Simon King
Pro-Chancellor, distinguished friends, colleagues, graduands and guests.
Design touches all our lives, and the UK has been a global centre for design excellence and for many years. It is my privilege to introduce the achievements and success of Simon King who has been at the heart of one of this country’s leading creative design agencies for over thirty years.
Simon was born and raised in London. After leaving school at sixteen he went on study Graphic Design at Hornsey College of Art (now Middlesex University), graduating in 1979.
Simon was fortunate enough to join the eighteen strong founding team for Imagination Ltd at a time when the service industry sector was just beginning to grow. From its original base in Shore Street London, Imagination has expanded to become a global company with a workforce of twelve hundred people; centres in America, China, Australia and Japan; and a turnover of one hundred and eighty million pounds. Being part of such a fascinating and rapid development has meant that over the years Simon has had a variety of roles including: graphic designer, photographer, audio visual producer, corporate film producer, multi-media producer, and web and interactive media producer.
In 1995 he joined the Board of Directors of the company as Creative Services Director, with responsibility for the business management of all creative departments. His breadth of experience must have stood him in good stead. This new role also involved moving the company from computer-aided design towards computer-organized design. In 2003 he became Operations Director, with responsibility for the day-to-day operational functioning of the company. Additionally, from 2010, he has taken on responsibility for, and direct management of, strategic and operational implementation of Imagination’s IT, digital production and project technology. His belief in the future of the web and digital services as an important part of all of our lives is reflected in his commitment to keeping up with the leading edge of world developments in digital communications.
Imagination is a brand experience and communication company, and as such it deals with all the disciplines of design practice. Projects have included carrying out the global brand strategy for leading companies such as Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as events such as the opening of the Tate Modern in London and the New Year celebrations in Sydney Harbour, Australia.
The company has been number one on the ‘Design Week Creative 100’, the rating of the top UK-based design companies, for over ten years. It can justifiably claim to be the top design company in the country.
Simon has had a special interest in contributing to the readiness of design undergraduates to enter the world of work. He has given time and consideration for over fifteen years to working with students, and many have benefitted greatly from his experience. Despite the challenges of a job travelling the world and talking to global leaders, Simon has always made time to continue his valuable work with students, inspiring and encouraging them and exciting them with the possibilities open to them.
Simon is married with two sons, one of whom now works in the advertising sector. In his spare time, he likes to design and build websites for small businesses. His passion for new technology is perhaps also reflected in his personal interest in anything to do with the Apollo space program. The interest in adventure must run deep, as he is also a big fan of Herge’s Adventures of Tintin.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of design and creativity, Coventry University, by decision of the Academic Board, has the privilege of conferring the Degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on Simon King.