Akash Paul, who was appointed CEO of Caparo Group in the 1990s, has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate for Business Administration for his efforts in promoting investments in India.
The UK-headquartered group’s Founder, Lord Swraj Paul, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, conferred the degree on his son over the weekend. He said the honour was in recognition of Akash’s dedication towards building the fortunes of the company over the years, “particularly its investments and interests in India”. The formal robes and citation were conferred upon Akash Paul by university vice-chancellor Professor Ebrahim Adia.
Lord Paul, who has served as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton for over two decades, said: “Akash was appointed CEO of Caparo Group in 1992. During this time, he furthered Caparo’s growth strategy in UK, Europe, USA and India, as well as expanding capacity and increasing profitability of the companies in the United Kingdom and was president, Caparo Automotive Espana, Spain and Executive Board, Bull Moose Tube, USA.”
In his acceptance speech, Akash Paul said he was “deeply humbled and profoundly honoured” on receiving the honour.
He said: “Perhaps, I am the only graduate to get a degree from his own father, independently approved by the University Board, of course, I may add.
“Receiving this honorary doctorate is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the incredible support and guidance I have received throughout my academic and professional journey. It is often said that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and in my case, this could not be more true.”
MORE LIKE THIS…
The ceremony at the London Zoo also saw honorary fellowships awarded to Thomas Anthony Modrowski, posthumously, and to Stephen Smith for contributions to manufacturing and architecture.
“Remarkably, this is the 26th year we have had the honour of Lord Paul as our Chancellor and he has offered us tremendous support for over a quarter of a century. In particular, hundreds of our students and graduates have benefited from his generosity over the years. He is an exceptional ambassador for the University, both here in the UK and internationally,” noted Professor Adia.
