Six leaders shortlisted for Veuve Clicquot Bold Awards

Veuve Clicquot has named six finalists for its 2026 Bold Woman Awards, ranging from senior leaders in hospitality, music and consumer brands to founders tackling shipping emissions and fashion repairs.

The shortlist includes Paula MacKenzie, chief executive of PizzaExpress; MOBO Group founder and chief executive Kanya King CBE; and Smruti Sriram OBE, chief executive of Bags of Ethics, also known as Supreme Creations. Finalists for the Bold Future Award are Seabound co-founder Alisha Fredriksson, SOJO founder Josephine Philips, and PerfectTed co-founder Marisa Poster.

Now in its 54th year, the programme is among the longest-running international business awards focused on women entrepreneurs and leaders. The Bold Woman Award recognises established leaders, while the Bold Future Award highlights earlier-stage entrepreneurs.

Established leaders

MacKenzie leads PizzaExpress, one of the UK's best-known restaurant chains. The citation highlights a nationwide refurbishment programme and new formats such as the PizzaExpress Pod. It also notes UK and international openings, the launch of a label called PX Records, and more than £1 million raised for charity.

King, who founded the MOBO Awards, is also shortlisted for the Bold Woman Award. The citation notes the awards will mark their 30th year in 2026 and points to the launch of House of MOBO, described as a cultural hub in South London. It also references MOBOLISE, a MOBO Group career-development platform, and a 2024 initiative focused on AI literacy and career opportunities for Black talent.

Sriram runs Bags of Ethics, trading as Supreme Creations. The citation points to growth in reusable packaging and merchandise, and says the business has helped eliminate more than 30 billion single-use items worldwide. It also says Supreme Creations works with Dior, Harrods and Nike, operates a vertically integrated supply chain with an 80% female workforce, and reports 15% to 30% year-on-year growth.

Future category

Fredriksson, chief executive and co-founder of Seabound, is shortlisted for the Bold Future Award. The citation focuses on shipping emissions and describes a modular carbon-capture system designed to retrofit to existing ships, which it says can reduce CO2 by up to 95%. It also says Seabound moved from concept to commercialisation with tier-one shipping companies in under four years, built a team of 18, and raised £8.5 million in funding and grants.

Philips, founder of clothing repair service SOJO, is also shortlisted. The summary describes the fashion repair market as fragmented and says SOJO combines proprietary technology, logistics and an in-house repair centre. The shortlist lists Ralph Lauren, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer among its customers.

Poster, co-founder of matcha brand PerfectTed, completes the Bold Future shortlist. The citation says she is 28 and describes PerfectTed as having £50 million in annual recurring revenue. It also says the brand is listed in more than 30,000 retail and café locations across more than 50 countries.

Context and past winners

The Bold Woman Awards have previously recognised leaders across business and science. Past winners cited by Veuve Clicquot include Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange; Professor Sarah Gilbert for her work on Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine; and Anne Pitcher, a former chief executive of Selfridges.

Veuve Clicquot also promotes a technology initiative called the Bold Open Data Base, described as an open directory designed to increase the visibility of women entrepreneurs for journalists, researchers and investors. It was developed with researcher and entrepreneur Dr Aurélie Jean.

Thomas Mulliez, president of Veuve Clicquot, said: "Madame Clicquot was just 27 when she took the reins of her husband's Champagne house, in an era where women were excluded from the business world. She led Veuve Clicquot to become a brand of excellence, proving that courage, vision, and relentless determination can break barriers and rewrite the rules.

"This year's shortlist truly embodies the legacy of Madame Clicquot. They are redefining what business can be, from tackling plastic pollution and fashion waste, to cementing Black music at the heart of British culture. Bold, inventive, and unafraid to challenge convention, they show that innovation and ambition can create both commercial success and lasting societal change."

Sian Westerman, a British Fashion Council board member and awards judge, said: "The path for women in leadership roles remains disproportionately steep. Many face hurdles from ingrained biases to a lack of funding for female founders.

"However, the women on this year's shortlist refuse to simply endure this difficult ascent. Through their work, tackling some of today's most pressing challenges. They don't settle for the way things have always been done - they challenge, disrupt, and ensure the door remains firmly open for those who follow."

Veuve Clicquot will announce the winners at a ceremony in May.