The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) has unveiled the winners of its 2026 Ones to Watch awards, highlighting emerging leaders, innovators and champions shaping the future of the treasury profession across corporate, banking and advisory roles.
This year’s awards, the first since 2019, showcase the breadth of talent across organisations of all sizes and sectors, from global corporates and NGOs to financial services and consulting, reflecting a profession defined by technical excellence, innovation and a growing commitment to diversity and development.
Across the categories, judges recognised individuals who have delivered tangible impact within their organisations while also contributing to the wider treasury community. From implementing complex funding programmes and strengthening treasury infrastructure to mentoring peers and advancing education initiatives, the winners demonstrate the evolving expectations of treasury professionals in a rapidly changing business environment.
Louise Woodroffe FCT, chair of the judges, and head of treasury at Hastings Direct, said the judging process had been tough but enjoyable, reflecting the exceptional calibre of professionals entering and progressing within treasury. “It is wonderful to see so much talent across the profession, from all areas, whether working in large or small teams and across very different types of organisations,” she said. “The depth of expertise, ambition and willingness to contribute beyond day-to-day roles is incredibly encouraging for the future of treasury.”
Woodroffe, who also chairs the ACT’s Future Leaders in Treasury group, added that the winners demonstrated not only strong technical capabilities but also leadership, collaboration and a commitment to shaping the profession. “These individuals are not just delivering within their organisations; we see them as seeking to influence the wider treasury community, supporting peers and helping raise standards,” she said. “The diversity of backgrounds and experiences among the nominees shows how the profession continues to evolve and broaden its reach.”
The judging panel praised nominees for combining technical skill with strategic thinking, resilience and creativity, often delivering complex projects while continuing their professional development and supporting others in their careers. The awards also underlined the importance of collaboration across sectors and geographies, particularly as treasury teams respond to regulatory change, market volatility and sustainability pressures.
Winner: Jonathan Ben Garcia, Bunzl plc
What the judges said:
Jonathan has made a real difference to his organisation, raising the profile of treasury at the same time. He has made great strides within his team and his potential is exceptionally high
Winner: Victoria Underwood, Imperial Brands
What the judges said:
Victoria has built on her great potential and made it go even further. And she has carried that potential into doing more outside her organisation and within the wider treasury community, including passing on her experience and knowledge through mentoring work
Highly commended: Gemma Inzani, WPP
Winner: Marigona Kuci, Save the Children International
What the judges said:
To work to such high standards and levels in an NGO environment is exceptional, even more so in emerging countries and frontier markets. Manging cash flow and banking relationships in such diverse markets really puts her above many others. The level of innovation, creativity and resilience it takes to do such a good job is humbling
Highly commended: Kemi Bolarin, GXO Logistics
Winner: Jessica Armstrong, Lloyds Bank
What the judges said:
Jessica demonstrates clear influence and visibility, she is clearly a leader
Highly commended: Camille Irens, Amundi
Winner: Brando Di Renzo, Zanders
What the judges said:
Setting up a business in a new market can be very challenging and you stand out if you can win clients and deliver good results in that market
Winner: Mohamed Kortam, Lesaffre
What the judges said:
Through his podcasts, Kortam has broken through the ceiling in terms of what treasurers can achieve in the region, opening up new doors for the profession
Highly commended: Jörg Silvanus, RWE AG
Winner: Lisa Dukes, Dukes & King
What the judges said:
If she's applying as much energy to other organisations as she does to the ACT, she never sleeps because of the amount of time she gives us, all pro bono. But we also know that she genuinely believes it's the right thing to do
Winner: Olivia Hall, The Weir Group
This is a special award given at the judges’ discretion to recognise the vital work that volunteers play in the development of the treasury community.
What the judges said:
Olivia has had a huge impact in the region, making a real difference in a relatively short period of time
This a special award given out at the judges’ discretion to recognise outstanding contribution to the treasury profession.
Winners: Warren Anadachee, Alex Ashby and Joanna Bonnett. Warren, Alex, and Joanna have stepped forward as true industry innovators to lead a pioneering effort that is redefining how treasurers understand and manage the climate impact of corporate cash.
The judges said, quite simply, that the trio were outstanding
In the coming weeks, The Treasurer will be running a series of articles on the award winners that will showcase their individual contributions to the treasury profession. You can find out more about the awards here.
Philip Smith is editor of The Treasurer
