Anne Heraty honoured with IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

We are delighted to announce Anne Heraty will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards on Friday, May 10th.

A woman of immense significance in Irish business, Anne Heraty is the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Cpl Resources plc, which she established in 1989 and played a key role in developing to become Ireland’s leading employment services company.

In 1999, Anne floated Cpl Resources, becoming the first female head of an Irish listed company. She currently sits on the board of Kingspan Group plc, Ibec, Sherry Fitzgerald and is Chair of Barretstown Children’s Charity. Anne is a founding member of Endeavour, a programme which supports entrepreneurs, in Ireland.

Among her many awards and accolades, Anne previously won the title of IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year in 2015. She has a keen interest in social and youth affairs and is heavily involved in youth education and development. Anne is Chair of the Board of Directors of LIFT Ireland (Leading Ireland’s Future Together), a social enterprise aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland.

“It’s an honour to be recognised among such an inspiring group of women who I deeply respect and admire,” says Anne. “This award reflects the support and collaboration of those who have been on the journey with me. I have been fortunate all my career to work with capable and talented people both in Cpl and across the wider business community.”

Anne joins an elite group of Irish women to receive the IMAGE Lifetime Achievement Award, including last year’s recipient former president of Ireland Mary Robinson. Other illustrious past winners include Breege O’Donoghue, Company Director, Penneys/Primark; Voxpro co-founder Linda Kiely; and former Global President of Mars Food, Multisales and Global Customers, Fiona Dawson CBE.

Clodagh Edwards, CEO, IMAGE Media, says: “Anne Heraty is an exemplary leader and businesswoman. The growth and prosperity of Cpl Resources is a success story that deserves recognition, as do her current roles in some of Ireland’s most significant organisations, charities and social enterprises. Anne is a role model for many Irish women who aspire to succeed and we really look forward to welcoming her back to the Businesswoman of the Year Awards, and celebrating all her achievements on the night of May 10th.”

The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards will welcome over 940 guests to the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin, on May 10th and is sold out. Sponsored by Key Capital, DS Automobiles, Glenveagh, Kuehne + Nagel, Pinergy, Eversheds Sutherland, Ornua and Paul Sheeran, and in association with Marks & Spencer, Movement, Enterprise Ireland and istil 38, the awards celebrate women in business across 13 categories, plus the overall IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year.

Now in its 16th year, the award ceremony recognises the ever-expanding contribution Irish women make to business and modern life. The shortlist for the 2024 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards can be viewed here.

Photography by Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland