Cranfield alumni who have made outstanding contributions across a wide range of sectors have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026. Cranfield University is proud to celebrate the achievements of alumni whose work continues to shape national policy, industry standards and public service in the UK and beyond.
Alumni receiving awards
Dr Hywel Davies (MSc Environmental Diagnostics 1994)
Head of Technical Insight, Chartered Association of Building Engineers
Awarded an OBE for services to building safety and standards
Dr Davies has played a leading role in advancing building safety, providing technical leadership and expert insight that has helped shape standards and professional practice across the built environment.
Ian King (Honorary Graduate 2016)
Lately Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems; Lead Non-Executive Director, Department for Transport
Awarded a CBE for services to the transport and defence sectors
Ian King’s career spans senior leadership in defence and public service, with significant impact on national infrastructure, security and strategic governance.
Mark Reynolds (Cranfield Advanced Development Programme 2002)
Group Executive Chair, Mace; Co-Chair, Construction Leadership Council
Awarded a CBE for services to the business and construction industry
Mark Reynolds has been instrumental in championing transformation across the construction sector, promoting productivity, skills development and collaborative leadership.
Matthew Agar (Project Leadership Programme 2017)
Strategy Director, Building Digital UK
Awarded an OBE for services to digital infrastructure and broadband
Matthew Agar has helped drive the UK’s digital connectivity agenda, supporting the expansion of high-quality broadband and digital infrastructure nationwide.
Nicholas Cawthra (Cyber Deception 2021)
Policy Adviser, Ministry of Defence
Awarded an MBE for services to defence
Nicholas Cawthra has contributed to defence policy in a complex and evolving security landscape, with expertise in cyber and strategic deception.
Peter Boardman (Systems Thinking in Practice 2020)
Effects Analyst, Ministry of Defence
Awarded an MBE for services to defence
Peter Boardman’s work applies systems thinking to defence analysis, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and operational effectiveness.
Rory Wallace (Project Leadership Programme 2019)
Deputy Director, Steel Sector, Department for Business and Trade
Awarded an OBE for services to the steel industry
Rory Wallace has played a key role in supporting and shaping policy for the UK steel sector, helping to navigate economic, industrial and sustainability challenges.
These honours reflect the breadth and depth of impact made by Cranfield alumni across government, industry and public service. The University extends its warmest congratulations to all those recognised and looks forward to following their continued contributions in the years ahead.
