Pennies is a leading financial technology charity – the digital upgrade of the traditional collection box, helping customers make their pennies count for charity when they pay by card – in-store, online or in an app.
In response to the news, Chairman of Pennies, the digital charity Box, Robert Leitão said:
“We are incredibly proud of Alison receiving a CBE for her services to the Economy and Charities. Alison has enormous vision and a powerful business acumen; and is driven by her philanthropic core to apply financial technology to grow the charity sector.
“It is Alison’s dedication to improving business and people’s engagement with it that has afforded Pennies its dynamism and exponential growth over the last five years. Under her leadership, in just 5 years from launch, Pennies has collected 30 million micro-donations raising over £6.5 million to support over 100 charities; and continues to grow strongly as more and more retailers and consumers join the movement.
“I know I speak for everyone at Pennies in offering my congratulations to her on this thoroughly deserved honour.”
Alison has led fintech charity Pennies as CEO since its conception in 2010. In addition to her full time role at the digital charity box, she holds a number of Non-Executive positions including Aviva Life Holdings UK Ltd, the subsidiary board of Aviva Group plc, and Yorkshire Building Society. Alison is also a Trustee of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).
Alison was previously Chief Executive of FTSE financial services company Kensington Group plc and has also held senior positions in Barclaycard and international technology group IBM.
Pennies is enabled in a number of well-known brands including Domino’s Pizza, Zizzi restaurants, Topps Tiles, The Entertainer, The Fragrance Shop and Screwfix; as well as a growing number of smaller merchants. For more information on Pennies visit: www.pennies.org.uk.
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For more information or to arrange an interview with Alison Hutchinson, please contact Rob Dyson, Head of Marketing and Communications at Pennies on rob.dyson@pennies.org.uk.
Recognising the partners, organisations and individuals whose innovation, collaboration and commitment help unlock small acts of giving and deliver huge impact, the winners of this year’s Pennies Awards will be announced on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Pennies is delighted to have won two awards at the Charity Times Awards 2026, with Alison Hutchinson CBE named Charity Leader of the Year and Peter Nugent named Supporting Leader of the Year, following Pennies’ shortlist in four categories.
Pennies strengthens its Hospitality and Leisure Advisory Board with the appointment of Tracy Gehlan, President, EMEA at Subway International, and Matthew Price, Regional General Manager for Uber Eats, EMEA.
The pair bring senior leadership experience from two of the world’s best-known food and delivery brands to support Pennies’ work with hospitality partners.
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