Sir Robin Gill KCVO

Sir Robin came up to Brasenose in 1945, originally reading Law, later switching to PPE. He was a keen cricketer and rugby player, and received a Blue for rugby.

He had a long and varied career, which included periods at Unilever and British International Paper in the 1950s, before he founded Border Television in 1960, and was its first Managing Director until 1964. He was Managing Director of Associated Television, and a Director of Stoll Moss Theatres, ITC, and Pye Records. From 1968 to 1970, he was the Chairman of Independent Television News (ITN). He was Chairman of Ansvar Insurance from 1975 to 1998, and from 1990-1992, he served on the board of Hewlett Packard.

In 1990, he founded the Royal Anniversary Trust and became its Chief Executive, making Lord Younger (later Viscount Younger) the Chairman. The aim of the organisation was to organise the official programme of celebration of the 40th Anniversary of The Queen’s Accession, in 1992, and to benefit education. Robin conceived and delivered a series of events for the Queen’s 40th Anniversary: A Schools Challenge, an Adult Challenge, an Exhibition of a Lifetime at the V&A, the gift of the Commonwealth Mace, and a variety show at Earl’s Court, spanning artists from each decade of the Queen’s reign. He was awarded a CVO for his work.

With the funds left over, which Robin had raised from industry (not a penny came from taxpayers), he established the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education to be administered by the Royal Anniversary Trust.  Robin became Chairman of the Royal Anniversary Trust and continued fundraising.  He carried through his vision for the Prizes Scheme and he eventually retired, wishing to hand the reigns to someone younger. He was awarded a KCVO on retirement.

Many in the Brasenose community will remember Sir Robin for his time as President of the Brasenose Society from 1995-1996. He also served on the College’s Fund Raising Advisory Committee from 2012.

Brasenose offers sincere condolences to Sir Robin’s widow, Lady Denise Gill, and his family.