ENTREPRENEUR Jason Wouhra OBE has been appointed to the governing body of Aston University by the council in June 2020. He is the owner of East End Foods’ wholesale division.
He joined the family firm of East End Foods after completing his law degree in 1998. He was director and company secretary of East End Foods until its sale to Private Equity in 2019.
Wouhra recently established Lioncroft Wholesale Limited and re-purchased East End Foods’ wholesale division.
He holds a degree and masters in commercial law, is an Institute of Directors (IoD) chartered director and became the youngest and first BAME chairman of the IoD in the West Midlands in 2013.
Other prominent positions include non-executive director of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS foundation trust as well as past and present chairmanships of the West Midlands India Partnership, Library of Birmingham advisory board, Birmingham child poverty commission, Aston University development board and vice-chair of the Black Country LEP. Wouhra has been a patron of Acorns Children’s Hospice charity since 2018.
“I look forward to working closely with Jason. I do not doubt that his counsel, advice and guidance will make an important contribution to the University’s future success, in particular about our strong links to business in the region and support our focus on highly employable graduates," said Professor Alec Cameron, vice-chancellor of Aston University.
Wouhra was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contribution to entrepreneurship and business development by Aston University in 2014. Also, was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to business and international trade.
“We are delighted to welcome Jason as a member of the Council. I believe he will be a great role model for Aston University students in the light of his Brummie background and impressive business career," said Dame Yve Buckland, pro-chancellor and chair of the council, Aston University.
Jason Wouhra said, “I look forward to playing my part in helping the University achieve its vision of having an international reputation for delivery of outstanding graduate outcomes and equipping business and communities with the skills for future success."
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event