Directors named in prestigious UK awards
DIRECTORS Daniel O’Toole and Simon Pirotte have been named among some of the best in the UK at the Institute of Directors Awards.
Mr O’ Toole, chief of Newportbased Retail Merchandising Services (RMS), was named new director of the year, while Bridgend College’s principal and chief executive Mr Pirotte, was named winner in the public/third sector category.
Both had won the same titles at the IoD Wales awards in May.
Mr O’ Toole took over the helm of RMS following the death of his father Peter O’Toole in 2015.
Since then he has ensured that the company has continued to grow. This has seen it securing major contracts with the likes of Sainsbury’s and Boots.
Mr O’ Toole said: “It was an incredibly proud and emotional moment. I would like to thank all our amazing ‘RMS family’ who have stood by my brother and I through a difficult three years as the business has transformed and grown.
“Robert Lloyd Griffiths and Jean Church at IoD Wales have been so supportive since meeting me for the first time three years ago. They have mentored me and helped me overcome serious challenges as well as capitalise on big opportunities.”
When Mr Pirotte joined Bridgend College just over four-and-a-half years ago at a time when it was facing further cuts in funding and had the worst learner results in the sector. Now, it produces regular surpluses and has the best outcomes in the sector, His leadership was recognised in the college’s most recent Estyn inspection which culminated in a rare ‘double excellent’ judgement.
He is now leading the college through an ambitious estates strategy which will include two £30m campus development projects that will be a catalyst for regeneration in Bridgend.
He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to represent Wales at these awards and I am delighted to win. During these austere times and during #LoveOurColleges week, it is a fantastic recognition of the incredible work of all staff at Bridgend College and indeed everyone across the UK FE sector.”
Robert Lloyd Griffiths, director, IoD Wales said: “I am thrilled and delighted at the Welsh success at the IoD national awards.
“We have previously acknowledged the level of leadership demonstrated by both these directors, but for Welsh companies to be recognised on a wider, UK-wide stage is a great accolade.
“Our eight Welsh winners who were shortlisted last night have much to be proud about – the organisations in which they work are innovative, dynamic and pioneering and are run by successful, cohesive teams, created, guided and led by motivational, inspiring leaders.”