Award Categories & Criteria

The Stellar Performance CEO Awards celebrates Ghana’s top executives who demonstrate transformational leadership, ethical governance, and measurable impact across industries. The 3rd edition recognizes excellence in over 40 categories, each highlighting distinct aspects of leadership, innovation, sustainability, and societal contribution.

Whether you are nominating a peer, a board member, or submitting a self-nomination, this page provides all the information, criteria, and guidance you need to submit a credible, jury-ready nomination.

Categories Definiton & Criteria Questions

INDUSTRY CATEGORIES

Agriculture & Agro-Processing Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs driving innovation, sustainability, and growth in Ghana’s agriculture and agro-processing sector. Leaders who enhance food security, improve value chains, and deliver measurable economic impact.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, innovation, operational excellence, stakeholder impact, governance.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed/agriculture-focused organization; min 2 years in role; validate nomination via editorial submission.

Architecture, Design & Built Environment Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs redefining urban landscapes through architecture, design, and built environment projects combining innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Selection Criteria: Design innovation, project impact, sustainability, governance, client/stakeholder outcomes.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of architecture, design, or construction firm; active 2+ years; submit validated profile.

Aviation Industry Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs who lead airlines, airports, or aviation services with operational excellence, safety, and industry growth in Ghana and Africa.
Selection Criteria: Safety, operational efficiency, innovation, regulatory compliance, stakeholder trust.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed aviation entity; active 2+ years; validate nomination.

Education Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders transforming education institutions through innovation, quality standards, and societal impact.
Selection Criteria: Academic excellence, strategic growth, governance, innovation, stakeholder impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of accredited education institution; 2+ years; submit profile.

Authorship & Creative Writing Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders in literature, publishing, or creative writing initiatives influencing thought leadership and cultural development.
Selection Criteria: Creative impact, thought leadership, industry contribution, societal influence, ethical standards.
Nomination Guidelines: Active author/publisher or CEO of literary/creative organization; 2+ years; validate submission.

Banking & Financial Services Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs driving innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth in Ghana’s banking sector.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, governance, operational performance, financial impact, stakeholder trust.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed bank; active 2+ years; submit nominee-verified info.

Beauty, Wellness & Lifestyle Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders redefining lifestyle, wellness, and beauty industries through innovation, ethical practice, and growth impact.
Selection Criteria: Brand leadership, innovation, market influence, operational performance, societal impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed beauty/wellness/lifestyle firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Environmental & Climate Sustainability Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs integrating climate action, sustainability, and responsible business practices across industries.
Selection Criteria: Sustainability innovation, measurable environmental impact, governance, stakeholder engagement.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of sustainability-focused organization; 2+ years; submit profile.

Community Development & Social Impact Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders driving measurable societal and community impact through programs, CSR, or social enterprise initiatives.
Selection Criteria: Social impact, community engagement, ethical leadership, sustainability, innovation.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of community-focused organization; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Consulting & Professional Services Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders in consultancy or professional services delivering excellence, innovation, and sector transformation.
Selection Criteria: Client impact, strategic leadership, governance, innovation, thought leadership.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of consultancy/professional firm; 2+ years; submit validated profile.

Energy, Oil & Gas Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs driving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and innovation in energy, oil, and gas sectors.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, operational performance, sustainability, governance, stakeholder impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed energy/oil/gas firm; 2+ years; validate submission.

Event Management & Experiential Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs elevating experiences through events, exhibitions, and strategic brand activation.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, operational excellence, client impact, strategic leadership, governance.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of event management organization; 2+ years; submit profile.

Food, Catering & Beverage Industry Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders innovating in the F&B sector, driving operational excellence, growth, and customer satisfaction.
Selection Criteria: Strategic growth, operational excellence, innovation, stakeholder impact, governance.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of F&B firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Fashion & Creative Industries Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs driving innovation, sustainability, and global recognition in fashion and creative sectors.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, brand impact, governance, sustainability, stakeholder engagement.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of fashion or creative enterprise; 2+ years; submit profile.

Family Business Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes family enterprise leaders demonstrating strategic growth, succession planning, and sustainability.
Selection Criteria: Business growth, governance, succession readiness, sustainability, stakeholder impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of family-owned business; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Public Sector, Governance & State Institutions Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders of government agencies or public institutions demonstrating transparency, accountability, and sectoral impact.
Selection Criteria: Governance, ethical leadership, operational efficiency, public trust, policy impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of public institution; active 2+ years; validate nomination.

Health, Wellness & Medical Services Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders transforming healthcare delivery through innovation, service excellence, and ethical practices.
Selection Criteria: Patient impact, operational efficiency, innovation, governance, societal contribution.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed health institution; 2+ years; submit validated info.

Human Capital & Talent Development Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs driving organizational excellence through people development, culture, and leadership innovation.
Selection Criteria: Talent strategy, culture, operational impact, governance, leadership development.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD responsible for HR/Talent initiatives; 2+ years; validate profile.

Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders delivering exceptional service, innovation, and sustainability in hospitality and tourism sectors.
Selection Criteria: Operational excellence, innovation, stakeholder experience, governance, industry contribution.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of hospitality or tourism organization; 2+ years; submit validated info.

