Magdalene Members Recognised in New Year Honours
The College is delighted to congratulate our distinguished Members who have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Sir Loyd D Grossman CBE
Sir Loyd D Grossman CBE (2008) has been awarded a Knighthood for his services to Heritage. Since becoming Chair of The Royal Parks in 2016, Sir Loyd has played a pivotal role in its transformation from a government agency to a charity. A well known figure, Sir Loyd is known for his career spanning broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and public service. His contributions to the culinary world, including presenting Master Chef from 1990 to 2000 and creating a popular cooking sauce range, have made him a household name. Additionally, he serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Royal Society of Arts.
Major General Marc Overton CB TD VR
Major General Marc Overton CB TD VR (1993) was appointed to the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
The Rt Hon Timothy J Eggar CBE
The Rt Hon Timothy J Eggar CBE (1970) has been honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to Energy. Mr Eggar, a former Conservative MP for Enfield North, held ministerial roles under Margaret Thatcher from 1985, including a four-year tenure as Minister for Energy from 1992, making him the longest-serving energy minister. More recently, he chaired the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) from 2019 to 2024, guiding the organisation through significant developments in the energy sector.
Professor Ros Rickaby OBE
Professor Ros Rickaby OBE (1992), an Honorary Fellow of Magdalene, has been appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Biogeochemistry. Professor Rickaby completed her undergraduate, postgraduate, and MA studies at Magdalene before joining the University of Oxford in 2002. As a Professor of Biogeochemistry since 2010, her research has deepened our understanding of the interplay between life, environmental chemistry, and Earth’s climate, offering valuable insights into future environmental change. A Fellow of the Royal Society since 2022, her commitment to conservation projects across Europe reflects her enduring passion for the natural world.
Mr Robert Chartener OBE
This spring, Magdalene Fellow-Commoner Mr Robert Chartener OBE (1982) was honoured as a Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to Higher Education. He received the honour from the British Ambassador to the United States, Dame Karen Pierce, during a ceremony at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Mr Chartener founded Magdalene in America more than 20 years ago, fostering strong connections between the College and its Members in North America. As Chairman of the US-based Magdalene College Foundation (MCF), he plays a key role in advancing the College’s fundraising initiatives. His extensive service to non-profit organisations includes roles as trustee and vice president of The Hotchkiss School, trustee and secretary of Cardigan Mountain School, chairman of the Egmont US Foundation, and co-chairman of the Parents Leadership Council at Haverford College.
The College is proud to celebrate the achievements of its Members and their remarkable impact across a wide range of fields. Their dedication and service exemplify the values of Magdalene and inspire the entire community.