The Royal Opera House set the stage for a night of celebration as Veuve Clicquot hosted the 53rd edition of its Bold Woman Awards. The event recognised two outstanding women who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit in their respective fields.
Dame Julia Hoggett Recognised for Leadership in Finance
Dame Julia Hoggett DBE, CEO of London Stock Exchange plc and Head of Digital and Securities Markets at LSEG, was named the 2025 recipient of the Bold Woman Award. This prestigious accolade, the longest-running international award dedicated to women in business, honours those with a proven track record of professional excellence and influence.
Hoggett was recognised for her significant contributions to the financial sector. As the leader of one of Europe’s largest exchanges and the UK’s Capital Markets Industry Taskforce, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of British finance. Her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the industry further reflect her bold approach to leadership and her commitment to driving systemic change.
Joining an esteemed list of past recipients, Hoggett exemplifies the values upon which the award was founded — determination, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset. The judging panel, composed of leading voices from business and technology, selected her for her consistent impact and ability to lead with both strength and inclusivity.
Insiya Jafferjee Wins Bold Future Award for Sustainable Innovation
The Bold Future Award, which highlights rising female entrepreneurs leading businesses less than five years old, was awarded to Insiya Jafferjee, co-founder and CEO of Shellworks. Her company is pioneering sustainable packaging solutions, with the goal of eliminating plastic waste through innovative, compostable alternatives. Shellworks has already replaced over 40 tonnes of plastic and more than 1.2 million conventional packaging units. Under Jafferjee’s leadership, the company is scaling rapidly, with revenue projected to grow from £1 million in the previous year to £4.5 million in 2025.
Jafferjee’s recognition reflects her success in navigating the challenges of building a sustainability-driven business at speed. Her determination to challenge assumptions and prove what’s possible in a traditionally sceptical market has positioned Shellworks as a leader in environmental innovation.
The judging panel, which included industry leaders such as Sharmadean Reid, Bridget Lea, Izzy Obeng and Pip Jamieson, praised both winners for demonstrating exceptional boldness and impact in their work. Each candidate was evaluated not only on their business performance but also on their broader contribution to society and the visibility they bring to women in leadership.
The awards also celebrated a strong cohort of finalists. Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and Vivien Wong, co-founder of Little Moons, were shortlisted for the Bold Woman Award. In the Bold Future category, Ayesha Ofori of Propelle and Nina Mohanty of Bloom Money were among those recognised for their promising ventures and bold entrepreneurial outlooks.
The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Awards continue to honour the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who in 1805 became one of the first women to lead a global business. Her fearless approach to innovation laid the foundation for these awards, which aim to spotlight women who push boundaries and redefine success on their own terms.
Through initiatives like the Bold by Veuve Clicquot programme and the Bold Open Data Base — a global platform designed to improve visibility for women entrepreneurs — the House remains committed to creating lasting impact. The 2025 awards reaffirm that boldness in leadership, vision, and innovation continues to shape the future of business.