Women In Packaging Excellence Awards Finalists 2026

Following an exceptional response from across the industry, this year’s shortlist recognises the people driving innovation, leadership and meaningful change in packaging.

Congratulations to all our finalists, and our sincere thanks to the partners who continue to support and champion these awards.


Best Consumer-Centric Packaging Solution

  • Bebiana Velosa, Westpak Group
  • Claudette Munroe, Contrast
  • Iryna Luchenko, Univest
  • Kitty Lai, ME BRAND
  • Lorna JM Eddy, Danish Crown UK

Creative Packaging Design Innovator

  • Amy Gooding, Equator Design
  • Bebiana Velosa, Westpak Group
  • Chandrika Hillman, Chandrika Thomas Limited
  • Georgia Glynn-Smith, N5 Studios
  • Jess Morgan-Butler, Carlton Packaging
  • Kitty Lai, ME BRAND
  • Lynette Roberts, DS Smith
  • Teresa Vargas Matos, Matters To You Studio
  • Paula Pozza, Studio Zak

Contract Packing Leader Award

  • Emma Cullen, Smurfit Westrock
  • Jayne Tarrant, Glowcroft Contract Packing
  • Laura Ball, PHL Group
  • Monika Gajewska, Integrated Packing Services
  • Nicola Brown, DHL Supply Chain
  • Verity Cooper, Mailway Packaging Solutions

Sponsored By

Digital & Data Transformation Leader

  • Andrea Charlwood, Cepac
  • Ann-Marie Warrender, Tri-Star Packaging
  • Camilla Young, GS1 UK
  • Danni Nicholls, Smurfit WestRock
  • Georgia Glynn-Smith, N5 Studios
  • Izzy Dix, Valpak
  • Linzi Sorensen, Integrated Packing Services
  • Lyndsey James-Williams, PG Paper
  • Nidhi Agarwal, DesignnBuy Web to Print Pvt.
  • Janet Harney, ABP Beef
  • Zoe Lovell, James Cropper

Excellence in Packaging Engineering

  • Emily Smart, Premier Foods
  • Eva Martín, Amcor
  • Evgenia Krynina, Univest
  • Jess Morgan-Butler, Carlton Packaging
  • Lorraine Wilson, Valpak
  • Mamta Singhal MBE, Pulpex
  • Maria Bernabe, Premier Foods
  • Tracie White, Premier Labellers

Innovative Materials Leader

  • Angela Ivanova, LAM'ON
  • Brodie Vander, DussenVeritiv
  • Daphna Nissenbaum, TIPA Compostable Packaging
  • Delphine Terrien, GP Batteries
  • Heidi Peltola, Sulapac
  • Neha Jain, Zerocircle
  • Raquel Sanchez, Loadhog

Innovation in Packaging Excellence

  • Alejandra Beltrán, Amcor Global Rigid Packaging Solutions
  • Bebiana Velosa, Westpak Group
  • Carole Bayne, Law Print & Packaging Management
  • Chandrika Hillman, Chandrika Thomas Limited
  • Dhruvi Thakkar, Sleeve Office
  • Jessica Lowther, Primark
  • Lara Hodgson, Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Meg Styles, Halfords Group plc
  • Rachel Watkyn, Tiny Box Company
  • Sophie Christie, Tesco
  • Tais Santos, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

Male Ally of the Year

  • Craig Mason, Cepac
  • Ian Batley, Cepac Rotherham
  • James Skidmore, Valpak
  • Michael McSorley, Origin Pharma Packaging
  • Nizam Appas, SGO Premedia
  • Phil Walker, Integrated Packing Services

Mentor in Packaging

  • Andrea Charlwood, Cepac
  • Andrea Jex, Hilton Foods
  • Azucena Gomez Lopez, Sheffield Hallam University
  • Caroline Donson, CorrBoard UK
  • Fiona Dobson, ASDA
  • Katy Wandless, Cepac
  • Lindsay Ferriman, Linney
  • Priti Raval, Smurfit Westrock
  • Rachel Watkyn, Tiny Box Company
  • Ramalakshmi Subramanian, SGO Premedia
  • Tracy Apps, Bunzl Catering Supplies

Most Inspiring Returner of the Year

  • Miss Emily Smart, Premier Foods
  • Mrs Gemma Penrose, Smurfit Westrock
  • Mrs Justine Moloney, Zeus Packaging
  • Ms Paula Pozza, Studio Zak

Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion

  • Estelle Bateman, Sheard Packaging
  • Marina Bortoletto, Elopak
  • Michaela Van-Noordt, Paranova Print and Packaging
  • Priti Raval, Smurfit Westrock

Packaging Leadership Award - Agency, Consultancy & Independent

  • Anita Burrough, Denomination
  • Gillian Garside-Wight, Aura
  • Karen Graley, UK Packaging PRO
  • Lindsay Ferriman, Linney
  • Sema Tezel-Basbug, Easyfairs

