16 YEARS OF WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS
Novi Leadership Summit & Awards 2026
The Londoner Hotel, London · November 20
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Theme: Lift As You Rise
today
Running Order
ON THE MENU
Spinach, watermelon & lime, Roasted duck (gnocchi by pre-order), Lemon meringue pie.
SPONSOR OF transformational leader
Empowering women to lead, transform and shape the future of business.
welcome
Novi began as a small but determined community in Yorkshire. Sixteen years on, thanks to everyone in this room, it's a movement.
This year’s theme, Lift As You Rise, is a call to every leader in this room: as you progress, create opportunities for others to progress too. Use your influence to open doors, share your knowledge and make room for the next generation of leaders. So today, I invite you not only to celebrate achievement, but to consider the impact you can create for others
Griselda Togobo
Founder & CEO, Novi
SPONSOR OF ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Inspiring the next generation of women in engineering
THE 2026 FINALISTS
Meet the women we're celebrating
Emerging Leader
For women already demonstrating leadership, influence and the potential to go further.
Engineering Excellence Award
For women engineers delivering exceptional work and inspiring the next generation
sponsored by
Rising Star
For women at an early stage of their career who are showing exceptional potential.
Technology Leader
For women driving innovation and transformation across technology and digital
Transformational Leader
For women in leadership roles who have driven business results
sponsored by
Senior Executive
For women demonstrating outstanding leadership, influence and impact at senior level
Data AI
For women driving innovation and impact through data and AI.
Academic Leader
For women working within academia or the education sector.
Inspiring Mentor
For women who have a strong track record of mentoring and developing future leaders
Social Impact
For women creating or delivering digital products, programmes or services that generate positive social impact
Changemaker
For women already demonstrating leadership, influence and the potential to go further.
International leadership excellence
For women demonstrating strong leadership across multiple cultures, markets or international business environments
Disruptor
For a woman who challenges convention and creates meaningful change through innovation.
Female Entrepreneur
For women engineers delivering exceptional work and inspiring the next generation
sponsored by
Start Up
For women who have launched a new business and are within their first five years of trading
SPONSOR OF female entrepreneur
Championing choice, dignity and quality care that puts people first.
ON STAGE TODAY
Host & Speakers
With thanks to
Our 2026 Sponsors
official sponsor
Alvarez & Marsal supports the Novi Awards through a shared commitment to celebrating and advancing exceptional women in leadership. As a global professional services firm known for driving transformation, business performance and results, A&M recognises the importance of strong leadership, diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for women to progress. Through its partnership with Novi, A&M is helping foster meaningful conversations, connections and opportunities that support the next generation of women leaders.
official sponsor
Rolls-Royce SMR supports the Novi Awards because of its commitment to advancing engineering innovation and championing the diverse talent needed to shape the industry’s future. By sponsoring the Engineering Excellence Award, they are helping recognise exceptional women whose expertise, creativity and leadership are transforming engineering and inspiring the next generation.
official sponsor
MOONRISE 24hr Recruitment supports the Novi Awards through a personal commitment to celebrating and empowering women. Founded by previous Novi Awards winner Jessica Gwaringa, the partnership represents a full-circle journey from being recognised to helping create opportunities for others. Having experienced first-hand the impact that recognition and visibility can have on an entrepreneur’s confidence and business, Jessica is now paying it forward by supporting other women on their leadership journeys. Through this partnership, Moonrise is helping ensure more exceptional women receive the recognition, encouragement and opportunities they deserve.
A special thank you
Our Judges
Ajaz Ahmed
Founder , Freeserve
Debra White
Rt. Customer Experience Director , Small Business Banking, HSBC
Dr Carol Marsh OBE
Engineering Director , Celestia Technologies Group UK
Elizabeth Vega OBE
Group CEO , Informed Solutions
Erica King
People Operations Director in Corporate Transformation Services , Alvarez & Marsal
Fabienne Viala
Non Executive Director , HS2 Ldt and at Port of London Authority
Gillian Hosier
Head of Philanthropy , The Open University
Gisela Abbam OBE
Chair , General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
Greg Turner-Smart
Head of Culture & Inclusion , Rolls-Royce SMR
Jessica Gwaringa
Managing Director , Moonrise 24hr Recruitment
Karen Finlayson
Former Partner , PwC
Lara Oyesanya
Non-Executive Director , PensionBee Group plc
Lisa Kelly
Head of BTC UK & Ireland , BTC UK & Ireland
Louise Jenkins
Managing Director , Alvarez & Marsal
Ruby Raut
CEO & Co-founder , WUKA
Usha Kong
Co-founder , novi FUTURES
next year
Nominate for 2027
Know a woman who should be on this page next year? Nominations are open
novi futures
Lift as you rise
Know a woman who should be on this page next year? Nominations are open