Former president Mary Robinson is to be honoured at this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, which take place on Thursday night.
Ms Robinson has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s special recognition award for “her dedication to addressing the global climate crisis, her ability to bring about huge positive change, and her track record of revolutionising every role she has taken on.”
"We have chosen Mary Robinson for this award as she displays many key characteristics that are shared by successful entrepreneurs, including her ability to see no challenge as impossible," said Roger Wallace, partner lead for the awards.
“Her kind intelligence, tenacity and resilience truly make her an unstoppable force for positive change in the world and we are delighted to honour her in this way.”
Virtual ceremony
As with last year, the 2021 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards are taking place virtually this year, with an in-person event only involving each of the finallists and a guest.
Now in its 24th year, the awards programme works to recognise, promote and build a supportive community around Ireland’s high-growth entrepreneurs.
Some 24 finalists have been selected to compete across three categories - emerging, industry and international - at this year’s event. The shortlisted entrepreneurs represent a large number of sectors, including retail, consumer, technology, health and leisure. Collectively, their companies generate annual revenues in excess of €1.325 billion. The overall winner will go on to represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur of the Year finals in June 2022.
Last year's overall winner was Nicola Mitchell, founder and chief executive of Irish agrochemicals company Life Scientific, a company that makes generic versions of major branded agricultural pesticides and generates more than €60 million in annual revenues.