Sponsored By

Packaging Leadership Award- Brand & Retail

  • Alison Bramfitt, Nestle UK&I
  • Colette Sheehan, Kerry
  • Fiona Dobson, ASDA
  • Hannah Whitehead, Hilton Foods
  • Helen Fenwick, Unilever UK and Ireland
  • Siobhan Parks, Hilton Foods

Sponsored By

Packaging Leadership Award- Manufacturer

  • Clair Kemsley, Sheard Packaging
  • Jo Wass, Made by Classic
  • Kate Huley, Belmont Packaging Limited
  • Kelly Vernon, Smurfit Westrock
  • Kirsty Nicholson, Glencairn Crystal
  • Kirsty Mumford, Pont Packaging Group
  • Michaela Van-Noordt, Paranova print and packaging
  • Paula Birch, Parkside Flexibles
  • Samantha Overton, Zebra Print Group
  • Christine Nicholls, Smurfit Westrock
  • Kamila Claybrook, Envior

Sponsored By

Packaging Leadership Award- Supplier & Distributor

  • Elizabeth Walters, Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Lyndsey James-Williams, PG Paper
  • Sue Nuttall, Chester Medical
  • Alexandra French, Xampla
  • Daphna Nissenbaum, TIPA Compostable Packaging
  • Cori Pickard, Zeus Packaging
  • Loadhog
  • Law Print and Packaging

Sponsored By

Packaging Marketing & Brand Impact Award

  • Alison Hobson, Just Peel Limited
  • Birgit Hoesch, MM Service GmbH
  • Celeste Ellis, Go-Pak
  • Gemma Penrose, Smurfit Westrock
  • Hannah Bennett, Sheard Packaging
  • Holly McIntyre, PG Paper
  • Jordan Scott, James Cropper
  • Sema Tezel-Basbug, Easyfairs
  • Suzy Gedney, Smurfit Westrock

Packaging Operations Excellence – Brands, Retailers & Food Producers

  • Jayne cunningham, New England Seafood
  • Monika Williams, ABP Beef
  • Olivia Tomlinson, Nestle
  • Siobhan Parks, Hilton Foods

Packaging Operations Excellence – Manufacturers, Suppliers & Technology Specialists

  • Caroline Mawby, Aura Consultants
  • Charlotte Knowles, James Cropper
  • Claire Condon, Chester Medical
  • Jannine Wilkinson, DS Smith
  • Karen Meeds, Sabert
  • Katy Blyth, Watershed Packaging
  • Mamta Singhal MBE, Pulpex
  • Nadia Mazzei, Coveris
  • Sarah Gowling, Leadedge Flexo Limited
  • Terri Nelson, Coveris
  • Tracie White, Premier Labellers

Packaging Services or Team Excellence Award

  • Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Catapult Print
  • Chester Medical
  • Coveris
  • Go-Pak
  • James Cropper
  • ProAmpac
  • Smurfit Westrock
  • Zeus Packaging

Rising Star – Emerging Leader (5–10 Years’ Experience)

  • Alison Appleby, Ecosurety
  • Brodie Vander Dussen, Veritiv
  • Emma Wilkinson, WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme)
  • Jamie Losty, Kerry Group
  • Janet Harney, ABP Beef
  • Jessica Lowther, Primark
  • Katie Lynch, itsu [grocery]
  • Lindsay Ferriman, Linney
  • Louisa Goodfellow, Ecosurety
  • Meg Styles, Halfords Group plc
  • Rebecca Whittle, Premier Foods
  • Sally Dent, Coveris
  • Shannon Moxham, Valpak
  • Suzanne Byrom, Cepac

Rising Star – Early Career (Under 5 Years’ Experience)

  • Amy Draycott, Premier Foods
  • Amy Malone, DS Smith
  • Brooke Clark, Cepac
  • Cara Edgar, AG Barr
  • Dominika Czyzo, PONT PACKAGING
  • Erin Ansell McMahon, Go-Pak
  • Isabelle Pearce, DS Smith
  • Jessica Walklett, Unilever
  • Lara Hodgson, Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Lauren Atkinson, IFCO Systems UK
  • Molly Beck, OPRL
  • Olivia Tomlinson, Nestle UK
  • Rebecca Collier, Coveris
  • Samantha Hocker, Roberts Mart & Co
  • Sonia Drake-Pighini, Ecosurety
  • Uli Nicol Hosse Pastor, Micvac AB
  • Zahra Sheikh, Premier Foods

Sponsored By

Sales & Business Development Leader – Manufacturers, Converters & Producers

  • Claire Lewis, DS Smith
  • Eleanor Latham, Cepac
  • Julia Lawrence, James Cropper
  • Lorraine Snell, Origin Pharma Packaging
  • Louise Sutherland, Sappi Rockwell Solutions
  • Melanie May, Go-Pak
  • Nicola Golder-Hayes, ProAmpac
  • Stacey Galloway, Belmont Packaging Limited
  • Stephanie Arnell, CorrBoard UK
  • Suzana Ivšac Munjas, Molvik d.o.o
  • Tia Salt, Saica Flex

