The University of Nottingham Council today welcomed leading figures in business, technology and healthcare as new members to its Council, the body that helps to steer the strategy for one of the most successful universities in the country.
Sherry Madera is currently Global Head of Industry and Government Affairs at financial data business Refinitiv. She has also held roles as Economic Ambassador to Asia, and Minister-Counsellor and Director at the British Embassy in Beijing where she was responsible for promoting trade and investment between the UK and China. Her current role sees her engaging across government, policy initiatives and industry trends.
Sherry said: “I am delighted to join the Council and to be part of the University of Nottingham’s exciting future. I look forward to bringing my experience in Asia in particular to leverage the impressive work of our campuses in China and Malaysia. The University’s rich history in research will be a great asset as we work together on the world’s challenges including climate change impacts, the future of food and efficient technologies.”
Sonya Leydecker is a consultant, business coach and mentor. From 2014 to 2017, Sonya was joint CEO of international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills and previously led its global dispute resolution practice. Her coaching work supports people undertaking new career roles and she has a particular interest in developments in legal services provision. She also acts as a Prince’s Trust ambassador for the Women Supporting Women group, a mentor on its Business Enterprise Scheme, and is also a trustee of RESTART, a homelessness charity.
Sonya said: “I was particularly attracted to Nottingham because of its long history of excellence in teaching, research and community involvement, coupled with its international footprint. I am very pleased to join the Council and look forward to contributing my experience gained in management of a global law firm to the University at a time of considerable change for the sector.”
Vicky Bailey is a non-executive director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust with previous executive leadership roles in Nottingham including Accountable Officer for both NHS Nottingham West and Rushcliffe Clinical Commissioning Groups. She has served on national bodies advising Ministers, and has a clinical background as a nurse and midwife. She is a fellow of the of the Queen’s Nursing Institute. For the last year Vicky has been a co-opted member of the audit and risk committee at Nottingham University.
Vicky Bailey said: “Nottingham has a world-leading research focus in medical science, clinical trials, epidemiology and health services, while training tomorrow’s health professionals through unique programmes which place the patient at the heart of clinical practice. I look forward to bringing my own background in healthcare and leadership to the Council’s important work.”
Richard Newsome is currently Director of Digital & Technology at Sainsbury’s plc, with a long career leading digital strategy, delivery and teams in major UK organisations, including Rolls Royce, Cadburys, and Boots. An alumnus of the University, Richard currently contributes his expertise to its Digital Advisory Board.
Richard said: “I am looking forward to joining the Council of a university for which I have great affection. Nottingham’s current technology capabilities are not without their challenges but are improving rapidly and it has an exciting vision for its digital future. I hope to contribute my experience in bringjng that digital vision to life so that staff and students can fully exploit the opportunities for digital in teaching, learning and research.”
Council members are responsible for advising and influencing key University decisions and strategy, and acting as ambassadors for the University, representing it at local, national and international level.
Council Chair John Mills welcomed the new appointments, saying that they would complement the experience and skills of the current group.
He said: “Our new members bring a wealth of expertise across a range of business, industry and healthcare themes, and I am sure that their appointments will further enhance and support the work of the Council as the University progresses into the next decade.”
University Council is a key component of the University’s governance structure, critiquing, debating and ratifying decisions which shape the future of the University. Council plays a critical role in influencing strategy, scrutinising decisions and supporting the work of the University’s Executive Board.
Members of Council are drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds. Members include senior managers and academics from the University, external members including University alumni, leading local, national and international business figures and representatives from the University’s vibrant student body.
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Notes to editors:
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage, consistently ranked among the world's top 100. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our 44,000 students - Nottingham was named both Sports and International University of the Year in the 2019 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, was awarded gold in the TEF 2017 and features in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer, proud of our Athena SWAN silver award, and a key industry partner- locally and globally.