#United States #Chicago #corporate finance #Controllers Council #Controller of the Year

2025 Controller of the Year Awards - Winners Announced

On January 29, 2026, the highly anticipated winners of the 2025 Controller of the Year Awards were unveiled following a meticulous selection process that commenced in October 2025. This prestigious initiative, organized annually by the Controllers Council, aims to honor excellence in corporate finance by recognizing controllers and associated professionals who excel in their roles.

The awards celebrate individuals with significant responsibilities in corporate finance, including titles such as VPs, CFOs, and Chief Accounting Officers. Eligible candidates could submit their entries through a succinct online nomination that gathered confidential insights into their financial performance in 2025, professional history, community involvement, and educational qualifications.

To ensure fairness, all nominations underwent a rigorous screening process utilizing an algorithm, followed by a thorough evaluation conducted by the Controllers Council Board Advisors. The awards encompassed multiple categories based on organizational size and classification, resulting in a comprehensive recognition of talent and leadership within the sector.

Notable Winners and Achievements

The following awards were presented:

• - National Controller of the Year: Renee Jewell, Airbnb - Recognized for her outstanding contributions and leadership.
• - Enterprise/Public Winner: Jagdeep Saini, Ingredion Inc. - Acknowledged for his financial acumen.
• - Enterprise/Private Winner: Kathy Laux, ShipBob - Celebrated for her role as VP, Global Controller.
• - Medium/Private Winner: Shannon Cross, Altair Global - Honored as VP, Corporate Controller.
• - Small/Private Winner: Clinton Laechlin, Fayez Sarofim & Co. - Recognized for his achievements as VP Finance.
• - Start-Up/Private Winner: Nwokedi Mbanugo, TailScale - Recognized for innovation and efficiency in financial oversight.

In addition, several runners-up were acknowledged for their commendable efforts, including Yelena Popova, Ghemma Winkworth, Kelly Sharpin Hill, and many more across various categories. These individuals exemplified the industry’s dedication to excellence and ethical financial practices.

Neil Brown, the Executive Director of the Controllers Council, highlighted the importance of corporate finance executives, stating, "Controllers and finance professionals demonstrated immense significance in 2025, and the Controller of the Year Awards bring much-deserved recognition to these dedicated individuals."

Each award recipient will receive a certified certificate of achievement, with the National Controller of the Year receiving a coveted gold-plated statuette crafted by the same artisans responsible for the prestigious Oscar® Awards.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the Controllers Council is poised to begin applications for the 2026 Controller of the Year Awards in October 2026. This offers the wider community of controllers an opportunity to showcase their talents and achievements.

A Commitment to the Future

The Controllers Council stands as a significant community and resource platform for professionals in finance and accounting. With over 100,000 members, it aims to foster career development through continuing education, research initiatives, and various recognition programs. These awards exemplify the organization’s mission to enhance professional standards in the finance industry.

For further details about the Controllers Council and its programs, visit www.ControllersCouncil.org or reach out to Executive Director Neil Brown at 630-710-4710.

The annual celebration of excellence in finance continues to inspire future generations of controllers and finance professionals, setting the stage for innovative practices and ethical standards within the industry.