Applications open for The CEO Magazine’s 2026 Executive of the Year Awards

Words The CEO Magazine

2-min read

From established sectors to emerging industries, this year’s program honors the executives shaping the future of business and setting new benchmarks for leadership excellence.

AI-generated summary

The CEO Magazine has officially opened applications for its 2026 Executive of the Year Awards, marking the 15th anniversary of the prestigious event.
Designed to honor Australia's most innovative and inspiring business leaders, the awards feature various categories across diverse industries, including the return of the Startup and Executive Assistant segments to reflect modern business trends.
Business leaders from across the country are invited to submit their applications by July 30, 2026.
The program culminates in a gala ceremony held at the ICC Sydney on November 11, 2026, where national finalists and winners will be recognized for their excellence.

The CEO Magazine is proud to announce that applications for the 2026 Executive of the Year Awards are officially open. This year, we celebrate 15 years of recognizing Australia’s most outstanding business leaders, shining a spotlight on executives who drive innovation, inspire teams and set the standard for leadership excellence.

The awards cover a wide range of industries and honor senior executives across sectors, including the reintroduction of the Executive Assistant category and the Startup category, reflecting the evolving landscape of Australian business.

Award categories

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance
Consumer and Lifestyle
Construction, Transport and Logistics
Energy and Mining
Healthcare
Startup
IT and Telecommunications
Manufacturing
Not-For-Profit
Professional Services
Property Development and Real Estate
Executive Assistant

Note: CEO of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award and 100% Human at Work Award are not open for application. Applicants for CEO of the Year are automatically submitted from each sector.

The awards ceremony will take place at ICC Sydney on 11 November 2026, where finalists will be recognized for their outstanding achievements on a national stage.

Key dates

Applications open: NOW

Applications close: 30 July 2026

Finalists announced: 3 September 2026

Winners announced and ceremony: 11 November 2026

Don’t miss your chance to be celebrated among Australia’s finest executives. Apply now.

Award categories

Key dates

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