Schaefer has been nominated by the Leaders and Aspire Academy in the leadership category.

He was among 42 candidates chosen for the Class of 2017, which also includes digital, entrepreneurship, marketing and communications, sales and legal and governance.

Netball Scotland chief executive Claire Nelson has also been nominated in the leadership division.

"To be recognised by such a quality jury for this prestigious award is an honour for me," Schaefer said. 

"This is a consequence of the huge effort made not only by the IPC commercial and marketing team, but also by the entire IPC management team during 2017, which was both exhausting and rewarding."

A total of 585 nominations were received over the nine-month selection campaign.

The judges for the award included London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel, New Zealand All Blacks chief executive Steve Tew and Donna Cullen, executive director at English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

"We've been overwhelmed with the response to this year's Awards with the best quality of nominations from more countries than ever before," Leaders chief executive and founder James Worrall said.

"The competition was tough but the 87 judges did a fantastic job in finalising this year's incredibly talented Class of 2017. 

"We’re really looking forward to celebrating with them all during Leaders Week this October."

Those selected for the Class of 2017 are due to be recognised for their achievements at an awards dinner at the National History Museum in London tomorrow.