Former Clipper Logistics chief executive Tony Mannix has received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in recognition of his distinguished contribution to business and the industry. 

Honorary doctorates are awarded by universities to recognise outstanding achievement in a particular field or service to the broader community.

Announcing the award, Sheffield Hallam University said Mannix has received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters award in recognition of his “outstanding” career.

Mannix became MD at Clipper Logistics in 2006, rising to the position of chief executive in 2014 - a position he held until April last year.

Under his leadership Clipper Logistics enjoyed significant growth, becoming an industry leader which accumulated an impressive base of blue chip customers.

In 2022 Mannix oversaw the sale of Clipper Logistics to US logistics giant GXO. He continues to share his experience with the company in the part-time role of retail logistics strategic advisor to GXO Logistics.

Since September 2023, Mannix has been an Executive in Residence and a member of the Employer Advisory Board at Sheffield Business School.

In the same year he also took on the role of vice president at the employment charity, Tempus Novo, an award-winning charity which supports ex-offenders after prison release into employment.

Mannix said: “I am absolutely delighted and very humbled to have offered this honorary award by Sheffield Hallam University. It is such a marvellous business-focused academic institution and therefore it is with a great sense of pride that I am accepting the award.” 

Other people honoured by Sheffield Hallam this year include athlete, artist and advocate, Niall Guite,lecturer, researcher and author, Koen Timmers, Willie Williams, show director, stage and lighting designer and video director, Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, professor of pharmaceutical nanoscience, and midwife of over 40 years, Dotty Watkins OBE.

Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University vice chancellor, said: “We were honoured to have presented awards to this exceptional group of recipients. They exemplify the values of Sheffield Hallam University and have made remarkable contributions to society in their respective fields. 

“Each recipient’s strong connections to Sheffield and the University made their recognition particularly meaningful, and they provided wonderful inspiration to our graduating students as they embark on their next chapter.”