Award for graduate who returned to lead the University of Leicester’s governing body
Gary Dixon, left, with Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah.
A University of Leicester graduate who progressed to leading the institution’s governing body has been honoured.
When Gary Dixon graduated from the University of Leicester in 1987 with a degree in Physics with Astrophysics, he could never have predicted that, 32 years later, he would lead the University’s governance as Chair of Council.
Council is the University's supreme governing body and is responsible for taking all final decisions on matters of fundamental concern to the institution, including the University's academic mission and strategic direction. The Chair, which is an unpaid role, is ultimately responsible for ensuring the systems, structures, procedures and rules for running the University are fit for purpose and that the University is being managed effectively.
Gary’s achievements were recognised today (Wednesday 15 July) when he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws during a graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall.
In the two decades following his graduation, Gary trained as a chartered accountant at PwC, gained an MBA from Warwick Business School and established his own financial consultancy company, which became the market leader in FSA compliance work. After selling his business in 2007, Gary retired, but did not slow down, fulfilling numerous non-executive director roles.
He joined the University’s Council in 2009 where he variously served as a member of the University Finance and Infrastructure Committee, the Nominations Committee, the Remunerations Committee, the Leicester Innovation Advisory Board and the University’s Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
In 2019 Gary took over as Chair of Council following the departure of Dr Bridget Towle CBE. That same year he was appointed to the board of USS, the higher education sector’s principal pension scheme. Gary served as Chair for six years before handing over the role to Neil Goulden last year.
He continues to be an active Non-Executive Director of numerous bodies, including the Barclays UK Retirement Fund, Malawi Foster Care, the Wesleyan Assurance Society and the financial trading firm Trading 212 where he was appointed Chair in 2025.
Reflecting on his honorary award. Gary said: “I am simply delighted to be honoured in this way. The University of Leicester is a very fine and distinguished institution and I shall always be grateful for the education that I received and the start in life that it gave me. It is my great pleasure to continue to watch the University go from strength to strength.”
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, said: “It is a pleasure to honour a key member of the University of Leicester family. Leicester was the springboard to an exceptional career for Gary. What followed was 20 years of working at the very top of his game, which culminated in him founding a hugely successful company.
“While some might slow down following early retirement, Gary was keen to utilise his vast experience. We are extremely fortunate he chose to return to the University via our Council body, putting him at the forefront of the institution’s direction of travel, helping it to deliver its ambitions.
“Gary has been the source of wise counsel, firm guidance and prudent advice. He helped change the course of history at Leicester by heralding a minority leadership for the first time in 100 years with the installation of Dame Dr Maggie Aderin PhD as Chancellor, and my appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
“He helped steer the University through the pandemic and our centenary and ensured that the impact of the University benefitted local communities. The creation of Space Park Leicester and advent of new facilities including our Freemen’s development was a testament to his stewardship. I place on record my appreciation for him and the time he has devoted to public service.”