The NSCG Interim Awards 2025 brought together a remarkable group of professionals, celebrating the invaluable contributions of interim executives across industries. It was a pleasure to welcome so many of my network to the Interim Drinks last week and to meet interims from various sectors within the NSCG community.
Last month, we turned the spotlight onto a really important celebration: the NSCG Interim Awards 2025. Here, there are no controversies, just well-earned recognition for outstanding achievements in interim management.
The Importance of the Interim Awards
Interim executives play a critical yet often unsung role in business transformation. Many assignments are highly confidential, and interims are so focused on delivery that there’s little time to step back and showcase their impact. However, recognition matters.
Through this year’s awards, we received nominations from a diverse range of sectors, including public services, private enterprises, and social housing. The entries spanned industries from hospitals to hotels, gaming startups in the desert to FTSE 100 companies in London, and covered a wide spectrum of functions—Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology, Commercial, and even CEO and MD positions.
Our Esteemed Judges
A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional cross-industry panel of judges, who dedicated their time and expertise to reviewing the nominations:
- David Knight, Interim CEO – Consumer Goods Manufacturer
- Elaine Elkington, Independent Consultant
- Katharine Wooller, Chief Strategist Banking & Financial Services – Softcat
- Lawrence Trist, Interim FMCG Turnaround Specialist
- Tracy Sheedy, Non Executive Director
Their insights and deliberations ensured that the most impactful stories of interim excellence were recognised. Now, without further ado, here are the winners of the NSCG Interim Awards 2025.
Award Winners
Best Business Transformation
Winner: Mark Cooper
Shortlisted:Jonathan Corns, Chris Ward
The judges recognised the remarkable scale of change delivered during a very challenging period for the business. Over 16 months, the winner steadied a company facing heavy losses, rebuilt a key customer relationship, refreshed the leadership team and restored confidence across a 500‑strong workforce. The panel praised the practical, hands‑on approach and the clear evidence of commercial, cultural and operational improvement. It was an impressive transformation delivered at pace.
Best Commercial Contribution
Winner: Graham Webb
Shortlisted: Jim Dobson, Jessamy Jones
The judges commended the winner for steering a complex regional programme through a sensitive and often political landscape. By securing agreement across multiple authorities, launching the region’s first unified film office and helping land major industry commitments, they created long‑term economic value for the West Midlands. The panel felt this entry showed a rare mix of commercial judgement, partnership‑building and lasting regional impact.
Best Newcomer
Winner: Kate Bohn
Shortlisted: Dean Hill, Austen Robilliard
The judges commended the winner for steering a complex regional programme through a sensitive and often political landscape. By securing agreement across multiple authorities, launching the region’s first unified film office and helping land major industry commitments, they created long‑term economic value for the West Midlands. The panel felt this entry showed a rare mix of commercial judgement, partnership‑building and lasting regional impact.
Operational Excellence
Winner: Kuldip Sandhu
Shortlisted: Judith Moore, Oscar Patrick
The judges agreed that Kuldip was the clear winner due to the strength of his measurable results. Joining after a serious cyber incident, he stabilised operations, improved service performance and raised IT maturity across a large and complex organisation. His work brought better governance, reduced costs and a much more reliable service for staff. The panel felt his calm, structured and evidence‑led approach was an excellent example of operational excellence in action.
Change Leader of the Year
Winner: Lisa Davidson
Shortlisted: Kerry Wright, Joff Musson
The judges praised the winner for leading change across more than 30 countries in one of the most demanding not‑for‑profit environments. At a time of uncertainty and fatigue, they brought clarity, steadiness and a renewed sense of purpose. Their work strengthened leadership, rebuilt trust and introduced a global operating model that staff could understand and support. The panel highlighted the combination of compassion, courage and discipline shown throughout the transformation.
Long-Term Achievement
Winner: Mandie Beitner
Shortlisted: Stacey Winter, Susannah Faulkner
The judges felt this was the strongest field of the awards, yet Mandie was the outstanding choice. With nearly two decades of interim work across many sectors, she has delivered complex, high‑value programmes time and again, always leaving organisations stronger than she found them. Her clients describe her as a “Transformation Wizard,” and the panel agreed — her record of measurable results, lasting frameworks and thoughtful leadership represents the very best of long‑term interim contribution.
Looking Ahead to 2026
A huge congratulations to all our winners and shortlisted nominees! The NSCG Interim Awards celebrate the incredible work being done across the interim industry, and we hope to see even more outstanding nominations for the 2026 Awards later this year.
We encourage interims from all backgrounds, whether working through NSCG, other providers, or independent networks, to submit their success stories. The market in 2025 continued to be challenging, but as it recovers, we look forward to hearing about the impact you continue to make.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s awards. Here’s to another year of excellence in interim management!