Insurance Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs building strong, sustainable insurance organizations with governance, innovation, and customer trust.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, governance, operational performance, customer impact, ethical practices.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed insurance firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Journalism & Broadcast Media Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs influencing public discourse through credible journalism, media innovation, and societal impact.
Selection Criteria: Editorial integrity, operational excellence, innovation, audience impact, governance.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of media house (radio, TV, newspaper); 2+ years; submit profile.

Legal Services & Law Firm Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders advancing legal practice, ethical standards, and client impact in Ghana’s legal sector.
Selection Criteria: Legal excellence, governance, client impact, innovation, industry reputation.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/Managing Partner; 2+ years; validate submission.

Logistics, Supply Chain & Distribution Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs optimizing supply chains, driving efficiency, and transforming distribution networks.
Selection Criteria: Operational excellence, innovation, governance, stakeholder impact, strategic leadership.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of logistics or supply chain organization; 2+ years; submit profile.

Manufacturing & Industrial Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs advancing industrial growth, operational efficiency, and sectoral innovation.
Selection Criteria: Operational performance, innovation, sustainability, governance, market impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of manufacturing firm; 2+ years; validate submission.

Digital Media, Social Media & Content Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders shaping digital and social media platforms, content innovation, and audience engagement.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, audience impact, governance, operational excellence, brand leadership.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of digital media firm; 2+ years; submit profile.

Music, Entertainment & Creative Economy Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in music, entertainment, or creative sectors.
Selection Criteria: Creative impact, operational excellence, industry leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of entertainment or creative firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Mining & Natural Resources Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders advancing mining and resource sectors with sustainable practices, operational excellence, and governance.
Selection Criteria: Sustainability, operational impact, strategic leadership, governance, stakeholder trust.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed mining/natural resource firm; 2+ years; submit profile.

Pensions & Retirement Services Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs strengthening Ghana’s pensions ecosystem through integrity, governance, and stakeholder trust.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, fiduciary responsibility, operational performance, regulatory compliance, societal impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed pension firm; 2+ years; validate submission.

Printing, Publishing & Media Production Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders advancing publishing, press, and media production industries through innovation and operational excellence.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, governance, operational excellence, audience impact, industry influence.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of printing/publishing/media firm; 2+ years; submit profile.

Philanthropy & Charitable Impact Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders driving social change and sustainable impact through philanthropy and charitable initiatives.
Selection Criteria: Social impact, governance, strategic philanthropy, innovation, stakeholder engagement.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of charity or foundation; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Real Estate Development & Construction Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs delivering innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in real estate and construction.
Selection Criteria: Project impact, operational excellence, governance, sustainability, stakeholder satisfaction.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of real estate/construction firm; 2+ years; submit profile.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs shaping brand narratives, communication strategies, and market leadership.
Selection Criteria: Brand innovation, operational performance, governance, market influence, stakeholder impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of marketing or communications firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Science, Technology & Innovation Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders driving tech and innovation adoption, research, and transformative solutions.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, operational excellence, governance, societal impact, strategic leadership.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of tech/innovation firm; 2+ years; submit profile.

Safety, Security & Risk Management Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders strengthening security, risk mitigation, and compliance across sectors.
Selection Criteria: Operational excellence, risk strategy, governance, stakeholder impact, innovation.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of licensed safety/security organization; 2+ years; validate submission.

Sports Industry Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs developing sports organizations, talent, and industry growth in Ghana.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, operational excellence, athlete/talent development, governance, societal impact.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of sports organization; 2+ years; submit profile.

Shipping & Maritime Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders advancing maritime operations, shipping logistics, and sector growth in Ghana.
Selection Criteria: Operational performance, innovation, governance, industry impact, strategic leadership.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of shipping/maritime firm; 2+ years; validate submission.

Theatre, Arts & Cultural Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes CEOs promoting theatre, arts, and cultural enterprises with operational and social impact.
Selection Criteria: Creative leadership, operational excellence, governance, audience impact, societal influence.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of arts/cultural organization; 2+ years; submit profile.

Transport & Automotive Industry Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors leaders innovating in transport, mobility, and automotive services while driving operational excellence.
Selection Criteria: Strategic leadership, operational impact, governance, innovation, stakeholder satisfaction.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of transport/automotive firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

Social Enterprise & Impact Business Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Recognizes leaders scaling social impact, sustainability, and innovation through social enterprises.
Selection Criteria: Social impact, operational performance, governance, innovation, stakeholder engagement.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of social enterprise; 2+ years; submit profile.

Telecommunications, Mobile & Software Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: Honors CEOs driving innovation, operational excellence, and market growth in telecom, mobile, or software sectors.
Selection Criteria: Innovation, operational performance, governance, societal/market impact, leadership influence.
Nomination Guidelines: CEO/MD of telecom/software firm; 2+ years; validate nomination.

