We are delighted to confirm that three Sidney alumni have been awarded honours in the 2023 New Year Honours List. This is an outstanding achievement in recognition of their hard work and dedication towards improving the lives of others.

Mary Davies (1986), former CEO of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, Ofsted Inspector, teacher of MFL, Headteacher and Executive Headteacher was awarded an MBE for services to education, having been recognised for the outstanding impact she has made on both the Maiden Erlegh Trust, their family of schools and the education sector more widely.  

Image of Mary Davies

“I am hugely proud and humbled to have been awarded an MBE. Throughout my career, and especially as CEO of Maiden Erlegh Trust, I worked alongside amazing people. It is a privilege to work in schools. Most people will never see how much school and trust staff do for children and young people. They are heroes every day.”

Dr John Murton (1991) was appointed CMG for services to climate change and foreign policy. Most recently John spent three years as the UK government’s COP26 Envoy, coordinating the UK’s climate diplomacy for COP26 in Glasgow. Prior to this John has had a distinguished diplomatic career spanning 25 years, including posts in Asia and Africa focussing on energy transition and climate. 

Image of John Murton

“I’ve been following climate change ever since studying it during my Geography degree at Sidney.  That intellectual grounding has stood me in good stead throughout my career.  Climate change is a great example of a topic that has moved from being ‘academic’ to ‘political’ to ‘commercial’ as a generation of former students become policymakers and business leaders.  It’s a real honour to be recognised for this work”. 

Dr Andy Samuel (1987), former Chief Executive of the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) was awarded a CBE for services to the energy sector. Andy took up the Chief Executive role at the newly-formed Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) in 2015 and quickly helped to improve the North Sea oil and gas industry’s performance by working closely with the sector and government. Prior to joining the OGA, Andy held a variety of international leadership roles at BG Group over 20 years, including managing director for European exploration and production. 

Image of Andy Samuel

“I am delighted to receive this award. I have been so lucky to have worked with brilliant teams throughout my career. My time at Sidney was foundational, learning so much about science and life. Leadership and creativity have also been a recurring theme and I loved my time leading the North Sea Transition Authority and doing all I could to accelerate an orderly energy transition.”

As exemplary leaders in their field, to wider society, we are extremely proud of their accomplishments. Our warmest congratulations to Mary, John, and Andy!


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