Planet Hollywood founder and top economist are among Surrey's honorary graduates
The Founder and CEO of the Planet Hollywood brand, Robert Earl, and the globally respected economist and former Commercial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Jim O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Gatley, are among a distinguished group of alumni receiving honorary degrees from the University of Surrey at its undergraduate ceremonies in late July.
Left to right: Dr Hasnita Hashim, Robert Earl, Mark Millett and Lord O'Neill
Also being recognised are Mark Millett, a leader in the global steel industry, and Dato' Dr Hasnita Hashim, a senior figure in international finance – both Surrey graduates with distinguished global careers.
Seen as one of the most influential businesspeople of his generation, Robert Earl is a Surrey graduate who completed a BSc in Hotel and Catering Management in 1973, establishing the Robert Earl Scholarship in 2012 to support students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Two recipients of his scholarship will graduate at the same ceremony where he will receive his honorary degree.
Receiving this honorary degree from my university, a place where I learned so much, means more to me than I can fully express. From launching businesses to building brands around the world, I've always drawn on the unique lessons I learned at Surrey. This University opened my eyes to possibility, and I will always be grateful for that."Robert Earl
The University will also honour alumnus Jim O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of Gatley (PhD Economics, 1982), the respected economist and crossbench member of the House of Lords. He is best known for coining the term "BRIC" during his time at Goldman Sachs, drawing attention to the growing global influence of Brazil, Russia, India and China. He later served as Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and has remained a leading voice in public policy ever since.
Lord O'Neill also led the UK Government's Independent Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, commissioned by then Prime Minister David Cameron and published in 2017.
Throughout my career, this university, its people and the wider community have never been far from my thoughts. I've always tried to be a good friend to Surrey, just as it was to me. To be recognised in this way, by the place that set me on my path, means a great deal."Lord O'Neill
Mark Millett is co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Dynamics Inc., one of the largest steel producers in the United States. A Surrey graduate in Metallurgy (1981), Mr Millett has overseen the design, construction and operation of all the company's steel mills since it was founded in 1993. He became CEO in 2012 and Board Chair in 2021.
Surrey gave me the technical foundation and global outlook that shaped my entire career. I'm deeply honoured by this recognition.Mark Millett
Dr Hasnita Hashim (BSc Physics, 1984), a leading figure in international finance, will also be recognised. A Surrey physics graduate, Dr Hashim recently served as Chair of Maybank, Malaysia's largest bank's investment and asset management arm.
Surrey helped shape my early thinking, not just academically but in how I saw the world and my place in it. I'm humbled to receive this award from a university that gave me such a strong start.Dr Hasnita Hashim
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