RISING STARS 2026

WE ARE LOOKING FOR CHANGEMAKERS!

At the Pensions & Investments WorldPensionSummit, we believe that innovation doesn’t just happen at the top — it thrives in developing teams, new leaders, and bold ideas that challenge the status quo. That’s why we’re proud to present another edition of the Pensions & Investments WorldPensionSummit Rising Stars program.

This program is designed to spotlight individuals from across the globe who are reshaping the future of pensions in their part of the world — we are specifically looking for executives with less than 10 years’ industry experience to serve as role models for other early career executives to continue to look further, defy boundaries, and help to drive outcomes for people and pensions around the globe. Whatever your role in the institutional investment industry — asset manager, asset owner, asset servicer, legal or services provider — we want to hear from you! NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 31st

RISING STARS AMBASSADOR COUNCIL

Ivan Beocanin

Institutional Retirement Solutions Lead

Acenda Life

Australia

Christine Chang

Senior Research Analyst, MALTS

Meketa Investment Group, Inc.

USA

Emma Helbo

Head of External Relations & Communication

Denominator

USA

Robert Holley

Executive Director

Baltimore Fire & Police Employees’ Retirement System

USA

Ben Holthus

Investment Officer

Montgomery County Employee Retirement Plans

USA

Michalis Lazarides

Senior Manager, Occupational Pensions

LifeGoals Financial Services Limited

Cyprus

Kamel Mallat

Head of ALM and Research Analytics

Railpen

United Kingdom

Loice Momanyi

Legal Manager - Pension Division

Minet Kenya

Kenya

Antonio Rodriguez

Director of Investments

Building Service 32BJ Benefit Funds

USA

Bruno Rosenbaum

Partner and Head of European Investor Relations

Kahn Swick & Foti

Luxembourg

Ernestina Saarrah-Mensah

Customer Journey Manager

Scottish Widows

United Kingdom

Jerome Sanabria Herrera

BA in Law and History Student

Universidad del Rosario

Colombia

Sally Shen

Manager Risk Analytics & Models, Risk Management

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)

Canada

Emily Simso

Associate Director

New Forests

Australia

Abby Spieler

Executive Director

Missouri State Employees' Retirement System

United States

Why is it important to apply?

The future of retirement security depends on people — and since ageing is a global issue, we think it is essential to give a platform to early career executives. By sharing your work or that of a peer or colleague, you not only inspire others: you also gain visibility, credibility, and the momentum to grow your impact.

If you or one of your team members is leading the charge and delivering transformative work in the industry, we strongly encourage you to apply. Let the world see what the future looks like and celebrate the next generation of industry executives and ideas with us! Self-nominations are also acceptable.

Entries are accepted from around the world and from all industry profiles as long as your Rising Stars work is related to the Pensions & Investments Industry. 

The top 10 Rising Stars will be announced and recognised at the 2026 Pensions & Investments WorldPensionSummit during the Rising Stars Awards Ceremony, to be held on 5 November 2026.

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HONOREE BENEFITS

Don't hesitate and nominate your Rising Star today because the honoree benefits are listed here below:

  • All honorees are included in the total awards listing and promoted via P&I channels with picture and title
  • Top 10 honorees are profiled on P&I platform
  • Top 10 honorees are accoladed during the award ceremony at the summit on November 5th
  • Top 10 honorees are invited to join P&I WorldPensionSummit (complimentary delegate pass)
  • Top 10 honorees are automatically enrolled as Rising Star Ambassadors Council 2027

RISING STARS 2025

In 2025 we presented the inaugural class of the Pensions & Investments WorldPensionSummit Rising Stars Program. This program is designed to spotlight individuals from across the globe who are reshaping the future of pensions in their part of the world. They serve as role models for other early career executives to continue to look further, defy boundaries, and help to drive outcomes for people and pensions around the globe.

From this list
15 excelling changemakers were selected to be accoladed at the P&I WorldPensionSummit 🌎. This group of 15 executives is forming our Rising Stars Ambassador Council for 2026, to help recognise and honour talent and excellence!

Rising Stars 2025

ALUMNI AMBASSADOR COUNCIL

Uche Enemchukwu

Chief Executive Officer

Nelu Diversified Solutions

USA

Julio Florian

Regional Head of Investments

Sura Asset Management

PERU

John Greaves

Director of Total Portfolio Investments

Railpen

UNITED KINGDOM

Taylor Janke

Co-Director of Research

NYSNA Pension Plan & Benefits Fund

Usa

Brenda Kramer

Managing Director

Sustainable Finance Lab

NETHERLANDS

Nikki Trip

Sustainability Specialist AF Advisors

CHAIR JIIP

NETHERLANDS

Mauricio Rodríguez

Head of Investments & Wealth Management

Protección S.A.

COLOMBIA

Yolisa Heshula

Executive : Information Technology

EPPF

SOUTH AFRICA

Shannon Stewart

Associate Director, Actuary

University Pension Plan

CANADA