Karan Bilimoria is UK's youngest university chancellorKaran Bilimoria, CBE, DL, Founder and Chief Executive of Cobra Beer has been appointed the Chancellor of Thames Valley University of the United Kingdom.
This was announced by Dino Adriano, Chair of the Governing Body at Thames Valley University.
Bilimoria follows the late Lord Hamlyn, the Lord Paul of Marylebone and Sir William Stubbs as the University's fourth chancellor. At this time, Karan will be the UK's youngest chancellor, the third Asian to be appointed in this position and the second male Asian to hold the post. He is also only one of five chancellors in the UK to represent an ethnic minority.
Dino Adriano said in a media statement: "In appointing the University's new chancellor, the governors were looking for an outstanding individual who could represent and inspire the extraordinarily diverse student body that makes TVU such a distinctive university."
"I am confident that in Karan Bilimoria we have someone exceptional who will not only be a real inspiration to the University community but who will also promote the interests of TVU with his renowned determination and flair," Dino Adriano added.
Bilimoria is recognised as one of his generation's outstanding entrepreneurs. He has won eleven business awards, including being honoured last year as Business Person of the Year by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Bilimoria said in his thank you note: "I am truly honoured and deeply humbled to accept the Chancellorship of Thames Valley University - a University with which I am proud to have been associated for a number of years, particularly as a member of the governing body.
The university's commitment to providing learning opportunities through its tremendous range of further and higher education programmes to all those who can benefit, throughout their lives, regardless of their background is one I wholly support.'
"In seeking to ensure that students have the skills and knowledge to equip them to play a successful role in the workplace and make an active contribution to their communities, TVU performs a remarkable and invaluable function for the economy and people of West London and the Thames Valley. I look forward to being able to support the University's Chair of Governors, Vice Chancellor, staff and students in any way I can and be active in ensuring that the University obtains the recognition it deserves for the tremendous work it undertakes," he said.
Photograph: Karan Bilimoria, CBE, founder and chief executive of Cobra Beer, on his installation as Chancellor of Thames Valley University with Baroness Prashar, Chancellor of De Montford University and a member of the House of Lords; His Excellency Kamlesh Sharma, High Commissioner of India.