OPTIONAL CROSS-CUTTING SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

(To be conferred at the discretion of the Advisory Board)

1. CEO of CEOs Award (Highest Individual Distinction)

Definition: The CEO of CEOs Award recognizes an exceptional Chief Executive whose leadership is widely respected across sectors and peers, and whose influence extends beyond their own organization to shape industry standards, governance culture, and executive excellence nationally or regionally.

This is not an annual award and may only be conferred when a truly outstanding candidate emerges.

Selection Criteria

Nominees must demonstrate:

Exceptional leadership credibility among peers and boards
Proven institutional performance over a sustained period
Influence on leadership thinking, governance, or policy beyond their organization
Demonstrated ethical leadership and integrity
National or regional impact across sectors

Nomination Guidelines

By invitation or Advisory Board recommendation only
Self-nomination is not permitted
Supporting endorsements from peer CEOs, board chairs, or institutional leaders may be requested

2. Managing Director / General Manager of the Year

Definition: This award recognizes a Managing Director or General Manager who has delivered outstanding operational leadership, execution excellence, and measurable business or institutional impact within the review period.

Selection Criteria

Strong operational and financial performance
Effective execution of strategy
Team leadership and organizational alignment
Governance and compliance discipline
Demonstrated resilience and decision-making effectiveness

Nomination Guidelines

Open to MDs and GMs in private, public, or regulated sectors
Self-nomination or third-party nomination permitted
Minimum 12 months in role recommended

3. Outstanding Woman CEO / MD of the Year

Definition: This award honours a woman CEO or Managing Director whose leadership excellence, performance outcomes, and professional influence serve as a benchmark for inclusive and impactful leadership.

Selection Criteria

Strong institutional or business performance
Leadership effectiveness and credibility
Contribution to inclusive leadership or talent development
Governance and ethical leadership standards
Sectoral or national impact

Nomination Guidelines

Open to women CEOs and MDs across all sectors
Self-nomination or third-party nomination permitted
Focus is on excellence, not representation alone

4. Lifetime Leadership Excellence Award

Definition: The Lifetime Leadership Excellence Award recognizes an individual whose career reflects decades of exemplary leadership, institutional building, ethical conduct, and enduring contribution to national or sectoral development.

This award celebrates legacy, not current office.

Selection Criteria

Minimum 20–25 years of leadership impact
Multiple institutions, reforms, or enterprises influenced
Strong reputation for integrity and governance
Mentorship and leadership legacy
Enduring national, sectoral, or societal contribution

Nomination Guidelines

Advisory Board–led selection
Third-party nominations accepted
Self-nomination strongly discouraged
Award is non-competitive and non-annual

5. Ethical Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: This award recognizes a CEO who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, accountability, and governance integrity—especially under complex or high-risk conditions.

Selection Criteria

Strong ethical tone from the top
Robust governance and compliance systems
Transparent decision-making and disclosures
Crisis leadership with integrity
Stakeholder trust and reputational strength

Nomination Guidelines

Open to CEOs across all sectors
Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by boards, regulators, or stakeholders
Evidence of governance practices required

6. Sustainability-Driven CEO of the Year

Definition: This award recognizes a CEO who has embedded sustainability, ESG principles, and long-term value creation into the core strategy and operations of their organization.

Selection Criteria

Clear sustainability strategy aligned with business goals
ESG integration into operations and reporting
Environmental, social, or climate impact initiatives
Stakeholder and community engagement
Measurable long-term value creation

Nomination Guidelines

Open to CEOs in public, private, and regulated sectors
Self-nomination or third-party nomination permitted
Sustainability outcomes must be strategic, not cosmetic

7. Innovation-Led CEO of the Year

Definition: This award honours a CEO whose leadership has driven innovation as a core growth or transformation lever—through technology, business models, processes, or service delivery.

Selection Criteria

Innovation embedded into strategy
Successful transformation or digitalization initiatives
Cultural support for experimentation and learning
Measurable efficiency, growth, or service improvements
Risk-aware innovation governance

Nomination Guidelines

Open to CEOs across all sectors
Innovation must demonstrate real organizational impact
Self or third-party nominations accepted

8. Transformational Leadership CEO of the Year

Definition: This award recognizes a CEO who has led significant organizational transformation—turnaround, reform, restructuring, or repositioning—resulting in sustained performance improvement and institutional renewal.

Selection Criteria

Clear transformation mandate and execution
Cultural and operational change leadership
Improved performance, stability, or public confidence
Change management effectiveness
Governance and stakeholder alignment

Nomination Guidelines

Open to CEOs with a clear transformation track record
Minimum 18–24 months of transformation impact preferred
Self or third-party nomination permitted

GOVERNANCE NOTE (IMPORTANT)

These Special Recognitions are discretionary, not guaranteed annually
The Advisory Board reserves the right to withhold any category if no nominee meets the required standard
No individual may receive more than one Special Recognition in the same edition

Supporting Your Nomination

Use quantitative data (growth, profitability, ESG metrics) wherever possible
Provide clear examples of leadership outcomes
Include third-party endorsements or awards for credibility
Highlight innovative, ethical, and community-impact initiatives

Deadline

All nominations must be submitted by 15 March 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

Contact

For questions or assistance:
Email: info@stellarperformanceawards.com
Phone: +233 (0) 201 444 497