Newcastle alumni recognised in King’s New Year Honours

Eighteen Newcastle University graduates have been named in King Charles III’s New Year Honours list, acknowledging their dedication and success in their respective fields. Congratulations all!

Lola Anderson MBE (BA Hons English Literature, 2019)

Lola Anderson has been awarded an MBE for services to rowing. During her time at Newcastle University, Lola was a dedicated member of the Newcastle University Boat Club.

Inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, she joined the prestigious Leander Club in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and earned a spot on the GB senior squad in 2021. Lola’s hard work and determination led her to become a World Champion in 2023, culminating in a historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Games, where she secured Great Britain’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls.

In addition to her Olympic success, Lola has also earned medals at the European Rowing Championships and World Rowing Championships, as well as winning the prestigious Princess Royal Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in 2022.

Joeli Brearley MBE (BA Hons Philosophy and Psychology, 2000)

Joeli Brearley, founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, has received an MBE for her services to working families.

Joeli founded Pregnant Then Screwed in 2015 after experiencing pregnancy discrimination firsthand. The organisation has since grown into a global campaign, changing laws, securing billions in government investment, and supporting hundreds of thousands of mothers with free advice. She has become a prominent advocate for women's rights in the workplace and has taken the UK Government to court for indirect sex discrimination.

Joeli was named one of Vogue’s 25 most influential British women and a New Statesman top 50 progressive political influencer in 2023. Her debut book, The Motherhood Penalty: How to Stop Motherhood Being the Kiss of Death for Your Career, was published in 2021.

Sarah Green OBE (MBA, 2013)

Sarah Green, CEO of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, has been awarded an OBE for her services to tourism.

Sarah has led NGI through the pandemic, securing a £2.25 million boost from the UK Government as part of the Destination Development Partnership Pilot, enhancing regional tourism growth.

Since becoming Chief Executive in 2020, Sarah has been instrumental in driving NGI's mission to inspire people to visit, live, learn, work, and invest in Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region. Under her leadership, NGI became one of England’s first accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnerships by VisitEngland.

A dedicated advocate for the North East, Sarah previously worked as a lawyer for Clifford Chance before becoming CBI Regional Director and later Director of Region and Nations. She holds an MSc in Urban Regeneration from Northumbria University, an MBA from Newcastle University, and a PhD from Durham University, focusing on the social impact of small businesses on rural communities.

Madeline Howard MBE (BA Hons Geography, 2017)

Madeline Howard, a manager at Sage UK, has received an MBE for her services to cybersecurity.

She has played a key role in advancing the UK's cyber tech ecosystem while championing gender diversity in the field, inspiring young women to pursue careers in technology.

As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Sage, Madeline has developed the Sage Security Culture Programme, which aims to simplify cybersecurity concepts and empower colleagues to work securely. Her work also focuses on embedding a positive security culture within development and engineering teams across the software development lifecycle.

Madeline’s influence extends beyond her professional role. She recently supported the EmPowerCyber event in Newcastle, which introduced cybersecurity to 1,200 Year 8 girls, encouraging the next generation of women in tech.

Susan Jacques OBE (BSc, 1989)

Susan Jacques, Chief Executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, has received an OBE for her services to the NHS.

Susan has led the Trust through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritising patient care and service improvements throughout her leadership.

Her work has been defined by innovation and a focus on enhancing patient experience, making a lasting impact on the Trust and the communities it serves.

Philip Jones OBE (PhD Hydrology, 1977)

Philip Jones, Director of the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, has received an OBE for his services to climatology.

Philip’s work is focused on maintaining a time series of the instrumental temperature record, which was prominently featured in the 2001 and 2007 IPCC reports. His key research areas include climate extremes, proxy climate reconstructions, and developing long-term precipitation and river flow datasets for the UK.

Philip has spent his entire career with the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit, starting as a Senior Research Associate in 1976 and becoming Director of the CRU in 1998, a role he held until his retirement in 2016. He continues his research at UEA as a Professorial Fellow.

Throughout his career, Phil has received numerous accolades, including the Hugh Robert Mill Medal from the Royal Meteorological Society and the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geophysical Society for his contributions to climate science.

Mohamed Al Kattan OBE (PhD Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, 1989)

Mohamed Kattan, founder of Safinah Ltd., has received an OBE for his services to marine engineering.

Mohamed founded Safinah Ltd. in 1998, a globally recognised consultancy providing analytical, diagnostic, and strategic technical services for the marine and heavy-duty coatings industry. His work has advanced technical assessments and performance specifications in marine coatings, influencing global standards.

Now semi-retired, Mohamed continues to contribute as a Principal Consultant at Safinah and serves on the Advisory Board of I-Tech AB, applying his expertise in coatings and marine engineering to international projects.

Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen MBE

Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, who received an honorary degree in 2022, has been awarded an MBE for her services to photography.

Renowned for documenting working-class life in the North East, her work has been widely exhibited and was an influence on the film Billy Elliot. Originally from Finland, Sirkka moved to Britain in the 1960s to study photography and co-founded the Amber collective, which relocated to Newcastle in 1969. Her landmark project, Byker, captured life in the terraced houses of Byker before their demolition, and her work is held in prestigious collections, including Tate and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Sirkka has continued to explore social themes through photography and filmmaking, with projects such as Step by Step documenting dance schools in North Shields and Coal Coast, a visual study of the Durham coastline.

