CBE for Pro Chancellor
Lancaster University Pro Chancellor Bryan Gray, has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, in recognition for his service to regeneration.
Mr Gray, who has been Pro Chancellor at Lancaster University since 2003, is also Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
Since taking up the chairmanship of the NWDA in 2002, Mr Gray has played an instrumental role in drawing together regional partners to identify and implement a number of transformational actions for the Northwest. Key initiatives include developing MediaCityUK, leading the Northwest Climate Change Action Plan, establishing the University of Cumbria, and helping to deliver Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture programme.
Bryan Gray said: “To be awarded a CBE is a great honour and one which I am delighted to receive. I am very proud today and even prouder to continue to be part of the ongoing transformation of England’s Northwest.”
BIOGRAPHY
Bryan was Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Baxi Group Limited, one of Europe's leading heating companies and was latterly Chairman of Baxi Technologies. He was Vice President of Micropower Council, promoting new energy technologies.
He leads for the RDAs on skills and education and is a member of the National Learning & Skills Council. He was Chairman of Preston North End Football Club until October 2001 and was founder chairman of the National Football Museum. He is Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, a Trustee of National Museums Liverpool and a member of Liverpool Cathedral Council.
From 2000 to 2002 he was Chair of CBI North West. He was awarded an MBE for services to regeneration in Preston in 2001, and an honorary fellowship of the University of Central Lancashire in 2004. He was a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire and was High Sheriff of Lancashire in 2003/04. He is also Non-executive Chairman of Westmorland Limited, a member of the Lake District National Park Authority and Chairman of Urban Splash Hotel Company. He is also Chair of Carlisle Renaissance.
Other interests include being Chair of the Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust and Chair of the newly formed Churches Trust for Cumbria.
In 2006 he was awarded HRH The Prince of Wales’ Ambassador Award for the North West.