BPO Leader of the Year Awards 2026

In conjunction with BPO Exchange 2026, Matchboard is proud to launch the inaugural BPO Leader of the Year Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate the excellence of individual executives, while turning the spotlight on the most successful BPO/technology partnership in the industry.

Why apply

Whether you’re a leader at a small or large BPO, this awards program provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate your success, and broadcast your achievements to our esteemed judging panel of BPO buyers and consultants.

Award winners will receive extensive recognition, including a presentation at the BPO Exchange event (on Oct.8 in Sydney), exposure on LinkedIn, a feature in Matchboard’s November newsletter, and a digital award logo which can be used in email signatures. A logo will also be made available to the runner-up in each category.

Award Categories

There are three categories in this, our first year, however expect new categories to be announced next year.

BPO Business Leader of the Year – CEOs, Managing Directors, Executive Directors/Vice Presidents, Country Managers
BPO Growth Leader of the Year – Chief Growth Officers, Heads of Sales / Marketing, Country Leaders
BPO and Technology Vendor Partnership of the Year – this is a joint submission from two leaders, each representing a BPO and a Technology Vendor, whose partnership has made a significant impact on the market.

Key Dates

Applications open: June 30
Applications close: August 31, 5pm
Winners announced at BPO Exchange: October 8

Judging Panel

We have selected an independent judging panel of business and marketing leaders, with significant collective experience working either for or with BPOs.

Amanda Quinn
Angelo Azar
Ayelet Mendel-Girin
Beth Parkin
James Johnstone
Margot Birbeck
Michael Clark
Sharon Melamed
More judges to be confirmed.

Application Process

The process to apply should take less than an hour. You/your company can apply for more than one category.

Email a WORD document of no more than 400 words in length, answering the below application questions, to sharon@matchboard.com.au. A single page supporting document may be attached, but this is optional. Acceptable attachments must be 10MB or less and may include: an infographic, diagram, dashboard, case study, media coverage or testimonials.

Include the nominee’s name, title, company, email and phone number at the top of your application (this does not count towards the 400 words). In the case of the BPO/Technology Vendor Partnership category, two sets of contact details must be supplied.

Your application will be shared only with the Judging Panel and not publicly. Please do not contact the judging panel about your application.

Application Criteria

Important: no later than the closing deadline of August 31, either the nominee AND/OR another employee of the nominee’s company must register for BPO Exchange (on October 8 in Sydney), as the awards will be presented and photographed in person.
Nominees must be active in the Australian market, with at least one client in Australia.
We welcome applications from BPOs of all sizes in all markets, including traditional managed services outsourcing businesses and staff leasing (or co-sourcing) providers.

Application Questions

BPO Business Leader of the Year (CEOs, Managing Directors, Executive Directors, VPs, Country Managers)

What was the most significant business outcome you led during the past 12 months?
(e.g. revenue growth, profitability improvement, expansion, transformation, client acquisition, operational excellence, or people outcomes.)
What leadership actions did you personally take to achieve this outcome?
(Describe the strategy, decisions, challenges overcome, and your direct contribution.)
What measurable impact did this have on your organisation, employees, clients, or the wider BPO industry?
(Please include specific metrics where possible.)

BPO Growth Leader of the Year (Chief Growth Officers, Heads of Sales, Marketing and Business Development)

What growth objective or market opportunity did you pursue during the past 12 months?
(e.g. revenue growth, new client wins, market expansion, brand growth, new services, partnerships.)
What growth strategy or initiative did you lead, and what made it effective?
(Describe your approach, innovation, execution, and leadership.)
What measurable growth outcomes were achieved?
(e.g. revenue / pipeline growth, client acquisition, retention, market share, lead generation or new market expansion.)

BPO & Technology Vendor Partnership of the Year (joint submission from a BPO and technology vendor)

What business challenge or opportunity brought your organisations together?
(Briefly describe the client, market, operational, or transformation challenge or opportunity.)
How does your partnership work, and what makes it successful?
(Describe the collaboration, innovation, implementation approach, and roles played by both companies.)
What measurable impact has the partnership delivered?
(e.g. client outcomes, revenue growth, cost reduction, efficiency gains, customer experience improvements, industry innovation, or market impact.)

Become a sponsor

Expressions of interest are invited to sponsor and present individual award categories. For vendors and organisations targeting the BPO sector, this is an opportunity to: