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John Crabtree
Chairman at Airey Limited
John Crabtree is a prominent English lawyer, businessman, and public servant with an extensive career spanning various sectors. He currently serves as the Chairman of Airey Limited.2
Professional Background
John Rawcliffe Airey Crabtree was born on August 5, 1949.1 He began his legal career at Wragge & Co, a Birmingham-based law firm, in 1973 and retired as a senior partner in 2003.1 His expertise in law and business has led to numerous leadership roles and accolades throughout his career.
Public Service
Crabtree has held several significant public service positions:
- Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands (since January 2017, scheduled to retire on August 5, 2024)1
- High Sheriff of the West Midlands (2006/2007)1
- Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands county (2005)1
He also chaired the organizing committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a position to which he was appointed in 2018 by then-Prime Minister Theresa May.1
Business and Charitable Involvement
Crabtree's business acumen extends beyond his role at Airey Limited:
- Director of Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Limited1
- Chairman of Glenn Howells Architects1
- Special adviser to White & Black, a corporate and technology law firm1
In the charitable sector, he serves as:
- President of the Heart of England Community Foundation1
- Past chairman of Sense, The National Deafblind and Rubella Association (2008-2017)1
- Past chairman of Birmingham Hippodrome (2001-2017)1
Honors and Recognition
Crabtree's contributions have been widely recognized:
- Knighted in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to sport and the community in the West Midlands1
- Appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours1
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2007 Birthday Honours for services to SENSE1
- Honorary doctorates from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, and Aston University1
- "Lawyer of the Year" in the 2003 Legal Business Awards1
- Lifetime achievement award in the 2012 Birmingham Post Business Awards1
John Crabtree resides in Crowle, Worcestershire, with his wife Diana, and they have three daughters and three sons.1
