The former chief executive of BSkyB has accepted an honorary degree from Kingston University.

Tony Ball received his Doctor of Letters award from the University's Faculty of Business and Law at the graduation ceremony at the Rose Theatre on January 18.

The current chairman of German cable television network Kabel Deutschland already holds a Masters of Business Administration from Kingston Business School.

He said: “To be recognised as making a contribution in the world of business is at the very least flattering.

“To receive that recognition from an institution such as Kingston University with its outstanding and highly-respected Faculty of Business and Law is pretty amazing."

Mr Ball told the audience that having left school at 16 to take a job as an outside broadcast engineer with Thames Television before joining British Satellite Broadcasting which was later taken over by Sky.

Mr Ball, who is board member of the Olympic Delivery Authority for the London 2012 Olympic Games, said he now had a huge respect for the value of formal learning and qualifications.

He said: “Taking time out for learning at any stage is precious so I would encourage young people with access to the great resources of Kingston Business School to make the most of their experience here.”