PMI Pinnacle Awards 2026 celebrate excellence and recognise lasting contribution to the pensions industry 

The Pensions Management Institute (PMI) celebrated the people and organisations driving progress across the pensions industry at its 2026 Pinnacle Awards in London last night. The evening also included a special tribute to the late Andrew Warwick-Thompson. 

The annual awards brought together professionals from across the pensions sector to recognise outstanding achievements, celebrate innovation and highlight those working to raise standards and improve outcomes for savers. 

The 2026 awards took on particular significance as the PMI marks its 50th anniversary, reflecting five decades of supporting and developing the professionals responsible for managing and shaping the UK's pensions landscape. 

This year's ceremony also marked the launch of a refreshed awards programme, designed to put professional standards, skills and innovation at the heart of sector excellence.  

Three new categories were introduced: Learner of the Year, Pensions Tutor of the Year, and Impact on Learning and Professional Development. The existing innovation categories were also brought together into a single, expanded category, Innovation in Products, Services and Technology, recognising solutions that improve pensions provision, user experience and operational efficiency. 

Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive of the PMI, told guests: 

"Whether someone is studying for their first qualification, leading a pensions team, serving as a trustee or shaping public policy, our ambition is the same: to help them perform at their best. 

"There is an important connection between the PMI's own journey and this evening's awards. Progress rarely happens by accident. It happens because individuals challenge the familiar, organisations invest in talent, and people work together to do something better than before. That is exactly what we celebrate through the Pinnacle Awards." 

The evening also saw the presentation of a Special Recognition Award in memory of Andrew Warwick-Thompson, accepted on his behalf by his family. 

Andrew dedicated his career to improving the pensions landscape and leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape the profession today. His contribution to pensions policy, regulation and governance was immense, including his instrumental role in the development of the master trust authorisation and supervision framework, helping to strengthen member protection and standards across the industry. 

The Pinnacle Awards continue to provide an important platform for recognising the individuals and organisations going above and beyond to strengthen the profession, encourage fresh thinking and improve retirement outcomes. By celebrating achievement across all areas of pensions, the awards help showcase the expertise, commitment and collaboration needed to build a stronger pensions system. 

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

The Pinnacle Awards 2026 winners are (see also the below photo): 

Press contact: 

For media enquiries, please contact Matt Adams, Head of Media and PR, at pressoffice@pensions-pmi.org.uk