LSBU names former DfE director as new vice chancellor and CEO

London South Bank University Group (LSBU) has announced the appointment of Paul Kett, a former director general at the Department for Education (DfE), as its new vice chancellor and chief executive. 

Kett will take up the post in September of this year, succeeding professor David Phoenix. He will become the first external chief executive of the LSBU Group since its formation in 2019.

He previously served as director general at the DfE between 2016 and 2022, overseeing England’s post-16 education and training system and acting as principal adviser on higher education, further education and adult skills.

Currently he is a senior adviser and global director for education and skills at PwC, where he works with training providers and employers across the sector.

His recent work has highlighted the role of universities in driving economic growth and the need for sustainable funding models.

In his new role as vice chancellor and chief executive, Kett will lead strategy and operations across the LSBU Group, which includes London South Bank University, South Bank Colleges and South Bank Academies. 

He is expected to focus on improving student and staff experiences, expanding education and research, and strengthening ties with industry and the local community. 

Dr Andreas Raffel, chair of the LSBU board of governors, led the recruitment process. He said: “Paul brings expertise in both higher and further education to this critical role, through his roles at PwC and the government, combined with strategic vision and commercial acumen. Joining us from outside the HE sector, he brings different insight and valuable experience that will serve us well.

“His empathy for the important work we do for our students and partners in London made him the ideal choice to guide the LSBU Group through the challenging education environment.”

Kett added: “I am honoured to be joining the LSBU Group. I have long championed the power of pathways to support and enable people to achieve their potential, particularly through further education colleges and universities working in partnership. LSBU Group provides compelling pathways that enable people to thrive and ensure London has the skilled people needed to drive growth.

“While there are many challenges facing the tertiary sector from which LSBU Group is not immune, our community has the ideas and imagination to overcome them. Having adopted south London as my home over 15 years ago, I am excited to serve our staff, students and wonderful, diverse community as they realise their potential and in turn power London’s economy, public services and civic life.”