Denis Burn MBE DL

Member since 1991

Denis Burn has retired from a business career that started with engineering and manufacturing industry and then developed, via consultancy, into working with others to create an online recruitment business.

He has lived almost all his life close to Bristol and become engaged in a wide spread of voluntary roles. Many of his charitable interests have centred on education and pathways to work for young people from less advantaged backgrounds. His more significant roles include chair of the University of Bristol for 10 years; chair of the Theatre Royal Trust and then vice-chair of Bristol Old Vic when these charities merged; founding chair of both Merchants Academy and South Bristol Youth; and chair of The MusicSpace Trust.

Denis has served as Master of the Merchant Venturers (2004-5); High Sheriff of Somerset (2018-19) and is currently a Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset. He was awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours 2023 list for services to charity and to the community in Bristol.

Denis took a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Bristol University and later an MBA at INSEAD (France).

He is married to Hilary and they have four adult children.