Congratulations to Sir Jonathan Ive, Apple’s master designer. He got his KBE¹ in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Ive, described by Steve Jobs as his “spiritual partner” is responsible for all Apple’s major world-beating designs from the iMac to the iPhone. This morning The Times said:
Since Jobs’s death in October, Sir Jonathan, 44, has been regarded as one of the most powerful figures within Apple. He has been described by Fortune magazine as ‘the world’s smartest designer’ with more than 400 patents to his name. Appointed a CBE in 2006, he is one of the youngest people on the list.”
We can now look forward Sir Jony’s visit to Buckingham Palace early in 2012 when he will receive his KBE and a tap on the shoulder from The Queen’s sword. As The Times says, “iDub thee…”
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¹ The Order of the British Empire is the youngest order of chivalry, created by King George V in 1917. Sir Jonathan was made a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2006 and has now climbed one step to become a Knight Commander. There is one higher level to aspire to: Knight Grand Cross or GBE. As an aside, the Order of St. Michael and St. George, established in 1818, is beloved of the civil service where it is said that CMG stands for “call me God”. The higher KCMG is “kindly call me God”. Those at the top of the tree, have their GCMG or “God calls me God”.