Express & Star

HomeServe boss receives honorary degree

The brand director of HomeServe has been given an honorary degree for his contribution to business, education and charity.

Published

John Greaves was given the accolade by the University of Chester alongside leading nuclear engineer Dame Sue Ion and acting legend David Suchet CBE, famed for his role as detective Hercule Poirot.

The event was held at Chester's 16th century cathedral.

John, who lives in Birkenhead, Wirral, said: "I am truly humbled and exceptionally proud to be the recipient of an Honorary Degree from the University of Chester

“I worked in Cheshire for 16-plus years, and since 2012 I have worked proudly in the West Midlands, and have been so lucky to have jobs that have allowed me to get involved in some incredible projects that did, I hope, good things for the community, helped people along the way and have had a lasting impact.

“Many of these initiatives were in partnership with the University of Chester and I was always in awe of the vision and drive of the university leaders, who have created the world-class institution we see today.

“Someone in my family joked recently that I was receiving an Honorary Degree for "giving other people's money away". If that is the case and that money has made a difference, then I think that is a pretty good reason.”

John joined HomeServe UK in 2012 as director of public relations and became brand director in 2013. In his role, he leads on all of HomeServe’s external communication, corporate social responsibility and community engagement, content marketing, social media, public affairs and the HomeServe brand globally.

He is married to Rachel and they live in Birkenhead, Merseyside with their four children.

In his limited spare time, he is a Liverpool Football Club season ticket holder and also the drummer of Wirral's premier Dad-Rock combo, The B-Sides.