A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for 2026.

Mark McCulloch, who graduated from the BA Marketing programme at the then University of Paisley (now UWS), has been awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to marketing and the UK hospitality sector.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” commented Mark. “The foundations laid during my time at UWS played a meaningful part in the journey that has led to this honour, and I remain genuinely proud to be a graduate of the university.”

Graduating in 1999 from the Paisley Campus, Mark is considered one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in Europe. He has more than 20 years’ brand, marketing, digital and social media experience and has held senior positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger.

Reflecting on his education at UWS, Mark said: “I studied BA Marketing (Sandwich) at the University from 1995 to 1999, and my time there had a lasting impact on both my thinking and my career. The course gave me far more than academic grounding – it helped build confidence, curiosity and a way of thinking that I’ve carried through more than two decades working in senior marketing, leadership and advisory roles across hospitality and beyond.

“I’m especially grateful to lecturers such as Meg Clark, Professor Reggie Von Zugbach and Russell Frew, whose teaching, encouragement and belief helped shape my understanding of marketing, strategy and creative thinking.”

Following graduation Mark moved from Kilwinning in Scotland to the Greater London area, working in various marketing roles before becoming Global Head of Brand at lastminute.com in 2007, Global Senior Brand Manager at Barclaycard in 2008 and Head of Marketing at YO! Sushi until 2011.

In 2012 Mark co-founded brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular and he now runs premium brand and marketing strategy consultancy Supersonic Inc, helping C suite-level marketers and executives amplify their business across multiple sectors.

Mark also created, and hosts, leading hospitality marketing podcast Supersonic Podcast and has included guests such as Roger Daltrey of The Who, Fatboy Slim and Gary Vaynerchuk.