.
He has built a thriving and dynamic membership organisation, serving more than 110,000 members – an increase of 38% over five years, with all financial targets hit.
Ben has created a truly member-first organisation, leading from the front, whether that is addressing Government Select Committees, meeting with high-ranking ministers or answering member questions – in person – at our popular NRLA On Tour events which take the association out into the community.
He is also committed to changing the narrative when it comes to private sector landlords, racking up 2,570 media mentions and 116 interviews for TV, radio and the print media in the last 12 months.
Innovation is key to Ben’s vision, and he has invested heavily in developing the association’s prop tech offer, as well as its research arm, ensuring lobbying and campaigns work has a strong evidence base.
Looking ahead Ben remains committed to continuing to campaign on members’ behalf for legislation change that is both fair and fit for purpose for landlords and tenants.
Seddon Management Services – Tony Seddon
Tony Seddon, Founder and CEO of Seddon Management Services (SMS), is a standout leader in the construction and work-at-height sectors. Known for his principled, people-first approach, Tony combines technical excellence with genuine care and professionalism. Over decades, he has built a reputation not only as a knowledgeable expert but also as a trusted advisor, mentor, and champion for others. His influence spans five national associations—CBOA, FASET, SAEMA, UKMDA, and WAHSA—transforming them through strategic leadership, policy engagement, and unwavering member support.
Tony’s deep understanding of legislation, technical standards, and best practices—particularly around height safety—makes him a sought-after voice on industry bodies like the CLC, AIF, and BSI. Yet what truly sets him apart is his humility, kindness, and collaborative spirit. He empowers others, raises standards, and fosters a culture of excellence and care across the sectors he supports.
Throughout regulatory upheaval, the pandemic, and constant change, Tony has provided steady guidance, championed wellbeing, and always taken the time to help those in need. His integrity, empathy, and calm leadership style have earned him universal respect—even from competitors. Tony doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his impact speaks volumes. He leads with heart—and leaves a legacy of meaningful change.