Sustainability Champion – Brands, Retailers & FMCG

  • Helen Fenwick, Unilever UK and Ireland
  • Natasha Bamford, Premier Foods
  • Laura Fernandez, Ocado Retail

Sales & Business Development Leader – Distributors & Service Providers

  • Ali Crisp, Jupiter Prestige Group
  • Fay Armstrong, Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Hayley Hanson, Zeus Packaging
  • Lisa Skinner, Sun Branding Solutions
  • Laura Ball, PHL Group

Supply Chain & Logistics Excellence Award

  • Abbi Peacock, DS Smith
  • Becky O'Connor, Zeus Packaging
  • Fiona Dempster, PG Paper
  • Huong Lien Pham, Tri-Star Packaging
  • Jaime Fleming, Cask Global Canning Solutions
  • Mamta Singhal MBE, Pulpex
  • Nadia Hayes, Origin Pharma Packaging
  • Nadia Mazzei, Coveris
  • Nancy Behan, MM Packaging Deeside
  • Sarah Heasman, Edale
  • Terri Nelson, Coveris
  • Tracey Goulsbra, Coveris

Sustainable Packaging Innovator

  • Alison Hobson, Just Peel Limited
  • Hayley Slack, Little Coffee Cup
  • Brodie Vander Dussen, Veritiv
  • Siobhan Parks, Hilton Foods
  • Angela Ivanova, LAM'ON
  • Natercia Garrido, Silvex
  • Katherine Shaw, Bunzl Catering Supplies
  • Kayli Smith, Friendlier
  • Safia Qureshi, CLUBZERO
  • Laura Fernandez, Ocado Retail
  • Tais Santos, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
  • Sarswati Koul, Neptune Nano Technology

Sustainability Champion – Suppliers, Manufacturers & Materials

  • Carolina Gregorio, Dow
  • Clover Walton, Faerch UK
  • Daphna Nissenbaum, TIPA Compostable Packaging
  • Elena Ralchenko, RETAL
  • Ellen Seyda, Amcor
  • Emily Gardiner, OPRL
  • Julie Elder, Smurfit Westrock
  • Katja Tuomola, MM Group
  • Alison Gales, Fenton Packaging Solutions
  • Rachel Watkyn, Tiny Box Company

Quality Assurance Excellence Award

  • Evanilda Soares, Pont Packaging UK
  • Jayanna Hughes, Smurfit Westrock
  • Kate Hunter, ProAmpac
  • Natalia Kovtiukh, Univest
  • Nikki Waltham, Integrated Packing Services
  • Rebecca Cusworth, Sun Branding
  • Samantha Hocker, Roberts Mart & Co
  • Shaun Hemnell, Chester Medical
  • Sophie Bullen-Brown, Watershed Packaging

Woman of the Year – Retailers & Manufacturers

  • Alison Bramfitt, Nestle UK&I
  • Becky Sullivan, Cepac
  • Elaine Wilson, Board24
  • Jamie Losty, Kerry Group
  • Jayne Fisher, Seaways Services (UK)
  • Kristin Luyten, Smurfit Westrock
  • Laura Fernandez, Ocado Retail
  • Poonam Gupta, PG Paper
  • Sandhya Mathur, Heineken
  • Vicky Everett, Sheard Packaging

Woman of the Year – Service Providers, Associations & Trade Bodies

  • Alice Harlock, OPRL
  • Cat Hay, Food and Drink Federation
  • Debbie Clements, Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association
  • Dimitra Rappou, Confederation of Paper Industries
  • Emma Verkaik, BCMPA
  • Gaynor Denton-Bray, Aura Consultants
  • Rachael McEvoy, Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA)

Woman of the Year – Recycling & Circular Innovation

  • Alice Harlock, OPRL
  • Dimitra Rappou, Confederation of Paper Industries
  • Esther Carter, PackUK
  • Gillian Garside-Wight, Aura
  • Helen McGeough, RELX / ICIS
  • Monique Maissan, Waste2Wear
  • Naomi Carlin, Biffa
  • Rachel Stirrup, Valpak
  • Safia Qureshi, CLUBZERO
  • Stephanie Walker, James Cropper

Lifetime Achievement Award

The winner will be announced on the night. Make sure you are there! Get your place now here.

Sponsored By

Be part of the celebration

Join us live as we celebrate the finalists and reveal the winners of the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards 2026.

This is more than an awards ceremony - it’s a moment where the industry comes together to recognise achievement, share stories, and celebrate the people shaping its future.

From the energy in the room to the connections made on the night, this is an experience that goes far beyond the stage.

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