Leicester City Chairman to be awarded honorary degree

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Chairman of Leicester City Football Club Credit: University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is to confer the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws upon the Chairman of Leicester City Football Club.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who is also the founder of King Power Group, will be awarded his honorary degree by University Chancellor Lord Grocott at the University’s degree ceremony at De Montfort Hall on 22 January.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was a pioneer in an establishment of the duty free business in Thailand and has become one of Thailand’s leading businessmen.

He 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.

Leicester's Captain Wes Morgan holds the Sky Bet Championship trophy alongside Nigel Pearson (left) and Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Credit: Nigel French / PA Archive/PA Images

In addition to his business interests, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha has a passion for sport, especially polo and football.

He established an outdoor polo field in Thailand, ranked as one of the top international facilities, and has served as the President of Thailand Polo Association (TPA).

The Leicester City Chairman (l) and Vice-Chairman Credit: Andrew Matthews / PA Archive/PA Images

In 2010 he acquired Leicester City Football Club and currently serves as the Club’s Chairman.