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Bond Star and NatWest CEO among 2023 University Honours

Posted on 20 December 2022

Bond star, Colin Salmon, and CEO of NatWest Group, Alison Rose, are among seven distinguished figures to receive honorary degrees from the University of York in January.

Bond star, Colin Salmon to receive honorary degree from the University of York

The University of York confers the honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society.

Renowned British actor Colin Salmon, best known for appearances in television and film, including three James Bond movies, will attend a ceremony at the University’s Central Hall, where he will receive his degree in recognition of his achievements in acting and contributions to causes that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Recognition

Alison Rose, Chief Executive of NatWest Group plc, will receive recognition for her 30-year contribution to the bank, which she joined as a graduate.  She has since been instrumental in leading NatWest Group’s progress and performance as a purpose-led organisation. Alison is a passionate supporter of diversity and is an executive sponsor for NatWest Group’s employee-led networks.

In the same ceremony, the University’s new Chancellor, Dr Heather Melville, will be officially inaugurated. Heather is currently Senior Managing Director at the global CEO advisory firm, Teneo, where she supports businesses to build more sustainable, diverse and inclusive practices. Her 40-year career has established her in a number of senior positions, spanning corporate and international banking, technology, and professional services. 

Values

University of York Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “Our honorary graduates this year have not only made outstanding contributions to their profession, but also in their work championing inclusivity and access to opportunities for all, two themes which resonate strongly with the values of this University. 

“We are also excited to officially welcome our new Chancellor, Dr Heather Melville, to the University - an authentic and inspirational leader who is a passionate supporter of equality and justice.”

This year’s recipients of honorary degrees, which will be awarded as part of the University's winter graduation ceremonies, also include:

Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-founder, IntoUniversity

Dr Hugh Rayment-Pickard, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder, IntoUniversity

Professor Paul Johnson, Economist and Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies

Professor Polly Arnold, Chemist and Campaigner for Inclusion and Diversity in STEM

Julian Richer, Retailer, Author and Philanthropist

Dr Rachel Carr

Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, has over twenty years of experience working with children and young people in the voluntary sector and has overseen the expansion of the charity that tackles educational barriers in many of the UK’s poorest neighbourhoods. 

Dr Hugh Rayment-Pickard

Dr Hugh Rayment-Pickard, Chief Strategy Officer of IntoUniversity, helped to launch the education charity and oversaw its growth from a local project to a national charity, which now helps 45,000 young people every year.  

Professor Paul Johnson

Professor Paul Johnson is Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and columnist for The Times, as well as a member of the UK Climate Change Committee. Professor Johnson is also an author of books on tax, pensions and inequality.  

Professor Polly Arnold

Polly Arnold, Director of the chemical sciences division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Professor of chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, is a regular advisor to government and industry and appears regularly on mainstream media and social media to discuss the importance and benefits of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.

Julian Richer

Julian Richer is an English retail entrepreneur, philanthropist and author, best known as the founder and managing director of Richer Sounds, the UK's largest hi-fi retailer. Julian has gained a reputation for his motivational style of management and his philanthropic and charitable activities. 

Honorary degree ceremonies take place from Wednesday 18 January to Saturday 21 January 2023. If any media wish to attend, please contact the Press Office for further information. 

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