STA’s Marc Crothall MBE wins at IoD Scotland awards ceremony
Top business leaders of 2025 named at IoD Scotland awards ceremony
On Thursday, 9 October, the Institute of Directors (IoD) Scotland has announced the winners of its Director of the Year Awards 2025. Hosted by Stephen Jardine, the ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow.
A total of 13 winners were presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding leadership skills, inclusive workplace cultures, investment in future talent, and continuous professional development.
Marc Crothall MBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance, was recognised at the ceremony, and was awarded the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. During the ceremony, Marc was recognised for his exemplary contribution to the tourism industry, representing Scotland across the globe, and his continued commitment to the future talent pipeline.
Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers and Vice Chair of the STA Policy Working Group, named Specialist Director of the Year at the awards.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, was named Director of the Year for Medium/Large businesses for her drive towards improving bus transport across Scotland’s communities. Her strong commitment to leading on diversity and environmental sustainability beyond her company was commended, as well as her involvement in the Scottish Government’s Bus Taskforce, which has seen positive steps towards solving the issue of driver shortages across the country.
Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director at the Institute of Directors Scotland, said: “The Director of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of those who have helped shaped Scotland’s business landscape.
“Our winners represent a number of exemplary cross-sector leaders, who’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, skills development, industry innovation and good governance shines both inside and outside the boardroom.
“The 13 individuals awarded today have demonstrated their passion for positive change within their industries and the communities they serve. Their commitment to professional development and fostering a culture of learning within their own organisations is what makes them among the best in their fields.
“Congratulations to all our winners; it has been a privilege to celebrate you and your achievements today.”
The full list of category winners 2025:
| IoD Scotland Director of the Year Award Category | Name | Organisation | Based in |
| Operations
|
· Alison Welsh | · Tweed Wealth Management | · Edinburgh |
| Small Business | · Celine Sinclair | · The Yard | · Edinburgh |
| Emerging
Sponsored by YouthLink |
· Ewan Rattray | · Peterhead Port Authority | · Peterhead |
| Specialist | · Fiona Campbell | · Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers | · Glasgow |
| People & HR | · Gary Brewer | · Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland | · Edinburgh |
| Sustainability and Innovation | · Josie Saunders | · Ceteris Scotland Ltd | · Alloa |
| Sales & Marketing | · Lee Fitzpatrick | · Zebra Growth | · Edinburgh |
| Medium / Large Business | · Sarah Boyd | · Lothian | · Edinburgh |
| Start-Up
|
· Steve Harris | · Integrity HSE | · Aberdeen
|
| Non-Executive Director
Sponsored by Wheatley Group |
· Steven Dickson | · Scottish Water | · Glasgow |
| Third Sector | · Zahra Hedges | · Winning Scotland | · Edinburgh |
