Rod Bransgrove receives honorary degree
5 November 2010
Chairman and Chief Executive of Rosebowl plc, Rod Bransgrove, was at Southampton’s Guildhall on Friday 5 November to pick up an honorary degree.
Southampton Solent University has awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Business to Rod in recognition of his contribution to business and sport.
The outstandingly successful businessman began his career in the pharmaceutical industry, enjoying a successful career with the UK subsidiary of Schering AG, before establishing Imperial Pharmaceutical Services in 1985. Ten years later, the company merged with Shire Pharmaceuticals Ltd to form Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc which was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996.
Later, Rod found further success as Executive Chairman of Entertainment Rights plc – which he also founded. This innovative business specialised in intellectual property rights – and children’s television characters such as Postman Pat, The Tweenies and Basil Brush.
Since taking the helm at The Rose Bowl – home of Hampshire Cricket – in 2000, Rod has focused his business talents on the development and continuous improvement of the state-of-the-art venue, and it will host its first ever Test Match, England v Sri Lanka in 2011.
As well as Rose Bowl Plc and its subsidiaries, Rod is a director at PepTcell Limited and serves on the advisory board of the security company, Infinity SDC Ltd.
As a highly respected businessman, Rod spends much of his time mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting new business ventures.
Mr. Bransgrove said; “I feel very proud to be given this honorary doctorate and to be following in the footsteps of some of my good friends.
“Next year Hampshire will celebrate a major milestone when the first Test Match ever to be played on the South Coast comes to The Rose Bowl. To feel that I have contributed to, and been recognised by, the local community is a wonderful thing and I am privileged to have had such an opportunity.
“I would like to convey my sincerest thanks to Southampton Solent University for this award.”
More than 2000 students graduated with degrees and professional qualifications during 10 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall from 1-5 November.
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