Sir Rod Aldridge is a social entrepreneur with over 40 years’ experience in the public, private and third sectors. In 1984, he founded Capita, leading it until his retirement in 2006, and turning it from start-up to a FTSE 100 company. Today Capita remains the market leader in the provision of support and professional services to the government and private sector in the UK, and is the 50th ranked company in the FTSE 100, with a market capitalisation of over £8billion.
Prior to Capita, Sir Rod worked in local government for ten years, becoming a qualified account with CIPFA, and ultimately it’s Technical Director. He served as Chairman of the CBI Public Service Strategy Board at its inception in 2003.
In 2006, Sir Rod established the Aldridge Foundation to further the work of his charitable trust. The Foundation helps young people to reach their potential and improve their communities, principally through the sponsorship of and support to a family of twelve entrepreneurial academies and colleges, eight of which are open. These have been established in the North West, London and southern coastal communities.
Sir Rod was awarded an OBE in the 1994 New Years Honours List, for services to the computer industry, and was given the freedom of the City of London in 1996. In 2006, he was elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and in 2012, he received a knighthood for services to young people.
Sir Rod is Chair of The Lowry, the arts and entertainment venue in Salford; Patron and former Trustee of The Prince’s Trust; former Chair of Acorn Care and Education, a provider of special schools across England; and a founding member of the Prince’s Charities Council. He is a Founder Freeman of the Guild of Entrepreneurs.
