He has produced for superstar acts, including U2, The Rolling Stones, and The Killers during his five decades in the business.

Surrey has also honoured one of the UK’s most influential scientists, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell.

The 81 year old physicist discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967.

Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: 

“We are proud to recognise these outstanding individuals whose work has made a lasting impact across science, education, the arts, business and beyond. Their achievements speak to the values we hold dear at Surrey – excellence, creativity and the drive to make a difference in the world. We hope their stories inspire our students as they embark on their own journeys.” 

Alongside Dame Bell Burnell, Professor Peter Hoj and Steve Lillywhite, the University will also celebrate three distinguished alumni: Alan Charles Parker CBE (BSc Hotel and Catering Management, 1969), John Mullen (BSc Hotel and Catering Management, 1978) and LIM Hua Min (BSc Chemical Engineering, 1968).  

Alan Parker is best known as the transformational force behind Whitbread plc. During a business career spanning more than 50 years, Alan led Whitbread to become the UK’s largest hospitality group – owning Premier Inn, Marriott Hotels, Costa Coffee and hundreds of pub restaurants. 

Alan Parker said: 

“The education and life experience I gained at Surrey were absolutely critical to my career in business, both in the UK and around the world. This recognition means a great deal to me – made even more special by the fact that my son is also a Surrey graduate. I’m deeply grateful to the University for this honour.” 

John Mullen, who is currently chairman at Qantas, has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in global transport and logistics. He has lived and worked in 13 countries and held senior roles at major companies, including CEO of DHL Express,  TNT Express Worldwide and Asciano. His previous appointments include Chair of Telstra Group, Toll Holdings, the US National Foreign Trade Council and a UNICEF task force on workplace gender discrimination and harassment. 

John Mullen said: 

“I’m truly honoured to receive this recognition from the University of Surrey – a place that gave me the foundation to build a global career. Living and working in so many countries has shown me the value of understanding different cultures and ways of thinking, and that perspective began at Surrey. I’ll always be grateful for the education, the friendships and the open-mindedness that shaped my journey.”