The managers in contention for the top business prize have been identified as the highest achieving leaders in the regions and countries where they live and work. The finalists, who have all already achieved the coveted Chartered Manager status, have been selected for their expertise and skills in demonstrating resilience, adding significant value to their business, creativity and innovation, culture change and outstanding leadership. All nine will now be invited to make their case to be named as the overall Chartered Manager of the Year at the Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) National Conference in October.
One of this year’s finalists is Chartered Manager of the Year North East, Ian Johnson, who was especially commended for demonstrating cultural change. Ian was the Commanding Officer of RFA LARGS BAY at the time of the Haiti Earthquake and the subsequent humanitarian disaster relief operation in January 2010. Having been diverted from his original task of supporting UK Forces in Afghanistan, he lead his team through an arduous crossing of the Atlantic, during which time intensive planning took place about the best ways to deliver aid, and how to ensure a strategic approach to working with a range of government and non-governmental organisations at the highest level. Not only did Captain Johnson lead his team with vision and dynamism, but his approach galvanised thinking and action across a plethora of aid organisations and the government agencies of several nations. His leadership and the impact of his ship and crew were recognised through them receiving the Firmin Sword of Peace Award.
The annual award scheme, now in its sixth year, recognises exceptional performance above and beyond the requirement of Chartered Manager status. The Chartered Manager of the Year title is given to the manager who can best show how they have made a significant positive impact on their organisation. The award also highlights how the individuals on the shortlist have demonstrated that their excellent management and leadership skills are among the best in their sector and region or nation.
Ann Francke, chief executive of CMI, said: “Achieving Chartered Manager status is a sign that candidates are at the leading edge of today’s management community. They have demonstrated a high level of leadership and performance, and are clearly committed to delivering real results for their employers. This is what makes the impact that the nine finalists for Chartered Manager of the Year have had so impressive – and why we’re particularly pleased that the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Management has been able to join is in recognising their achievements. As they compete for this title, their example is one that others should aim to follow, as we look to continuously improve the quality of the UK’s managers and drive better organisational performance. CMI is delighted and proud to recognise their commitment to management as a profession and to the Institute’s values.”
This year’s shortlist is as follows:
1. Margaret Ross CMgr MCMI – Acting CEOP, Waverley Housing Association – Chartered Manager of the Year Scotland, for delivering Significant Value Added
2. Ian Johnson CMgr FCMI – Captain, Royal Fleet Auxiliary – Chartered Manager of the Year North East, for delivering Cultural Change
3. Mohammad Farmer CMgr FCMI – Director, British Institute of Technology and E-commerce – Chartered Manager of the Year London, for delivering Cultural Change
4. Nicola Murdoch CMgr FCMI – Internship Programme Manager, Army (on secondment to Skillforce) – Chartered Manager of the Year Southern, for delivering Outstanding Leadership
5. Andrew Knott MBE, CMgr FCMI – Commanding Officer, 2 Signal Regiment – Chartered Manager of the Year Eastern, for delivering Significant Value Added
6. Ian Greenaway CMgr FCMI – Managing Director, MTM Products Ltd – Chartered Manager of the Year East Midlands, for delivering Significant Value Added
7. Stuart Ovington CMgr FCMI – Head of Trade Counters, Arco Group Ltd – Chartered Manager of the Year Yorkshire and Humber, for delivering Significant Value Added
8. Jonathon Poyner CMgr FCMI – Director, Venue Operations, Wales Millennium Centre – Chartered Manager of the Year Wales, for delivering Significant Value Added
9. Edward Kaponda CMgr FCMI – Financial Manager, Riskon Security Holdings, South Africa – Overseas Chartered Manager of the Year, for delivering Cultural Change
