The recognition comes during a period of profound change for European industry, marked by structural competitiveness pressures, decarbonization challenges and the need to rethink established industrial models. Arces was recognized for his leadership in complex transformation environments, combining operational discipline, sustainability, strategic change and a strong focus on people.
The judges highlighted what they described as “bold and pragmatic leadership” and the ability to combine difficult operational decisions with industrial reinvention. One judge characterized Arces as demonstrating “the kind of bold and unconventional leadership this category is meant to recognize,” while another described him as “a powerful example of what it means to lead with both courage and accountability in heavy industry.” The nomination emphasized leadership through adversity, the ability to challenge conventional approaches, and the importance of balancing business resilience, sustainability, operational continuity and workforce considerations.
The judges also noted the people-centered dimension of Arces’ leadership approach and his focus on long-term value creation in complex industrial environments.
The International Business Awards are part of the Stevie Awards, an international business awards programme recognizing achievements across management, innovation, communications, sustainability and other areas of organizational performance.
In the 2026 Maverick of the Year category, four recipients were recognized internationally across Gold, Silver and Bronze levels, with Arces receiving one of the two Silver Stevie Awards.
About Ignazio Arces
Ignazio Arces is an Italian industrial executive of the energy and industrial sectors, spanning operations, asset management, transformation and executive leadership.
His work and writing explore the intersection of industrial transformation, leadership and the human dimension of change. He is the author of Navigating the Energy Transition: Leadership Insights for the Energy Revolution – Balancing Innovation and Humanity and has contributed to international discussions on leadership, organizational transformation and the energy transition.
About the Stevie Awards
The Stevie Awards organize several international business awards programmes recognizing organizations and professionals worldwide. The International Business Awards are open to organizations and individuals across industries and countries.
Official 2026 International Business Awards results:
https://iba.stevieawards.com/awards/IBA-Winners/2026/Achievement-in-Management-Category-Winners
Source: I.A.
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