Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director of London’s leading waste management company, O’Donovan Waste Disposal, has won the prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) Family Business Director of the Year award.

At a glittering ceremony held at the IoD’s headquarters on Pall Mall, Jacqueline O’Donovan was recognised by the judges of the IoD’s London and South East Director of the Year Awards for being a leader in her field and setting the benchmark in terms of best practice across both logistics and waste operations. 

The panel of judges for the London and South East Director of the Year Awards was impressed with the improvements that Jacqueline has implemented and the milestones she has achieved for innovation, leadership and sustainability.

Jacqueline O’Donovan commented: “I’m so honoured to have been recognised as Family Business Director of the Year by the IoD. It’s one of the most prestigious accolades to achieve at a personal level in business, and I’m thrilled that my commitment and passion for improving standards, safety and training has not only filtered across our team but the industry as a whole.”

O’Donovan Waste Disposal is a leading waste management company, focused on handling the construction and demolition waste produced across London and the South East. Established in 1959 by her late father Joe, Jacqueline joined the family business at the age of 17 along with her three siblings and, with a natural flair for leadership, took the MD role at the tender age of 19.  

She has grown the business to turn over more than £14m a year and been recognised as an exemplar for best practice by Transport for London and Mayor Boris Johnson. 

Following this award win, Jacqueline will now represent the London and South East region at the national ceremony later in the year.