Cranfield University is celebrating the achievements of its alumni, partners and friends who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list, acknowledging their outstanding contributions in technology, engineering, business, education and public service.

This year’s honours highlight the breadth of Cranfield’s global community and the significant impact its graduates and partners continue to make in industry, government and society.

Professor Karen Holford, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Cranfield University, said:

“I am so delighted to congratulate our alumni, partners and friends who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. Their achievements demonstrate the powerful influence of Cranfield’s community across a wide range of important sectors. These honours reflect the exceptional leadership, expertise and dedication of our community. We are incredibly proud of their contributions and the positive difference they continue to make around the world.”

Honours recognise leadership, impact and emerging talent

Among those honoured is Dame Hayaatun Sillem DBE, awarded a Damehood for services to engineering. A 2023 Cranfield honorary graduate, Dame Sillem – formerly Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Academy of Engineering and Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation - has played a pivotal role in advancing the engineering profession and championing innovation and diversity in the sector.

Professor Sir Glen Burley, who completed a strategic leadership executive development programme at Cranfield, receives a knighthood for his services to NHS leadership. Working in the NHS for 43 years, Professor Sir Burley is Chief Executive of the Foundation Group of NHS trusts, and Deputy Chief Executive of NHS England.

Neil Heslop, who studied for an MBA in 1992, CEO of the Charities Aid Foundation, is awarded a CBE for services to philanthropy and charity. Neil – a 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winner at Cranfield - shaped disability rights legislation in the UK and built charities that have an enduring impact. He shared some of his thoughts about leadership with purpose in an interview with Cranfield University earlier this year.  

Alexia Williams (MSc Through-life System Sustainment 2024), Technical Lead at Rolls-Royce, has received an MBE for services to education and skills, acknowledging her work to promote skills development and apprenticeships. Alexia made history as the first participant in Rolls-Royce’s master’s degree apprenticeship programme and won the Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year award in 2023. Less than two per cent of people who receive an MBE are under 30, making Alexia’s achievement even more remarkable.

Further honours across the Cranfield network

Several other members of the Cranfield community have been awarded honours, amongst them are:

  • Olubukola “Bukky” Babajide (Visiting researcher) – MBE for services to technology, business and inclusion. A technology and business leader and entrepreneur, Bukky is founder and CEO of Female Techpreneur and Tech Consultant and Digital Strategy Expert at Crystal Options Ltd.
  • Dr Mark Downs FRSB (PhD Biotechnology 1988) – MBE for services to the promotion and recognition of biology, following his 16-year tenure as Chief Executive of the Royal Society for Biology.
  • Christine Gibbons (Executive MBA 1991), Chair of Trustees at Active Sussex and Trustee of Parkrun Global, is awarded an MBE for services to community sport and fitness.