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Serial entrepreneur Louise Grubb, founder and CEO of the game-changing companion animal diagnosis and treatment business TriviumVet, was awarded the overall title of Businesswoman of the Year at the 15th IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards, held at a glamorous black tie event at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.

Louise Grubb is an exceptional leader and contributor to innovation in global companion animal health. Her skill is in identifying cutting-edge research and technologies and then developing those technologies into products for the animal health and pharmaceutical industries. TriviumVet is a culmination of Louise’s passion for animals and R&D, bridging the treatment gaps for companion animal care. The business has a range of blockbuster* veterinary products (*defined as over $100m dollars per annum in revenue) in development, including treatments for illnesses in cardiology, pain management, renal diseases, gastroenterology and wellness testing.

Before TriviumVet, Louise has had several entrepreneurial successes founding, launching and exiting animal health companies and technologies. Her first business was veterinary nutraceutical company NutriScience, which she operated from her native Co Waterford from start-up into a manufacturing business exporting to 15 countries globally and employing over 200 people. Louise sold NutriScience in 2016 to Swedencare. In 2013, Louise founded another business, Q1 Scientific, a pharmaceutical stability storage company for the life sciences industry (both human and veterinary) which was the designated storage solution provider for Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccine stocks. This business was acquired by US firm Cambrex in June 2022.

The IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mary Robinson, whose illustrious career is a compendium of impressive roles and positions. Most recognised as the first woman President of Ireland, and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Robinson is currently Chair of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. Previous to her roles in leadership and advocacy, Mary Robinson served as the 24th, and first female, chancellor of the University of Dublin. She represented the University in the Seanad for over 20 years and held the Reid Chair in Law.

Mrs Robinson is the eighth Irish woman to receive the IMAGE Lifetime Achievement Award and joins a stellar group, including Breege O’Donoghue, Company Director, Penneys/Primark; Voxpro Co-founder Linda Kiely; former editor of the Sunday Independent (and IMAGE Magazine) Anne Harris; and former Global President of Mars Food, Multisales and Global Customers, Fiona Dawson CBE.

At the 2023 IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards, women from the broadest possible spectrum of business were acknowledged in categories including Start-up, Young Businesswoman, CEO, Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneur, Management Professional, Sustainability Champion, Digital & Technology, and Creative. New for 2023 were awards for Family Businesswoman of the Year, and Diversity & Inclusion Businesswoman of the Year.

Clodagh Edwards, CEO, IMAGE Media says, “It’s incredible to think that a full generation of Irish businesswomen have been celebrated since our first awards in 2007. In that time, women have become more visible in every area of life, but it’s particularly rewarding to see more female faces at C-suite level, in the boardroom, and entrepreneurs who go on to become global players. I’m proud to say we’ve recognised so many of these women over the years, and 2023’s shortlistees, runners-up and winners are another group of outstanding individuals who show just what can be achieved through the right blend of passion, dedication and business acumen. Congratulations to all, and I’m delighted IMAGE can support and amplify your successes.”

Doone O’Doherty, People and Organisation Tax Partner at PwC says, “Congratulations to the very deserving award-winners and all the outstanding nominees for this year’s IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of women in business and act as a timely reminder of the benefits of fostering inclusivity, embracing diversity and championing equity. We know that businesses who embrace diversity perform better across a range of metrics, and it remains our collective responsibility to create an environment where everyone can thrive and realise their full potential. If we work together to achieve this, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.”

The eleven category winners for 2023 are:

Start-up of the Year: Fiona Parfrey, Lauren Duggan and Áine Kilkenny, Co-founders, Riley

Young Businesswoman of the Year (Under 35): Onagh Chira, CEO, Platinum Hair Extensions

Digital & Technology Businesswoman of the Year: Zara Flynn, Managing Director, Accenture Song

Creative Businesswoman of the Year: Nell Roddy, Co-founder, Break Out Pictures

Sustainability Champion of the Year: Ailbhe Gerrard, Founder, Field Exchange Ltd

Management Professional of the Year: Caroline Sherry, CFO and Executive Director, Hostelworld Group Plc

Social Entrepreneur of the Year: Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown

Family Businesswoman of the Year: Aisling Ryan, CEO, Ryans Cleaning

Diversity & Inclusion Businesswoman of the Year: Amanda Adé, Creative Director, Black and Irish

CEO of the Year: Karen Clince, Founder and CEO, Tigers Childcare

Entrepreneur of the Year: Suzanne Jackson, Director and Founder, SanFran Cosmetics and Cohar Ltd

Now in its 15th year, the award ceremony recognises the outstanding contribution Irish women make to business and modern life.