Business Person of the Year Award for Mayo's Harry Hughes

MAYO businessman Harry Hughes has received a top award.

The CEO of Portwest, based in Westport, was named Business Person of the Year at the 50th annual Business & Finance Awards 2024, in association with KPMG.

The awards celebrated a half-century of recognising excellence in Irish business and leadership at a prestigious black-tie event at the Convention Centre Dublin.

With over 1,000 business, political and social leaders in attendance, this year’s ceremony highlighted extraordinary achievements across the corporate landscape while also honouring individuals who have made profound contributions to Ireland and the world.

Ian Hyland, president and publisher of Business & Finance, said all the winners exemplified innovation, resilience, and the power of leadership, and were an inspiration to all.

Over five decades, the programme has celebrated some of the world’s most influential leaders, including President Bill Clinton, Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan, Sir Bob Geldof, Gabriel Byrne, Ursula von der Leyen and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

As Ireland continues to thrive as a global hub for business, the awards provide a platform to reflect on the successes of the past while setting a vision for the future.