Our panel of judges brings a wealth of experience and expertise in their different fields to the judging process. They have all made remarkable contributions in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Find out more about the Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards 2024 and how to book a ticket to meet the judges.

 

The judges 

Councillor Jackie Smith

Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports

Councillor Smith is one of the Ward Councillors for Woolwich Arsenal ward in Royal Greenwich and has been an elected Member since 2002.

Jackie serves on the Tramshed board and previously held roles at Woolwich Works, Greenwich Leisure Limited, and as Chair of Trust Thamesmead. She was also a social worker for over 20 years.

She is the Head Judge for the 2024 Business Awards.

“The Business Awards shine a light on the important work of our business community and their contributions to the borough. We want to hear from businesses that go above and beyond, whether that’s by providing excellent customer service, enriching the local community or offering fantastic training and development for their staff.”

Kemi Madumere

Co-director of Brighter Futures Project, Compass Supported Living, and Camouflage Cafe

Kemi Madumere is a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience spanning various sectors.

As co-director of three Best of Royal Greenwich Business Awards-winning businesses, Kemi brings valuable insights to the judging panel. Her entrepreneurial success is further evidenced by her authorship of a best-selling book. 

Kemi's diverse background and expertise in business development, including social care and hospitality, make her well-equipped to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements within the borough.

“I'm looking for businesses that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a positive impact on our local community. I'll be seeking out nominees who not only show impressive business acumen and growth, but also those who prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility.”

Mark Jenkinson 

Director and Founder of Crystal Associates

Mark is the director and founder of Crystal Associates, a consultancy that helps cities, communities and businesses to be smarter and more sustainable.

He spent 25 years in senior global roles at Siemens and is a board member of the South East London Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the London Chamber’s ‘Environment, Sustainability & Green Growth’ committee.

Mark is also the co-lead of Tech London Advocate's working groups for PropTech and Education, LETI workstream lead, a contributor to the new UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, and a member of the City of London's Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce.

He has judged at Shell’s Springboard Finals, the Sustainable City Awards, and the Global Good Awards.

“Through my involvement with the SE London Chamber of Commerce and other activities I come into contact with many amazing local businesses from across the borough. The Business Awards is the pinnacle event to celebrate this unique array of talent. I am super proud to be invited to be one of the judges. My particular focus will be on those businesses pushing the envelope from a sustainability and digital perspective. Congratulations and good luck to all those that enter!”

Paddy Rogers

Director (Chief Executive Officer) of Royal Museums Greenwich

Paddy is the Director (Chief Executive Officer) of the Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG), and a former CEO of Euronav, the world’s largest independent publicly listed tanker company from 2000 to 2019.

RMG is located within the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, and attracts 2.5 million visitors annually.  Tourists are drawn to the RMG by the splendour of the Greenwich site and the magnificence of the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.

“Business is a critical human activity.  To function effectively it must deliver products or services that are useful to society with integrity, honesty and transparency. I am always surprised, delighted or entertained by competitions such as these.”

Dr Hetty (Wenxian) Sun

Associate Professor and Associate Head of the Executive Business Centre - Research & Knowledge Exchange at the Greenwich Business School

Hetty is passionate about diversity recognition and social value. As an academic entrepreneur, she innovates her portfolio by integrating real-life projects to promote SMEs and make useful contributions to society.

She has played a leading role in several pioneering initiatives, including securing multi-million funding from the European Commission. Before joining academia, she worked in the UK FinTech business and contributed to government-funded projects in China, obtaining a government reward for remarkable success.

Hetty is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and a Chartered Management and Business Educator (CMBE).

“I hold a deep belief that behind every successful business lies a soul of creativity, a mind forged in determination, and a brilliance in the art of operation. To me, the privilege of being a judge is the opportunity to uncover these hidden masterpieces—the most beautiful ways of turning vision into reality, and of pursuing excellence with unwavering passion. It is a journey of discovery, a symphony of extraordinary in the everyday.”

Christofi Christou

Economic Inclusion Manager, Peabody, and Vice-President of the South East London Chamber of Commerce

Christofi is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the region.

With a proven track record of building successful partnerships and driving strategic initiatives, Christofi is committed to creating a thriving business ecosystem that empowers local businesses to thrive and succeed.

Christofi also leads Peabody's Economic Inclusion approach, promoting enterprise start-up, employment, apprenticeship, and social value initiatives for Peabody residents and communities.

“I’m excited to see the breadth of nominations and hear about the wonderful businesses that operate in the borough. I’m looking for nominations to demonstrate their resourcefulness, creativity and how they support the communities they are based in whilst running their businesses. Best of luck to all applicants.”

Councillor Majid Rahman

Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development
Councillor Majid Rahman is experienced in business engagement.

He is an economy and business champion for Our Greenwich, supporting the benefits of inclusive economic growth in the borough.