CBE and Two OBEs for Guildford People in King’s Birthday Honours List 2023

Published on: 20 Jun, 2023
Updated on: 22 Jun, 2023

Local chartered accountant, Ian Kenyon, who has had a varied commercial career, alongside sharing his skills in the public and charitable sector, has been awarded the prestigious Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2023, writes the “immensely proud” Louise Kenyon,

Guildford man Peter Kenyon awarded CBE in the King’s Birthday honours list 2023.

Ian, 61, from Guildford, qualified with Price Waterhouse, and worked largely in the retail sector for some three decades, holding senior roles in a range of businesses, including the Kingfisher Group, Carpetright, Sainsbury’s and Carphone Warehouse.

Since 2013, Ian has devoted his working life to the not for profit and public sectors, transforming the financial planning and reporting within Cancer Research UK, one of the country’s largest charities.

He was Chief Financial Officer for four years before joining and establishing UK Research & Innovation, as their first CFO and Deputy CEO. He then served in the Home Office and most recently worked within the Ministry of Defence as Director of Finance & Programmes for the Defence Nuclear Organisation supporting the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

Ian explained why he has been recognised in this way: “It’s primarily for services to the Defence Nuclear Organisation and for volunteering. I’m an accountant and for almost 40 years I’ve been helping businesses run effectively and have supported national, regional and local charities with their finances, often serving them as Treasurer.”

“Over the years it has been a tremendous privilege to support a wide range of charities serving as treasurer of the University of Nottingham, Guildford Cathedral, the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London and in my home parish at Christ Church, Guildford.

“Sadly, due to a recent cancer diagnosis, I have had to step down from both my fascinating role at the Ministry of Defence, and my many volunteering positions, including serving as an Occasional Preacher.”

“I was truly thrilled to have heard about the award and have had to keep it quiet until the official announcement. It is a recognition of the performance of many of the teams I have developed and led, and I am delighted to have been able to help so many fabulous organisations nurture their people and streamline their finances.

“I am humbled and honoured to receive a CBE and would certainly recommend volunteering to others!”

Other awards for Guildford people are an OBE for James Babbington, Vice Chair, National Association of Civic Officers, “For services to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ” and an OBE for Teresa Maryann Pearson, station manager at Staines and Windsor and Eton Riverside, also “For services to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”.