Ralph Findlay

The head of one of the UK’s biggest pub and brewery firms is the latest Midlands businessman to receive an honorary degree for their contribution to the region’s economy.

Ralph Findlay, chief executive of Marston’s PLC, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Wolverhampton at a graduation ceremony at the city’s Grand Theatre.

Mr Findlay said: “Over the past 12 years, Marston’s has developed into a national beer and pubs business, with significant growth despite the recession – but we are very much a Midlands firm, and we are committed to our operations in Wolverhampton, including the Banks’s Brewery.

“I am delighted that the University of Wolverhampton has decided to recognise the role that Marston’s plays in community and commercial life in the West Midlands.”

Mr Findlay was appointed chief executive of Marston’s in 2001, after being finance director since 1996.

Before joining Marston’s Mr Findlay held finance positions at Geest, Bass and PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and the Midlands.

He was chairman of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the brewing and pub industry’s trade body, from 2010-2012, and is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Brewers.

Mr Findlay is a chartered accountant (FCA), corporate treasurer (MCTDip), and a graduate of Edinburgh University.

By Cillian OBrien, Read More http://www.birminghampost.net