Celebrating the BD100 2025 Winners: Champions of Growth

The BD100 2025 Awards brought together an unforgettable evening of energy, inspiration, and genuine admiration for the individuals and teams redefining what it means to drive business development forward. From seasoned leaders to emerging stars, this year’s winners exemplify purpose-led growth, commercial creativity, and unwavering tenacity.

Here’s our round-up of the incredible BD100 2025 winners:

Business Developer of the Year

Sponsored by DNA Recruit
Winner: Oya Mustafa, Director of Business Development, Recipe

Oya Mustafa wowed the judges with a combination of sharp commercial acumen and purpose-driven leadership.
“Oya has commercial acumen AND a clear sense of vision. They radiate passion and leadership, they are deeply purpose-driven with integrity-led decision-making.”

Reflecting on the award, Oya shared:

“This award meant more than I can say. As someone who grew up hustling, whose work has always been a part of their identity (sometimes too much), who sometimes wonders if they’ve just blagged it… this felt like a moment of real validation. I wish my mum, who broke every expectation to push me toward a career, could have seen it—but no doubt she enjoyed the evening from the best seats in the house. I know you’re proud angel. I miss you every minute I’m blessed to walk this earth.”

Highly Commended: Lucy Mart, PrettyGreen | B Corp

Rising Star

Sponsored by jfdi
Winner: Becky Hipkiss, New Business Director and Associate Board Director, We Are Futures

Becky impressed the judges with her tenacity, clarity of purpose, and evident impact.

“Becky blew the judges away with her purpose-driven mindset, tenacity, and clear success. One to watch!”

In her own words:

“Beyond grateful (and still a bit speechless). I’ve learnt so much over the last year at We Are Futures and I couldn’t have done this without the team cheerleading me through the highs and lows. Let’s face it—you’ve gotta be pretty tenacious to be a BD. But as I always say: manifest it, and have a whole lot of belief that the relentlessness will pay off. Eventually.”

Highly Commended: Chloe Martin, Paradise

New Business Win of the Year

Sponsored by ALF Insight
Winner: TMW

This year’s standout win came from TMW, whose submission impressed with its clarity, client validation, and strategic excellence.

“A beautifully crafted entry featuring strong client endorsements. The energy and insight of this submission reflects exactly why the agency was successful. Bravo!”

Business Development Team of the Year

Sponsored by WALDO
Winner: TMW

For the second year running, TMW stood out—this time as a collective force. The judges praised their collaboration and commercial clarity.

“What an inspiring team dynamic – this New Business team exemplifies what it means to build with intent and scale with soul. Their ability to ride momentum, open fresh doors, and deliver societal impact whilst maintaining a fierce commercial edge is truly impressive.”

Industry Impact Award

Sponsored by Propeller Group
Winner: Martin Jones

The debut of this prestigious new category could not have had a more fitting recipient. Martin’s nearly three-decade legacy at AAR has shaped over 1,000 pitches and left an indelible mark on the industry.

“A fitting first winner for this brand new category. Martin retired last year having shaped some of the industry’s most iconic client-agency partnerships.”

Congratulations to all our winners – and everyone who made the BD100 list this year.

You are raising the bar. You are building with purpose. And you are the driving force behind a more dynamic, more human, and more progressive future for our industry.

Until next year – keep making waves.