Alastair King, Chair of Birkbeck, University of London’s Governors Knighted in King’s Birthday Honours List

The Chair of Birkbeck’s governing body, Alastair King KStJ DL has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Sir Alastair has been made a Knights Bachelor in recognition of his services to Pensions Reform, to the Promotion of International Business and Voluntary and Charitable Service.

Sir Alastair, who has been Chair of Birkbeck’s Governors, the body that is responsible for overseeing its activities since September 2025, has had a distinguished career in law, finance, and asset management, as well as an Alderman of the City of London and the 669th Lord Mayor during 2024-2025.

Educated at the University of Kent and London Business School, early in his career, Sir Alastair practiced as a solicitor at leading international law firm Baker & McKenzie in the City and in Asia. Later, he held senior positions at SPARK Ventures (formally NewMedia SPARK PLC) a pioneering technology venture capital company in London, and was Managing Director at Galahad Capital Plc.

In 2016, Sir Alastair founded Naisbitt King Asset Management Ltd of which, he is Chairman.

In his spare time, he is a keen boxer, and he also enjoys hill walking in Scotland with his wife, Florence, and their dog.

Professor Sally Wheeler, Birkbeck’s Vice-Chancellor said: “I would like to convey Birkbeck’s congratulations to Sir Alastair on his knighthood. In the short time that he has led our governing body, Sir Alastair has brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, challenge, and support to Birkbeck. We are privileged to have him as Chair of Governors.”