Veuve Clicquot reveals the shortlist for the 2026 Women of Courage Awards

The CEO of PizzaExpress, the founder of the MOBO Awards and the founder of one of Europe’s fastest growing matcha brands are among the finalists for the 2026 Veuve Clicquot Bold Awards.

Now in its 54th year, the awards are the longest-running international awards to celebrate women in business. Founded in honor of Madame Clicquot – who took over the Champagne house at the age of 27 and defied the conventions of her era – the program recognizes women who combine commercial success with bold, transformative leadership.

The awards are divided into two categories: the Bold Woman Award, honoring established leaders, and the Bold Future Award, highlighting emerging entrepreneurs who are building the next generation of businesses.

Among this year’s top leaders is Paula MacKenzie, chief executive of PizzaExpress. Since taking over, MacKenzie has overseen a national renewal program, introduced new concepts including the PizzaExpress Pod, and expanded the brand domestically and internationally. Under his leadership, the company achieved record levels of customer satisfaction and launched PX Records, its own record label, while raising more than £1m for charity.

Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO Group, is also on the shortlist. Over three decades, he has grown the MOBO Awards from a niche celebration into a world-renowned cultural platform. In recent years he launched House of MOBO in South London and launched MOBOLISE, the UK’s first initiative aimed at equipping 100,000 Black talents with AI literacy and career development opportunities. The MOBO Awards turn 30 in 2026.

Rounding out the trio is Smruti Sriram OBE, CEO of Bags of Ethics under parent company Supreme Creations. Sriram has positioned the business as a global leader in reusable packaging, working with brands including Dior, Harrods and Nike. His vertically integrated supply chain model, which employs 80% women, has helped eliminate more than 30 billion disposable items worldwide while delivering consistent double-digit growth.

The Bold Future Award highlights ambitious innovators who are building high-impact businesses.

Alisha Fredriksson, founder and CEO of Seabound, has developed a modular carbon capture system that can retrofit existing ships and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 95%. In less than four years, he has taken the business from concept to commercial distribution with major shipping operators, built a specialist team and secured £8.5m in funding.

Josephine Philips, founder of SOJO, has modernized the garment industry by integrating proprietary technology, equipment and internal operations. The platform now partners with brands including Ralph Lauren, Selfridges and Marks & Spencer.

Marisa Poster, founder of PerfectTed, compiles the short list. At the age of 28, he helped scale the matcha-based drinks brand to £50m in ongoing annual revenue, with distribution in more than 30,000 retail and restaurant locations in more than 50 countries.

Previous winners of the awards include Julia Hoggett, Professor Sarah Gilbert and Anne Pitcher, reflecting the breadth of fields represented, from finance and science to marketing and culture.

Thomas Mulliez, president of Veuve Clicquot, said this year’s list reflects Madame Clicquot’s pioneering spirit. “They are redefining what business can be – from tackling plastic pollution and fashion waste to putting Black music at the heart of British culture.”

Sian Westerman, a board member of the British Fashion Council and a judge at the awards, said the winners are an example of resilience in the face of structural barriers that continue to challenge women in leadership and business.

The winners will be announced at an event in London on 20 May, bringing together senior figures from across business, culture and industry to celebrate innovative female leadership.