Pro Chancellor

Remembering Mr David Laing CBE DL

David Laing was the University’s first Pro Chancellor from 2015-2024.

David was born into the Laing construction family. He qualified as an architect and subsequently worked with Sir Basil Spence’s London firm before setting up a private practice in Hertfordshire, as well as becoming a partner in GHM Rock Townsend.

With his knowledge of the construction industry, David became Chairman of Country and Metropolitan and has been a director of Eskmuir, a quoted property company which was taken private and is the Laing family’s property vehicle. As well as being a director of a number of private companies, he has served as a trustee, Chairman or President of many charities including the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, the Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs and Adrenaline Alley, the biggest urban sports park in the UK.

David served as High Sheriff of Northamptonshire from 2010-2011 and served as Lord-Lieutenant of the County from 2014-2020.  He was awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.

He had experience in the leisure sector, and also agriculture, being hands-on at his farm at Brigstock, Northamptonshire. He has been living in the County for over 20 years and was committed to making it known as the Heart of England.

David died on 3 March 2024.