2025 CEO of the Year Awards Featuring: Freeday: Enterprise AI Automation Done Differently NOCN Group: FutureProof Employment Skills with a Focus on Construction
Welcome to the CEO of the Year Awards 2025. Recognising Outstanding Leadership, Growth, and Strategic Vision in 2025 The CEO of the Year Awards 2025 from CEO Monthly recognises exceptional business leaders who have demonstrated unparalleled vision, resilience, and innovation throughout the year. These awards honour individuals who have consistently driven organisational success, inspired their teams, and set new standards for strategic leadership in their respective industries. From steering companies through market challenges to delivering transformative growth, the CEOs we celebrate represent the pinnacle of achievement in 2025. Why CEO of the Year Matters Leadership excellence is not built on a single decision, it’s the culmination of consistent strategic thinking, strong communication, and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing business environment. The CEO of the Year Awards exist to highlight those who not only deliver results but also lead with integrity, vision, and a positive impact on their organisation and wider community. Jo Holloway- Senior Account Executive Website: www.ceo-review.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. PCC Enterprises – Pest Control Consultants: The Goodeill Mindset: Expansion, Expertise, and Exceptional Ambition 6. Indus Delta Capital / Delta Blue Carbon: Environmental Conservation CEO of the Year 2025 – UK 7. Freeday: Enterprise AI Automation Done Differently 8. Band of Builders: Changing Lives Through Charity and Community 9. Allu: The Electronics Subscription Service Making Tech Accessible 10. NOCN Group: Future-Proof Employment Skills with a Focus on Construction 12. CO2CRC: CEO of the Year profifile: Dr Matthias Raab 14. GRI Group Limited: Graham Royle- Injecting Entrepreneurial Excellence into Innovative Industries Contents
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 4 CEO MONTHLY / FEBRUARY 2026 12 The Goodeill Mindset: Expansion, Expertise, and Exceptional Ambition Driven by three generations of pest control expertise, Pest Control Consultants is not only Illinois’s largest private pest control firms but also one of the fastest-growing pest control companies in North America. Since 2003, the company has been on a mission to safeguard the homes and businesses of its clientele, serving more than 20,000 clients across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Western Michigan. Boasting same-day services and personalised plans, Pest Control Consultants offers Dec25062 Dec25062 While many skills of great leadership can be taught, ambition remains something that must come from within. A powerful leader is one with a strong vision, deep industry expertise, and an unwavering commitment to achieving excellence. This is an ethos championed by Chase Goodeill, CEO of Pest Control Consultants and visionary leader in the field of pest control services. We took a closer look at Chase and his journey to success below, following his recent recognition in the CEO of the Year Awards 2025. D a comprehensive suite of services expertly designed to solve even the most unique pest problem. The company caters to residential, commercial, and industrial clients alike, providing them with unparalleled protection against an array of invaders including cockroaches, hornets, bedbugs, fleas and mites, termites, mice, and rats. Of course, the most effective method of combatting invasion is preventing the problem from ever taking root. In addition to the control and disinfection of immediate pest problems, the Pest Control Consultants team also provides clients with a selection of pest prevention plans that are expertly tailored to fit various needs and budgets. These plans entail regular treatments – occurring monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly – and even include free re-services if a problem arises in between visits. The company is headed by Owner and CEO Chase Goodeill, a passionate entrepreneur with a clear vision for growth. Chase has been deeply embedded within the pest control industry for as long as he can remember; his grandfather had owned his own pest control company, for which his father had also worked throughout Chase’s childhood. In 1996, the decision was made to sell his grandfather’s business and, after continuing to work under the business for a few years, his father branched out to establish Pest Control Consultants in 2003. Chase cultivated a drive for success from a young age and began to go door to door to find work mowing lawns at 13. Soon after, his father set him to work spraying the outside of houses for the family business. While this new position was not nearly as lucrative as his earlier venture, it did place Chase into the pest control sector and opened his eyes up to the true potential of the profession. After witnessing two Goodeill generations leading the charge in pest control, Chase felt even hungrier for success. He attained an associate’s degree in business administration and management from Sauk Valley Community College and leveraged the invaluable experience he had gained from his father to enter the industry with force. He hit the ground running, steadily building the company’s accounts through a combination of cold-calling, door-knocking, and relentless determination. This persistence paid off; Chase was made a partner of Pest Control Consultants at the age of 23, after making hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for the company. Chase learned to balance quality and quantity over time, understanding that sales must come before scale but that they do also successfully go hand-in-hand. He continued to knock on doors, expanding into new markets once he had exhausted his current landscape, and eventually took over the company as 100% Owner and CEO in 2021. As CEO of Pest Control Consultants, Chase is now responsible for guiding the company’s success, serving as a direct link between overall vision and strategic direction. He manages short- and long-term growth strategies whilst leading a superlative sales force, in addition to implementing first-in-class marketing strategies to sell pest control services to clients across the region. He has built a team of trusted partners who share his bold vision and leverages this ambition to drive Pest Control Consultants to success. The results of Chase’s salesover-scale mindset speaks for themselves: from July 2023, Chase has personally sold
