Search starts looking for the next bold woman as Veuve Clicquot opens 2026 award nominations
With Veuve Clicquot nomination for the 2026 Bold Woman Award, this search is being offered to the next generation of groundbreaking female leaders in the UK.
Now in its 54th year, the award is the longest international award in its class, inspired by Mrs. Cricott, one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs. In 1805, now 27, she took over her husband’s Champagne House, when women were excluded from most majors, turning them into one of the world’s most iconic brands.
This legacy continues to shape the bold Women’s Award, which recognizes, like Mrs. Crecott, “reshape traditions, dare to innovate, champion women’s leadership, and uphold the highest ethical standards”.
Two categories of recognition
The 2026 awards include two categories:
•Bold Women’s Award, open to women who hold senior leadership positions in private, charitable and nonprofit organizations.
•Bold Future Awards, celebrating the founding of female founders less than five years ago.
Nominees in both categories must demonstrate clear evidence of positive social, moral or environmental impacts and their business achievements.
London Stock Exchange CEO Julia Hoggett DBE’s 2025 Bold Women Award was presented to her leadership in financial services and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. The Bold Future Award was awarded to ShellWorks co-founder Insiya Jafferjee, who is known for developing the world’s first sustainable packaging material.
Past winners include Professor Sarah Gilbert, who leads the development of the Covid-19 vaccine at Oxford University, and Anne Pitcher, former CEO of Selfridges.
Veuve Clicquot CEO Jean-Marc Gallot said the award continues to focus on extraordinary women who showcase Mrs. Clicquot’s fearless spirit:
“Every year, the talent and enthusiasm of candidates blow us up. We are looking for inspiring women who dare to break the glass ceiling, so if you or someone you know captures that spirit, submit your nomination today.”
Judge and WB CEO Fiona Hathorn added: “The history has been too long and almost entirely thanks to men. The Bold Women’s Award celebrates the brave women making money in business while inspiring the next generation.”
The deadline for entries is September 26, 2025, and the winners revealed at a ceremony in London in 2026. Nominations can be submitted at Boldopendatabase.com/en/bold-woman-award.
Winners will also appear in a bold open database, the world’s first global open platform to showcase female entrepreneurs and leaders, aiming to provide investors, journalists and policy makers with visibility of female founders and valuable data.
