Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire handed University honour
Ed Anderson CBE says he feels “extremely honoured” to receive his award from the University of Bradford, describing it as a special moment in a relationship that began more than half a century ago.
The former CEO of Leeds & Bradford Airport and lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan – he’s been to see ‘the Boss’ 17 times – was awarded Doctor of the University in recognition of his successful career and dedication to the region in his role as Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.
He said: “I feel extremely honoured. I have had a long association with Bradford – my very first job some 53 years ago was as a trainee accountant with Bradford Council – and I have been a long-term admirer of the University, its focus on diversity and all its achievements.”
Ed Anderson CBE was given an honorary award by the University of Bradford. Images credit: University of Bradford
Airport chief
Ed Anderson has been Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, The King’s representative in the County, since 2018 – he is due to retire this year. He came to the County to be a student in 1969 and has lived here ever since. He is an economics graduate and a qualified accountant.
He had a twin track executive career in local government and airports including serving on the management team at Leeds City Council and being the CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport for 10 years until 2007 when he became Chair of the Airport Operators Association until 2019.
His other non-executive roles include chairing the board of the Yorkshire Building Society during and after the global financial crisis and he has also been Chair of National Savings & Investments, the Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust and Leeds Trinity University. He served on the Council of the University of Leeds for 15 years and was Deputy Chair.
Comfort zone
He is a Knight of St Gregory (papal knighthood) and was awarded the CBE for services to the financial sector and to public life in Yorkshire. He is married with four adult children and one grandchild, and his interests are music and watching sport.
He said: “Probably the biggest challenge came when I was the Chairman of the Yorkshire Building Society during the global financial crisis. Our board immediately recognised the gravity of the situation, and we took steps to de-risk the business. These were incredibly uncertain and unsettling times for financial services, but we were very cohesive as a board, and I am proud that we completed four merger transactions during those years and emerged from the crisis far stronger.”
Asked what he was proud of during his career, he said: “I am particularly proud that we attracted the airline Jet2 to set up their first base at Leeds Bradford Airport during my time as CEO. Every day of my nearly seven and a half years as Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire has been a stand-out.”
So, what advice would he give to today’s graduates? He said: “Take opportunities as they arise, even when they seem well out of your comfort zone – you will be amazed at your capacity to achieve things that you thought would be impossible.”