Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta and former deputy British Prime Minister, has been named as the latest recipient of the Sutherland Leadership Award at the 50th Business & Finance Awards ceremony.
The Sutherland Leadership Award was established in 2018 with the support of the Sutherland family to recognise outstanding international leaders who embody the values of one of the country's and Europe's finest leaders, Peter Sutherland.
Previous honourees include Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, former Vice Chancellor of Oxford University and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Louise Richardson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former US Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson, former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and former European Central Bank President and Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi.
Nick Clegg began his career in journalism and in 1998, he was selected by the Liberal Democrat party to be its candidate for the European Parliament in the East Midlands constituency, a seat he held until 2004. In 2005, he was elected Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hallam and became leader of the Liberal Democrats in 2007.
He served as Deputy British Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015 when the Liberal Democrats formed a coalition government with the Conservative Party.
The event will take place on December 5 at the Convention Centre in Dublin, where Mr Clegg will be honoured among 1,000 international business, political, and social leaders.
Ian Hyland, President and Publisher of Business & Finance, said that Nick Clegg exemplifies a rare blend of leadership in both the public and private sectors.
"His commitment to public service, globalism, and connecting people through equity of access and opportunity can be seen in both his public and private roles. His experience and achievements very much embody the values that the Sutherland Leadership Award celebrates," he added
This year's ceremony will also honour the legacy of Tony O'Reilly with the TK Whitaker Award for his substantial contributions to Irish business and public life.
Horse trainer Willie Mullins will also be celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award, highlighting the vital impact of the horse racing and equine sector on Ireland.
