Warm congratulations to the following Balliol Old Members who have been named in the King’s New Year Honours 2026 list:
Professor Andrew Pithouse (Balliol 1977), Lately Special Policy Adviser, Welsh Government: Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), for services to social care education and policy.
Professor Pithouse said: ‘Having retired from Cardiff University in 2019 I remain Emeritus Professor of Social Research. I subsequently worked as Special Policy Adviser to Welsh Government during Covid and its immediate aftermath supporting an unsung but fantastic and well-led body of civil servants in building legislation, strategy and policy in social care and its interface with health. The MBE is dedicated to them and the exemplary work they continue to do for Wales. I have now left government but continue to write on comparative social policy with colleagues in Scandinavia.’
Lady Demetra Pinsent (Balliol 1997), Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Tilbury: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to business and to the beauty industry.
Lady Pinsent said: ‘I am honoured but acutely aware that this recognition is for something that is really the collective achievement of an extraordinary team. Building a new business requires a village of determined and resilient problem solvers and the success of Charlotte Tilbury is a testament to that. Any personal contribution was made possible by my husband and children who put up with all the compromises. A heartfelt thank you to my exceptional colleagues and supportive family!’
Giles Shilson (Balliol 1992), Lately Chair, City Bridge Foundation: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to outreach and inclusion and to charity.
Giles said: ‘I am delighted to receive this honour, which reflects in particular the tremendous impact of the City Bridge Foundation’s work, both as trusted owner of the City’s five bridges and as London’s largest independent funder; it has been a great privilege to work alongside so many talented colleagues leading an institution that has a huge impact on so many thousands of lives.’
If you are an Old Member of Balliol who has received an award, please let us know.