London Higher names King’s College vice chancellor as chair

London Higher has announced the appointment of professor Shitij Kapur, the vice chancellor and president of King’s College London, as its new chair. 

Kapur was confirmed in the role at London Higher’s annual general meeting (AGM), succeeding professor Amanda Broderick, vice chancellor and president of the University of East London, who served two full terms.

London Higher represents universities, colleges and specialist institutions across the capital, advocating on policy issues, promoting London as a centre for education and research, and addressing shared challenges.

Kapur said: “Our higher education sector is woven into the fabric of the capital. We are a valued partner of the world-leading industries that converge here: from tech and life sciences, to professional services and, perhaps uniquely in breadth and scale, our creative sector. Our students make London vibrant and exciting, and our institutions are at the heart of their local communities.

“This is a challenging moment as many question both our value and our values. So this is the time to reinforce our purpose, our contributions, our impact. I look forward to working with all members, Liz Hutchinson and her talented staff to mobilise that distinctive voice and deepen our impact here in London, across the UK and on the world stage.”

Liz Hutchinson, who became chief executive of London Higher in May, added: “We at London Higher are delighted to be benefitting from the vision and leadership of professor Kapur at this important inflection point for our sector and for London. There is no greater time to present a strong, collective voice for London’s higher education, to play a central role in the growth agendas regionally and nationally and to showcase the strength of our offer on the global stage.

“What makes us truly unique, and such a valuable partner for those striving for positive change, is the diversity of our membership, united around a collective vision for London. We are excited to work with Shitij, our board and our members to seize this moment and unlock new possibilities for London, the UK and the world.”

The meeting also confirmed the reappointment of professor Peter Bonfield, vice-chancellor of the University of Westminster, as deputy chair. New board members include professor Julie Hall, vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University, and professor Randall Whittaker, principal of Rose Bruford College.