This campaign and other controversial statements have led opponents to accuse him of homophobia. In 2011, Souter was awarded a knighthood for services to transport and the voluntary sector, an honor which was criticized by the Scottish Labour Party politicians and by gay rights campaigners. In August 2012, it was announced that Souter would become Chairman of Stagecoach Group on May 1, 2013 and that finance director Martin Griffiths would replace Souter as CEO. In 1992, Souter and his wife set up the Souter Charitable Trust, which assists humanitarian projects in the U.K. and overseas, especially, but not exclusively, those with a Christian emphasis. Projects include the prevention of malaria and supplying daily meals to school children in Africa. On April 18, 2012, Sir Brian Souter was inducted into the British Travel and Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame, the first public transport entrepreneur to receive the honor.