This month, NEDA was proud to celebrate the 2026 NED Awards at Claridge's in London — marking twenty years of recognising exceptional non-executive leadership across the UK.
As one of the founding organisations behind the Awards, it was particularly meaningful to mark this milestone alongside so many of the UK's most respected board leaders and governance professionals, and to reflect on just how far the profession has come since working on the Awards in 2006.
This year's ceremony honoured outstanding NEDs across eight categories — from FTSE 100 companies to charities and public service bodies — reflecting the full breadth of non-executive leadership in the UK.
What the evening made clear is that while the role of the NED has evolved considerably over twenty years, the qualities that define exceptional board leadership remain constant: independence, rigour, and the courage to challenge constructively.
Congratulations to this year's nominees and winners:
2026 NED Awards 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
FTSE AIM:
- Gary Bullard, AFC Energy
- Carol Chesney, IQE
- Lisa Fretwell, Restore
- Ilse Howling, Frontier Developments
- Dianne Walker, Victorian Plumbing
FTSE 100 NED:
- Laura Wade Gery, Legal & General Group
- Catherine Hughes, Shell
- Yasmin Jetha, NatWest Group
- Tanuj Kapilashrami, Sainsbury’s
- Jayaprakasa (JP) Rangaswami, Admiral Group
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
Private/Private Equity Backed:
- Suzanne Clark, The Exeter
- Serena Joseph, Kroo Bank
- Phil Male, Miss Group
- Nicholas Thain, Amerge
- Lord Adair Turner, OakNorth Bank
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
Not for Profit/Public Service Organisation:
- Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, Refuge
- Sir Lloyd Dorfman CBE, Royal Ballet and Opera
- Karen Frank, British Heart Foundation
- Alina Kessel, Fight for Sight
- Beth Knight, British Tourist Authority
The Results:
FTSE 100 Chair - George Culmer, Aviva
George has led an extraordinary turnaround of this FTSE 100 company. When taking on the role, he provided an immediate stabilising influence – demonstrating decisive leadership and setting a powerful foundation for change - showcasing truly exceptional leadership. George has played an instrumental role in delivering significant shareholder value and a market defining acquisition. His impact on the company has been comprehensive and lasting – with a market cap that has almost doubled during his tenure.
FTSE 100 NED -Tanuj Kapilashrami, Sainsbury’s
Tanuj has demonstrated an ability to bring a deeply human centred lens to the boardroom, connecting macro forces to practical decisions. She has been instrumental in shaping their company’s response to issues ranging from post pandemic workforce needs to income inequality. The judges described Tanuj as authentic, thoughtful, and courageous – someone who brings clarity, empathy, and future focused challenge to every discussion. Her influence on culture, inclusion and behavioural change made a lasting impression, as did her skill in balancing a significant executive role alongside a demanding NED appointment.
FTSE All Share - Leslie Van de Walle, Greencore
The judges praised Leslie’s ability to operate across multiple industries, bringing a range of experience into the boardroom. His belief in diversity of thought and focus on developing others was particularly noted, as was his steady influence during complex shareholder negotiations. Over the last three years Leslie has overseen outstanding company performance, culminating in a transformational acquisition that has reshaped Greencore’s position in its sector. Under Leslie’s leadership, Greencore has delivered exceptional shareholder value, completed a transformational acquisition, and re-established itself as a leader in UK convenience food. His sound judgment and steady influence have been instrumental in the company’s remarkable performance.
Dame Helen Alexander ‘NED to Watch’ - Alys Carlton, Football Association of Wales
Alys has navigated politically sensitive issues with courage, empathy, and composure. Her willingness to open difficult conversations and ability to drive cultural change demonstrated maturity far beyond her tenure. The judges also recognised Alys’ growing influence across the sporting sector, her commitment to inclusion, and her delivery of significant change so early on in her NED career. As Chair of the Football Association of Wales Alys has modernised governance, driving cultural change across Welsh football. Her impact marks her as a true NED to Watch.
FTSE AIM - Ilse Howling, Frontier Developments
The judges were particularly struck by Ilse’s demonstration of clarity and courage during a period of intense challenge. Ilse stepped into the role at a moment of instability, providing immediate decisiveness and cohesion to the Board. Her ability to unite diverse viewpoints, foster open but focused discussion, and support the CEO with the right balance of empathy and challenge was especially commended. Despite being relatively early in Ilse’s Chair career, her passion and positive impact has allowed the company to emerge stronger – with a share price performance to match.
Private/Private Equity Backed - Nicholas Thain, Amerge
Nicholas demonstrates a rare ability to combine entrepreneurial experience with disciplined governance, enabling him to guide a fast growing, international business from its very earliest stages to significant global scale. He stands out for his ability to empower leaders, and commitment to improving diversity and build a positive, high performing culture. Nicholas’ practical, lived entrepreneurial experience – paired with humility and genuine care for the management team – made him a distinctive and compelling candidate. As Non-Executive Director of Amerge, Nicholas has delivered transformational impact – strengthening governance, shaping strategy, driving global expansion, and embedding values that fuel exceptional performance.
Not-For-Profit/Public Service Organisation - Karen Frank, British Heart Foundation
In one of the most competitive fields this year, the judges were particularly impressed by Karen who combined clarity and rigour with deep understanding of her organisation’s operational realities, consistently supporting the executive while maintaining the distinct role of a NED. She has helped shape a bold, insight led strategy, strengthened governance, and championed innovation. Her decisive leadership, commercial acumen, and capacity to deliver at the very highest level – alongside a demanding executive career – left a lasting impression. As Chair of the British Heart Foundation, Karen has delivered transformational strategic leadership, strengthened governance and united the organisation behind bold, lifesaving ambitions.
Lifetime Achievement - Archie Norman
This year’s Lifetime Achievement award celebrates Archie Norman, whose career has helped reshape some of the most recognised institutions in British retail and beyond. Archie began his professional life in strategic consultancy before moving into the world of large-scale business transformation, where he built a reputation early on for stepping into organisations at moments of significant challenge – and delivering remarkable results. From leading one of the most celebrated retail turnarounds of its era, to guiding major listed companies through periods of reinvention, Archie has repeatedly shown an exceptional ability to steady the ship, set a clear direction, and inspire talented teams. The lasting impact of his leadership is evident in renewed cultures, strengthened governance, and long-term shareholder value. Archie Norman is one of Britain’s most respected business leaders, renowned for transforming some of the country’s best-known brands. Celebrated for his clarity, discipline and exceptional turnaround expertise, Archie’s contribution to UK boards has been profound.
Learn More:
Read more about the NED Awards here.