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 5 CEO MONTHLY / FEBRUARY 2026 13 more than 9,000 pest accounts that have generated over $4.1 million in annual recurring revenue; in 2020, he sold 621 accounts that generated more than $546,237, followed by 590 accounts generating $388,000 in revenue throughout 2021. Under Chase’s expert guidance, Pest Control Consultants achieved impressive new sales in 2024, reaching $3.5 million in recurring revenue across 5,890 accounts – representing a 67% growth from the previous year. Such growth has enabled Pest Control Consultants to emerge as one of the country’s fastest-growing pest control companies. Since its inception, the company has extended its roots across the region, with offices now located in Dixon, Sycamore, St. Charles, North Barrington, Clinton, Delavan, La Valle, and Grand Rapids. The team proudly participates in local initiatives and endeavours, earning recognition from its community with the 2019 Dixon Main Street and Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award and the 2023 Sycamore Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Small Business Award. This rapid expansion has been facilitated by Goodeill Holdings, of which Chase is President. The company aims to find successful pest control companies that can be purchased and operated under Pest Control Consultants and, since 2019, it has acquired ten successful pest control companies across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Tennessee. Goodeill Holdings boosted sales revenue by $6 million in 2025 alone, almost double its $3.5 million revenue in 2024. For three generations, the Goodeill family have been instrumental in reshaping the pest control sector, identifying the true potential of this landscape and setting new benchmarks for excellence amongst peers. Chase has successfully upheld this legacy since he first entered the industry, demonstrating the true power of persistence and resilience over the course of his professional career. For his passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication, Chase Goodeill has been rightfully recognised as the USA’s Pest Control CEO of the Year 2025. Contact: Chase Goodeill Company: PCC Enterprises – Pest Control Consultants Web Address: www. pestsprotection.com
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 6 CEO MONTHLY / JANUARY 2026 12 When Nadeem Raza Khan returned to Pakistan in 2011, he encountered a coastal landscape in steady decline. The Indus Delta – once one of the world’s largest mangrove ecosystems –had lost much of its natural resilience. Depleted freshwater flows, rising salinity and aggressive coastal erosion had weakened both the ecology and the local economy. “It was obvious the delta was in trouble, but it was equally obvious that it held one of the world’s most powerful natural climate solutions,” Khan says. “This wasn’t just an environmental challenge – it was a strategic opportunity waiting for the right structure.” Today, Khan’s Delta Blue Carbon (DBC) project has grown into the world’s largest mangrove restoration initiative, a flagship example of how blue carbon ecosystems can underpin climate finance, ecological renewal and community uplift simultaneously. It is one of the few large-scale projects globally where business logic and environmental recovery reinforce rather than compete with one another. The decisive early factor was a long-term partnership with the Government of Sindh, whose support provided governance continuity, policy stability and access to coastal land. “Without the Government of Sindh, this project would have remained a concept, not a reality,” Khan says. “They understood early that restoring the delta was not just an ecological imperative but an economic one.” This collaboration allowed DBC to launch restoration across 350,000 hectares, providing the scale needed to attract international investment and to position Pakistan as a leader in nature-based climate solutions. From the outset, Khan’s thesis centred on the concept of blue carbon: the ability of mangroves and coastal wetlands to store carbon at rates far higher than terrestrial forests. Restoring these ecosystems at scale could generate significant, verifiable carbon credits—creating a long-term revenue stream to fund continued restoration and protection. “We’re effectively rebuilding a natural carbon infrastructure,” Khan says. “And when you rebuild natural infrastructure, you also rebuild economic resilience.” The ecological gains have been substantial. Restored mangroves now anchor shorelines, reduce stormsurge height and enhance the stability of freshwater-adjacent farmland. Tidal flow has improved, fish nurseries have re-established themselves and biodiversity indicators are rising. These ecological improvements have direct economic consequences: stronger fisheries, fewer climate-related losses and more predictable local livelihoods. “Nature has always been the region’s insurance policy,” Khan notes. “We’re now restoring that policy after decades of neglect.” Delta Blue Carbon’s financial architecture has been built for durability. Dual certification under the Verified Carbon Standard and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards ensures that the blue carbon credits produced are considered high integrity – critical in a market increasingly demanding rigorous verification. Advanced digital MRV systems—drones, LiDAR, satellite imaging, multispectral analysis and AI modelling—have been integrated into the project’s monitoring framework. This data-centric approach gives the project credibility with investors and buyers. “Climate finance relies on evidence, not sentiment,” Khan says. “We invested heavily in data because trust is the currency of long-horizon projects.” The revenues from blue carbon credits fund continuous planting, hydrological restoration, forest management and scientific analysis – turning ecological recovery into a selfsustaining economic engine. Crucially, the project’s benefits are not confined to carbon markets or ecological metrics. Across the delta, the livelihoods of thousands of households have been reshaped. DBC has created stable employment across a spectrum of roles: nursery management, propagule cultivation, hydrological surveying, drone operations, biodiversity monitoring, carbon accounting and field management. Many of these are technical climate-transition roles that position local workers for participation in Pakistan’s emerging green economy. These new roles sit alongside improvements in traditional livelihoods. With mangroves returning, fisheries have become more productive; storm-related losses have