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The 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring Visionary Leaders

On August 26, 2026, The Conference Board announced the lineup for its 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards, an annual program that celebrates exceptional business leaders who are making significant contributions to society. This year’s event promises to spotlight a remarkable group of honorees, reflecting a sincere commitment to fostering equal opportunities and promoting just public policies.

The awards ceremony is set to take place in New York City on October 21, 2026. The event will gather influential leaders from various sectors to acknowledge those whose impact transcends organizational boundaries, thus reinforcing the importance of collaboration and peer recognition within the business community.

David K. Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, remarked, “As discussions around business roles in society intensify, this year’s honorees exemplify effective leadership paired with purpose and performance. They illustrate how sustainable economic growth is inextricably linked to the creation of broader opportunities for all.”

Honorees and Introducers

The 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards will honor several highly respected executives, each introduced by prominent leaders who have made notable impacts in their respective fields. Here is a glimpse of the awardees:

• - Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO, will be introduced by Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America.
• - Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, will be introduced by Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group.
• - Kathleen M. Mazzarella, Chairman, President, and CEO of Graybar, will be introduced by Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex.
• - Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, will receive her accolade with an introduction from Peter Arduini, CEO of GE HealthCare.
• - George Kurian, CEO of NetApp, will be acknowledged by Kathleen M. Mazzarella.
• - Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank, will be introduced by Jeff Yabuki, Chairman and Founding Partner of Motive Partners.

The Significance of the Awards

The Distinguished Leadership Awards are more than just accolades; they represent a recognition of leaders who embody corporate social responsibility and strive to implement practices that benefit society at large. The inclusion of esteemed introducers for the honorees highlights the collaborative nature of leadership and the shared commitment to enhancing societal well-being.

With each passing year, these awards gain significance as they underline the essential role of principled leadership in navigating the complexities of modern business environments. Amid ongoing societal changes and challenges, the importance of leaders who prioritize the collective good alongside business performance cannot be overstated.

The Conference Board, established in 1916 as a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, serves as a vital think tank, providing insights and guidance on key business issues. The CEO Center, a prominent part of the organization, has played a significant role in bridging the gap between corporate performance and social responsibility, helping to shape a future where business thrives alongside community well-being.

This year’s event is expected to attract attention not just for its honorees but for the progressive conversations sparked by the leaders who gather to celebrate and learn from one another.

As we approach the date, anticipation builds not only for the accolades themselves but for the dialogues and initiatives that will emerge from linking the realms of business leadership and societal impact.