The 2025 list has officially been announced, and it shines a well-deserved spotlight on the top 100 business development professionals whose impact, innovation, and tenacity set them apart in an increasingly competitive environment.
The BD100 is more than just a list – it’s a celebration of the individuals and teams redefining what it means to succeed in business development. These are the people who go above and beyond their roles, transforming not only the fortunes of their agencies but also raising the bar across the entire industry.
As Mark Clark, CEO of jfdi, aptly puts it: “New business is the lifeblood of every agency. Taking on this role is not for everyone, as you must find your own way. Beyond the basic do’s and don’ts, it’s just you. This is never more evident than when judging the BD100 submissions. An extraordinary range of individual stories, each one as different as the person who created them. And the BD100 is a celebration of them every year.”
Click here to see the list, as published on The Drum – The BD100 2025.
A Standout Year for Talent
The quality of nominations this year was higher than ever, making the selection process incredibly challenging. Yet, this only underscores the depth of talent and innovation that exists in the business development space today.
“The role of business development has evolved significantly in recent years, and the pressure on professionals to meet ever-increasing new business targets is higher than ever,” said Jody Osman, Co-Founder of The BD100. “What we’re seeing now are business developers who are reinventing the role – not just meeting these targets, but delivering sustained success for their agencies.”
Richard McHardy, fellow Co-Founder, echoed this sentiment: “It’s inspiring to see how business developers are embracing new challenges and pushing the boundaries of success. From securing new business wins to leading teams to extraordinary achievements, The BD100 winners represent the very best of the profession.”
The BD100 Awards Event: A Night of Celebration and Inspiration
We now turn our attention to The BD100 Awards Event, which takes place at The Drum Labs in London on 21st May 2025. This highly anticipated evening will bring together the brightest minds in business development for a night of networking, celebration, and inspiration. Including:
Keynote Address from Victoria Gosling OBE
This year’s keynote speaker is Victoria Gosling OBE, an accomplished leader whose career spans the military and sports sectors. As the former CEO of the Invictus Games 2016 and current Chair of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, Gosling brings unparalleled insight into leadership under pressure. Currently serving as CEO of GB Snowsport, she is on a mission to elevate Britain into the top 5 Winter Sports nations by 2030. Victoria’s keynote, will explore how to overcome obstacles and thrive in challenging environments, which is likely to resonate well for all those in business development roles.
“Developing a Winning Mindset”
A panel discussion with three past BD100 winners who will share their personal journeys and lessons learned along the way. These stories highlight not only the unique paths taken by business developers but also the creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking required to succeed in this demanding field. Featuring:
Lizzie Clayton, Head of New Business & Marketing, Fold7
Business Developer of The Year 2024
Tracey Barber, CMO, RAPP
Business Developer of The Year 2021
Daniel Marriott, Director of Business Development, Creative Artists Agency
Rising Star Winner 2024
Moderated by Richard McHardy, Co-Founder of The BD100
Celebrating Excellence: Award Categories for 2025
The evening will also spotlight excellence across a variety of categories, each sponsored by a leading organisation in the industry:
Business Developer of the Year – Sponsored by DNA Recruit
Rising Star 2025 – Sponsored by jfdi
New Business Win of the Year – Sponsored by ALF Insight
BD Team of the Year – Sponsored by Waldo
Industry Impact Award – Sponsored by Propeller Group
DNA Recruit will once again be sponsoring the Business Developer of the Year award. Their CEO, Ali Wallace, shares why: ““Every year, the BD100 gets tougher to make. It’s incredible to see just how much talent is out there and raising the bar across the industry. The level of ambition and energy people are bringing to business development is seriously impressive. It’s a real boost for the industry as a whole and I can’t wait to celebrate the BD100, and the individual award winners, at the awards ceremony.”
The BD100 Class of 2025 is a powerful reminder of the passion, innovation, and resilience that define the business development profession today. In a year marked by fierce competition and exceptional talent, the final list showcases those who have not only exceeded expectations but redefined what success looks like in this evolving role. From individual triumphs to team-wide transformations, these professionals are driving real impact across the industry. We look forward to celebrating together at The BD100 awards event on Wednesday 21st May, see you there!