decreased; and agricultural lands are better protected from saltwater intrusion. “Ecology and economy are not separate stories here—they are the same story,” Khan says. “When ecosystems heal, communities stabilise. And when communities stabilise, economies strengthen.” Delta Blue Carbon’s achievements have drawn international attention, including the Environmental Finance Award in 2022 and the SBCOP Award at the 2025 COP in Belém, Brazil. But Khan remains pragmatic. “Recognition helps show that serious work is happening, especially from the Global South,” he says. “But awards don’t plant mangroves or secure coastlines. What matters is daily execution on the ground.” This measured approach has earned the project credibility among investors, NGOs and governments seeking proof that large-scale, high-integrity blue carbon projects can deliver both environmental and socioeconomic returns. Delta Blue Carbon stands out not only for its scale but for its integrated design. It is ecological restoration, climate finance, community uplift and economic diversification—each reinforcing the other. “Blue carbon is not merely about carbon sequestration,” Khan says. “It’s about building systems where natural capital, human capital and financial capital move in the same direction. That is the future of climateresilient development.” What began as a vision in 2011 has become a blueprint for how emerging economies can pursue net-zero commitments without sacrificing growth or community wellbeing. As mangroves reclaim the Indus Delta, the project shows that coastal ecosystems can be reconstructed – and that when they are, they drive resilience, investment and opportunity in equal measure. “The delta taught us that nature rebounds when given structure and support,” Khan reflects. “And when nature rebounds, society follows.” Contact: Nadeem Khan Company: Indus Delta Capital / Delta Blue Carbon Website: https:// deltabluecarbon.com/ Environmental Conservation CEO of the Year 2025 – UK How Nadeem Khan Turned Pakistan’s Indus Delta into a Blueprint for Blue Carbon
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 7 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 22 ess a traditional software company and more a digital employment agency, Freeday goes beyond the complex software provided by its competitors and instead delivers fully trained digital employees ready to seamlessly integrate into their teams straight out of the box. They handle the repetitive tasks mentioned above effortlessly, providing 24/7 support across email and chat functions alike. This frees up the human members of a team to work on those complex, meaningful tasks that require a human touch. Built around the core values of radical transparency, integrity in execution, and relentless innovation, what sets Freeday apart in this space is that, whilst most players fall into one of two categories: massive and powerful platforms with a complex toolkit or basic chatbot builders that are fast but limited, it has created a category of its own. Offering a ‘digital workforce as a service’, Freeday does not provide just one tool or even the entire toolkit, it delivers a trained master builder who shows up on time and with their own tools. “You don’t manage the complexity; we do. You don’t train the system; we do. You don’t have to worry about whether it will work, because we guarantee it through our outcome-based pricing model.” Exploring this further, Marcus told us: “The front-end uses generative AI to understand messy human communication, adapting to context and handling typos or slang. The back-end consists of deterministic, lockeddown workflows that execute with robotic precision. This combination offers something rare: interactions that feel conversational and intelligent but operate with the reliability and auditability enterprises demand.” Insights like this reflect Marcus’ role as Freeday’s CEO, a position he sees as standing more for ‘Chief Energy Officer’ than anything else. From setting a clear destination to ensuring it is moved towards with the necessary focus and intensity, Marcus sets the tone for the entire organisation. Around 60 to 70% of the average week for this CEO is spent with customers, stepping into their shoes and understanding the real problems they are facing. This fuels a problemdemand-build process that ensures market needs are met. Enterprise AI Automation Done Differently Every day, talented individuals waste countless hours on repetitive, soulcrushing tasks – tasks that make them lose ambition and which in the near future will be deemed inhumane. Be it processing invoices or answering the same questions hundreds of times, there are countless tasks that require no creativity, empathy, or judgement. Just robotic consistency. This is why Freeday, anchored by Artificial Intelligence CEO of the Year 2025 – the Netherlands, Marcus Groeneveld, built robots to do exactly that. We caught up with Marcus for more on this pioneering operation. Such an approach is nothing new for Marcus, who followed the same philosophy at Ciphix, his previous company. Interestingly, even though he has spearheaded the creation of both of these businesses over the last eight years, entrepreneurship was never really on the cards for Marcus growing up, as he neither intended to be one nor believed he was destined for such great responsibility. However, the signs were always there, it simply took meeting Mathijs Gast – Marcus’ long-term business partner – to bring this side out. The duo founded Ciphix in the basement of a student apartment, with nothing but conviction, pace, and obsession guiding them. As this business scaled, it became clear the direction the world of business was going in: towards adaptive, conversational interfaces designed to handle the realities of everyday work. It is here where the recognition that digital employees – not more chatbots – were needed first came about, with this building the foundation of what would soon become Freeday, marking the realisation of a shared vision. Defined by its high-performance culture, ongoing feedback loops, and an emphasis on clarity, discipline, and ownership, Freeday works with a simple rhythm and according to a future shaped by both its customers and the world around it. With the AI industry currently at a crossroads, balancing unprecedented potential with a wave of hype, confusion, and mistrust, Marcus knows the future for Freeday must be about translating the principles of this tech into durable, real-world workflows – which is exactly where it operates. By the time 2026 is over, the aim for Freeday is for its digital employees to be able to answer phone calls, conduct conversations, and resolve issues using real-time voiceover. Beyond this, the vision is clear: to become the defining company in digital workforce solutions. As for Marcus specifically, he remains at the cutting edge of this environment, keen to become the kind of CEO who can guide a company through new realities. Named the Artificial Intelligence CEO of the Year 2025 – the Netherlands for his work in enterprise AI automation, Marcus Groeneveld’s work in providing automated AI agents to companies looking to streamline their services and maximise their human employees’ operation makes him more than fitting of inclusion in this feature. L Contact: Marcus Groeneveld Company: Freeday Web Address: www.freeday.ai
