We are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to the following Balliol people, who have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List:
Harry Matovu (1981), Chair, Black Talent Charter and King’s Counsel, has been awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to business and to the legal profession.
Paul Berman (1983), lately Legal Director, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has been awarded Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to British foreign policy and international law.
Paul said: ‘I have been privileged to work on a wide range of fascinating issues over the past 35 years in legal roles in the Diplomatic Service, across government and in regional and international organisations — and I have been particularly fortunate to do so alongside hugely talented and committed colleagues. I am delighted by this recognition of those collective efforts in promoting international law and delivering British foreign policy on a strong legal foundation. In a divided world, those efforts become even more vital and Balliol’s traditions of public service and global engagement are needed more than ever.’
Ashley Ibbett (1989), lately Director General for Energy Infrastructure, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been awarded Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for services to energy and net zero.
Sarah Munby (2000), lately Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has been awarded Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for public service.
Sarah said: ‘My tour of duty as a Permanent Secretary was an extraordinary experience: supporting business through Covid, managing the energy crisis and navigating the impact of AI on the UK, among other highlights. While the real credit for the things we got done must go to my many wonderful colleagues, I will concede that some of my Balliol bloody-mindedness may have occasionally played a part!’
Wendy Becker, friend of Balliol and member of the Greville Smith Circle, Chair of the Board of Sony Group Corporation, Independent NED of GSK, and Trustee of the University of Oxford, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to business and to charitable causes.
Wendy said: ‘My aim has always been to leave organisations and people better than I found them. This CBE – awarded for work across both business and charities – is a humbling reminder of how much that ambition depends on the people and institutions you are privileged to serve alongside. Oxford is chief among them. Bringing the perspective of global business boardrooms into the University’s Council, Saïd, and OUP has been a genuine honour: I hope I have contributed something useful; I know Oxford has shaped how I lead.’
If you are an Old Member of Balliol who has received an honour and is not listed here, please contact the Development Office.