Leader of the Year
The shortlist for the Leader of the Year category at the FutureBook Awards 2025
Our finalists for Leader of the Year 2025 span an impressive range. One bookseller, two indie publishers and two entrepreneurs stood out to the judges from a very strong field because, despite their differing specialisms, they all demonstrate the qualities that publishing leaders need now.
Innovative, agile and resilient, these leaders aren’t just at the top of their own game; they’re also deeply human, with a penchant for collaboration, a commitment to nurturing happy teams, and a zeal for spreading access to, and opportunities in, books.
Winner
Fleur Sinclair
President
The Booksellers Association
Championing inclusion and innovation, Fleur Sinclair transformed Sevenoaks Bookshop into a vibrant community hub while inspiring booksellers through courageous and thoughtful leadership.
Receiving this award is a huge honour! Juggling the two roles of bookshop owner and BA president can be challenging, but I wholeheartedly believe in the work - amplifying the critical importance of high street bookshops, championing booksellers - it’s a mission deserving of all the energy I have. Huge thanks to Futurebook for recognising this!
Shortlist
Isabelle Kenyon
Managing director
Fly on the Wall Press
Expanded an indie press, achieving sustainable growth, award-winning books, immersive events, educational programmes, and community-focused publishing innovation.
Absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for Leader of the Year - I feel really positive about the growth of Fly on the Wall Press in the industry and have never intended to be a 'Small' Press for long - it will be wonderful to celebrate all that I have achieved with FOTW over the past 7 years at the FutureBook Awards, and I will be celebrating on behalf of my fabulous authors as well!
Rebecca Lundgren
Co-founder
Voxblock
Created Voxblock, a screen-free audiobook player for children, combining storytelling, literacy, inclusion, and hands-on engagement across schools, homes, and communities.
I am proud to be shortlisted for the Leader of the Year award. At Voxblock, everything begins with people and a shared belief in our mission to improve literacy through audio. Leadership for me is about creating a culture that values creativity, care, and collaboration, especially when navigating challenges and finding new ways forward together.
Fleur Sinclair
President
The Booksellers Association
Championing inclusion and innovation, Fleur Sinclair transformed Sevenoaks Bookshop into a vibrant community hub while inspiring booksellers through courageous and thoughtful leadership.
As the only bookseller on the shortlist, this feels like a wonderful recognition of the importance of bookshops and our relevance in shaping the future of our whole trade - hooray! I see my roles (both in my bookshop and as the current BA president) as being about creating spaces and platforms for others, so this shortlisting is a great honour. I’m so thrilled!
Nadim Sadek
Founder & c.e.o.
Shimmr
Driving AI innovation in publishing, Nadim Sadek reshaped discoverability and commercial strategy, empowering creators and democratising access to books worldwide.
Being shortlisted for Leader of the Year is a tremendous honour. While Shimmr’s progress reflects the talent and dedication of an exceptional team and a supportive publishing community, I’m proud to help lead and contribute to such meaningful innovation in our industry.
Thuy Thien Kim Tran
C.e.o, co-founder & publisher
Major Books
Founded Major Books to bring Vietnamese literature to English readers, championing cultural authenticity, translation innovation, and globally impactful independent publishing.
I am deeply honoured to be shortlisted for Leader of the Year. This recognition celebrates not only my journal but my incredible team, collaborators, and storytellers who make Major Books possible. I’m excited to keep building bridges, brick by brick, for Vietnamese literature in the global publishing community
