Nominations have opened for the 2026 Non-Executive Director (NED) Awards, organised by investment bank Peel Hunt, with next year’s ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the prestigious event.
Founded in 2006, the NED Awards were established to celebrate the achievements of non-executive directors who play a critical role in guiding businesses through periods of growth, uncertainty and transformation.
With global conflicts, shifting trade policies, Trump-era tariffs and a Labour government facing economic challenges, boards have had to navigate one of the most complex corporate landscapes in decades — making the contribution of NEDs more valuable than ever.
The 2026 awards will recognise excellence across eight categories: FTSE 100 Chair; FTSE 100 NED; FTSE All-Share; FTSE AIM; private/private equity-backed; not-for-profit/public service organisation; and the Dame Helen Alexander NED to Watch. In addition, a Lifetime Achievement Award will honour an individual whose career has had a lasting impact on UK boardrooms.
Nominations close on 9 November 2025, with the shortlist announced in February. Winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 19 March 2026, expected to bring together some of the most influential names in British business.
The judging panel is chaired by Dame Ruth Carnie, chair of defence giant Babcock, and includes Steven Fine, chief executive of Peel Hunt; Rupert Soames, chair of the Confederation of British Industry; and Paul Reynolds, chair of National Grid.
“The NED Awards were founded to shine a spotlight on the often-unsung contributions of non-executive directors who shape business success from the boardroom,” said Fine. “As we celebrate 20 years, their role has never been more important in maintaining resilience, integrity and growth across the corporate landscape.”
The 2025 winners reflected the breadth of the UK business ecosystem. Peter Ventress, chair of Howden Joinery Group, won FTSE 100 Chair of the Year, while Jock Lennox, senior independent director at housebuilder Barratt Redrow, was recognised as FTSE 100 NED of the Year. Debbie Hewitt, chair of Compare the Market, and Hounaida Lasry, a director at Britvic, were also among those honoured.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Richard Meddings CBE, the former Standard Chartered banker who served as chair of NHS England.
Nominations for the 2026 NED Awards can be submitted via nedawards.co.uk.
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NED Awards 2026 launch nominations to honour UK’s leading non-executive directors