Middlesex University has awarded Tevin Tobun, the CEO of logistics and technology companies ROUTD Technology and GV Group, an honorary doctorate in recognition of his continued focus on business and tech innovation within the foodservice sector.
The entrepreneur who founded GV Group 23 years ago, the same year he first graduated from Middlesex University, has since built formidable businesses within the catering and food logistics industry with Platebox, Foodmove and Repco Global – all sitting within GV Group.
Meanwhile, The Tobun Foundation, his charitable foundation founded in 2015 has offered more than 1000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds a better chance of attaining higher education through financial support and mentorship.
Tobun says: “It has been such an honour receiving this accolade today; 23 years after completing my undergraduate studies at the same university.
"At the time, studying Health and Combined studies, I had no real experience or exposure to the catering, foodservice and logistics industries, but being young, hungry and entrepreneurial, I spotted an opportunity and two decades later I owe so much to this industry.
“I can only hope that my businesses have played a role in helping the industry grow, evolve and thrive in some way and look forward to continued innovation and growth in this sector.”
GV Group was originally founded with the aim of making food distribution around London safer and more efficient by using smaller vans instead of HGVs.
The company now covers the UK, Africa and South America, delivering 24 million meal items each year.
Its subsidiary Repco Global supports energy and infrastructure businesses in remote regions.
ROUTD Technology, Tobun’s AI enabled logistics tech solution is transforming carbon reduction, ESG and data accuracy in the industry with additional emphasis on driver well-being.
Tobun, who grew up in south-east London is also a council member at The Open University, a Board member at Inspirational You, the social enterprise supporting young people, a life patron at Springboard, and board member of the professional association Arena Network.
For the past six years, Tobun has featured in Powerful Media’s listing of Top 100 Most Influential Black Britons.
Last year he was inducted into the Dr Martin Luther King Board of Sponsors, which recognises those who have contributed significantly to business and social impact.
TC Melewar, professor of marketing and strategy at Middlesex University, says: “We might remember Dr King’s observation that ‘life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are we doing for others?’ and in this regard, Tevin has an extensive record.
“Whether it is in business, philanthropy or education, he has never been afraid to break new ground, build new businesses and take a chance on people others may have overlooked.”
