Born and educated in Warwickshire, Roy Ward now lives in Hampshire with his wife of over 60 years. They have two children, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. On leaving school he started work in Barclays Bank until he joined the army for National Service. Commissioned into Royal Signals from Mons Officer Cadet School in 1954, he later gained a regular Commission and served until 1980. Having fulfilled his ambition of commanding his regiment he took early retirement to pursue a civilian career although further promotion beckoned. He worked first in the trade association world before becoming Director General of The Institute of the Motor Industry with a worldwide individual membership. Interestingly both Royal Signals and The Institute celebrate their centenary in 2020. He played a significant part in a number of charities ranging from roses to gardening to being a founder member and Chairman of The Prince Michael Road Safety Awards. He was the non-executive director of Warranty Holdings which was at that time the largest used car warranty business in Europe. Before retiring to Hampshire, he was a liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and a trustee/governor of Capel Manor Horticultural College and a trustee of 'Perennial', the gardeners' benevolent society. He was awarded the MBE for services to the motor industry and road safety in 2000.
