These categories will recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and forward-thinking qualities within their organization or industry since the beginning of 2024.

Nominations that won in the 2025 International Business Awards® may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

1. A written essay of up to 4,900 characters describing the nominee's accomplishments since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Describe the nominee's accomplishments since 1 January 2024 (up to 4,900 characters). Required
b. In bullet-list form (up to 1,150 characters), a brief summary of up to ten (10) of the nominee's chief achievements since 1 January 2024. Required
c. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters). Optional

2. Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

X01. AI & Data Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes individuals who have led impactful AI- and data-driven initiatives that improved decision-making, efficiency, customer experience, innovation, or overall organizational performance.

X02. Business Development Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes professionals who have demonstrated exceptional success in expanding market presence, forging strategic partnerships, or driving revenue growth.

X03. Creative Person of the Year
Recognizes standout creative professionals in fields such as advertising, design, photography, illustration, filmmaking, and other creative disciplines.

X04. Crisis Leader of the Year
Recognizes individuals who guided their organization through significant challenges with resilience, adaptability, and effective leadership since the beginning of 2024.

X05. Customer Service Professional of the Year
Recognizes outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation in delivering exceptional customer service and improving customer experience.

X06. Cybersecurity Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes individuals who have strengthened cybersecurity posture, reduced risk, and protected organizational assets through innovative security strategies.

X07. Digital Transformation Leader of the Year
Recognizes leaders who have championed successful digital transformation efforts that enhanced operational efficiency, customer experience, or organizational innovation since the beginning of 2024.

X08. Ethical Leadership of the Year
Recognizes individuals who exemplify integrity, transparency, and responsible decision-making while promoting ethical culture and trust since the beginning of 2024.

X09. Finance Professional of the Year
Recognizes excellence in financial strategy, planning, analysis, or leadership that improved organizational performance or accountability.

X10. Human Resources Professional of the Year
Recognizes HR leaders who have advanced talent development, employee engagement, workforce planning, or people-centric initiatives.

X11. Mentor of the Year
Recognizes individuals who have made significant impact through mentorship, coaching, and support that fosters personal or professional growth in others.

X12. DEI Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes leaders who have achieved meaningful progress or implemented innovative initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion inside or outside their organization.

X13. Rising Star of the Year
Recognizes early-career professionals (less than five years of experience) who have demonstrated exceptional potential, innovation, and leadership since the beginning of 2024.

X14. Sales Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
Recognizes exceptional achievement in driving sales performance, leading high-performing sales teams, or delivering revenue-focused innovation.

X15. Social Impact Leader of the Year
Recognizes individuals who delivered measurable positive impact through social responsibility, community engagement, or stakeholder-focused initiatives since the beginning of 2024.

X16. Sustainability Advocate of the Year
Recognizes individuals who have driven meaningful sustainability initiatives that support environmental stewardship, responsible operations, or long-term sustainability goals since the beginning of 2024.

X17. Team Builder of the Year
Recognizes individuals who excel at creating cohesive, high-performing teams and fostering collaboration, morale, and shared achievement.