IIRSM Risk Excellence Awards 2026 finalists announced!

This year we received inspiring submissions highlighting the organisations, teams and individuals who champion better risk management to drive organisational and employee wellbeing.

Thank you to our headline sponsor HSI Donesafe and sponsor of the Most Impactful Risk Research Project, Amazon.

Finalists and sponsors will join IIRSM and guests on Thursday 21 May at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, when the winners will be revealed.

Phillip Pearson, IIRSM Chief Executive, said: “Each year, the Risk Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, teams and organisations raising the bar in risk management and safety. The quality of this year’s finalists reflects the growing importance of thoughtful, proactive approaches to risk across every sector. Congratulations to all those shortlisted."

“Driven by the passion of ensuring no one gets harmed in the workplace, I believe the surest way of achieving this is to mentor as many professionals as possible to act as the next generation of excellent risk and safety experts,” said finalist David Ongesa, Global Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager for The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.

"Over the past few years, we’ve put a lot of heart into improving our governance, building stronger and more trusting relationships with our stakeholders, and creating a culture where safety is proactive, open and collaborative. Knowing that this work is being recognised is incredibly uplifting,” said Stephen Ablett, Health and Safety Business Partner at the University of Reading.

Pius Kimutai, QHSE manager at Nokia Kenya, said: “This recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the commitment to building strong safety cultures, driving compliance and ensuring that risk management is not just a process but a value embedded in everyday operations.”

Ghanim Al Hameli, Risk Manager at ADNOC Logistics and Services, said: “It makes me very proud to help all our teams and the country in safeguarding our people and assets with the support of our leadership who acknowledge the importance of ERM.”

Judge Hugh Maxwell, Managing Director of Maxwell Safety Ltd, said: “I was truly encouraged by the exceptional standard of applications received. The submissions showcased not only technical excellence, but also strong leadership, collaboration and a genuine commitment to advancing the risk and safety profession worldwide.”

Judge Samuel Jones, Senior Regional WHS Manager at Amazon, said: “This year demonstrates another year of elevating the bar of risk management standards, with a group of extremely talented individuals and teams that are pushing the boundaries of our profession.”

Judge Ashwaq Al-Rawahi, Chair of the IIRSM Oman Branch, added: "One of the most encouraging aspects of this year was the noticeable number of submissions from companies across the Arab region. This reflects the growing awareness and maturity of risk management practices in the region, as well as a strong commitment to advancing sustainability and responsible business operations."

The full list of categories and finalists is:

Barry Holt Award for Outstanding Risk Management Practice

Ashview Consultants

ABB Process Industries Risk Team

Prospero

Saudi Arabia Railways SRGC Department

Enerjisa Enerji Üretim AS

Technological Breakthrough of the Year

Partrac Limited, a Venterra Group Company

Waleed Umer, Northumbria University

Enerjisa Enerji Üretim AS

Leaders in Employee Safety and Wellbeing, sponsored by HSI Donesafe

Balfour Beatty and 3M

Ashview Consultants

Pius Kimutai Milgo, Nokia

Descon Engineering

Stephen Ablett, University of Reading 

John Bennett Award for Exceptional Young Professional of the Year

Emelia Ntiamoah, SLB OneSubsea, UK

Juhina Al Shamsi, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman

Munene Kamundi, Strong Ranger Resilience, Kenya

Employee Learning Programme of the Year

ABB Process Industries

Barclays

Fujitsu

Mentor of the Year

Joanna Amanyire, East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project (EACOP), Uganda

David Ongesa, The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Kenya

Kennedy Wong, Arup, Hong Kong

Risk Team of the Year

Saudi Arabia Railways SRGC Department

MATAR – Hamad International Airport

ADNOC L&S ERM Department

ABB Process Industries HSE Team

Ashview Consultants   

Most Impactful Risk Research Project, sponsored by Amazon

Jayachandran, Saudi Aramco

Psychology Applied

Waleed Umer, Northumbria University   

Leading Sustainability Initiative of the Year

Michael John Jose Beronio, Elegancia Facilities Management

Masood Shah, BEEAH Group

Mitsubishi Electric Middle East, Africa and CIS Co. LLC

The IIRSM Presidents' Commendation will be announced on the day.

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