David Ferguson
Tue, Feb 2, 2010
David stepped down as chairman last spring following a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease. He remained, however, an active and committed member of the Board. Only last month the Board extended his term of office until July this year in recognition of his continuing valuable contribution to the governance of the University.
David joined the Board of Governors in 2002, chairing the Estates and IT Committee, and serving on many others, before being elected Chairman in 2007.
He made significant inputs in steering IT projects based on his previous senior roles in industry and played an important part in ensuring that the University is governed effectively. He greatly increased the contact and confidence between governors and University staff.
In October last year he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in recognition of his contribution to the University at a private ceremony attended by Chancellor Sheila Hancock, family and friends and a number of University representatives.
“David contributed significantly to the wellbeing of the University throughout his eight years on the Board and his intellect and counsel will be sorely missed,” said Professor John Craven, Vice-Chancellor.
“He made a great impact on people which is borne out by the messages which are coming into the University. We extend our heartfelt condolences to David’s family and friends”.
David read aeronautical engineering at Imperial College London and spent his early career in operation research, initially with the National Coal Board and later at Honeywell Information Systems. He then moved to Rank Xerox where his roles included IT Director of the German subsidiary and Group IT Strategy Director. He joined the Post Office 1991 where he was for a number of years Director and General Manager of the Business Systems Division.
A Fellow of the British Computer Society, David retired from the Royal Mail Group in2003. Since then he has served as Events Secretary for the British Computer Society’s Elite Group and run publicity for the London Orpheus Choir. He leaves his wife, Sue, three daughters and three grandchildren.