Girtonians recognised in King's Birthday Honours list for 2026

Distinctive leadership and pioneering change are the hallmarks of the Girtonians recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026. Everyone here at Girton College sends their warmest congratulations.

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

Jane Fraser (Economics) – for services to the financial sector

Jane Fraser’s appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire recognises an exceptional career of leadership and influence in the global financial sector.

In 2021, Fraser made history as the first woman to lead a major US bank when she became Chief Executive of Citi. Since then, she has led a multi-year strategy and restructuring programme to simplify and modernise the bank and strengthen its position.

Her leadership has also been recognised more widely. In 2026, she was ranked first in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business list. Fraser is now Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Citi, Chair of the Financial Services Forum and Co-Chair of the U.S.–Saudi Business Council. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Business Roundtable, the Council on Foreign Relations and the Partnership for New York City. She is also a member of the Group of Thirty, Monetary Authority of Singapore’s International Advisory Panel, Harvard Business School’s Board of Dean’s Advisors, the Stanford Global Advisory Board and the Economic Club of New York.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Christopher Hulatt (Natural Sciences) – For services to Entrepreneurship

Christopher Hulatt co‑founded of Octopus Group in 2000. What began as a small fund management start‑up has grown into a major, diversified investment and energy business operating across sectors such as venture capital, renewable energy, healthcare, and financial services.

Beyond scaling a successful business, Hulatt has played a broader role in shaping the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He has been a vocal advocate for high‑growth small businesses, regularly engaging with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to promote pro‑enterprise policies and encourage innovation-led growth.

Hulatt and his co-founders established Octopus Group with the belief that people and the planet deserve better –the recognition on the King’s Honours List show he is making great strides in fulfilling this vision.

Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Military Division (CBE)

Simon Duckworth (Theology and Religious Studies)

Colonel Simon Duckworth CBE OBE DL VR has built a distinguished career across public service, policing governance and the Army Reserve. His many non-executive roles have included Chairman of the City of London Police Authority, the National Olympics Security Oversight Group, and of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. He also contributed to the establishment of the National Crime Agency and served as Senior Non-Executive Director at the Serious Fraud Office until 2019.

In the Army Reserve, Duckworth has held senior appointments including Commander of the Engineering and Logistic Staff Corps, Deputy Commander (Specialist Reserve) of the Army Special Operations Brigade, Hon Colonel of the Royal Military Police and Colonel (Reserves) of the Ranger Regiment. He has served on the Command Groups of the UK’s Standing Joint Command and of the Field Army.

A member of the City of London’s Court of Common Council since 2000, he served as Deputy Leader before taking up the historic role of Chief Commoner 2022/23. In that capacity, he oversaw the City’s involvement in the Platinum Jubilee, as well as the events marking the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Accession of His Majesty The King. Duckworth was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2008, and as one of HM’s Lieutenants for the City of London in 2010.

We welcome hearing about any news, awards or honours received by Girtonians – please email alumni@girton.cam.ac.uk.