TOP BUSINESS LEADER AWARDED QUEEN’S HONORARY DEGREE 
12 December 2019
Leading Northern Ireland businessman Alastair Hamilton, the former Chief Executive of Invest NI, has received an honorary DSc (Econ) degree from Queen’s University Belfast.
Recently retired, Mr Hamilton held one of the key public sector positions in Northern Ireland.
Throughout his tenure as Chief Executive of Invest NI he played a key role implementing specific measures and strategies to help the Northern Ireland economy withstand the impact of the downturn after the 2007 economic crash.
He was also hugely significant in his contribution to Northern Ireland’s economic development by successfully attracting major foreign direct investment and helping home-grown companies to expand. In the last two years, he has continued to attract inward investors to Northern Ireland despite the potential impact and uncertainly surrounding Brexit.
Delivering the citation, Pro-Chancellor Dr Stephen Kingon CBE, said: “Duty is something Alastair believes in. Strongly. He’s committed, dedicated, driven to do the very best he can for those he serves, whatever the circumstances. On top of that he’s a terrific salesman."
Mr Hamilton rose to prominence with BT, was a former Vice President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chaired the Economics Committee of the CBI before, in 2007, becoming Chief Economic and Business Advisor to the First Minister. He took over the reins at Invest NI in 2008 at a time of great economic difficulty.
“He’s a great communicator and has travelled far and wide to increase Northern Ireland’s global presence, in the process opening 10 new international offices,” added Dr Kingon.
“Over the past 10 years under Alastair’s leadership Invest NI has made nearly 42,000 offers of support to almost 11,000 businesses, both local and global, leading in total to a commitment of £7billion of investment and 67,000 new jobs for the local economy.”
In response, Dr Hamilton said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by Queen’s University and I am delighted to receive this honorary degree.
“Having spent the majority of my working life in the business community, either working in Northern Ireland or supporting local businesses as they expand around the world, I know the important role Queen’s plays locally and globally.
“I also know how important it is for industry to connect with local academia – it is vital that we continue to provide our young people with a world-class education and the skills required for the workplace.
“Through this recognition, I look forward to being even more connected with Queen’s University.”
Born and brought up in Ballymena where his father ran a footwear shop, Alastair regularly helped out in the family business, where he was introduced to the challenges of small businesses at a young age.
He has played an active role in the local business community in Northern Ireland for more than two decades.
A chartered director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland, he was the recipient of the Lunn’s Award of Excellence from the Institute of Directors in 2016, one of the longest running business awards in Northern Ireland, and was awarded UK Public Sector Director of the Year.
Catch up will all Queen’s Winter Graduation ceremonies on the University's dedicated website.
Queen's awards honorary degrees to individuals who have achieved high distinction or given significant service in one or more fields of public or professional life, and who serve as ambassadors for the University and Northern Ireland around the world.
For media enquiries, please contact Queen’s University Communications Office, telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 3091.
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