The shortlist for the 2026 NED Awards, announced yesterday in The Sunday Times, features an outstanding group of nominees. Explore the full shortlist below to see who is in contention this year.
Founded in 2006 by Peel Hunt and NEDA, the Non-Executive Director Awards were established to celebrate the individuals whose judgement, independence, and commitment play a vital role in the success of businesses and not-for-profit organisations across the country. Two decades on, the Awards remain the benchmark for excellence in non-executive leadership.
The 2026 Awards Ceremony will take place on March 19th at Claridge's, London — bringing together leaders from across the UK to celebrate strong governance, dedicated stewardship, and unwavering integrity.
As an organisation that has been there from the start, NEDA is proud to continue supporting the NED Awards as they enter their third decade, championing the vital role of Non-Executive Directors. Congratulations to all the nominees. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of those making outstanding contributions to the boardroom.
2026 Shortlist:
FTSE 100 Chair:
- George Culmer | Aviva
- Andrew Fisher | Rightmove
- Sir John Kingman | Legal & General Group
- Sir Nicholas Lyons | Phoenix Group
- Martin Scicluna | Sainsbury’s
Sponsored by Santander Corporate & Investment Banking
FTSE 100 NED:
- Laura Wade Gery | Legal & General Group
- Catherine Hughes | Shell
- Yasmin Jetha | NatWest Group
- Tanuj Kapilashrami | Sainsbury’s
- JP Rangaswami | Admiral Group
Sponsored by Audellis
FTSE All Share:
- Aubrey Adams OBE | Tritax Big Box
- Robert Noel | Hammerson
- Baroness Kate Rock | Keller Group
- John Tutte | Bellway
- Leslie Van de Walle | Greencore
Sponsored by CMS
FTSE AIM:
- Gary Bullard | AFC Energy
- Carol Chesney | IQE
- Lisa Fretwell | Restore
- Ilse Howling | Frontier Developments
- Dianne Walker | Victorian Plumbing
Sponsored by Georgeson
Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch':
- Rosie Bailey | Moonlight Energy
- Alys Carlton | Football Association of Wales
- Monica Collings OBE | Dalcour Maclaren
- Kate Methuen-Ley | Development Bank of Wales
- Lisa Scott | Margetts Fund Management
Sponsored by Board Intelligence
Private/Private Equity Backed:
- Suzanne Clark | The Exeter
- Serena Joseph | Kroo Bank
- Phil Male | Miss Group
- Nicholas Thain | Amerge
- Lord Adair Turner | OakNorth Bank
Sponsored by FGS Global
Not for Profit/Public Service Organisation:
- Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE | Refuge
- Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE | Royal Opera House
- Karen Frank | British Heart Foundation
- Alina Kessel | Fight for Sight
- Beth Knight | British Tourist Authority
Sponsored by CBI
Learn More:
Explore the NED Awards Shortlist and website here.