Installation of the new Chancellor of The University of Nottingham

He succeeds the previous Chancellor, distinguished Chinese physicist and Academician Professor Yang Fujia, who served in the role from 2000 – 2012.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor, said: “It is a real privilege to introduce Sir Andrew Witty as The University of Nottingham’s seventh Chancellor.

“Much of our success has been due to the strong leadership of the institution, to which our Chancellors have made a vital contribution. Our six previous Chancellors have brought creativity, strength of purpose and immense commitment to their work and we are grateful for all they have done for the University and its community.

“Sir Andrew continues our tradition, but also continues our transformation. His background as an alumnus of the University places him in a unique position: he has experienced life at our University as a place of study and personal development, and he will bring an understanding of the needs and expectations of our students.

“His business acumen will bring an awareness of the impact of high quality cutting-edge research and innovative learning practices, underpinned by an effective supporting structure. Finally, his achievements as a successful leader of a worldwide company will bring a keen appreciation of what being part of truly global organisation means, and the opportunities that arise from our international footprint.

“Above all, he brings inspiration. In this time of change in higher education, Sir Andrew is a leader who will be instrumental to our future success. His creativity, passion and personal drive for all the activities of our institution will help catalyse the University’s vision over the coming years.”

Sir Andrew graduated from The University of Nottingham in 1985. He joined Glaxo in the same year, holding a variety of roles in the UK, South Africa, the USA and Singapore before being appointed President of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Europe in 2003.

He became Chief Executive Officer of GSK in 2008 and was knighted for services to the economy and to the UK pharmaceutical industry in the 2012 New Year Honours.

Sir Andrew said: “I feel that I owe the University a lot. I greatly enjoyed the campus environment and atmosphere during my time at Nottingham, but it was more than that. I thought Nottingham was every person’s University, a brilliant cross-section of society with people from every background and culture.

“I am honoured to become Chancellor of this great institution, which, alongside my parents and my school, I would credit with having made me who I am. This is a unique and special way for me to give something back.”

Sir Andrew will give a guest lecture to students at 3pm on March 12th, entitled ‘Quality degree or quality experience – what’s University about?’ The lecture, at the Keighton Auditorium on University Park, is free but booking is essential – register at events@nottingham.ac.uk

Sir Andrew’s appointment as Nottingham’s seventh Chancellor was approved by the University Council, the institution’s governing body, on October 23rd, 2012. He formally took up the role on January 1st, 2013. The term of office is four years, a period which can be renewed subject to Council approval.

The Chancellor has a number of key roles including ceremonial duties – playing a formal part in graduation ceremonies – and acting as an ambassador and advocate of the University in the UK and around the world. He also acts as a key adviser on matters of major strategic importance to the development of the University. It is an unremunerated role.

John Mills, President of the University Council, said: “Sir Andrew's appointment supports the further development of both our strong research and business links and reputation as the UK's truly global university. As an alumnus he signals the strength of our graduates and brings knowledge and networks to help achieve our strategic aims.”

MEDIA wishing to attend on March 12th should contact Tim Utton or Charlotte Anscombe – details below.


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