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 8 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 16 Band of Builders was born in 2016, when Founder Addam Smith made an appeal on social media for help renovating the home of a close friend and colleague Based in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Band of Builders is a national construction charity leveraging the power of unity to ensure that no industry member is left behind. Through a unique blend of life-changing practical support, mental health and wellbeing services, and immediate financial aid, the charity has gained renown for responding quickly and efficiently to the challenges construction workers face. This exceptional work is steered by CEO Gavin Crane, a leader driven by his purpose and passion for making a positive impact on those in the industry. We spoke with Gavin to learn more, following his recent recognition in the CEO of the Year Awards 2025. who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The response was beyond anybody’s wildest dreams, as tradespeople across the UK joined forces to complete the project. That moment sparked the formation of Band of Builders, banding together members of the construction industry with a simple mission: to stand shoulder to shoulder with construction workers and their families when life takes an unexpected turn. This mission is headed by Gavin Crane, the UK’s Charity CEO of the Year 2025. Gavin joined Band of Builders as a volunteer in 2017 with the aim of making life easier for fellow construction workers, never anticipating that such a seemingly small decision would set him on the path to leadership. Over the years, Gavin took on more responsibilities – supporting project delivery, building relationships, and helping shape the organisation as it continued to grow. This path allowed Gavin to see the challenges facing construction workers up close, and the difference support truly makes. “I learned first-hand what makes this charity so special: the skills and dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, and the lifechanging impact that good people can make when they work together with purpose,” he told us. “Becoming CEO has felt like a natural progression, but it is also a privilege. I have the opportunity each day to take the lessons from my early volunteering days and use them to guide a national organisation that now supports people across the UK. That journey – from volunteer to CEO – keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me why our work matters.” “I learned first-hand what makes this charity so special: the skills and dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our partners, and the life-changing impact that good people can make when they work together with purpose.” Today, Gavin’s role as CEO is to steer the team forward, ensuring the charity stays true to its mission whilst continually expanding the support offered to construction workers and their families. While responsible for the charity’s strategic direction, long-term sustainability, and the organisation’s overall performance, Gavin is equally responsible for fostering a culture where staff, volunteers, and partners can thrive. Day to day, this takes the form of overseeing project delivery and support services, working closely with partners and leadership teams, and championing the voices of the unheard. As a leader, Gavin operates with a people-first mindset, focusing on clarity, collaboration, and accountability to ensure everyone understands the direction Band of Builders is heading in, and why it matters. His leadership style has evolved as the charity has grown; in the early days, Gavin was involved in every detail due to the hands-on nature of the smaller charity. Now, with a larger team and bigger ambitions, he focuses more on strategic thinking, empowering others, and building a system that allows Band of Builders to scale without losing its identity. The next 12 months promise to be an exciting period of growth and positive change for Band of Builders, as it aims to further strengthen its role as the national construction charity. Under Gavin’s guidance, the charity will expand its project capacity in order to deliver more life-changing home adaptations for construction workers and their families. As demand for aid continues to rise, Band of Builders aims to increase the number of projects it completes, and is preparing with new systems, clearer processes, and greater investment in its delivery team. “My aim is to lead the charity into its next chapter with confidence, clarity, and compassion, and to ensure the foundations we are building today will support the industry for years to come,” Gavin concluded. “Whatever the future holds, our focus remains the same: to stand with construction workers and their families when they need it most, and to build a charity that the whole industry can be proud of.” Contact: Gavin Crane Company: Band of Builders Web Address: www. bandofbuilders.org Changing Lives Through Charity and Community
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 9 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 13 The Electronics Subscription Service Making Tech Accessible In a world where the cost of living seems to be rising more each year, people are having to be careful about what they buy. Often, this means they do not have money left over after bills and other essentials to sink a month’s wages (or often even more) into the latest gadgets they or their loved ones would like. To combat this, Allu CEO Cadu Guerra has created a novel method, resulting in his recognition as the Electronic Device Subscription CEO of the Year 2025 – Brazil. We spoke to him more about this below. Guided by the belief that technology should be democratic and accessible, Allu has been changing the way people connect with the world since 2016. Creating a flexible model where devices such as iPhones, laptops, and games consoles are offered on subscription – complete with the ability to renew, swap, or cancel without fuss – Allu is putting the latest technology into the hands of those who otherwise might not be able to afford it. In this way, it is challenging the ordinary and ushering in an age of convenience. Exploring this approach in more detail, Cadu told us: “We created the electronics subscription service in Latin America to improve how people consume high-value goods. The service – which is similar to leasing, but with an added layer of service for the consumer – is more accessible, more flexible, and offers a much better experience.” This is because the monthly fee charged is much less than what would have to be spent on purchasing a device, with this method also removing some of the burdens of ownership. Allu achieves this through the added service layer Cadu touched on above, which includes insurance, maintenance, replacements, upgrade options, software updates, and all of the other things required for the use of the device. The freedom this offers is unprecedented in the world of consumer electronics, and the far-reaching impact of taking renting or financing options – which have historically only been available for cars or properties – and applying them to other highvalue items is something needed in this economy. As the CEO of this operation, Cadu sees his responsibility as being to define the direction of the company and ensure this is being pursued by a world-leading team of experts. Passionate about structure, progression towards goals, and maintaining close relationships with clients and his team alike, Cadu’s philosophy prioritises action over intention. Underpinning all of this is a leadership approach modelled after ‘Radical Candor’, which entails challenging teams a lot whilst still caring for them, a balance crucial for success. Like many CEOs, Cadu’s leadership style was very different in the early days to what it is now, as he was afraid to be tough and have those hard conversations. However, given Allu has experienced rapid growth in the last year – becoming the fastest growing electronics subscription company in the world – he has had to adapt his style, restructure the culture, return to full in-person work, and make some bold product decisions. Unsurprisingly, this has worked wonders, with the business being improved inside and out. “Our team is full of people I deeply admire. I always say it is a privilege and an honour to lead the people I lead. One of the reasons why I’m so paranoid about excellence is because I must be worthy of the quality of the team we have. They are analytical, objective, responsible, virtuous, hardworking, and they live our culture.” On the back of this, Allu is looking ahead to 2026 and beyond with great excitement, ready for another year of sophistication, aggressive results, and strong growth. There will of course be challenges for Cadu – whose job and presence in the spotlight never stop – including the ongoing duty of bringing in funding whilst growing the customer base, not to mention the constant logistic headaches of managing the areas that go into a business of this nature (like payments, technology, and refurbishments). And yet, by hiring and incentivising great people, building credibility through exceptional performance, and focusing on effective prioritisation, Allu is in a better position than ever to pursue the aggressive expansion it seeks. Cadu added: “I would endure the difficulties a million times over for the privilege of leading the people I lead, having the freedom to implement my vision, and building what I believe is best. I chose this. And I’m extremely happy with the role and its trade-offs.” A man who is exactly where he needs to be, Cadu Guerra is a fitting recipient of the title of Electronic Device Subscription CEO of the Year 2025 – Brazil, an award he recognises reflects the work done by everyone at Allu. Having made real progress democratising the world of cell phone and IT equipment rental, Cadu signed off saying: “We must remember we still have a lot to build. This game just started. We played a great first three minutes – but we have 87 more minutes plus stoppage time ahead of us.” Contact: Cadu Guerra Company: Allu Web Address: https://www. allugator.com/
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 10 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 20 Future-Proof Employment Skills with a Focus on Construction rom its home in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, NOCN Group has been serving the global education sector now since 1987. An independent and international charity, the aim of the Group is to influence policy and champion a lifelong, vocational approach to learning, gearing its operation towards nurturing productivity, sustainability, social mobility, and inclusivity. This approach is explored through qualifications, end-point assessments (the final stage of an apprenticeship), tests, online courses, and more. Covering five pivotal areas across these services: preparation for life and work; construction and the built environment; engineering, manufacturing, and the green economy; health and social care; and education and management, NOCN Group comprises NOCN, NOCN India Skills Foundation, and NOCN Job Cards. Each of these entities is subject to the strict objectives of the wider charity, including improving the quality and flexibility of education and enhancing learning opportunities to facilitate progression to either employment or higher education for learners across all of the areas mentioned above. With nearly 200 staff members making up its team – some based in Sheffield, others in Kings Lynn, and some Recognising that the only way for people to achieve their full potential is to bridge the gap between education and employment through vocational learning, and in the process help them to hone their skills across the areas of industry where they are needed most, NOCN Group works with colleges, training providers, employers, and individuals alike to advance these skills globally and help organisations thrive. For more on this, we caught up with its CEO, Graham Hasting-Evans, who has been recognised here as the Education and Training CEO of the Year 2025 – UK. F working in remote roles across the length and breadth of UK – NOCN Group is today an authority in this space, something that can be attributed in no small part to CEO Graham HastingEvans. Since joining the organisation in early 