Awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature, David Furnish has transformed lives through his work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation and his commitment to diversity and inclusion worldwide.
David Furnish receives an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature at Royal Holloway’s Winter Graduation ceremony.
David Furnish has been recognised by Royal Holloway, University of London with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature of the University of London, for his outstanding contributions to global LGBTQ+ equality and his tireless work in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.
The award was conferred during Royal Holloway’s Winter Graduation ceremony on 16 December, where students from the Department of Psychology celebrated their academic achievements alongside this special recognition.
As CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group and Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, David has championed diversity, inclusion and systemic change for marginalised communities. Since taking the helm at Rocket Entertainment in 2015, he has modernised and refocused the business for a global era, while managing Elton John full time.
Under his leadership, the Elton John AIDS Foundation has become one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world, raising over $650 million to support over 3,100 projects in 102 countries globally. Through his advocacy, David has expanded access to health care, challenged LGBTQ+ stigma and shifted perceptions around HIV/AIDS. His efforts have contributed to significant progress in the UK’s fight against HIV, helping reduce new infections and save lives, with a clear goal of achieving zero new HIV cases by 2030.
Recognised as Billboard’s Pride Executive of the Year in 2024, David continues to inspire visibility and inclusivity across industries and communities. His career spans advertising, film and philanthropy: from directing the acclaimed documentary Tantrums and Tiaras and producing the acclaimed film Rocketman, to pioneering healthcare campaigns during his time at Ogilvy and Mather.
Speaking about his motivation, David has reflected on the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and his determination to make a difference: “I watched friends dying of the disease having been abandoned by their families. It was an utterly terrifying and heartbreaking time. I knew I had to do something.”
The orator for the award was Professor Michael Evangeli from Royal Holloway’s Department of Psychology, who praised David’s lifelong commitment to social change.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Evangeli said: “This honour is awarded in recognition of the important part David has played in transforming the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS around the world – fighting stigma, supporting marginalised communities, and promoting access to treatment for everyone.”
Across four continents from the United States to Ukraine, from Kenya to Kazakhstan, David and the Foundation are working to ensure that nobody is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. His leadership and vision have helped make the world a more compassionate and healthier place.
