This year saw the return of the Category Hero Awards, an incredible acknowledgement of a special group of individuals who deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to our industry.
We’re thrilled to be able to award Category Hero status to this elite group of individuals for their ability to move the goalposts, challenge and champion growth, and change the category for the better. Below we shine a spotlight on the 2022 Category Heroes.
Category Hero – Innovation
Kyle Daniels, Fetch Media
For endless new and innovative content, unending passion, drive and awe-inspiring creativity.
Will Attard, Warner Bros. Discovery
For always going the extra mile for innovative creative promotions with passion and dedication.
Category Hero – Content Protection
Trevor Albery, Warner Bros. Discovery
For two decades of fantastic efforts to tackle IP theft with hugely generous support across the industry.
Ruth Parkinson, The Walt Disney Company
For the extraordinarily generous sharing of her experience and expertise in the fight against film theft.
Roz Cochrane-Gough, NBCUniversal
For over 16 years of frontline dedication to tackling IP theft, supporting across the industry.
Joanna Betts, Corsearch
For always going above and beyond and being an incredibly knowledgeable, all-round “anti-piracy hero”.
Category Hero – Diversity & Inclusion
Leo Pearlman & Phoebe Arthur, Fulwell 73
For real commitment to social economic diversity within the company to ensure equal opportunities across regions.
Sania Haq, AudienceNet
For advisory on flourishing in diverse environments, fearlessness and giving voices to under-represented audiences.
Category Hero – Leadership
Sima Westley, Warner Bros. Discovery
For being bold and ambitious, especially with No Time To Die, demonstrating scale can still be achieved with physical releases.
Rudy Osorio, Rarewaves
For outstanding leadership of the people within the business and constantly advocating for his team.
Sarah Stanley, Spirit Entertainment
For providing the highest service to parties across the industry, as well as her professionalism, passion, and ability to brighten any room.
Category Hero – Operations
Adam Rothwell, ASDA
For diligence and hard work, ensuring launches are maximised and his using immense experience to iron out issues before they arise.
Ben Stoddart, British Film Institute
For always striving to deliver, going above and beyond, endless passion and contributing to achieving the highest gross returns since 2021.
Fiona Ball & Ted Hodgson, BBC Studios & Jo Harris, Spirit Entertainment
For the seamless and complex transition of BBC Studios Production and Supply Chain operations into Spirit Entertainment.
Rosie Burbidge, Sony Pictures
For over 13 years of exceptional work, always remaining calm in a crisis and being the ultimate problem solver.
Category Hero – Sustainability
Dee Davison, Deluxe
For the remarkable ability to recognise and drive the need for sustainable changes throughout the wider industry.
Ruth Parkinson, The Walt Disney Company
For championing sustainability within Disney and the industry, delivering long-term changes and driving awareness across the teams.
