Jan Ward CBE, founder and CEO of UK-based company Corrotherm International, has received the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from Southampton Solent University.
Jan started Corrotherm in 1992 to supply high grade metals to the oil, gas, petrochemical, power and desalination markets, and since then the company has gone from strength to strength to establish a strong global presence with offices in ten countries.
A mechanical engineer with over 30 years’ experience in metals manufacturing and distribution, Jan worked at board level for several specialist metal producers and distributors prior to founding Corrotherm.
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courtesy Southampton Solent University
Jan is passionate about business and manufacturing and has, for 15 years, advised various UK government departments on business issues locally, nationally and internationally. She also holds several advisory and non-executive positions specialising in innovative low-carbon industrial process technology and advanced manufacturing.
Jan says: “My career has been fantastic: I’ve been all over the world, and I have a hugely imaginative, creative job. That’s what engineering is about, it’s being creative and thinking of something new. At the moment we have a huge shortage of engineers, but the more skills we can get into the industry, the better our productivity will be.”
As a successful woman in the traditionally male-dominated world of engineering, Jan’s story is inspirational, and in 2009, she won the coveted NatWest Everywoman Award which champions female entrepreneurs.
In 2013 she was named international director of the year in the Institute of Directors London and South East Director of the Year Awards, and in 2014 she featured in The Manufacturer’s top 100 UK role models.
Earlier this year she was also made Commander of the British Empire for services to business, receiving her CBE from His Royal Highness Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Jan’s honorary doctorate is one of just ten honorary degrees awarded to academics and professionals who have made an outstanding contribution in their field of expertise.
