University of East London appoints Lord Noon as new chancellor

Kay Atwal, Chief Reporter Monday, February 4, 2013
4:43 PM

Leading entrepreneur Lord Gulam Noon has been announced as the new Chancellor of the University of East London

Lord Noon, who developed his business from a sweet shop in Mumbai to a multimillion pound food empire employing thousands of people in the UK, was normally installed as the new Chancellor in a ceremony at the House of Lords.

He replaces Lord Brian Rix, the actor and charity campaigner, as the figurehead at UEL. Lord Rix was UEL’s first Chancellor and is stepping down as the longest-serving university Chancellor in England.

Lord Noon said: “I am both proud and excited to be taking on this role at UEL. This is a great institution, with a strong record of providing opportunities for all to improve and develop. I am looking forward to helping them continue their good work, encouraging diversity and developing entrepreneurship alongside academic excellence.”

Lord Noon – who is credited with introducing the British palate to Indian food on a large scale through his business supplying supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose – has a long-standing relationship with UEL. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the university in 2009, in recognition of his achievements as an entrepreneur, and has helped the university create and run a centre for diversity in business.

Mark Stephens CBE, chair of UEL’s Board of Governors, said “We’re delighted Lord Noon has agreed to be our new Chancellor. He brings exceptional ability and achievement, and his successful career will be an inspiration to our students. Lord Noon is also renowned for his love of cricket and he recognises our ambition to be the leading university for sport in London”.