The University of West London (UWL) awarded Jon Varney, Chief Executive at Brentford Football Club, an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Tuesday 2 December 2026, the first of two days of Graduation ceremonies at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
In his acceptance speech at the ceremony, John shared how it was poignant for him to be back at Twickenham as it was where he started his working life in the ticket office. He worked hard and challenged himself and moved into marketing, then sponsorship when the stadium built fifty hospitality boxes which they needed to sell.
After a role in sponsorship at Coca-Cola, Jon set up his own agency with Dragon’s Den star Theo Pathitis. He sold that business to a sports marketing agency and returned to the world of rugby as Commercial Director of Premiership Rugby.
In 2019 Jon was founding partner at broadcast rights and sponsorship agency Pitch International when approached about becoming Chief Executive at Brentford Football Club.
“Unbelievably my first response was to say no,” he said. “They were my team, and I wanted to keep them as my weekend escape. But it didn’t take long to be convinced otherwise and I’m so glad I said yes – it’s a fabulous club to work for.”
Jon has guided the Club through the pandemic, a stadium move and their return to top-flight football in the Premier League. He was voted CEO of the Year in 2021 at the Football Business Awards.
“What I try to do every day is empower people to make decisions and provide an environment that supports them to succeed, regardless of their background.”
UWL has partnered with Brentford since 2012 and are the Club’s official Higher Education Sponsor.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter John CBE awarded Jon his honorary doctorate at the ceremony, saying:
“The University of West London remains one of Brentford’s oldest and most loyal support partners and over the years Jon and I have become good friends.”
Jon said to the graduands and their families and friends:
“I am proud to be associated with UWL, an organisation that prioritises life-long learning and inclusion, giving people of all ages in this area where I grew up the opportunity to succeed.
“To those of you starting your own journeys, the path isn’t always easy, nor is it always laid out for you, but take yourself out of your comfort zone, push your boundaries, be persistent and you will surprise yourselves. Most importantly, be kind to people, be yourself and back yourselves.”
