Honour for pub company boss

The head of one of the UK’s leading pub and brewery firms is raising a glass after receiving an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

Ralph Findlay, Chief Executive Officer of Marston’s PLC, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration at a graduation ceremony at the Grand Theatre.

The award recognised Ralph’s contribution to the regional economy; and in particular his leadership of a significant business in the hospitality and leisure sector.

He said: “It is a privilege to be awarded a doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, both for me and Marston’s PLC. Over the past 12 years, Marston’s has developed into a national beer and pubs business, with significant growth despite the recession – but we are very much a Midlands firm, and we are committed to our operations in Wolverhampton, including the Banks’s Brewery.

“I am delighted that the University of Wolverhampton has decided to recognise the role that Marston’s plays in community and commercial life in the West Midlands.”

The honour was presented by the on Friday, 14 September 2012.

Ralph Findlay is Chief Executive Officer of Marston’s PLC, one of the UK’s leading brewers and pub retailers.

Appointed in 2001, Ralph had previously been Finance Director since 1996. Before joining Marston’s Ralph held finance positions at Geest PLC, Bass PLC and PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and the Midlands.

He was Chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the brewing and pub industry’s trade body, from 2010-2012, and is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Brewers.

Ralph is a Chartered Accountant (FCA), Corporate Treasurer (MCTDip), and a graduate of Edinburgh University.

ENDS

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