Keith Skeoch, the former CEO of Standard Life, the outgoing Pensions Ombudsman Anthony Arter and the co-founder of the pensions consultancy Redington Dawid Konotey-Ahulu have all been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
Keith Skeoch, who is also a former chair of the Investment Association and led the government’s ring-fencing and proprietary trading review, received a knighthood for services to the financial sector.
Anthony Arter, who will step down from his role as chief Pensions Ombudsman in January, was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the pensions industry and charity.
Dawid Konotey-Ahulu received a CBE which recognised his work in setting up the 10,000 Black Interns Initiative. The award was for services to diversity and inclusion as this initiative seeks to significantly improve the employment chances of talented Black interns across 24 sectors within the UK, including the financial services sector. Konotey-Ahulu a former barrister and investment banker, also founded Mallowstreet.com, the social media platform connecting the pensions and insurance industry.
There was also recognition for Clara Barby the CEO Impact Management project. She received a CBE for services to international sustainability standards, one of a number of awards that recognised individuals that are helping combat the challenges of climate change.
Speaking about the award Arter said: “It was completely unexpected. I felt humbled when I read and re-read the letter. I would like to thank the dedication of all my staff at The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) and what we have collectively achieved as one team, and also everyone that has helped me in my charity work over many years.”