Judges acknowledge contribution in helping shape the global debate surrounding Internet standards and her active support of women within her own organisation.

13/06/2007

Lesley Cowley, CEO of Nominet, the .uk domain name registry, has been awarded the First Woman of Technology in the 2007 First Women Awards. The awards, organised by the CBI and Real Business magazine in association with Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets, celebrate women who are trailblazers and pioneers in business – genuine "glass ceiling breakers".

The judges of the First Women Award acknowledged Lesley’s contribution to the Internet industry, commenting: "Lesley is a quietly influential woman who is helping to shape the global debate around internet standards, which involves many seriously tough questions. She has a practical, big vision. She also embodies the features of the new woman leader, with her collegiate approach and active support for women in her own organisation."

Bob Gilbert, Chairman of Nominet, comments on Lesley’s achievement: "We are delighted that Lesley has been recognised with this Award. As the leader of one of the world’s largest Internet registries, the judges have acknowledged Lesley’s commitment, vision and determination for Nominet to continue to play a key role and build trust within the UK Internet industry."

CBI deputy director-general John Cridland, who gave the keynote speech and presented one of the awards, said: "This year’s First Women Awards winners cover the whole spectrum of business life: from global companies to entrepreneurs running niche ventures. These women are not only outstanding businesspeople; with their energy, acumen, and groundbreaking ‘firsts’, each and every one has in some way changed the shape of the business landscape for women. They are remarkable role models with stories that will inspire more and more young women to enter the business world."

The awards were attended by 500 guests, including patron Sarah Brown and were held at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Notes to Editors:

Previous winners include Baroness Sarah Hogg, chairman of 3i and the first woman to chair a FTSE 100 company; Val Gooding CBE, chief executive of BUPA; and Lorraine Heggessey, chief executive of TalkBack Thames and first female controller of BBC1.

More information about the First Women Awards can at their website.

The First Women Awards’ sponsor Lloyds TSB has more than 600,000 business customers and each year helps many thousands of businesses get off the ground.

About Nominet

Nominet is the national registry for all Internet domain names ending in .uk. Its purpose is the careful and impartial management of this central database, providing stability, security and accessibility for all users of .uk domain names. Nominet is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It has members not shareholders, pays no dividends and its charges only cover its running costs. Anyone with an interest in the Internet may become a member. Nominet has over 2,800 members representing all areas of the Internet industry and is recognised as the .uk domain name registry by the Internet industry and the UK Government. It is not a governing or regulatory body, but provides a public service for the .uk namespace on behalf of the UK Internet community.

For further information, please contact:

Katie Judge / Gemma Griffiths
Fuse PR
Tel: 020 8752 3200
Email: nominet@fusepr.co.uk

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