Dame Emma Walmsle, who read Classics and Modern Languages as an undergraduate, was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Oxford at the annual Encaenia ceremony in the Sheldonian.

Dame Emma, who as CEO of GSK was the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company, was recognised for her stellar career. During her time occupying the position, she oversaw major advances in vaccines as well as the development of medicine for the treatment of conditions like HIV and cancer.

Chatting to Professor Catriona Seth after the ceremony, Dame Emma observed that she was delighted to have chosen to study Classics and Modern Languages and, as an employer, she values the skills of Humanities graduates who choose to go into business.

Other honorands included former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern, actress Adjoa Andoh MBE, Nobel laureate Professor Katalin Karikó, tennis champion and equality campaigner Billie Jean King and dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta.