John Amaechi appointed patron of Humanists UK

1 December, 2020

Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, John Amaechi OBE.

Amaechi is a respected organisational psychologist, best-selling New York Times author, executive coach, CEO of APS Ltd, and former NBA player.

His 2007 best-selling book Man in the Middle chronicled his extraordinary journey from childhood to his career as a basketballer, after which he trained as a psychologist and set up APS Ltd, a leading organisation specialising in workplace psychology. In 2019, John was recognised as one of HR’s most influential thinkers by HR Magazine and he became a LinkedIn influencer and LinkedIn Top Voice in 2020. He is a Chartered Scientist, a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and a Research Fellow at the University of East London.

John Amaechi OBE hit headlines this summer when asked to explain in a short video for BBC Bitesize, white privilege meant to him in the wake of the George Floyd killing and the response of individuals, organisations, and societies globally.

In 2011, Amaechi was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 Birthday Honours list for services to sport and the voluntary sector.

Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented:

‘We are thrilled to have John as our newest patron. His articulate and rational contributions to public life reflect exactly the approach Humanists UK takes in our goal of creating a tolerant society where everyone is treated equally. We look forward to working with him!’

Notes

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefiting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

Humanists UK has over 170 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the anatomist, author, and broadcaster, Professor Alice Roberts. She is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, Shappi Khorsandi, and Polly Toynbee.