Ian Gourlay brings Lean Practice Leadership to Operational Excellence Awards 2026 Panel
By Jed Nykolle Harme
April 29, 2026
Ian Gourlay, Founder of BP Solutions and Lecturer for South East Technological University (SETU), has been appointed to the judging panel for the Operational Excellence Awards 2026, bringing extensive experience in Lean practice, Toyota Production System methodologies, and operational excellence education to the evaluation process.
Gourlay's career foundation was built during 10 years with Toyota Motor Corporation, where he gained direct exposure to the principles and practices that underpin world-class manufacturing excellence. This formative experience provided him with deep understanding of continuous improvement disciplines, visual management systems, waste elimination strategies, and the cultural frameworks that enable sustainable operational performance.
He holds a Master of Business in Lean Practice, combining academic rigour with practical application to deliver consulting and education services across Irish enterprise. As an Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland Lean Service Provider, Gourlay works with indigenous and multinational organisations to implement lean methodologies, optimise processes, and build internal capability for continuous improvement.
His role on the steering committee of the Operational Excellence Association of Ireland positions him at the centre of national efforts to advance operational excellence standards, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote best practices across sectors. This governance responsibility ensures his judging criteria reflect current industry standards and emerging trends in operational performance management.
As a Lecturer for SETU, Gourlay delivers operational excellence education to the next generation of Irish manufacturing and service professionals. His teaching combines Toyota-derived principles with contemporary applications, ensuring students understand both foundational lean concepts and their adaptation to digital transformation, sustainability requirements, and evolving business models.
His judging criteria will emphasise evidence of lean thinking, measurable waste reduction, process standardisation, employee engagement in continuous improvement, and the sustainability of operational changes beyond initial implementation. Gourlay's Toyota background ensures particular attention to cultural maturity, leadership commitment, and the integration of operational excellence into daily management systems.
As part of the independent judging panel, Gourlay will assess submissions across multiple categories, ensuring entries demonstrate measurable impact, strategic alignment, and sustainable performance improvement. His evaluation approach prioritises evidence of systematic problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and the development of organisational capability for ongoing excellence.
Winners will be announced at the Operational Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony on 27 May at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, where Ireland's operational excellence community will gather to celebrate achievement across more than 20 sectors.
For the complete judging panel, category criteria, and past winners, visit the Operational Excellence Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.
