Chief executive of Yandell Media Group, Graham Yandell, has been awarded an MBE in the first King’s Birthday Honours List.
Graham was granted the honour in recognition of his services to the media and to the food industry.
Commenting on the news he said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list this year. Having started my media career on The Bedfordshire Times at the age of 17, almost straight from school, I know how lucky I have been to do a job that I love and I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with so many great people over the years who taught me so much.
“My time at Westminster Press and other local newspapers outside the group, and then the decision to move on to International Thomson Business Publishing, offered me fantastic experiences, training and opportunities, and I am grateful to the people who helped me so generously and who encouraged me by their example.
“I have gained such great friends and colleagues over the years and now to be recognised by my country with an MBE is both thrilling and humbling.”
Graham Yandell, CEO, Yandell Media Group
“Launching the Yandell Media business way back in 1986 was the main catalyst in my life, both in business and on a personal level. My family, including my late parents, my children and my wife Sharon are amazing, and the team at Yandell are consistently second to none. I have gained such great friends and colleagues over the years and to now be recognised by my country with an MBE is both thrilling and humbling. I could not have achieved so many wonderful things without the help and encouragement of all these marvellous people, and I dedicate this honour to them.”
Graham founded Yandell Publishing Ltd (part of the Yandell Media Group) in 1986 and launched the business with a stable of B2B magazines covering the food industry, and the company still produces a range of titles in this sector.
Yandell later acquired Coaching Journal & Bus Review in the late 80s which paved a way into the tourism industry. The Who’s Who in Group Leisure directory was first published in 1993 and the Group Leisure & Travel magazine (originally called Group Leisure) was launched in 1995. Today, it is a part of a large portfolio from what is regarded as Britain’s biggest provider of group travel media with magazines, annuals, directories, websites and events.
Publisher of Group Leisure & Travel, Rob Yandell who is also a director of Yandell Publishing and Yandell Media Group, said: “I am incredibly proud of my father for all that he has achieved and it is wonderful that he has been recognised in this very special way.”
You can find out more about the Group Leisure & Travel story by watching the short video below which was created to mark the magazine’s 25th anniversary in 2020…
