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Mark Tucker

Portrait of Mark Tucker in graduation gown.

Presentation address by Professor Julia Bennell:

“Chancellor:

At the University of Leeds, we believe in a well-rounded student experience and encourage involvement in a range of co-curricular activities. But not many of our students combine their degree studies with playing professional football – nor follow it up with a stellar career in global financial services. 

While football remains a lifelong passion, Mark Tucker’s career path soon switched to business. After graduating in Textile Management, he trained as an accountant and joined Prudential where he held senior roles in the US, Asia and the UK. These included founding Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia – where he dramatically grew the company’s business – and, latterly, as Chief Executive of the company. 

In 2010, Mark returned to Hong Kong to become Group Chief Executive and President of AIA Group. During his seven years at the helm, Mark led the company’s $20.5bn flotation – still the largest in Hong Kong history – and its dramatic growth to become the largest independent, publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

In 2017, Mark was appointed to his current role as Non-Executive Group Chairman of global banking group HSBC.

Mark’s influence is far-reaching, his advice sought by world leaders, policymakers, sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations. As a non-executive director, Mark has served on the Court of The Bank of England, on the board of Goldman Sachs, and as Chair of South African insurer Discovery. He has contributed to education, culture and civil society as an Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as a board director of the Edinburgh International Festival and a Trustee of the Asia Society – amongst others. His leadership and strategic vision have garnered widespread recognition, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Asia Insurance Industry and the Pacific Insurance Conference.

And, here at Leeds, we are proud of Mark’s longstanding interest in the University and our ambition to make a positive difference in the world – and greatly value his advice and support as we work to realise these goals.

Chancellor, to recognise his achievements in the global insurance and banking industries, I present to you for the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Mark Edward Tucker.”