The Chancellor of the University of Nottingham Sir Andrew Witty has announced his plans to retire.
A former Chief Executive Officer of GSK and a Nottingham alumnus, Sir Andrew became the seventh Chancellor of the University in 2013.
He said: “Representing the University of Nottingham has been a privilege, witnessing the University’s international growth, expansion of its Nottingham home Campus and ceaseless commitment to both student teaching and research excellence, has been inspiring.”
He will step down from the role later this academic year.
University of Nottingham President of Council John Mills said the University was extremely grateful for Sir Andrew's contribution.
He said: "In his time as Chancellor Andrew has responded to the challenge of supporting the development of our links with business and our international agenda but most importantly, as an alumnus, he has invested time in inspiring our students to achieve and be aspirational in their ambition.”
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West echoed his comments.She said: "We are extremely grateful for the contribution Sir Andrew has made to the University. From his time here as an economics student to his tenure as Chancellor, he has been an extremely important ambassador and advocate for us. We wish him well for the future.”
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.
This year, for the first time, staff, students and alumni will be invited to make their nominations.
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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 University of the Year for Graduate Employment in the 2017 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 and industry partner - locally and globally.
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