Judging Panel
An independent panel of recognised and expert judges, representing the operational discipline, will determine the winners of the Operational Excellence Awards.
We understand the importance of a fair and objective judging process. That's why we assemble a prestigious panel of industry leaders, renowned for their extensive knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise in business operations.
Our selection process is meticulous. Judges are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and declare any potential conflicts of interest. Entries with conflicts are reassigned, ensuring complete impartiality.
This unwavering commitment to integrity is the foundation of our awards programme. Become a part of recognising industry excellence. If you're interested in joining the judging panel, email your details to judges@businessriver.com
2024 Judging Panel
Brian Coll (Judging Coordinator)
Lecturer, Lean & Operational Excellence, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo
Brian is a lecturer at Atlantic Technological University, Sligo which is Ireland’s largest online provider of accredited Lean Six Sigma & OpEx programmes. Brian lectures primarily to online students in the workplace and is programme chair for the ATU Lean & OpEx White, Yellow & Green Belt awards. VIEW MORE
Robert Burdock
Site Operational Excellence Lead, IMIL - Ipsen Manufacturing Ireland Limited
Rob Burdock is the Site OpEx Lead who manages the implementation of the overall Enterprise Excellence strategy for the Ipsen Dublin site, in partnership with site management team. He is the lead in our preparation for the Shingo Assessment and ensures our culture is sustained. VIEW MORE
Eric Clinton
Director DCU National Centre for Family Business, DCU
Eric Clinton is an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at DCU Business School. Dr Clinton is the Director of the DCU National Centre for Family Business, a leading European family business research centre. Eric works with some of Europe’s leading family firms to navigate the succession process. VIEW MORE
paul davis
Associate Professor, Dublin City University
Dr Davis is an Associate Professor in Strategic Procurement and Supply Management at Dublin City University. Dr. Davis left industry after 15 years in senior supply management roles to pursue a PhD and a research career in procurement and supply management. VIEW MORE
Pauline Found
Emeritus Professor, Lean Operations Management, University of Buckingham & Lecturer, Logistics and Operations Management, Cardiff University
Pauline Found is an Emeritus Professor of Lean Operations Management at the University of Buckingham and a Lecturer in Logistics and operations Management at Cardiff University. VIEW MORE
steve giles
Head of Operations, Aurivo
Steve is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in leading operations within the FMCG sector, with a particular focus on the dairy industry. With a career spanning over 20 years, has consistently demonstrated a passion for optimizing processes and continuous improvement. VIEW MORE
Richard Hayes
Operational Excellence Director, Viatris
Richard has over 35 years’ experience working in manufacturing with 25 of those years spent working at the Viatris Damastown pharma plant. He has worked within engineering, projects and operations and has spent the last 15 years developing and establishing an operational excellence system. VIEW MORE
Shane Horgan
Continuous Improvement Specialist, Viatris
With 20+ years experience working various operations roles within the pharmaceutical sector, including leadership of EHS and Engineering, Shane is currently involved in the area of Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing VIEW MORE
Jessica Minghinelli
Director, Partner Operations, Salesforce, Salesforce
Certified Customer Experience Performance Leader (COPC), Jessica has 15+ years of experience in SaaS business operations. In her role as Director, Partner Operations at Salesforce, Jessica is a global functional leader that supports the light-speed growth of Salesforce. VIEW MORE
Seamus O'Reilly
Senior Lecturer, UCC
Dr Seamus O’Reilly is Academic Director of Supply Chain Management (SCM) programmes in Cork University Business School, UCC. His research interests include supply chain networks, supply chain sustainability and business process management. VIEW MORE
Michael Phelan
Head of Operations and Supply Chain Excellence, Tirlan
Michael is Head of Operations and Supply Chain Excellence with Tirlán. Michael leads an ambitious team of continuous improvement practitioners inspiring and enabling the impacts of Tirlán's 2,300 employees. VIEW MORE
Patrick Quinn
Head of Operations, Cheshire Ireland
The focus of Patrick’s work is the support Cheshire Ireland in their vision “to support people to live their best possible life”. As the Head of Operations, he aims to support their staff to work in line with the values of the organisation. VIEW MORE
Darren Woods
CEO, WD Excellence
Darren is the CEO of WD Excellence, a consulting business specialising in helping businesses embed a culture of Operational Excellence. VIEW MORE