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Ed Anderson CBE awarded Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University
The Leeds Beckett University graduate is a former President and Chairman of Leeds Chamber of Commerce and was High Sheriff of West Yorkshire in 2015-16. He became a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire in 2016 and was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire on 1st September 2018.
Ed Anderson CBE said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be awarded an honorary degree from my alma mater, Leeds Beckett University. I am indebted to the staff and my fellow students for a very happy four years from 1969 to 1973 at what was then Leeds Polytechnic. I enjoyed the city of Leeds so much that I have lived here ever since.”
The duties of the Lord-Lieutenant include arranging visits by members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors. They also ensure that The Queen's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to their area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned.
Ed has been a keen advocate for all aspects of West Yorkshire life since settling in the county in 1969. His aims for the Lieutenancy are for it to be inclusive, reaching out to communities throughout the county; and shining a light on all that is excellent in West Yorkshire, especially through promoting the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, as well as encouraging nominations for Honours.
In 2020 he was appointed Commander of the Order of St John. The order promotes physical, mental and spiritual health and resilience in more than 35 countries. In the New Year Honours 2022, he was awarded the CBE for services to the finance sector and to public life in Yorkshire.
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor said: “Ed Anderson CBE is a fantastic advocate and West Yorkshire in his role as Lord-Lieutenant. He has tirelessly supported charitable causes and his career has covered a period of economic development for Leeds.
“We’re proud to see one of our alumni make such an impact on the region and I’m delighted the university is recognising this dedicated service.”
Ed enjoyed an executive career in local government and airport management. His last job in local government came in 1990 to 1997 when he was a member of the senior management team at Leeds City Council with responsibility for five departments.
His final executive role in airport management was as chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport for ten years until 2007. During this time, the airport nearly trebled in size and the new low-cost airline, Jet2.com, established its first base at Leeds Bradford.
Ed has sat on numerous boards as a non-executive director, most notably chairing the board of the Yorkshire Building Society for eight years, through the financial crisis, until 2015. He is a former Chairman of Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, a former non-executive director of Kelda Group plc, and is currently Chairman of National Savings & Investments (NS&I).
Ed has been involved with several local charities over the years, including being a trustee of St Gemma’s Hospice for 11 years. Current positions held with local charities include Patron of Bradford Courts Chaplaincy Service and Leeds Community Foundation.
The Honorary Doctorate was granted on Friday 22 July as part of the university’s 2022 Graduation ceremonies in the first direct arena in Leeds.