Aston Martin Lagonda president and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer has been conferred  an Honorary Doctorate by Cranfield University, in recognition of his “drive, determination and constant quest for innovation.”

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, chief executive and vice-chancellor of Cranfield University, went on to say that Palmer is “spearheading the way in which the UK embraces Industry 4.0.”

Since joining the business in 2014, Dr Palmer has led the transformation of Aston Martin Lagonda, highlighted by record financial results and becoming the first automotive brand to be listed on the London Stock Exchange for 30 years.

Cranfield is the UK’s only exclusively postgraduate university, focused on creating leaders in technology and management. The university awards honorary degrees to those who positively influence those sectors.

On receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Dr Palmer said: “I am delighted, honoured and deeply humbled to receive an honorary degree from Cranfield University, and to join past recipients who I have long respected. As an engineer, and indeed an alumni of Cranfield who has worked in the automotive industry for 40 years, I have greatly admired the quality of research by the University in science, engineering, technology and management. Its work is essential, given the automotive industry’s dependence on innovation in coming decades and its cross-over into the disciplines of AI and aerospace.”

Dr Palmer already holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from Cranfield, which he received in 2004. He received his doctorate from Baroness Young of Old Scone, Chancellor of Cranfield University at a special ceremony held at Cranfield.

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