Voting is now open for the Woman of the Year category at the International Bakery Awards 2026, giving readers the opportunity to recognise outstanding women demonstrating leadership, innovation and dedication to the global bakery industry.
The award celebrates the achievements of women making an important contribution to the sector, recognising individuals whose expertise, vision and commitment are helping to shape the future of baking.
Recognising Outstanding Women in Bakery
This year’s shortlist brings together four finalists representing different areas of bakery industry leadership, from scientific research and ingredient innovation to marketing excellence, industry representation and skills development.
The finalists for Woman of the Year 2026 are:
Carlotta Trucillo – Secretary General of COFALEC, the Confederation of European Yeast Producers, Trucillo has played an important role in strengthening industry collaboration and representation. Appointed in June 2025, she has championed international standards for baker’s yeast, supported European industry advocacy and promoted sustainability and competitiveness across the yeast sector, helping strengthen connections throughout the bakery supply chain.
Laurence Herbert – Chief Marketing Officer at Puratos, Herbert has demonstrated outstanding leadership in consumer-focused bakery innovation and strategic marketing. With more than 15 years at the company, she has helped strengthen global marketing capabilities, supported innovation through the Taste Tomorrow programme and contributed to business growth. Her achievements were recognised when she was named European Marketer of the Year in April 2026.
Lesley Cameron – Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers and National Food & Drink Training, Cameron has strengthened industry representation, commercial development and bakery skills programmes. Since taking the role in September 2023, she has helped increase participation in industry awards, supported apprenticeship investment and safeguarded the progression of 200 apprentices following the closure of another training provider, demonstrating her commitment to developing future industry talent.
Rania Abou Samra – Appointed Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer at Lesaffre in July 2026, Abou Samra brings more than 20 years of international experience in food science, nutrition and research-driven innovation. Previously holding senior leadership positions at Nestlé Health Science, she now oversees scientific innovation and fermentation research at Lesaffre while championing opportunities for women in science and technology.
Together, the finalists highlight the diversity of female leadership across the bakery industry and the important contributions women are making to scientific advancement, commercial innovation, professional development and industry collaboration.
Joseph Clarke, Senior Editor of International Bakery, said: “The quality and diversity of nominations we have received this year highlight the creativity, innovation and expertise driving the global bakery industry forward. From exciting new products and innovative ingredients to advanced manufacturing technologies and inspirational industry leaders, there are some exceptional achievements to recognise.
“Now it is over to our readers to decide who deserves to win from our finalists. These awards provide an opportunity for the industry to celebrate the products, solutions and individuals making a genuine contribution to the future of baking, and I would encourage everyone across the sector to get involved and cast their votes.”
Cast Your Vote Today
Voting for Woman of the Year is now open here.
Readers can explore the achievements of the four shortlisted individuals before selecting the person they believe deserves this year’s award.
Voting closes on 9 November 2026.
The winner of Woman of the Year will be revealed during the International Bakery Awards 2026 ceremony on Thursday, 26 November, broadcast via LinkedIn Live.