Jane Lawson MBE (BA Hons History, 1982),

Jane Lawson, Director of Development at the Victoria & Albert Museum, has received an MBE for her services to museums.

Jane leads fundraising efforts that support capital projects, acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation, and learning programmes.

Jane joined the V&A in 2002, becoming Deputy Director of Development before her appointment as Director in 2005. Prior to her museum career, she worked in editorial roles at Methuen and Penguin Books before moving to a public affairs role at Shell UK Limited.

Jane has also served as a trustee of the Fashion Arts Foundation and is currently a trustee of Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity.

Roger Leighton OBE (BA Hons English Literature and Arts, 1977)

Roger Leighton, Chief Executive at Partnership Learning Trust, has received an OBE for his services to education.

Roger leads Partnership Learning Trust, which aims to transform young lives through high-quality education and strong values. The Trust focuses on establishing new schools, improving underperforming ones, and collaborating with local partners to strengthen communities.

Previously, Roger served as Headteacher at The Sydney Russell School from 1996 to 2015, where he significantly improved educational outcomes during his time there.

Caroline O’Neill OBE (MEd, 1993)

Caroline O'Neill, Children’s Improvement Adviser at the Local Government Association, has received an OBE for her services to education.

Caroline has dedicated her career to improving children’s care and education, previously serving as Director of Care, Wellbeing, and Learning at Gateshead Council and Head of Education at Durham County Council.

Her leadership has focused on driving positive change in education services, enhancing support for children and young people across the region.

Benjamin Saoul OBE (BA Hons Government & European Studies, 2001)

Benjamin Saoul, Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security, and Migration at the British Embassy in Paris, has received an OBE in the Overseas and International List for his services to British foreign policy.

Ben has played a pivotal role in strengthening UK-France cooperation on critical issues such as migration and the war in Ukraine. His diplomatic career has included leading the UK's crisis management efforts as Head of the FCDO Crisis Management Department and guiding preparations for triggering Article 50 during Brexit negotiations.

Previously, Ben served as Deputy Consul General in Jerusalem and as Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Defence at 10 Downing Street.

Gerard S. Saddler MBE (PhD Microbiology, 1989)

Gerard Saddler, former Head of Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) and Chief Plant Health Officer for Scotland, has received an MBE for his services to Scottish plant health and biosecurity.

Appointed as Scotland’s first Chief Plant Health Officer in 2017, Gerard worked across forestry, crops and the natural environment to improve Scotland’s plant health resilience.

Elizabeth Todd OBE (PhD Education, 2000)

Elizabeth Todd, Director of Newcastle University's Institute for Social Science, has received an OBE for her services to education and young people.

Elizabeth was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Science in 2020 and has dedicated her career to making education fairer for young people, particularly those facing disadvantage. She played a key role in the development of Children North East's groundbreaking Poverty Proofing scheme, helping reduce the impact of poverty in schools. In 2015, she led Newcastle University’s collaboration with Citizens UK to launch Tyne and Wear Citizens, campaigning for a real living wage in the region.

She continues to lead impactful projects, including the European SCIREARLY initiative to prevent early school dropout. Liz was also recognised with Newcastle University's Academic Distinction Award in 2022.

Katy Ware MBE (BEng Hons Marine Technology, 1993)

Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services, has received an MBE for her services to maritime safety and technology.

Since her appointment as Director in 2016, Katy has led UK policy development on life-saving appliances and fire safety while representing the UK at international maritime organisations. She previously served as Principal for Marine Technology at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and as the UK’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation.

A Chartered Engineer with the Royal Institute of Naval Architects, Katy began her career as a ship surveyor and has remained committed to enhancing safety standards in the maritime industry throughout her career.

Carol Watterson MBE (MSc Applied Educational Psychology, 1999)

Caroline Watterson has been awarded an MBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs.

During her 19 years at Darlington Borough Council, Carol developed and managed the Portage Service before becoming Lead Educational Psychologist. She played a key role in the development of the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) Programme, positively impacting numerous schools across the region.

Now a partner at Embleton View, Carol continues to support young people by providing assessments, consultations, and training to help children overcome barriers to learning and improve emotional literacy.

Charles Wilson MBE (BSc Engineering, 1986)

Charles Wilson, Treasurer of The British Benevolent Fund in Spain, has received an MBE in the Overseas and International List for his services to vulnerable British nationals.

Since joining the charity in 2011, Charles has supported countless British nationals in Spain by providing short-term financial assistance to those in need, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karon Wright MBE (BA Hons English Language and Literature, 1988)

Karon Wright, Founder and Artistic Director of the Samling Institute, has been awarded an MBE for services to music.

Since founding the Samling Institute in 1996, Karon has been instrumental in creating world-class opportunities for classical singers and pianists at all career stages.

Under Karon’s leadership, the Samling Institute has provided masterclasses, operas, concerts, and school projects, reaching thousands of young people. Her commitment ensures the charity remains tuition-free, relying solely on fundraising to support early-career artists and aspiring musicians in the Northeast.

Congratulations all!

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