A milestone recognition for VHR’s founder as international impact and ethical leadership are honoured.
A Global Achievement for a Global Leader
We are proud to announce that Danny Brooks MBE, CEO and founder of VHR Global Technical Recruitment, has been named Global Director of the Year 2025 by the Institute of Directors (IoD). The prestigious award, sponsored by OnBoard, recognises exceptional international business leadership, corporate governance, and global trade excellence.
This marks Danny’s fourth IoD Director of the Year win, underlining his sustained commitment to leading with integrity, innovation, and global perspective. Across multiple years and categories, Danny’s achievements reflect an enduring contribution to ethical and internationally focused leadership in British business.
From Startup to Global Technical Recruitment Specialist
Since founding VHR in 2003, Danny has led the business from a small UK-based consultancy to a multi-award-winning global recruitment company operating in 57 countries. Under his leadership, VHR has become a trusted partner in sectors including:
· Aerospace & Aviation
· F1 & Automotive
· Engineering & Manufacturing
· Defence & Security
· Civils & Infrastructure
· Marine
· Renewable Energy
Danny's vision has helped VHR deliver compliant, ethical staffing solutions across these industries. His work is grounded in the principles of fairness, opportunity, and integrity, driven by a belief that global recruitment should benefit people as much as it does businesses.
Why This Award Matters
The Global Director of the Year award isn’t just about company performance—it acknowledges directors who champion international trade while upholding strong corporate ethics. Danny’s approach demonstrates that global growth doesn’t require shortcuts:
“You don’t have to cut corners or chase trends to succeed globally.” — Danny Brooks MBE
As the IoD noted, the 2025 winners represent the gold standard in British business, showcasing England’s global competitiveness and leadership in international markets.
A Team Effort Worth Celebrating
While the award recognises individual excellence, Danny was quick to share the spotlight with the VHR team:
“This award is a huge honour, and it belongs to every member of the VHR family. Without their dedication, innovation, and hard work, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
The announcement marks another major milestone for VHR following previous accolades including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, and recognition by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).
The Role of Leadership in Ethical Recruitment
Danny’s recognition by the IoD further reinforces the importance of ethical leadership in global recruitment. Through initiatives such as adhering to the Dhaka Principles and ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and legal compliance, VHR has built a model of recruitment that prioritises people, not just placements.
As recruitment continues to face scrutiny around ethical standards, VHR stands as a benchmark of how to do recruitment right, finding talent globally while respecting local laws and cultural values.
What This Means for Clients and Candidates
Whether you are an employer looking for skilled technical talent, or a professional seeking a rewarding international career, VHR’s award-winning leadership ensures you’re working with a recruitment partner you can trust.
With operations in over 50 countries and expertise across technical sectors, VHR continues to lead from the front—empowering global workforces, supporting economic development, and connecting the world’s most innovative businesses with top-tier talent.
Learn More About VHR’s Global Work
For more on our international recruitment services and how we can support your organisation or career, explore:
· VHR Aerospace & Aviation recruitment
· How Ethical Recruitment Is Changing Lives Around the World
· What It Takes to Work in F1
· Explore our global engineering jobs
A Final Word
Danny’s fourth IoD win is not only a personal achievement, but also a celebration of what’s possible when leadership is rooted in purpose. As the global landscape evolves, VHR will continue to provide innovative, ethical, and effective recruitment solutions around the world.
