Peninsula’s Kara Stott named on Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35 list for 2026

We are delighted to announce that Kara Stott, Head of In-House Legal and Special Counsel, has been recognised in the 2026 Management Today 35 Women Under 35 list. This prestigious list is an annual celebration of women in business across the UK who inspire others with their leadership and talent.

Kara says “I’m incredibly proud to have been named one of Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35 for 2026. Having started my career at the Peninsula Group straight out of university, and grown through so many incredible opportunities here, this recognition feels like an important step in shaping my future career. It’s a real honour to be included in such a prestigious list and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring and talented females in leadership”

Kara joined the Peninsula Group in 2015 as a legal adviser for the Group’s employee wellbeing company. She quickly came to the attention of the senior leadership team as a highly valued, trusted advisor and future leader. Her expertise, calm and personable approach made the move into an in-house legal role the next natural step, balancing protecting the interests of the organisation and its employees with managing a team and studying to qualify as a solicitor, which she attained in January 2024. In January 2025, Kara was promoted to Head of Group In-House Legal.

Kara is an exceptional leader in the Peninsula Group, whose impact far outreaches her job title. She leads and develops a high-performing team of legal professionals while simultaneously supporting and defending a global organisation from its most high-risk technical and legal challenges. Her forward thinking has helped to develop and enhance both the service offering and working practices of the group, all the while keeping the company’s core values of caring, taking action, innovating, informing, and doing the right thing, at heart.

Kara demonstrates a rare blend of strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and unshakeable professionalism, being a true inspiration to those around her. Kara is a fantastic role-model both for women that are taking the first steps in their legal careers and those who are already well established. She is a keen advocate and a true champion of professional development, who has grown her own success through years of hard work, determination, and tenacity.

In a demanding, high-stakes and fast paced environment where the reputational, legal, and human stakes are immense, she is a calm, credible and values-driven leader that has had a profound impact on her colleagues and the Peninsula Group as a whole.

Kate Palmer, COO at Peninsula UK, says “Kara is a go-to when you need sound, balanced, and personable advice. She always offers clear guidance and support on even the most complex issues. She is clear, personable and – most important from my perspective – warm and supportive. She absolutely deserves a place on this list, and I’m delighted to see her recognised in this way. Congratulations to all the exceptional women who made this year’s list.”

See the full list of winners HERE