Standing out in compliance often takes years, but not always. Some professionals arrive from other disciplines or find their way into compliance unexpectedly, only to make an immediate impact. They bring fresh perspectives, a willingness to learn, and the drive to excel. The finalists for Compliance Week’s Rising Star in Compliance award embody that emerging talent, showing how the next generation is already shaping the future of the field.

Without further ado, and in alphabetical order, are the three finalists for Rising Star in Compliance Finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Compliance Awards.

  • Shelina Ajani, Director Global Ethics & Compliance, Colgate Palmolive

Shelina headshot CP

Excerpt from Shelina’s nomination: “Through her ability to lead through others and her unwavering commitment to integrity, Shelina Ajani has demonstrated the vision of a future CCO and is a highly deserving recipient of the Rising Star in Compliance award. She combines analytical rigor with a global mindset, anticipating how compliance must evolve to meet emerging regulatory and cultural challenges.”

  • Billy Hughes, Vice President Global Ethics & Compliance, Circana

Billy Hughes Headshot 2026

Excerpt from Billy’s nomination: ”Billy’s track record of excellence and proven ability to deliver have him on a fast track to becoming a CECO someday soon – making him an exceptional candidate for the Rising Star in Compliance Award.”

  • Fernando Monfardini, Compliance Officer & DPO, Clube Atlético Mineiro

Fernando Monfardini - Headshot

Excerpt from Fernando’s nomination: ”Fernando Monfardini embodies the ’Rising Star’ spirit. He has taken the ’ethics-first’ mandate into one of the most challenging professional territories and succeeded. By combining international academic rigor with a hands-on, innovative approach to integrity, Fernando is not just an up-and-comer; he is already setting the standard for what a modern, visionary CCO should be.”

Leadership from Compliance Week and its sister organization, the Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI), judged dozens of nominations for the Rising Star in Compliance award submitted by colleagues, friends, students, and others who know the organizations and were able to best articulate their accomplishments.

Of these three finalists, one will be named Rising Star in Compliance for the 2026 Excellence in Compliance Awards, at Compliance Week’s National Conference, to be held May 6-8 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Now in their seventh year, CW’s Excellence in Compliance Awards annually honor the brightest minds, biggest innovations, and crowning achievements in compliance.

At the reception on the evening of May 7, Compliance Week will also hand out awards to Joe Murphy for Lifetime Achievement in Compliance, CCO of the Year, Compliance Program of the Year, and Compliance Mentor of the Year.

Congratulations to all three finalists!

 

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