David Harding
Pro-Chancellor, distinguished friends, colleagues, graduands and guests.
David Harding has a passion for understanding and developing business. He does this by not only ensuring that his own projects are a success, but also through his guidance and support to ensure that the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders can flourish.
Born in Limavady, Northern Ireland as the son of a housewife and a petty officer in the Royal Navy, David spent much of his early life in various married quarters, before settling in Gosport, Hampshire at the age of 10.
Educated at Bay House Grammar School in Gosport, David developed a love of golf in his childhood – a hobby which has continued into later life.
He moved to the Midlands as an undergraduate to complete a BA Hons in Economics at Lanchester Polytechnic and we are delighted to welcome David back today in our current guise of Coventry University to celebrate his career achievements to date, along with his drive to give back to those who are embarking on their own career path.
Following the completion of an MBA at our neighbours, Warwick University, David chose not to follow his father into the Navy, but to pursue a career in business – a profession where he was bitten by the bug and set out to get to the top.
He embarked upon roles at BL International, PA Group and Jaguar and it was at the car giants where he received inspiration from Sir John Egan, former Chairman of Jaguar and current Chancellor of Coventry University. An undoubted leader in his field, David describes Sir John as ‘incisive and decisive’, ‘ambitious yet realistic’. It was Sir John, he says, who made him believe it was possible to get to the top.
An expert in performance improvement and change management, roles followed at Sharelink, Prudential Life & Pensions and Scottish Amicable before becoming Chief Executive of William Hill.
During his time with the company, it grew to have a net value of more than £300-million, with its share price moving from £2.25 to £6.50, ensuring William Hill overtook competitors to become industry leaders and innovators in e-commerce.
He is currently Chairman of Radius Equity as well as an Investor and Director of Emergeination, an ecommerce and social media start up for emerging artists. Emergeination encapsulates many of David’s personal passions, providing young artists with a direct route to market for new products, as well as providing support and expertise to help them take control of their careers.
Married to Karin, with a son, Jake, David cites his hobbies as golf, travel and investing in SMEs, along with coaching and mentoring future leaders and entrepreneurs.
In recognition of his contribution to global business and enterprise, Coventry University, by decision of the Academic Board, has the privilege of conferring the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa, on David Harding.