King's College London

The awards recognise the exceptional contributions of staff across research, education, professional services, and beyond and honour those who embody the very best of King's values. Find out more about this year’s winners.

Outstanding Commitment to Professional Service

This award recognises a member of professional services staff who has made exceptional contributions in their area of work, demonstrated outstanding collegiality, and gone above and beyond to offer excellent advice and support.

Winner: Haleemah Patel

The judges said: "Haleemah has made an exceptional contribution to King's Business School through her work with the Global Institute for Women's Leadership and I-LEAD. She combines strategic vision with attention to detail to turn ambitious ideas into successful, high-impact initiatives. Her leadership, dedication and ability to make excellence look effortless make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this award."

Outstanding Contribution to Research

This award celebrates staff who have demonstrated an outstanding record of research productivity — whether through high-quality recent publications, significant research funding, or other meritorious achievements at national and international level.

Winner: Matteo Montecchi

The judges said: "Matteo combines internationally recognised scholarship with exceptional leadership, helping to strengthen the School's research culture, doctoral training, funding success and external impact. As Research Lead for the Department of Marketing, he has played a key role in shaping the Department's research strategy, building collaborations and creating opportunities for colleagues and doctoral researchers to thrive."

Outstanding Contribution to Education

This award goes to the individual who has demonstrated particular innovation and inclusion in their teaching, having a major positive impact on the learning experience of King's students.

Winner: Sophie Whitehouse

The judges said: "Sophie consistently delivers exceptional learning experiences on some of our largest modules, earning outstanding feedback from students and making a lasting impact on their educational journey. Alongside her teaching, she has led a range of student experience initiatives and played a key role in redesigning the undergraduate portfolio, including the development of the new BSc in Marketing. Her influence extends beyond the classroom through her contributions to the discipline, including authoring a leading marketing textbook."

Catalyst for Change Award for Excellence in ED&I

This award recognises the individual who has shown an exceptional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and has been a catalyst for demonstrable change within the School, in curricula or co-curricular activity, or in wider society.

Winner: An Nguyen

The judges said: "through her work with the Women@KBS network, An has been a driving force in creating a more connected, supportive and inclusive community for colleagues across the School. From skills workshops to community-building activities, her work has created spaces where colleagues feel welcomed, valued and empowered to succeed."

 

Team of the Year

This award goes to the team that has made a significant contribution to the School's strategic priorities, external profile, or to the staff and student experience.

Winner: Student Support Team (Harriet Benwell, Chanel MacColl, Jack Wright, Hope Simmonds, Gemma Sparks, Natalie Paris)

The judges said: "the KBS Student Support Team has made an extraordinary contribution to student success, wellbeing and belonging across the School. The team is particularly recognised for its early intervention work, reaching out to students who may be struggling. Working closely with colleagues, they have created a culture of care, engagement and partnership that positively impacts students at every stage of their journey."

Outstanding Contribution to Impact, Engagement and Connectivity

This award recognises the individual whose engagement activity has made an impactful contribution to the local, national or international community — advancing knowledge dissemination, the School's connectivity agenda, or its partnerships and international profile.

Winner: Heejung Chung

The judges said: "through internationally recognised research on gender, work, inequality and the future of employment, Heejung has become one of the most influential public voices in her field, shaping debates far beyond academia. As Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, she has played a pivotal role in connecting research with policy, practice and public debate."

Principles in Action Award

This award is presented to the individual who has demonstrated exceptional collegiality, commitment and citizenship within the School — contributing to activities and initiatives beyond their normal remit and exemplifying King's Principles in Action: include, challenge, connect, and support.

Winner: Ali Budjanovcanin

The judges said: "Ali exemplifies King's values through her outstanding commitment to leadership development, collaboration and community-building across the School and the wider university. Through her work in executive education and leadership programmes, she has helped develop current and future leaders, while building strong partnerships that enhance the reputation and impact of King's. What distinguishes her is her ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and building connections across communities that might otherwise remain separate."

Enabler of Excellence

This award celebrates colleagues who consistently and tirelessly seek to improve the way their team, department or the School works — often with little wider visibility. It recognises the hidden gems in our community whose quiet dedication enables everyone around them to do their best work.

Winner: Matthew Smith

The judges said: "Matthew is the epitome of the unsung hero — someone whose quiet, consistent and often unseen work enables colleagues across the School to do their best work every day. What sets Matthew apart is his patience, humility and willingness to help; colleagues know they can rely on him to find solutions, offer reassurance and go the extra mile whenever needed."

Outstanding Contribution to King's Business School

The Outstanding Contribution to King's Business School is a special recognition presented to an individual who has made an exceptional and enduring contribution to the School across multiple areas of its mission and community.

Winner: Jon Hindmarsh

Jon Hindmarsh was recognised for his exceptional and wide-ranging contribution to King's Business School. The Dean presented this award personally in tribute to Jon's sustained dedication, leadership and impact across the School's academic and collegiate life.