Huddersfield University has announced its replacement for Prince Andrew, who stepped down as Chancellor amid a growing Royal scandal last year.

Sir George Buckley, a former Huddersfield Polytechnic graduate, who went on to run one of the biggest firms in the world, has been appointed to the ceremonial role.

He takes over from The Duke of York, who stepped down suddenly in November last year amid the growing Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal.

At the time the university said it would appoint a new Chancellor by March to be in place for July graduations but that has been delayed by coronavirus.

Sir George, who was son of a Sheffield steelworker, overcame the odds to become one of the world's most respected business figures as the CEO of US technology firm 3M - most famous for inventing Post-It notes.

Raised by foster parents, he attended a school for physically disabled children and left school at the age of 15.

But from childhood, his ambition was to become an electrical engineer and he graduated with a BSc in electrical and electronic engineering in 1972 and went onto acquire a PhD in engineering in 1976.

A varied career followed, in the steel industry and working for the Central Electricity Generating Board, before he was recruited by massive American car firm General Motors.

In 2000 he became chairman of the Brunswick Corporation and in 2005 was appointed chairman, president and CEO of 3M, whose portfolio of iconic brands also includes Scotch Tape.

Sir George has stated that his success in business was based on the scientific and technical training he received at Huddersfield, and he has maintained close ties with the institution ever since.

In 2003 he received an honorary doctorate, and six years later a state-of-the-art lecture theatre was opened that carries his name. 

Then in 2013 the University's new business and innovation centre on Firth Street – which provides facilities for enterprises that range from student start-ups to established firms – was named the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in his honour.

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Sir George commented: "My memories of Huddersfield are very positive.

"I had a superb education here, and I will be forever grateful for that. We had some excellent teachers and Huddersfield set me off on the right path towards the future."

The Chair of the University of Huddersfield Council, Jonathan Thornton, said: "Sir George Buckley is probably the best example I can think of as a person who has used education – alongside his capacity for hard work and his visionary qualities – as the stepping stone for a truly exceptional career. "

He will be an enormous inspiration to our students, showing them what is possible."

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Bob Cryan said: "Sir George has been tremendously generous in his support for the University over the years and he has been a regular visitor, giving numerous presentations to both students and staff.

"He is a truly inspirational individual that ran one of the most innovative companies in the world, and his advice is highly sought after by both Governments and major corporations. Sir George is a proud Huddersfield graduate and a fantastic role model for our students, and I do not doubt that he will be an amazing Chancellor."