 On 25 November 2010, Sunderland became the new Chancellor of Aston University, and was officially installed at a lavish ceremony on 4 May 2011, attended by Julia King (Vice-Chancellor of Aston University) and many other local and academic dignitaries.Sir John is currently Chairman of Merlin Entertainments Group, a non-Executive Director of Barclays plc, a non-Executive Director of AFC Energy PLC, a Director of the Financial Reporting Council, an adviser to CVC Capital Partners, an Association Member of BUPA, and a member of Council at Reading University.Until his appointment as Chancellor, he was also a member of Council at Aston.