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The 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring Visionary CEOs

On October 21, 2026, the CEO Center of The Conference Board will host its annual Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration in New York City, recognizing six remarkable business leaders for their exceptional contributions during turbulent times. For over three decades, these awards have celebrated executives who exemplify the goals of the CEO Center by showcasing strong corporate responsibility and their commitment to advancing public policies that benefit the greater good.

This year's event, co-chaired by Jay Chaudhry, the CEO and Founder of Zscaler, alongside Jenny Johnson, the CEO of Franklin Templeton, will shine a light on leaders who have not only guided their organizations successfully but have also been instrumental in fostering equitable opportunities and a more just society. These honorees have risen to meet the challenges posed by economic uncertainty and globalization, often advancing principles that underpin a rules-based international order.

David K. Young, the President of The CEO Center, emphasized the significance of recognizing strong leadership in today's environment. 'Business leaders are faced with unprecedented challenges—from the rapid pace of technological advancements to economic and geopolitical uncertainties,' he stated. 'This year's honorees demonstrate that effective leadership transcends business metrics. Through their innovative strategies, integrity, and community engagement, they contribute to a resilient economy and a brighter future for our country.'

Honorees of the 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards

The recipients of this year's accolades include:

1. Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO: Introduced by Brian Moynihan, the Chair of the Board and CEO of Bank of America.
2. Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis: Introduced by Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group.
3. Kathleen M. Mazzarella, Chairman, President, and CEO of Graybar: Introduced by Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex.
4. George Kurian, CEO of NetApp: Introduced by Kathleen M. Mazzarella.
5. Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies: Introduced by Peter Arduini, President and CEO of GE HealthCare.
6. Vince Delie, Chairman, President, and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank: Introduced by Jeff Yabuki, Chairman and Founding Partner of Motive Partners.

These leaders embody the spirit of resilience and adaptability, which are essential traits for navigating today's unpredictable business landscape. The Conference Board is proud to honor these individuals who not only lead their organizations but also uplift their communities and contribute to the collective prosperity of the nation.

The CEO Center: A Catalyst for Progress

The CEO Center, originally founded in 1942 as the Committee for Economic Development, serves as the public policy hub of The Conference Board. Its members include chief executives and prominent figures from various industries, who collectively represent over five million employees and annual revenues exceeding $2 trillion. This nonprofit, nonpartisan center strives to promote policy recommendations that are business-informed, aiming to foster the U.S. economy and bolster the long-term well-being of the nation.

For more information about the CEO Center and its initiatives, visit TCB.org/CEO-Center.

With a commitment to supporting and recognizing excellence in leadership, the Distinguished Leadership Awards continue to be a significant event that inspires current and future leaders to rise to the occasion and drive meaningful change.