Global CEO returns to school

Published on isbi School News dated Wednesday 18th of November 2015

Global businessman Will Travis OL returned to LRGS recently as guest speaker at Speech Day and gave a riveting speech which entertained a packed Ashton Hall. Will, who was a boarding pupil at LRGS from 1980 to 1987, is now chief executive officer for the USA and senior partner of the international communications agency Sid Lee and lives in New York. Presenting prizes in Lancaster Town Hall, he said that by expanding his business from Huddersfield to the USA he was living the dream the school allowed him to foster. He had seven pieces of advice for the boys, one for each year of the school, from “be yourself” for Year 7 boys to “commit and then work it out” for upper sixth-formers. His company is known for its ground-breaking campaigns for Adidas and Facebook and he advises international celebrities in building their business and personal brands. In his personal life he has conquered an Antarctic expedition and crossed the Himalayas by motorbike. These ventures provided him with many dramatic and entertaining anecdotes in his speech, which the boys thoroughly enjoyed! We were delighted that Cllr Jon Barry, Mayor of Lancaster, could join us at the event, as well as many OLs, governors, current pupils and parents. The speeches were rounded off in traditional style with an address by Head of School Ben Taylor, who thanked, among others, the parents and guardians of LRGS pupils for all the support they give their sons. Parents and other guests were then treated to refreshments in the Banqueting Suite laid on by the Friends of LRGS.