University of Surrey celebrates outstanding alumni at 2026 Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Awards

The 2026 Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to Sarmad Zok (BSc Hotel Management, 1990), CEO of Kingdom Hotel Investments and one of the hospitality industry’s most prominent figures. 

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Sarmad has led major international hotel investment transactions, including the sale and merger of Fairmont Raffles with AccorHotels, the integration of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts with AccorHotels, and significant multi-billion-dollar portfolio deals across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The Outstanding Contribution to Society Award recognised Jay Matthews (DipHE Operating Department Practice, 2010), an Operating Department Practitioner and medical humanitarian who has delivered frontline care in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Gaza, Ukraine, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bangladesh. 

Working with UK-Med, Jay has supported hospitals and emergency medical teams during conflict, disease outbreaks and humanitarian crises, treating patients with severe trauma, burns, amputations and complex injuries under extreme pressure.

The Outstanding Contribution to Surrey Award was presented to Richard Costelloe (BSc Mechanical Engineering, 1964), a Battersea alumnus whose exceptional voluntary service has helped preserve Surrey’s history and heritage. 

Since 2014, Richard has volunteered almost weekly with the University’s Archives & Special Collections team, supporting vital collections work including listing, repackaging, renumbering and researching archive material.

 The Young Achiever Award went to Oli Jacobs (BMus Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister), 2014), a Grammy-winning mixing engineer whose credits include Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Sam Fender, The 1975 and Peter Gabriel. 

Now a respected freelance engineer in Los Angeles, Oli has also contributed to cutting-edge Dolby Atmos and immersive audio production, while continuing to support Surrey’s Tonmeister students through workshops, mentoring and alumni activities.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognised Chris Sibthorpe (LLB Law, 2015), BBC World Service journalist and dedicated alumni volunteer. Chris has worked across BBC News and BBC World Service, contributing to coverage of major events including the EU referendum campaign, the Covid-19 pandemic, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, three general elections and seven Prime Ministers, while continuing to mentor students, support careers events and deliver guest talks for the School of Law.

Helen Hardy (BA Acting, Guildford School of Acting, 2012), founder and CEO of FOUDYS, the world’s first women’s football retail site and physical shop, was recognised for transforming access to women’s football merchandise and for founding Manchester Laces, the largest inclusive women’s and non-binary football club in Manchester. 
 

Grammy Award-winning recording, mixing and mastering engineer Sam Okell (BMus Music and Sound Recording (Tonmeister), 2002) was honoured for his internationally acclaimed work with major artists and landmark film and music projects, including his role in preserving and reimagining The Beatles’ catalogue.

Lucy Barnes (LLB Law, 2018), barrister, public speaker and co-founder of charity Lawyers Who Care, was recognised for her advocacy for care-experienced people and her work to improve access to the legal profession through mentoring, opportunities and community.