2011, first as its MD and now as its chief executive, Graham has helped take it to these new heights, leveraging decades of senior management experience in areas such as broadcasting and construction to deliver an approach that can adapt quickly and effectively to the changing needs of clients. To say Graham has turned things around for NOCN Group would be an understatement, as when he arrived to fill the position of managing director nearly 15 years ago now, the charity was on the brink of closure. Losing around 30% of its income every year, some major issues with governance needed sorting if it was to survive. Fortunes quickly began to change as Graham set about reversing the course the organisation was on, thanks to its new principal masterfully balancing risk with reward to climb the mountain. The knowledge Graham has garnered from the diverse roles he has inhabited over the course of more than 30 years in executive positions continue to make him the ideal person to steer the ship for NOCN Group, in a role that entails everything from overseeing strategy and general direction to coordinating with its board, representing the organisation at events, and helping it to expand its presence – especially in Asia, where it is seeking to mirror the success it has found in more than 30 countries across the world to date. “We are working on expanding our presence in South and South East Asia and furthering our partnerships in India and Malaysia through regular visits and engagement.” Cutting through all the noise that usually surrounds the CEO position, Graham put it simply when he said: “We are here to help people get into work and develop careers. The passion for the mission, my passion for sustainability, and our focus on net zero fuels my work.” Recognising that working in collaboration with stakeholders through partnership-driven relationships is key to this, this commitment forms a huge part of Graham’s philosophy, as too do the skills he nurtures to be an impact-driven leader. A CEO renowned for his openness, honesty, clear vision, approachability, strong communication, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional ability to unite people of all different cultures and nationalities under the power of education, Graham leads his team with a combination of operational and strategic awareness, delegation with clear expectations, and encompassing support without micromanaging. This unique blend leads to a collaborative, values-centred culture that is perfect for fostering growth. This is best seen through the work the charity has done in the construction industry over the last eight years or so, the outcome of which is NOCN Group becoming one of the top two government-approved apprentice assessment organisations in the UK – as well as the second largest awarding organisation in the construction sector – this thanks to it acquiring CSkills Awards from the Construction Industry Training Boarding (CITB) in 2017, a huge feat given that this was a larger organisation than NOCN at the time. In a statement from the time, Graham said: “As someone who started out as an apprentice and has worked in the building and construction sector for many years, I find this opportunity very exciting. I am looking forward to working with CSkills Awards personnel to incorporate their product expertise and technological distinctiveness into NOCN. Through this unique collaboration, we will create new opportunities, re-address the skill gaps, re-
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 11 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 21 balance gender inequality, and support strong growth for the construction industry in the UK.” As a result of this acquisition, NOCN Group inherited around 4,000 apprenticeships a year – a bold move given the charity had no track record working in apprenticeships back then – thus allowing it to strengthen its position by conquering new ground in this sector. Remarkably, a similar purchase followed suit two years later, when NOCN Job Cards, then a new subsidiary of the Group, purchased the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CSPS) – a construction carding scheme – again from the CITB. “Both of these acquisitions massively changed our size and the range of things we do as an organisation.” Since this offers but a taste of the innovation carried out by Graham over the last decade and a half and counting, it is unsurprising that he told us the next 12 months for NOCN Group are centred around three primary aims: global growth, developing new products, and capturing the benefits of new technologies. Graham also confirmed that he remains dedicated to the Group, with his future plans aligning seamlessly with that of the organisation he has worked so hard to build back up since he was welcomed on board. Reflecting on this visionary leader’s impact in the wake of his recognition as the Education and Training CEO of the Year 2025 – UK, Graham has played a crucial role in developing the education and training sectors across the UK and beyond, including working closely with the government on the Apprenticeship Levy and introducing degree apprenticeships to nations from across the world. His experience and enthusiasm know no bounds, and we implore readers to follow the link below for more on his work at NOCN Group. Contact: Graham HastingEvans Company: NOCN Group Web Address: https://www. nocn.org.uk/
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 12 In the 27 years since he first arrived in Australia, Matthias Raab has established himself as a leading figure in the nation’s energy transition and positioned CO2CRC, the research and development organisation he leads, as a critical player in the international emissions reduction effort. We take a closer look below as Matthias is awarded with the esteemed title of Carbon Capture and Storage CEO of the Year 2025 by us at CEO Monthly. CO2CRC is Australia’s leading carbon capture, utilisation and storage research organisation with over 20 years of experience reliably capturing, storing and monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2). “The world’s pathway to meeting ambitious emissions reduction targets gets more challenging with every week that passes, and as the cost of energy uncertainty rises by the day,” Matthias says. “It is becoming increasingly obvious that carbon capture and storage must be part of any near-term net zero solution. In fact, it can’t be rolled out soon enough if energy security is not compromised in the drive to bring emissions down.” Matthias joined CO2CRC in 2011 and has led the organisation