Association Leadership Award (up to 2000 members)
American Chamber of Commerce to the EU – Susan Danger
We would like to nominate Susan Danger, the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), for the Association Leadership Award. After 28 years at AmCham EU, Susan has decided to step down this year. With this award, we would like to pay tribute to Susan’s exceptional trajectory and for dedicating her career to AmCham EU, the American business community invested in Europe and the transatlantic partnership. Susan Danger has dedicated her career to transforming AmCham EU into the association that it is today: one of the most effective advocacy organisations in Brussels and a trusted discussion partner for European institutions and governments. Susan assumed the role of CEO of AmCham EU during periods of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility in the global business landscape. Her leadership journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of American businesses in Europe while fostering dialogue and collaboration with European policymakers and stakeholders. Under Susan’s outstanding leadership, AmCham EU has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and resilience in navigating complex challenges and achieving significant milestones. This is why we believe that Susan Danger deserves this prestigious recognition.
British Generic Manufacturers Association – Mark Samuels
Mark Samuels’ role as CEO of the British Generic Manufacturing Association has been an exceptional example of leadership, vision, tenacity and commitment.
He started his position during lockdown at a time of the escalating Brexit crisis, internal organisational issues and a government that didn’t recognise the massive impact BGMA members had on the supply of essential medicines in the UK.
Working with a range of demands that each had emergency priority, he hit the ground running, ensuring a smooth supply of drugs was maintained despite facing various external and political pressures.
He simultaneously established the professional and legal status of the BGMA, dealt with various financial and structural issues and addressed the need for a greater presence within the media and the industry.
He did this while encouraging a complete culture change within his team, maintaining relationships with the now growing membership and developing the organisation to be fully effective and with a powerful voice among political and industry leaders.
It is testament to Mark’s exceptional leadership skills that this was all achieved within his first year of tenure – despite continued pressure of COVID 19, Brexit, Northern Ireland protocols and a level of ‘invisibility’ within the corridors of power.
Builders Merchants Federation – John Newcomb
As CEO of the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation), John Newcomb’s creativity, vision and professionalism are frequently cited as sources of inspiration, while his straightforward ‘can-do’ approach motivates internal and external colleagues alike.
He leads a Federation that represents the building materials sector (made up of merchants, suppliers and service suppliers) which is a significant part of the UK economy. Aware of this responsibility, John has committed the BMF to positive economic, environmental and social programmes that contribute to the nation as a whole, tackling areas including sustainability, employment/young people’s prospects and digitalisation.
Under John’s leadership, the BMF has become one of the leading trade bodies within the entire construction eco-system, and his work goes far above and beyond that expected of a CEO.
His achievements, determination to make a difference, creativity, innovation and commitment to serve the BMF and wider industry for the greater good are the reasons he is being nominated for this award.
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine – Will Booth
Will Booth joined the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) in April 2023 and in the short time since then has made a significant and lasting impact on the organisation. FPM was facing several business-critical challenges, which Will rose to. In just his first few months at FPM, Will managed the development of a plan for implementing a major training programme (DPM Training) which now provides an income of nearly £190k per annum. He worked to refine and deliver the ‘in company’ pharmaceutical medicine induction programme that FPM was developing for new pharma company employees which to date has turned over £220k. He also led the development of an internal promotional campaign to replenish the number of FPM examiners.
Golf Club Manager’s Association – Tom Brooke
The Golf Club Manager’s Association (GCMA) proudly nominates CEO Tom Brooke for the Outstanding Leadership Award, highlighting his transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the association’s mission. Tom’s clear vision and strategic initiatives have elevated the recognition and development of golf club managers, aligning the GCMA’s purpose and values with industry needs. His ambitious yet achievable goals are exemplified by the GCMA Accreditation Programme and the Mentor Programme, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.
Tom has also prioritized member wellbeing, introducing the Personal Use Support Services and Legal Cover package, and launching regional Mental Health First Aider training and wellbeing workshops. His advocacy has restored the GCMA’s influence in the golf industry, leading to significant collaborations, such as the governance guide with England Golf.
Tom’s member-centric approach ensures that feedback shapes the association’s strategies, demonstrated through comprehensive bi-annual surveys. Under his leadership, the GCMA has significantly enhanced its brand standing and membership benefits. Tom Brooke’s dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence make him an exemplary candidate for the Outstanding Leadership Award, inspiring future leaders within the golf industry.
Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association – Liz Field
Liz Field has been the CEO of PIMFA for 10 years. Under her leadership, PIMFA has grown from strength to strength and is today seen as trusted representative of the wealth management and financial advice sector. PIMFA was recently the winner of the Best Place to Work by the Sunday Times, showing the result of Liz’s hard work in ensuring PIMFA is a fantastic place to work for its employees. The feedback she gets from my members and her team, is that she has transformed this organisation through her leadership and inspiration and she is seen as one of the most influential leaders in the financial services sector today.
