Celebrating transformative leadership: Dame Amanda Blanc and Baroness Louise Casey Honoured at CMI’s 2025 President’s Dinner

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) celebrated outstanding leadership and management at its annual President’s Dinner last night, hosted by CMI President Fiona Dawson CBE.

The event recognises some of the UK’s most influential leaders and highlights the growing impact of professional management across sectors.

This year’s Gold Medal award for outstanding achievement was presented to Dame Amanda Blanc DBE, Group CEO of Aviva, in recognition of her transformative leadership and enduring contributions to the insurance industry. Since becoming CEO in July 2020, Dame Amanda has led bold strategic reforms and championed inclusive, forward-looking leadership.

The CMI Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock DBE CB, honouring her tireless commitment to tackling complex social issues. From pioneering work on homelessness to advising government on community cohesion and extremism, Baroness Casey has consistently driven meaningful change at the highest levels.

The evening also showcased the significant impact of CMI’s work across three key areas: Chartered Manager Status, apprenticeships, and dual accreditation. Highlights included our latest report into the added value of Chartered Managers who each contribute over £59,000 in additional revenue to their organisations annually.

CMI President Fiona Dawson CBE said:

Baroness Louise Casey and Dame Amanda Blanc are outstanding leaders whose work has transformed their sectors and inspired positive change. They embody the very best of modern, inclusive, and effective leadership - values that sit at the heart of CMI’s mission to create better-led and managed organisations. We are proud to recognise their achievements, as well as the wider community of leaders making this vision a reality.

Ann Francke OBE, Chief Executive of CMI, added:

I commend all of tonight’s winners and nominees for their remarkable efforts. Regardless of whether they are an individual working to improve their own skills, or one of CMI’s education partners helping to develop future leaders, they are helping to transform accidental managers into conscious, confident leaders.

The evidence shows that if the UK were to invest more in the skills of its managers and leaders, we’d enjoy more productive workplaces, more effective public services, and more inclusive opportunities for all. Tonight’s winners are role models for taking steps towards that better managed future.

Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock DBE CB commented:

It’s a true privilege to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chartered Management Institute. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a deep belief in fairness, dignity, and the importance of giving voice to those too often left unheard. This recognition is not just a personal honour—it reflects the tireless efforts of many brilliant people I’ve worked with across government, charities, business and communities. My sincere thanks to CMI for championing leadership that strives to make society better for everyone.

Dame Amanda Blanc, Group CEO of Aviva plc, said:

I am deeply honoured to receive this Gold Medal from the Chartered Management Institute - they play a vital role championing effective leadership across the country which is essential for the future success of UK plc. I have been lucky enough to have worked for some fantastic managers and company boards during my career and this award is testament to their positive influence and support which I am hugely grateful for.

Award Winners 2025:

Chartered Manager of the Year: Riwilo Masulani CMgr MCMI
Volunteer of the Year: Zarina Naqvi CMC ChMC FIC
Highly Commended: Catherine Myszka CMgr FCMI ChMC FIC
Apprentice of the Year: Dr. Hiba Khan CMgr FCMI
Student of the Year: Lauren Pope
Training Provider of the Year: Corndel
Highly Commended: Roads Academy
Higher Education Partner of the Year: University of Hertfordshire, Business School
International Higher Education Partner of the Year: Sunway University
Highly Commended: Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA
International Student of the Year: Akshaya Thanasegaran
Chartered Management Consultant of the Year: Jon Richards ChMC MCMI