Bill Malhotra (CEO at Claridge Homes) and his son Neil Malhotra (CFO at Claridge Homes), who was named 2025 CFO of the Year by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal, at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
The Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) gathered a who’s who of the local business community on Nov. 28. Hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and the Ottawa Business Journal, the annual awards gala recognizes the region’s most innovative and fastest growing companies, highlighting the leaders and organizations that are shaping Ottawa’s economic future. More than 20 businesses were honoured across categories including Best Business, Best New Business, Best Performance, and Deals of the Year, underscoring the depth and diversity of talent in the local market. Top individual honours highlighted standout leadership in 2025. Hugh Gorman (Colonnade BridgePort) was named CEO of the Year, while Neil Malhotra (Claridge Homes) earned CFO of the Year honours. The Newsmaker of the Year award went to Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane, co-founders of the “Canada Is Not For Sale” brand, recognized for their growing influence and national reach. Tracey Clark, co-founder of Bridgehead Coffee was the Lifetime Achievement recipient for 2025.Hugh Gorman (Colonnade BridgePort Chief Executive) named CEO of the year! Captured here with his family (L-R) Clover, Luisa, Hugh and Owen) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Tracey Clark, shares a special moment with her Dad Peter Clark (former regional Chair and former City Councillor) before the event. Tracey Clark is the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade, at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Claude Brule (CEO and President of Algonquin College) and Cyril Leeder (President of Senator Sport and Entertainment) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Stéphane Brutus (Dean of the Telfer School of Management) and Eric Lathrop (Boyden) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Nick Quain, Emma Cochrane, Liam Mooney and David Hill posing together in the VIP Lounge. Liam Mooney (Jackpine Dynamic Branding) and Emma Cochrane, co-founders of the “Canada Is Not For Sale” brand, named Newsmaker of the year at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Fiona Gilfillan (Ottawa Hospital Transplant Ambassador Program ), Tim Kluke (CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation), Janet LeBlanc (Janet LeBlanc and Associates sponsor of the Best Ottawa Business Awards category of Best Performance in Customer Experience) and John Wenekanp at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Merkley Supply (president and CEO Robert Merkley and the 2024 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award ) with Bill Malhotra (CEO at Claridge Homes) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Lise Sarazin (Casino du Lac-Leamy) and Suzanne Cyr (OEG) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Jonelle Istead (TOH Foundation), Madison Popkie (MNP), Danielle Walsh (MNP) and Jennifer Van Noort (TOH Foundation) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Christine Crump (President Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa ), Soula Burrell (GOBHA), Jen Alvarenga (Good Story), Tony Burrell (GOC) Leonardo Alvarenga (GoodStory) and Tammy McMullen (Hard Rock Casino) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.Justin Schurman (RBC), Neil Malhotra (CFO at Claridge Homes) and Devinder Gill (RBC) at the Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs) at The Westin Hotel, Nov 28, 2025. Photo by Tia MacPherson for OBJ.
Get our email newsletters
Get up-to-date news about the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Ottawa and beyond.
