Finance expert honoured by University of Leicester half a century after graduation

A former University of Leicester student has attended his second graduation almost half a century after his first.

David Moore graduated from Leicester in 1974 and went on to enjoy a successful career in banking. Shortly before retiring in 2011, he rekindled his relationship with the University, serving on its Council and enjoying roles on the Investment Committee and with the Students’ Union.

Today (Tuesday 18 July), 49 years on from his 1970s graduation, the University formally recognised David’s achievements, by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during a graduation ceremony, held at De Montfort Hall.

David said: “May I say what a privilege and a pleasure it is to receive this honorary degree. 

“I am a graduate of our University, and it has given me immense satisfaction to contribute to the governance of the institution over the past 15 years or so, and to continue to do so in my role as a trustee of our tremendously vibrant Students’ Union.”

He also had the following message for graduating students: “It’s your hard work, the sacrifices you have made and your perseverance that has got you where you are today.

“I can assure you, as Citizens of Change, you possess the power to shape the future. The world is full of complex challenges and uncertainties and we need your innovative thinking, and your commitment, to bring around meaningful and positive change. 

“Never underestimate your ability to make change happen, either as an individual, or as part of a team.”

President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “I would like to personally congratulate David for his honorary award and thank him for his devotion to the University of Leicester.

“His expertise and drive have been real assets to both the University and our Students’ Union, and I hope this award goes some way to demonstrating our gratitude for everything David has done for us.”

David started a banking career with the Military Banking Division of American Express. He gained an MBA from the University of Liverpool in 1977.

In 1979 he secured a position with Citibank, an American multinational bank, with whom he worked for the next 33 years. For most of his time with Citi he worked internationally, returning to the UK in 2008 where he worked as a managing director for Citi Private Bank’s Operations and Technology Division overseeing activities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He retired at the end of 2011.

David served on the Council of the University of Leicester from 2009 to 2018, including a period as Treasurer. Despite stepping down from Council, David’s contributions to the University have continued: he brings his financial expertise to bear as a member of the Investment Committee and also sits on the Board of Trustees of the Students’ Union.

He served as a non-executive director of two NHS Trusts: Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from 2012 to 2018, and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust from 2018 to 2022. He was also a Public Member of Network Rail between 2008 and 2011 and is a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice Daventry and District.