From Yorkshire to the Gobi: A Keele graduate’ s global journey | 21
Throughout my time in Mongolia, I’ ve remained active in the business community. I joined the American Chamber of Commerce in 2012 and became its first non-American Chairman in 2018. I also helped establish the British Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia, serving as its founding Chairman in 2021. I now continue to support both as an advisor and honorary member.
Mongolia has offered more than just business opportunities. In 2016 I completed the Gobi Gallop, a grueling 700 km charity horse ride across the Mongolian Steppe. At 70 I believe I’ m still the oldest person to complete it, raising nearly $ 20,000 thanks largely to a generous donation from Ford Motor Company.
Although I’ ve never directly used my Keele qualifications in my career, apart from my stint as a geography teacher, the four years I spent there had a profound impact. Keele nurtured my curiosity and love of geography, which undoubtedly inspired my global adventures.
Although we are sadly a dwindling bunch, I still remain in touch with some of the folks who were fellow students all those years ago and the regular alumni emails and the Forever Keele magazine help me remember those halcyon days back in the 1960s.
That same year, my wife and I imported a log lodge from Finland and built a home and conference centre in Terelj National Park. It’ s now both our residence and our business.
My favourite pastime, horse riding with my dog
Taskonir Lodge, my home and office
A perk of being the CEO of a luxury auto dealer