since 2021. As the Chief Executive Officer of CO2CRC, the Managing Director of professional services firm CO2Tech, a director of the Hydrogen Society of Australia, and a board member of the IEA’s Greenhouse Gas Program (IEAGHG), Matthias serves on four different boards in Australia and overseas. It’s a long way from backpacking in Bolivia to running one of the world’s leading emissions reduction research and development organisations. Along the way, Matthias collected multiple black belts in Korean martial arts (Taekwondo and Hapkido), competed internationally for Germany in Taekwondo, founded a German International School in Melbourne, ran marathons and raised his children as a single dad at the peak of his career. With a strong focus on education and achievement, Matthias truly worked his way up. He worked as a geologist in remote parts of Namibia, studied for his PhD in the world-renowned thermochronology labs at the University of Melbourne and drove taxis to pay the rent. His studies and work experience have given Matthias a deep knowledge of chemistry and geology that have become essential to understanding the CCUS value chain, and setting him CEO of the Year profile: Dr Matthias Raab, CO2CRC
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 13 CEO MONTHLY / DECEMBER 2025 15 up to lead one of the world’s best CCS research groups. Matthias’ high-level contribution to CO2CRC over the past 14 years and his leadership as CEO of CO2CRC for the past four years has had a major global impact, with CO2CRC being recognised as a world-leading collaborative platform for carbon capture and storage (CCS) research and technology validation. Under his stewardship, CO2CRC has consistently delivered scientific rigour, commercial and international relevance in its work. CO2CRC also instigated and manages an important storage research facility, the Otway International Test Centre in western Victoria, which has injected some 100,000 tonnes of CO2 since 2008 and produced scientifically leading results with very many papers published in international journals. Under Matthias’ leadership, the success of this unique international facility and its enduring industry-research collaboration has gone from strength to strength, including continuing operating during the COVID lockdown using remote monitoring techniques. With a doctorate in Maths and Sciences from Germany’s Georg-August University of Göttingen, Matthias came to CO2CRC from GeoScience Victoria where he was responsible for managing geological carbon storage initiatives and exploration program operations in the Gippsland Basin in state’s southeast. He had earlier worked with consulting firm SRK and held various posts in Germany and Australia, which included building and documenting the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. As a dedicated leader in the geoscience, energy, and resource sectors, Matthias is deeply committed to advancing Australia’s scientific capabilities and contributing to a sustainable future. “In my 30 years of international experience spanning academia, government, and industry, I have had the privilege of leading transformative projects that address complex challenges in energy transition, and resource management. “Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy, collaborating with global leaders, governments, and industry experts to deliver impactful outcomes.” Driven by a deep passion for science and a commitment to Australia’s future, Matthias is focused on addressing national resources, climate, and innovation priorities through scientific excellence and collaboration. The internationally acclaimed Otway International Test Centre is one of the world’s foremost CCUS research and demonstration facilities and directs significant national research investments in carbon management technologies. It is playing an increasingly significant role in the development and demonstration of new emissions reduction technologies. CO2CRC is proposing a 10-year action plan, the Future Program, to address the nation’s needs to store carbon dioxide irrespective of origin or industry. “CO2CRC is preparing to play our part in the increasingly urgent carbon abatement effort with a future works program over the next 10 years that will augment Australia’s ambition to roll out CCS across many more sectors and provide the necessary technology developments to equip the industry with the next generation of technologies it needs,” Matthias says. “We have aligned twelve of Australia’s preeminent research organisations behind our leadership to drive Australia’s largest, and most needed, CCS research, development, and demonstration program.” Under Matthias’ leadership, CO2CRC has forged successful partnerships with leading academic institutions like the University of Melbourne, Stanford University and Curtin University; the Australian Federal Government, international science leaders such as Korea’s geoscience institute KIGAM and Japan’s Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE); and energy industry majors including Chevron, BHP, BP, and ExxonMobil. “Across my career, I have learned that persistence, confidence and endurance are essential, not just in science, but in leadership,” Matthias says. “CCS is a long-game discipline, like running a marathon. It demands high-quality work, scientific integrity, and the determination to keep advancing even when the pathway is complex.” Matthias prides himself on building and empowering high-performing teams drawn from many nations and disciplines, reflecting the global nature of CCS. “I believe in hiring the best people, scientists, engineers, technologists, and strategists from around the world, and giving them the room to excel. CO2CRC’s success is their success. Their commitment, creativity, and integrity are what make our work world-class.” CCS is now established as an essential part of several flagship policy platforms of the Australian Government: the Safeguard Mechanism for emissions reduction, as well as the Future Made in Australia and Future Gas Strategy initiatives. CO2CRC’s future works program is a vital missing link to create pilot-scale demonstrations that ensure we can make operating CCS projects more cost-effective and compliant with regulations – while enabling Australia to retain global leadership on innovation in emissions reduction technology. “Our demonstration and pilot projects are done in Australia, but the impact is global,” Matthias says. “CCS matters, and I am privileged to work alongside some of the finest scientists in our global research community, all driven by the shared