The founder and chief executive of Zeus Packaging has been named the International and overall 2021 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.
Brian O'Sullivan established Zeus in 1998, and it is now one of the largest privately-owned packaging companies in Europe.
He has led the significant growth of the company from its headquarters in Ireland to many other markets worldwide.
This has been fuelled by organic growth and strategic acquisitions, and the firm now employs more than 670 people with a turnover of over €300m.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards was held as a mainly virtual event, and was attended by a virtual audience of more than 2,000 people.
Other winners at the event were:
- David Henderson, managing director of Tobermore, who was named the 2021 EOY Industry Entrepreneur of the Year
- Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of Sculpted By Aimee, who was named the 2021 EOY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Roger Wallace, partner lead at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, says: "I am delighted to officially celebrate the world-class group of entrepreneurs in this year's programme, each of whom have demonstrated incredible perseverance, flexibility and adaptability, allowing them to thrive throughout a period of extended disruption and change.
"Despite the hurdles that 2021 has brought, our finalists have proved that entrepreneurs on the island of Ireland continue to innovate and compete at a world class level and we hope that their stories provide inspiration for new and established businesses alike."
Anne Heraty, chairperson of the judging panel, adds: "This year’s finalists demonstrate that the island of Ireland is populated by some of the smartest and most innovative entrepreneurs there are.
"Each of our winners has displayed a potent combination of vision, innovation and determination that has been crucial to their success.
"We look forward to following their undoubted continuing success and I am delighted to warmly welcome them into the EOY Alumni community."
While former President Mary Robinson received a Special Award for making a significant contribution to life on the island of Ireland.
Mrs Robinson, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is leading a global campaign to tackle the climate crisis.
