- Matthew Hammond was recognised for his significant contributions to the business community within Birmingham and the West Midlands
- He is PwC’s Head of International Markets for the U.K, and under his leadership, PwC's investment in the Midlands has flourished
- He received the honour at a ceremony at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Friday 19 July 2024.
A prominent business leader has been awarded an honorary doctorate of business administration (DBA) by Aston University in recognition of his significant contributions to the business community in Birmingham and the West Midlands, as well as his advocacy for the region’s business communities and growth strategy.
Dr Matthew Hammond received the honour at a graduation ceremony on Friday 19 July 2024, presided over by University Chancellor Dr Jason Wouhra, at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
Dr Hammond concluded his tenure as the regional leader of the West Midlands at PwC in 2023, during which he nearly doubled the size of the Midlands practice, adding over 1000 new roles and 44 new partners. Under his leadership, the firm navigated through challenges such as Brexit and the pandemic while achieving remarkable growth.
He is leading PwC’s investment programme in the Midlands, including the development of One Chamberlain Square, which the team moved into in 2020, PwC’s largest UK mainland investment outside London is footed on a combination of the Midlands market potential, technology enabled client delivery, and the recruitment of graduate and school leaver roles - some 500 over the last 24 months and a record of 276 graduates and school leavers in the autumn of 2021.
Matthew is also chair of the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), the organisation charged with attracting new businesses and investment to the region and creating jobs.
Matthew has also played a pivotal role in the restructuring and subsequent sale of Caparo Industries and the rescue of the iconic London black cab manufacturer, Manganese Bronze.
His leadership extended to significant property restructurings, including The Cube in Birmingham, and as the lead administrator of Royal Worcester & Spode.
He also led on philanthropy through his involvement with PwC’s Ride the Nation charity event, which has raised almost £500,000 for local communities.
Dr Matthew Hammond said:
“I am truly humbled to be awarded an honorary doctorate today in the year that Aston University has celebrated numerous of its own awards for its achievements, mostly notably for its achievements in work readiness and social mobility, and now also proudly in the top 1% of business schools globally.”
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to honour Matthew for his outstanding professional achievements.
“In addition to his corporate achievements, Matthew has been a steadfast supporter of Aston University. He has actively participated in various initiatives, including public-facing panels and high-level delegations.
“Matthew has been a good friend to Aston University over the best part of decade, in both his capacity as chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and a leading businessman with an international portfolio.
“He recognises the valuable contribution Aston University can play in the regeneration of our wonderful city and has supported the University through a number of initiatives.
“Alongside his direct contribution to the University, Matthew has consistently proven his advocacy of Birmingham and the West Midlands, culminating in his appointment as chair of the West Midlands Growth Company, where he leads efforts to attract new businesses and investments.
“His work in this area aligns closely with Aston University’s 2030 strategy ambitions to build a transformational ecosystem which will attract innovators and entrepreneurs to our city and region.
“Matthew is a highly successful businessman, demonstrating the utmost professionalism, integrity and significant business acumen and is a role model to any student graduating from Aston University.”
- 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
Be first to get the latest news, research and expert comment from Aston
by following us on TwitterNeed an expert for your story? Browse our experts directory