Three industry figures have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for services to pensions.

Pension Protection Fund (PPF) chair, Kate Jones, and People’s Partnership chief executive officer, Patrick Heath-Lay, were both appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while former Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, was given a knighthood.

Jones, who has been chair of the PPF since July 2021, was given a CBE for services to pensions and financial education, notably for her commitment to driving change in the pensions industry and being a strong advocate for financial education.

She is due to step down as PPF chair following the completion of her five-year term in July 2026, to be replaced by Joanne Segars OBE.

King received a knighthood for services to pension reform, the promotion of international business, and voluntary and charitable service.

In the honours list, King was praised for driving ‘high-impact initiatives’, including the Mansion House Accord and related scale-up capital events.

Heath-Lay was appointed a CBE for services to the pensions industry, in which he has worked for more than 40 years.

He celebrated four decades at People’s Partnership, provider of People’s Pension, last year, having joined the organisation as a 16 year old in 1985.

Commenting on his CBE, Heath-Lay said: “It’s really humbling to be recognised in this way and is not something I ever expected to happen when I set out in the world of work as a teenager straight from school more than 40 years ago.

“It’s an honour to lead such a wonderful, purpose driven organisation, making a real difference to pension saving in the UK and which has allowed me to develop and grow as a person.

“This recognition is a wonderful surprise and would not have been possible without my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career at a company that has given me so much.

“I have been lucky enough to be able to work with some of the most talented and driven people who share a passion for the purpose of our organisation and who have helped establish People’s Pension as a major player in the pensions industry.”

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