THE chief executive of Severn Trent Water will be among a host of business leaders and role models from across the region honoured by Staffordshire University next week.
Tony Wray will receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of his work as the head of one of the few Midlands FTSE 100 companies.
After graduating from his geology degree at Sheffield University, Mr Wray joined British Gas and stayed with the company during a series of acquisitions and mergers.
The 49-year-old later joined Irish telecoms company Eircom where he was charged with rolling out broadband and then came back to England to be closer to his family and take up his job at Severn Trent Water.
Appointed to the board of directors in 2005, Mr Wray became chief executive in 2007 when he set about changing the company’s strategic direction and rebuilding its reputation.
During this period of change, Severn Trent has seen continual growth and now employs 5,500 people across the UK, 3,500 in its supply chain and around 2,500 around the world.
His experience with leading Severn Trent saw him tie up with Staffordshire University to support its’ Leading for Success’ programme, aimed at boosting the skills and abilities of senior managers.
The award of Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University has been given for his services to the energy, water and waste industries and his work with the university.
He said: “Working with the university’s leadership and sharing these experiences and ideas has been very engaging and thought provoking.
“I’m incredibly flattered the university has felt that my contribution has been helpful enough to warrant and be recognised with this award.”
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