King’s Birthday Honours 2023

Members of the Cardiff University alumni community have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2023.

Sir Ian Gray (Hon 2012) is Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University. He has been made a Knight Bachelor for services to the aerospace industry. Ian worked for British Aerospace from 1979 until 2007 before transferring to government services as the first chief executive office of the Technology Strategy Board.

Ceri Morgan (BSc 2007) is Director of EU and International Trade for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She has been awarded a CBE for services to capability and inclusion in international trade.

Vincent Bailey (MA 2010) is Leader for the Conservative Group in the Vale of Glamorgan Council. He was awarded an OBE for his political, voluntary, and charitable services.

Matthew Lodge (MSc 1994) was awarded an OBE for services to the rail industry. Matthew is Director of Rail Infrastructure for the Department of Transport.

Shamini Jayanathan (LLB 1994) has been awarded an OBE for services to the rule of law and to international development.

Emily Reuben (PGDip 1997) is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Duchenne UK. Formerly a television presenter and reporter, she was awarded an OBE for services to charity and to people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Duchenne UK is the UK’s leading DMD industry, connecting scientists, the NHS, and families to accelerate research and bring the best treatments to everyone affected by DMD.

Deborah Boden (BA 1986) was awarded an MBE for services to heritage. Now a consultant advising on protected landscape management and investment for environmental growth, Trustee of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Trust, and Chair of the World Heritage UK Climate Emergency group, Deborah oversaw management of the largest industrial landscape World Heritage Site in the UK for 18 years.

Mark Bretton (BScEcon 1982) was awarded an MBE for services to business, the economy and to charity, particular during COVID-19.

David Heyburn (BA 1996) is Head of Operations for Microbiology and Health Protection in Public Health Wales. He has been awarded an MBE for services to the NHS.

Dr Gareth Jones (MBBCh 1976) has been awarded an MBE for services to sport and exercise medicine in Wales. Dr Jones is a team doctor for the Wales Rugby Union.

Asitha Panditharatna (BSc 1994, UGDip 1996) is Director of Employment Services for the Forward Trust. He was awarded an MBE for services to further education and skills.

Professor Elizabeth Rix is Chief Nurse at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and was awarded an MBE for services to nursing leadership. Professor Rix has worked in the NHS for more than 40 years, with almost 15 of those as a Chief Nurse – and the last four at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Alison Ryland (BSc 2013) has been awarded an MBE for services to prison healthcare in Monmouthshire. She is Head of Healthcare at HM Prisons Usk and Prescoed.

Richard Stanton (PgDip 1995) is a campaigner for better maternity services for Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust. He has been awarded an MBE for services to maternity healthcare after campaigning alongside his partner Rhiannon.

Emma Garrett (BA 2010) is Head of Visitor Experience for the Tate Art Galleries. She has been awarded an MBE for services to the State Funeral for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Promotions in and appointments to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath

Lieutenant Commander Anthony James Rodney Lofts (BEng 2006) has been awarded an MBE.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Robbie George Beech (BEng 2006) has been awarded an MBE.

We are so proud of our Cardiff alumni community and extend a huge congratulations to all those who have been recognised for their dedication and achievements.