The winners of The CEO Magazine’s inaugural Executive of the Year Awards United States have finally been revealed, spotlighting a new crop of visionaries, high achievers and tireless leaders in the business world in North America.
Representing excellence in their respective industries and disciplines, this year’s winners are all highly accomplished leaders and serve as an inspiration to us all.
The caliber of all finalists was extremely high, making the judging no easy task for our four esteemed judges. This year, our judging panel comprised Lorraine Hariton, Former President and CEO of Catalyst; Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; Will Travis, Founder and CEO of Elevation Barn; and David Jepson, CEO of The CEO Magazine.
“The Executive of the Year awards honor visionary leaders who are redefining industries, driving growth and inspiring global change. This year’s winners embody the excellence, innovation and resilience that define impactful leadership,” Jepson says.
“From transformative achievements in banking and hospitality to consulting that shapes the future of business, each honoree is dedicated to creating exceptional value and lasting influence. Their accomplishments remind us that true leadership sets new standards and leaves a legacy for generations to come.”
Of course, the Executive of the Year Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our major sponsor, Kiekert.
Vincent Delie is a visionary leader whose transformative impact on F.N.B. Corporation and its banking subsidiary First National Bank has made him a highly deserving recipient of The CEO Magazine’s CEO of the Year.
Under his strategic guidance, F.N.B. Corporation has evolved from a regional institution into one of the 50 largest bank holding companies in the United States, with nearly US$46 billion in assets and a robust footprint across seven states and Washington, DC.
Delie’s commitment to organic growth, operational excellence and forward-looking technology investments has not only fueled substantial revenue and profitability growth but also established F.N.B. Corporation as a formidable player in digital and omnichannel banking.
In every respect, Delie exemplifies the attributes of an outstanding CEO who has set new standards for banking excellence and strategic growth.
Michael Dunn has been recognized as the CEO of the Year runner-up for his transformative work at Prophet. Through his leadership, Prophet has evolved into a globally recognized consultancy, guiding some of the world’s most influential companies to redefine their brands and adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape.
Dunn’s focus on blending data-driven insights with creative strategy has helped companies unlock new growth opportunities, deepen customer connections and achieve sustainable success.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of leadership in hospitality and tourism.
Inzerillo is a highly influential figure in the hospitality industry, with over five decades of experience, including roles as CEO of Forbes Travel Guide and Morgans Hotel Group.
He currently leads the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Saudi Arabia, transforming Diriyah into a major tourism destination.
His leadership has been instrumental in reimagining the UNESCO World Heritage site into a cultural and economic hub that honors its rich historical legacy while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.