His story reflects the values that King’s seeks to foster in all our graduates: intellectual curiosity, service to society, leadership with integrity and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. For his exceptional contributions to London, for his support of education and research, and for his enduring commitment to King's and the communities we serve, it is both fitting and a great privilege that we honour him today.
'Funmi Olonisakin Vice President (International, Engagement & Service), King’s College London
27 July 2026
Honouring the graduate behind King's Roar and East London's economic revival
London Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth Howard Dawber OBE was admitted as a Fellow of King's College London at today’s King’s Business School graduation. Howard was recognised both for his pivotal role in shaping modern London, and for his contribution to King’s.
During his time as Managing Director for Strategy at the Canary Wharf Group, he supported some of the capital’s most significant regeneration and infrastructure projects, including the development of Canary Wharf, the delivery of the Elizabeth Line, and the lasting legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
As Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, he continues to play a central role in shaping London's future, leading the London Growth Plan and its aspirations for inclusive growth.
Giving King’s its ‘Roar’
Howard Dawber’s relationship with King’s started with his time as a Modern Languages student. His undergraduate years included a stint as Editor-in-Chief of King’s award-winning student newspaper, where he is credited with changing the name to ‘Roar’, which it has remained ever since.
He also played an important role in connecting the Students’ Union with fellow alumnus Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Theology, 1965; MTh, 1966), inviting him to the opening of the student union’s Tutu’s Bar.
More recently, he has welcomed postgraduate students to discuss urban governance and regeneration and actively supported King's research ambitions, particularly in the fields of health, technology and entrepreneurship. In particular, he and the Greater London Authority supported the launch of the London Quantum Cluster, bringing together King’s, University College London and Imperial College London in a shared effort to accelerate commercialisation and establish London as a global centre for quantum technologies.
Alumni speech: face the future with confidence
The alumni speech at the graduation ceremony was delivered by Martin Taylor (Management Studies 1993) the co-founder of Content Guru, a global cloud and AI technology business. His speech discussed the challenges and opportunities of AI to today’s new graduates. He emphasised that big companies are realising again how much they need graduates, including Content Guru, which is recruiting its largest ever graduate intake.
He also highlighted King’s life-changing impact, reminiscing that when he and a group of new friends were discussing their previous schools, one student pointed out that “None of that matters anymore. All that matters is that you went to King’s”.
All of you went to King’s. Congratulations on your achievements, enjoy this wonderful day, seize your opportunities, and face the future with confidence.
Martin Taylor
