Spotlight on the Judges: Celebrating the Leaders Behind the Green Awards 2025

The Green Awards 2025 would not be possible without the discerning insight and tireless work of its esteemed panel of judges. Among the most pivotal figures this year were the Judging Coordinators, who led the process with integrity, expertise, and vision.

Judging Coordinators 2025

Padraig Ryan
Partner, Grant Thornton Ireland 

As Judging Coordinator, Padraig brought an unparalleled depth of experience in sustainability and strategic consultancy. A former recipient of the 2016 Green Leader Award, Padraig has over 16 years of experience working across both the public and private sectors in senior sustainability roles. With academic credentials including a Masters in Sustainable Development, an MBA, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management, he continues to shape the sustainability landscape across industries. His role at Grant Thornton and his extensive consulting experience make him a driving force in steering the Green Awards’ commitment to excellence. 

Terri Morrissey
Chair 

Terri’s contributions as a Judging Coordinator have been equally remarkable. A seasoned business psychologist and influential leader in climate psychology, Terri chairs multiple international and national bodies dedicated to sustainability and climate innovation. Her roles include Chair of An Taisce’s Climate Committee, Chair of Innovation for the Horizon Europe-funded Go Green Routes project, and Chair of the British Psychological Society’s Climate Environment Action Coordinating Group (CEACG). Her illustrious academic background—spanning psychology, business, and executive coaching—complements her decades of experience advising senior leadership on cultural transformation and sustainability. In 2022, she received the Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Society for her global work on climate.

Meet the Broader 2025 Judging Panel

The full panel for the 2025 Green Awards included sustainability experts, academics, business leaders, and policy professionals. Their diverse backgrounds ensured each category was reviewed with precision and sectoral relevance. Some notable judges included:

• David Meehan, Head of Sustainability, BAM Ireland
• Kate O’Connell, Managing Director, The Positive Economist
• Cian O’Mahony, Senior Research Officer, Environmental Protection Agency
• Karen Coyle, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, KPMG
• Yvonne Holmes, Chief Sustainability Officer, AIB
• Professor John Barry, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast
• Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Jaguar Land Rover 

See the full list at greenawards.ie/judges 

Looking Ahead: Who Might Judge the 2026 Green Awards?

With the Green Awards growing in prestige and impact, 2026 is likely to feature a mix of returning and new voices. Industry insiders anticipate that: 

Past winners, such as leaders from Wildacres and AbbVie, may be invited to bring a winner’s perspective to the judging panel. 

International experts in circular economy, green finance, and nature-based solutions could also be included, reflecting evolving global trends. 

Thought leaders from innovative SMEs and startups may be brought on board to ensure representation from emerging sustainability sectors. 

The Green Awards team consistently ensures diversity in expertise and professional background among its judges, maintaining the credibility and prestige of each award category. 

For more about the Green Awards and the full list of 2025 winners, visit greenawards.ie.