Sarah Clayton-Fisher

Royal recognition: Sarah Clayton-Fisher was honoured for her work with the British Red Cross

Warwick Business School is celebrating an exceptional start to the year as five members of the WBS community have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours.

Those honoured include current Global Online MBA student Sarah Clayton‑Fisher MBE, alongside alumni Cathy Francis CBE, Nigel Lymn Rose MBE, Pamela Ann Dean Clark OBE, and Bev Craig OBE.

“It is wonderful to see members of our community being recognised at the highest level for their remarkable contributions,” said Andy Lockett, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Dean of WBS.

“Their achievements demonstrate the values we champion at the School. Warwick Business School is where bold thinkers turn their ambition into action.

“Whether they’re students, researchers, or corporate partners, we give Change Makers the mindset, skills, and support to create real impact, right now and in the future.

“I offer my warmest congratulations to all five honoured - the whole WBS community is incredibly proud of you.”

For Sarah, now in her 10th year with the British Red Cross, the honour was a deeply emotional surprise.  

As Head of Region, Africa and Overseas Branches, she oversees all British Red Cross support for programmes and partnerships across the continent and British overseas territories. Her work requires frequent travel to far flung places often in the most dire of circumstances.

“Whenever there is a crisis, the Red Cross movement is there,” she said. “We work closely with partners, like the Red Crescent Society in Sudan, to ensure that food, water, and other vital humanitarian support reaches people quickly and safely.”

Sarah’s MBE recognises her services to the Red Cross, particularly her leadership role in developing a humanitarian model for migrants and displaced people that brought together 10 partner organisations across six countries.

This innovative approach creates neutral, one‑stop shops along migration routes where displaced people can access a range of support from food, basic health services and psychological first aid, regardless of their status.

“We piloted the model to support rising numbers of people travelling across borders, including those fleeing conflict and violence,” said the 44-year-old, who is originally from Stockport in Greater Manchester but now lives in London.

“It’s now used globally, with more than 600 service points worldwide. Seeing something you helped create become a global model is extraordinary.”

The moment Sarah learned of her MBE is one she will never forget.

“There was a very official‑looking letter waiting for me at home. I thought it was a hospital letter,” said Sarah, who has worked for 20 years in the voluntary sector and traveled to more than 20 countries, including Chad, Bangladesh and Nigeria.

“When I opened it, I was stunned. I couldn’t say a word to anyone for weeks. When I finally told my family, there were immediate tears. They were so proud.

“I’ve had so many hugs and lovely messages from friends and colleagues past and present. It has been incredibly heartening.”

Global Online MBA cohort made up of 55 nations

Alongside her humanitarian leadership, Sarah is studying for the Global Online MBA, seeking to deepen her understanding of organisational systems and leadership.

“The programme has broadened my mindset,” said Sarah, who won a WBS Inspiring Females Scholarship. “The diversity, with people from 55 countries and so many sectors, is fantastic. It has made an immediate impact on how I work, giving me that whole organisation perspective.”

The honours list also includes four outstanding WBS alumni. Cathy, who graduated with a PG Diploma Public Administration in 2012, was recognised for her role at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with a CBE.

Nigel, a 1976 BSc Management Sciences graduate, is Chairman of funeral directors A.W. Lymn and received an MBE for services to the bereaved, while Master’s in Public Administration graduate Pamela, who was Board Vice‑Chair at NHS Highland, was honoured with an OBE for services to the NHS.

Bev, who graduated from WBS with a PG Cert Local Government Management in 2010, is Leader of Manchester City Council and received an OBE for services to local government.

Professor Lockett added: “Together, their achievements reflect the profound impact of the Warwick Business School community - locally, nationally, and across the world.”

Discover more Change Makers who realised their potential with Warwick Business School.