belief that we can deliver the deep emissions cuts the world urgently needs.” Cost reduction, operational efficiency and maintaining public confidence are prime among the challenges CCS must meet, and while technology is more needed than ever, Matthias is campaigning to restore support for CCS to the historic highs it enjoyed over ten years ago. “Industry and government must work together to meet all these challenges or Australia will lose its leadership role in this vital technology.” “CO2CRC’s future works program is a vital missing link to create pilot-scale demonstrations that ensure we can make operating CCS projects more costeffective and compliant with regulations – while enabling Australia to retain global leadership on innovation in emissions reduction technology.” Matthias says the role of CO2CRC’s research and development work, and the demonstration capacity of its Otway International Test Centre, places the organisation at the forefront of Australia’s emissions reduction efforts. “To reach net zero, we have to deploy all existing technologies and acknowledge that we will still need technologies that may not even been invented yet. As Australia’s innovation powerhouse, CO2CRC has a critical role in turning this around, and I am proud to be leading it.” “If we succeed in doing this, CO2CRC will have played a meaningful role in supporting a meaningful Australian energy agenda with global impact.” Contact: Matthias Raab Company: CO2CRC Limited Website: https://co2crc.com.au/
CEO MONTHLY / CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025 14 CEO MONTHLY / NOVEMBER 2025 15 Graham Royle: Injecting Entrepreneurial Excellence into Innovative Industries Specialising in the development, manufacture, and distribution of chemical intermediates and personal care products, GRI Group offers a comprehensive range of services to an array of clientele. Through strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and manufacturing capabilities, the company has established itself as a global player in the fields of chemical intermediates and personal care. This mission has been led by CEO and Founder Graham Royle, whose dedication and expertise has contributed significantly to GRI Group’s international advancement. We took a closer look at the group and its outstanding offerings below, following Graham’s recent recognition in the CEO of the Year Awards 2025. Situated in Sheffield, GRI Group is a manufacturer, distributor, and brand owner supplying customers from around the world. The company caters to a variety of sectors – including personal care, household care, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications – through its three associate companies: Libra Specialty Chemicals, for chemical manufacturing and distribution; Expac, for formulation, contract manufacturing, and packing; and I Love Cosmetics, for brands management and product creation. With comprehensive market intelligence, exceptional manufacturing capabilities, and extensive technical expertise, GRI Group stands out for offering a one-stop-shop to its clientele. Its operations are split into three key areas, comprising the development, manufacture, and distribution of chemical intermediates for personal care, household care, and industrial applications; the design, development, formulation, manufacturing, and contract packing of personal care, toiletries, and cosmetic products; and the brand ownership, marketing and global distribution of personal care, toiletries, and cosmetics products. Across its operations, GRI Group maintains its foundational core values of technical and operational innovation, boldness within the acquisition and investment market, and commitment to forging long-lasting relationships with both its clientele and the global supply chain. At its core, the group is driven by a “cando” approach, which enables the team to identify and secure myriad opportunities for its clientele – delivering innovative products and processes whilst ensuring a meticulous attention to sustainability, environmental control, and biodegradability. Leading the charge in this mission is Graham Royle, Owner, Chairman, and CEO of the successfully growing group of companies. A serial entrepreneur and successful strategist, Graham has successfully served as the innovator behind GRI Group since its inception. He blends creative vision and initiative to maximise business performance and growth, continually working toward his ultimate mission of creating ever-increasing shareholder value through the very bestin-class products and superior services. Graham founded GRI Group in 2001, implementing his unique vision to cultivate a vertically integrated group of companies that serve a wide range of sectors and clientele. Before GRI Group’s creation, Graham spent 17 years working within large PLCs. He refined his expertise across a variety of operational functions, acting as a Functional Director for four years and both a Managing Director and Chief Executive across various companies for a decade. Now, Graham steers GRI Group with an expert hand, guiding his team towards continued success and remaining an ever-present presence at the heart of the business. As CEO of GRI Group, Graham has led the team from strength to strength, effectively positioning the company as a global leader in its chosen markets. Graham’s leadership style is one rooted in participation and teamwork, encouraging the devolution of authority to ensure that the greater team can made decisions, deliver on those decisions, and reap the benefits and pride that comes with being allowed autonomy in their roles. He strongly believes that each member of the team possesses their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and that developing and supporting their weaknesses with additional training, tools, and peer support is instrumental in building a strong and successful team. Through this expert approach to leadership, Graham has created a legendary culture of service standards, setting GRI Group head and shoulders above other entities in the market. His drive has instilled endless enthusiasm and energy within his team, motivating each member to operate in alignment with the long-term vision of creating ever-greater success – for both GRI Group and its clientele. It is for this drive, responsible for the continual growth and divestment of multiple companies within the group, has earned Graham Royle recognition as the UK’s Chemical Products Manufacturing CEO of the Year 2025. Company: GRI Group Limited Web Address: www.grigroup.co.uk
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