IRISH BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 CELEBRATING 45 YEARS ------A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

PRESS RELEASE Business and Finance Media Group launch the 45th annual Business & Finance Awards 2019 SUTHERLAND LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

MR. MARIO DRAGHI President, European Central Bank Sutherland Leadership Award recognising Outstanding International Leaders for their Services and Achievements in the Name of a Truly Exceptional Statesman 2019 BUSINESS & FINANCE AWARDS

Business & Finance Media Group officially launched its 2019 MR IAN HYLAND, PUBLISHER OF BUSINESS & FINANCE, SAID Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, celebrating “In January last year, Ireland lost a truly outstanding Statesman and global business leader in the 45th year of Ireland’s longest running business recognition Peter Sutherland. His passing not only allowed us to reflect on his achievements in Ireland but of platform. equal importance, his contribution to Europe as an active citizen. Throughout its 45-year history, the Business & Finance Awards has Having established the Sutherland Leadership Award in 2018 with the support of the Sutherland recognised some of Ireland’s most outstanding business leaders family, we set out to affirm Peter’s legacy and recognise international leaders who epitomise including Michael Smurfit, Tony Ryan, Peter Sutherland, Anne his spirit and values. Mr. Draghi embodies many of the values Peter displayed in his career and has played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of the European Banking Heraty and Domhnal Slattery. System and its role within an ever changing financial landscape.” In addition, the Awards have also recognised political and social leaders, among them President Clinton, Sir John Major, former KPMG MANAGING PARTNER SEAMUS HAND SAID President Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, President Michael D. Higgins, “The Business and Finance Awards are the longest running business awards former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Senator George Mitchell, former in Ireland and we’re delighted to support the recognition of leadership and President Mary McAleese, and Sir Bob Geldof. business performance that they represent. It is fitting that in almost half a century of celebrating these themes, that this year the awards will In continuing this tradition of recognising business excellence, a honour Mario Draghi. As one of the most important policymakers highlight of this year’s Awards ceremony will be the presentation of our time, Mario Draghi has played a leading role in European of the 2019 Sutherland Leadership Award to Mr. Mario Draghi, economic affairs over many years. I am delighted that he President of the European Central Bank. will be speaking at the Business and Finance Awards in association with KPMG this December.” The Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018, with the support of the Sutherland family, to honour the memory of the late The 45th annual Business & Finance Awards takes place in The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) on Peter Sutherland. The inaugural award was presented to former Thursday 12th December 2019. President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.