A senior leader at McLaren Automotive and long-standing supporter of Kingston University has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his contribution to the automotive industry and engineering education.

Christos Delantonis, Senior Programme Manager at McLaren Automotive, received the honorary award during Kingston University's graduation ceremony last Thursday (22 January) at the Rose Theatre.

Delantonis is a Kingston University alumnus, having graduated with a BSc in Automotive Engineering in 1997, followed by an MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems in 1999.

He credits his time at the University with laying the foundations for his technical expertise and shaping his collaborative, hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Speaking at the ceremony, Delantonis described the award as an unexpected and meaningful milestone.

"I am incredibly humbled and really did no expect to receive this award," he said.

"My time at Kingston in the 1990s really instilled that engineering mindset in me. While the facilities and campus have changed so much since then, Kingston really opened the door to the rest of my career."

With more than 26 years of experience in the automotive engineering sector, Delantonis has held senior technical and leadership roles spanning body exteriors and interiors, series manufacturing, vehicle programming and business integration.

Since joining McLaren in 2010, he has played a key role in the development and continuous improvement of the company's V8 product lines.

His passion for engineering began at an early age, inspired by his father, a mechanical engineer whose practical ingenuity influenced the way Delantonis approaches challenges today.

Alongside his industry achievements, Delantonis has remained closely connected to Kingston University.

He serves as an Industrial Consultative Committee Board Member, STEM Ambassador and student mentor, contributing to curriculum development and helping ensure courses remain aligned with industry needs.

Addressing graduating engineers at the ceremony, he encouraged them to embrace ambition and challenge.

"Don't be afraid to stretch yourself," he said. "You learn the most getting outside your comfort zone – engineering is an incredibly competitive industry, so graduates really need to push themselves and take every opportunity that comes their way."

Delantonis was nominated for the honorary award by Dr Payam Khazaeineja, Associate Professor and Director of Learning and Teaching in the School of Engineering, who praised his ongoing commitment to supporting students and strengthening links between industry and academia.