- Dr Doug Wright has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow
- The honorary appointment will contribute to the delivery of the Aston University 2030 strategy by serving on the Vice-Chancellor’s external advisory board providing strategic advice on the city and region
- He will support the Vice-Chancellor’s engagement in key strategic areas.
Aston University is pleased to announce the appointment of a prominent business and community leader and philanthropist to the role of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow.
The honorary appointment will contribute to the delivery of the Aston University 2030 strategy by serving on the Vice-Chancellor’s external advisory board and providing strategic advice on the city and region.
Dr Doug Wright MBE currently holds the office of High Sheriff of the West Midlands. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and three years later received an MBE for services to charity and the economy.
Dr Wright has earned several other career accolades including the McDonald’s Global Franchisee of the Year, having built a business empire of 26 restaurants in UK.
As chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham, Doug led six-figure fundraising initiatives to provide free accommodation for families with children receiving treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
He was awarded an honorary degree by Aston University in 2022 for his services to the business community and his charity work.
This honorary appointment will support the delivery of the Aston University 2030 strategy and the Vice-Chancellor’s engagement in key strategic areas locally, nationally and internationally.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to announce the honorary appointment of Dr Doug Wright to the role of Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow and as my senior advisor for the city and region.
“Doug is an inspirational figure in the regional business community, not only for his passion for charity work, but for his dedication to underprivileged youth and regional business growth.
“I look forward to working with him and benefiting from his wealth of experience in support of the achievement of the ambitions articulated in the University’s 2030 strategy.”
Speaking of his appointment, Dr Doug Wright said:
“I am delighted to have been given this honorary role as Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow and Senior Advisor for the City and Region.
“I look forward to using my business acumen to contribute to the success of Aston University and to delivering the 2030 strategy. It’s a very exciting time to be associated with the University as it delivers transformational work for our city and region.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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