Sir John Sorrell, CBE, Architecture & Design, Debrett's 500 2015, People

Sir John Sorrell, CBE

DESIGNER, CAMPAIGNER AND CHAIRMAN OF UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON

Old-school mover and shaker Sir John Sorrell is a leading figure in UK design. Since 2013, Sorrell has held the position of Chair of the Court of Governors of the University of the Arts, London, and is former Chair of both the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and the Design Council. He is also the brains behind the London Design Festival, one of the world’s leading design events, now in its twelfth year. Along with his wife Frances he founded and ran Newell and Sorrell, one of Europe’s largest design agencies, as well as the Sorrell Foundation in 1999, which aims to inspire creativity in young people. He also recently founded the Creative Industries Federation, which aims to bring together all aspects of the creative sector. Sorrell’s far-reaching influence means he is currently a UK business ambassador for the creative industries, helping to champion the British creative sector abroad.