Globally respected business leader awarded honorary degree from Northumbria University

Business leader John Mark Williams has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law from Northumbria University.

John, who graduated with an MBA from Northumbria in 2005, is respected globally as Chief Executive of the Institute of Leadership, a professional membership body for leaders and managers.

After graduating from Northumbria, John chose to stay in the North East working as International Trade Director for UK Trade and Investment in the region. He then joined Newcastle University as Director of its International Office, before becoming Director of Strategic Partnerships at INTO University Partnerships – an education and recruitment partner, connecting international students with top universities in the US, UK and Australia.

In 2009 John became Chief Executive Officer of Gateway to London where he was responsible for leading inward investment into east London in 2009. After a spell in the banking and financial sector he became Chief Executive of the Agile Business Consortium, the professional body behind the AgilePM handbook and AgilePM, a leading certification in agile project management. And then, in 2020, he took up his current position of chief executive officer of the Institute of Leadership. 

Since graduation, John has retained a close relationship with Northumbria University, using the connections and partnerships he has developed throughout his career to support the institution. In his role as Chief Executive of the Institute, he has provided a corporate donation of £12,000 for postgraduate scholarships for students from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Since 2019 he has also been a member of Northumbria University’s Business School Advisory Board and has delivered guest lectures to current students and alumni. 

John is a member of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council’s Global Advisory Board.  He has been a Diversity Champion for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and an adviser to the Cabinet Office on strategy and leadership.

Speaking about his honorary degree from Northumbria, which was presented during summer graduation ceremonies held at the University’s Newcastle City Campus, John said: “I am deeply grateful for the incredible privilege of receiving this Award.

“This is a very special honour from an institution that I value hugely for its dedication and commitment to furthering knowledge, and to making higher education a benefit for all.

“I do not take the honour for granted. I very much hope that I can continue to use the knowledge and skills I possess to advance further the aspirations and achievements of Northumbria University."