Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Jonathan Geldart awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University
Jonathan is a global business leader, with experience implementing practical business strategies across cultures and markets, a speaker and trainer in the areas of strategic positioning and executive motivation, and author of three books on China.
Jonathan is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, as well as the Royal Geographical Society, and studied Geography and Archaeology at St. Andrews University.
He has spent 30 years working in the professional services sector, most recently at Grant Thornton International Ltd, where he served on the global board prior to becoming responsible for the organisation's interests in China.
Jonathan was Chair of the Institute of Director’s Yorkshire and North East region until his appointment as the Director General in 2019.
Jonathan is also an authority on China, having served as an author on three books about the country. He has also served as an adviser to the Chinese Government on the development of the Chinese accounting profession and joined Theresa May’s tour of China in 2018.
Jonathan Geldart said: "I am especially proud to be awarded this honour as someone who has been involved in both the University and the City of Leeds for many years. It was an absolute surprise to be given this honour and I am deeply humbled by it."
Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University said: "I would like to congratulate Jonathan Geldart on receiving his Honorary Degree, which acknowledges his incredible service to international affairs,
"Jonathan is well-known to our Leeds Business School and has supported the university previously when considering our approach to recruitment in China. It is fitting that Leeds Beckett University is recognising Jonathan’s outstanding achievements."