Graham retired after 40 years’ service in the higher education (HE) sector, which included over 25 years in senior management positions, most recently spending 12 years as Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University. He was a member of a number of national Boards & Committees within the HE sector, and was awarded the CBE in 2011 for his outstanding services to higher education, both locally and nationally. More locally, Graham was a member of the Board of his local/regional LEP, Chamber of Commerce, CBI, Public Health Board, LSC and Regional Assembly. He was a long-standing Trustee of the Captain Cook Birthplace Trust, served as both President and Chairman of Guisborough Rugby Club and is currently a member of 2 University Boards, 3 Multi-Academy Trusts and is Patron of 2 local charities.