This week has seen the Graduation ceremonies take place for recent graduates within the Business School and Law School. The celebrations have also seen David Kay OBE and John Tiner CBE join graduates and staff to receive their awards as honorary graduates.

David Kay OBE, a graduate of Kingston Law School, has been made an Honorary Doctor of Laws. David was called to the English Bar in 1979 and admitted to the bar of Illinois in 1990. He is an expert on international corporate transactions and advises U.S. companies and financial institutions on their overseas operations.

He has lived and practiced law in England, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and has written widely on investing and doing business in Europe and the Middle East. His current roles include Honorary Legal Advisor to the British Consul-General in Chicago and director and chairman of The British-American Chamber of Commerce for the Midwest.

Today, Tuesday 12 January, John Tiner CBE, the first Chief Executive of the City’s watchdog the FSA, will be recognised for his achievements in the financial services industry. Currently Chief Executive of FTSE 100 company Resolution Operations LLP, John will be named an Honorary Doctor of Letters.

After joining the FSA in 2001 John became the first Chief Executive of the regulatory body in 2003. Under his tenure the FSA developed a principles-based approach to regulation. He spearheaded the organisation’s leadership of a national strategy to educate consumers about money, leading to the Government’s recent decision to establish a public body to deliver money advice and education across all parts of the country.

John worked for Arthur Andersen whilst studying at Kingston University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1980. He was delighted to be recognised by the University and has fond memories of studying here.

“Kingston University undoubtedly provided the grounding for me to become a chartered accountant, and prepared me for a successful career as a Managing Partner at Arthur Andersen, and then as the first CEO of the UK’s Financial Services Authority. Studying at Kingston was also great fun!”