The boss of Bentley Motors has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton for his successful career drive.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley Motors and a graduate of the University, has been awarded a Doctor of Engineering in recognition of his achievements and contribution to manufacturing and engineering during the course of his career.

Adrian joined Bentley Motors in February this year as Chairman and CEO. He started his career as a technical apprentice in engineering with NEI Thompson and, after five years’ part-time study and training, worked as a mechanical design engineer before starting in the retail automotive sector in 1984.

He joined Porsche in 1990 and was promoted to Group Managing Director in 10 years, joining Bentley first time around in 1999 as board member for sales and marketing when he was 36. In 2005 he became CEO of Volkswagen in America followed by a period for VW in Germany responsible for Asia, the biggest region for the company.

Prior to re-joining Bentley this year, he was board member for strategy at Jaguar Land Rover for seven years.

Adrian, who is a father of two, studied Mechanical and Production Engineering and Fabrication and Welding at the University of Wolverhampton and he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Henley Business School.

Adrian said: “I am humbled by the recognition afforded to me by University of Wolverhampton, and would like to thank them for their acknowledgment of my career to date.

“I still believe that I have much to learn and the best is yet to come.”

Honorary awards are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.