John Moores Jr CBE, DL (1928-2012)

  • John is dressed in a ceremonial cap and gown and is surrounded by other men and women dressed in caps and gowns on the day of his installation as Chancellor
  • A painted portrait of John Moores Junior he is painted wearing an LJMU cap and gown and holding a scroll in his hands

John Moores Jr was the eldest son of businessman Sir John Moores, who founded the Littlewoods retail and football pools company and is the namesake of the university. He was appointed as the second Chancellor of LJMU for five years in 1994, having previously served as the first Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors from 1992 onwards. He was appointed Chancellor Emeritus of the university upon his retirement and was also an Honorary Fellow.

Moores became Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of the family firm in 1968. He was a fervent champion of education and equality, serving as Chair of the Littlewoods Equal Opportunities Strategy Committee for 30 years from the mid-1960s. He also chaired Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, helping establish a number of organisations which worked to boost opportunities for disadvantaged children, and black and minority ethnic communities within Liverpool.

This commitment was reflected in his role as Chancellor; he was particularly interested in equal opportunities and widening participation at the university, something that remains at the core of LJMU today.

Moores viewed LJMU as a big part of his life, regularly attending events and engagements, and acting as a prominent ambassador for the institution and its educational mission.

Moores was awarded a CBE in 1993 in recognition of his campaigning for the rights of women and people from ethnic minorities in the workplace. He was closely involved in setting up the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and was made a Freeman of the City of Liverpool in 1970.