PA 101/13
Andrew Unitt will bring with him extensive experience in the financial management of a variety of UK and international organisations when he takes charge of The University of Nottingham’s finances later this year.
As the institution’s new Chief Financial Officer he will be responsible for the overall management of finances, investments, research support and business management. He replaces Chris Thompson who announced his retirement last October after five years in the post.
A Chartered Management Accountant, Andrew’s background includes key roles in Nottingham based businesses Boots and Experian. He will join the University on 1 May 2013.
Over the last five years the University has undergone a period of substantial growth and maintained strong financial performance and healthy surpluses whilst delivering significant savings and sustaining investment.
Challenges of his new role
Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing the higher education sector the University, with its campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia, continues to be one of the leading research and teaching institutions in the world. Income has grown to over £520m.
Andrew, whose skills range from strategic development to day to day operational performance improvement, said: “It’s great to have the opportunity to help the University set and achieve its ambitions as it continues to respond to the changing environment. The pace of change can only increase, and it will be important to make the very best use of resources and focus investment in the right places.”
Welcoming him to the University the Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Greenaway, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Unitt as our new CFO. Andrew has an impressive record as a finance director and managing director, with Boots, Experian and Halfords, amongst others. He will bring with him invaluable experience of change management and systems transformation, which will support the key strategic activities of the University over the coming years.”