OBE for former Chair of governors

During his time as Chair, Exeter rose from being a top 40 UK university to being top 20, top 10 and now a member of the Russell Group and the Sunday Times University of the Year.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: ‘The fact that the University of Exeter has come such a long way in such a short time is due to the efforts of many people. However, a few people deserve to be singled out for their particular leadership, vision and drive, and one of those is Russell Seal. He had an immense positive impact on this University over many years. We are delighted his lifelong achievements have been recognised.’

Mr Seal retired in 1997 as the Joint Managing Director of British Petroleum, where he ran BP Oil, BP’s worldwide refining, marketing and shipping company.

During his career he travelled widely and lived in New York, Rotterdam and Singapore.

He is a graduate of Keele University where he read Chemistry and Economics. He was honoured by conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Science by Keele in 2000.

Mr Seal moved to Devon in 1998. He was a Non-Executive Director of the Commonwealth Development Corporation and Blue Circle Industries and also a Trustee of The Royal Anniversary Trust. Two of his sons were educated at the University of Exeter.