Leicester City FC’s chairman was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Leicester at DeMontfort Hall earlier today.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by University Chancellor Lord Grocott on 22 January at the University’s degree ceremony before an international audience of graduating students and their families.
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha said he feels very fortunate as he does what he loves and puts love into everything he does.
“I would like to express my thanks to the University of Leicester for this great honour and to the people of Leicester for the warm welcome they have extended to me, my family and colleagues since King Power first arrived in the city,” said Mr Srivaddhanaprabha.
“I came to the football industry with Leicester City because of my love for football and the Club and its fans have already repaid me several time over with their passion and loyalty.
“It is a great privilege to be the Chairman of this great Club and an accepted member of this wonderful community.
“What has impressed me the most is the people of Leicester and their united will for us to succeed.
“My family and I cannot achieve our ambitions for the Club alone, so an honour such as this is as much for the people of Leicester as it is for me.”
Ave Vinick from the University of Leicester’s Development and Alumni Relations Office said that they are honoured and delighted to welcome Mr Srivaddhanaprabha to the worldwide fraternity of the university’s alumni.
Mr Vinick said: “His contributions to business, sport, and social causes make him truly deserving of his honorary degree and exemplify the ideals to which our graduates aspire.”
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha acquired Leicester City FC in 2010 and has served as the chairman ever since.
The businessman is also founder of King Power Group, one of Asia’s leading duty free retailers which operates the duty and tax free businesses at both the country’s aiports and in city centres as well as being the master commercial concessionaire at Bangkok Suvarabhuni Airport.
It is committed to raising funds and actively participating in projects for the less privileged in society through the King Power Foundation.
The sport enthusiast began his travel retail career in Hong Kong returning to his native Thailand to open the country’s first downtown duty free shop as a joint venture with the Tourism Authority of Thailand before expanding the business to Cambodia, Macau and China as well as Thailand’s international airports.
