We have introduced a new category in this year's HR Excellence Awards - most people-focused CEO. See our shortlist of bosses who deliver results by putting people top of their agenda.

'People are our greatest asset.' Barely an annual presentation goes by without a chief executive trotting out this particular cliche, yet all too often their practices do not support this view. However, with talent a key competitive advantage for today's - and tomorrow's - businesses, the time has long gone for hollow words. Sure, in the short term many CEOs are less worried about the skills shortage as they focus on survival and cost reduction. But, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers 12th Annual Global CEO Survey, 97% of leaders believe access to and retention of key talent is critical or important to sustaining long-term growth.

For this reason, we have introduced a new category in this year's Awards - Most people-focused CEO - to recognise the CEO or MD who has delivered great results by putting people at the top of the agenda. Below we unveil the shortlist, developed by our editorial experts in conjunction with industry input. We think these five leaders not only see people as vital to the performance and sustainability of their businesses, but also take a leading role in engaging them. 

DAVID EVANS, CEO, GRASS ROOTS

Grass Roots has offices across the world and employs 1,000 people. Evans is an influential figure in the field of motivation and in 2006 and 2007 was listed in HR's top 100 ranking. In 2008 he was the first person to be awarded an MBE for services to CSR alone. In the recent Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For the company came 14th for leadership and 48th in the overall ranking.

 Andy Lister is managing director at Grass Roots and has overall responsbility for People within Grass Roots Group. He explains: "David Evans has built a global business around the simple philosophy that people make the difference. It's a philosophy he continues to practice every day, whether it is inspiring new starters on induction days or celebrating long servers in front of their colleagues on five, ten and more year anniversaries - such events becoming increasing commonplace.

"He has a great talent for getting people in the right places and a belief in giving people the freedom to pursue their 'big idea', for which I am personally very grateful."

MARJORIE SCARDINO, CEO, PEARSON

Scardino has been highly involved in staff policies within the education and media company, which owns the FT and Penguin Books among others. She has encouraged flexible working, childcare support and sabbaticals. Emphasis on staff wellbeing comes from the top.

Last year, Penguin HR director Helena Peacock explained: "We err on the side of generosity when someone is genuinely in need."

Amanda Wood, HR Manager at Pearson, explains: "At Pearson, we owe our success to the talent, commitment and dedication of our people. We value this and work hard to keep them fulfilled and inspired by what they do. We take training very seriously at all levels, not just by providing opportunities to increase their skills. We also give people in our business everywhere in the world a chance to take on international projects and move between businesses.

"We also place great emphasis on a healthy work/life balance, and because our people are our most important asset we try always to treat them as individuals and to err on the side of generosity. Above all we always seek to be brave, imaginative and decent in our approach both to everyone working inside Pearson and to our authors, customers and suppliers. All this helps to keep the company creative and innovative which are two critical ingredients for our future."

JUSTIN KING, CEO, SAINSBURY'S

Since taking over at the then beleaguered retailer, King has turned the business around. In doing so he has recognised and engaged employees. As he says: "We probably have more people than any other company who have served more than 25 years." He has a close relationship with HRD Imelda Walsh, who he has encouraged to take a leading position on flexible working and skills.

Imelda Walsh, HR director at Sainsbury's, tells HR magazine: "Justin has been an essential ingredient in the cultural change at Sainsbury's. A CEO who really got it that leadership and culture were fundamental to how we made Sainsbury's great again."

PAUL WALSH, CEO, DIAGEO

Walsh regards himself as a people-centric boss so it's no surprise that leading drinks company Diageo achieved top marks in Management Today's Britain's Most Admired Company list back in December. Critically, the company beat its rivals to the top spot in the 'ability to attract, retain and develop top talent' category - recognition of its world-class training.

RONAN DUNNE, CEO, O2

In the most recent Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list O2 won the award for employee wellbeing, and was ranked third and fourth in giving something back and giving employees a fair deal respectively. It offers its 13,142 staff attractive benefits and Dunne has led the way by encouraging apprenticeships and dealing with local MPs to raise their profile.

Ann Pickering, HR director at O2, explains: "Ronan is totally dedicated to creating a great company and a great environment for all our employees. He is committed to the O2 People Promise one hundred per cent, and is driven by the belief that more engaged employees are key to improving the experience of our customers.

"Ronan firmly believes it's everyone's responsibility to work together and really value our employees. Ultimately, he knows that O2's competitive advantage is our people, their performance and our ability to unlock their potential."

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on 30 June, 2009. To book your place contact Alessandra Zorzato on 020 8267 4161 or email alessandra.zorzato@haymarket.com.

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