Built for the Boardroom: The Industrial Economics Hall of Fame

For 75 years, Industrial Economics has been one of the University of Nottingham's most influential success stories, producing leaders across business, finance, media, and public service.

Today, that impact is measurable - across the world, over 300 IndEcon alumni hold leadership roles at the highest level: CEOs, CFOs, Managing Directors, Partners, global Heads, and senior advisors. Whether shaping markets, leading institutions, or building something entirely new, they bring analytical clarity and commercial instinct wherever they go.

As we mark this milestone year, we're celebrating just some of our graduates who have gone on to shape industries and institutions around the world, in this Industrial Economics alumni Hall of Fame.

From retail pioneers to government strategists, media executives and even a World Cup winner - it all began in Nottingham.

Sir Will Adderley graduated in 1993 and joined his family's homewares business, Dunelm. As CEO from 2003 to 2019, he led the company's expansion from a regional operation to the UK's largest specialist homewares retailer, achieving FTSE 250 status. He now serves as Deputy Chairman. His knighthood in 2020 recognised significant contributions to business and charity.

Sir John Timpson took his Industrial Economics degree into Timpson Group, the family business founded in 1865. As Chairman, he has developed a distinctive management approach: store managers operate with significant autonomy, and the company runs an active ex-offender recruitment programme, employing over 10% of its workforce from prisons. He was knighted in 2021 for services to business and fostering.

Kevin Ellis graduated with a BA in Industrial Economics in 1984 and became UK Chairman of PwC in 2016, leading one of the world's largest professional services firms through a period of digital transformation. During his tenure, he oversaw audit reform initiatives and expanded PwC's strategic advisory practice. He has credited Nottingham with giving him the analytical foundation for a career spanning audit, recovery, and business transformation.

Kevin Ellis speaking at the Business School's Second Quarter Century event at PwC UK headquarters, London, in March 2024

Matthew Moulding studied Industrial Economics at Nottingham before founding The Hut Group (THG) in 2004. He built the company into a global e-commerce and technology platform with brands across beauty, nutrition, and wellness. THG went public in September 2020 in one of London's largest tech listings, valued at over £5 billion at IPO.

Nicki Deeson graduated in 1988 and built her career in finance leadership within the charity sector. She spent the best part of the 2010s as International Finance Director at Amnesty International and as Chair of the Charity Finance Group, the professional body representing finance leaders across UK charities. She now works as a leadership coach and executive mentor.

Dana Hamzah graduated in 2008 with a degree in Industrial Economics with Insurance. Her career has spanned the Central Bank of Bahrain, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and now international government service. Since 2023, she has served as Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Development at Bahrain's Ministry of Sustainable Development, while also sitting on the Bahrain National Committee for Education, Science and Culture.

Dana Hamzah during her time working at the IMF

Tony Scholes studied Industrial Economics at Nottingham before entering football administration. He served as CEO of Stoke City from 2004 to 2021, a period that included the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and ten consecutive seasons in the top flight. In 2021, he was appointed Chief Football Officer of the Premier League, overseeing football operations and strategy.

Deryck Murray was already an established West Indies cricketer when he studied Industrial Economics at Nottingham, graduating with first-class honours. He returned to international cricket and won two World Cups (1975 and 1979), keeping wicket for one of the greatest teams in cricket history. After leaving cricket, he spent a decade representing Trinidad and Tobago at the United Nations, and most recently served as the country's High Commissioner to Jamaica.

Deryck Murray returning to campus for his Alumni Laureate Award in 2016

Ted Childs OBE built a career in British television following his Nottingham degree. As a writer and producer, he created The Sweeney and served as executive producer on Inspector Morse and Peak Practice. In 1984, he was appointed Controller of Drama at Central Independent Television, later becoming Managing Director of Central Films. He chaired BAFTA from 1993 to 1995 and received an OBE in 1997 for services to broadcast television.

Sukhi Johal currently serves as Director of UK Government Investments (UKGI), the Treasury's centre of excellence for corporate finance and governance. In this role, she advises on major strategic transactions involving government shareholdings and corporate structures, working across departments to support nationally significant deals and restructurings.