University leadership
University Executive Team
Meet the senior officers who lead and oversee Manchester's strategic direction, governance and operations.
Professor Duncan Ivison
“Manchester is an extraordinary university; deeply embedded in the city and with a strong sense of place. You feel like you’re in a city that has a bit of swagger, a bit of heart and soul. And yet it also has global aspirations. That combination is rare.”
The chief executive and academic leader of the University, Duncan previously held positions at the Australian National University, the University of York (UK), the University of Toronto and the University of Sydney, where he was Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research).
Professor Ashley Blom
“The Manchester we are striving for by 2035 is one where both students and colleagues experience learning that is purposeful, personal and transformative.”
Responsible for shaping the Faculty's research, education and strategic direction, Ashley is an elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and previously served as Vice-President and Head of the Faculty of Health at the University of Sheffield.
Professor Fiona Devine
"If we want the world to be a better place, we will want higher education to have played a critical role in getting there. If the world is going to be different, higher education will need to be different too."
Fiona leads the Faculty’s vision and direction. She’s been at Manchester since 1994 and most recently headed Alliance Manchester Business School. She was awarded an OBE in 2010 and a CBE in 2019 for her work in social sciences.
Professor Colette Fagan
“We work collaboratively and creatively across disciplines and with partners to discover knowledge and to develop the ideas and solutions to the questions and challenges that our communities and the world urgently need. We are committed to accelerating the impact of our research to improve lives, for the public good.”
Colette leads the University’s research strategy and global ambitions. A Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, she previously served as Deputy Dean and Vice-Dean for Research in Humanities and has held visiting roles in Australia, Germany and the US. She also sits on UKRI's Research England Council.
Patrick Hackett
“Manchester 2035 is about empowering our community – transforming how we work, teach and learn. Our University is our people and only by coming together can we hope to achieve our collective ambitions.”
Patrick leads the University’s professional services. He joined Manchester from the University of Liverpool, where he held senior roles including Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He is an architect by profession.
Professor Jenn Hallam
“When we think about Manchester’s future, one phrase keeps coming to mind: learning without limits. Our strategy sets out a bold ambition, but at its heart it’s about something very human: making sure every student feels their learning fits them, supports them and sets them up for success in a fast-changing world.”
Jenn leads the University’s education strategy and student experience. A psychologist and Professor of Assessment and Educational Advancement, she previously served as Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Professor John Holden
“Innovation at Manchester takes a whole-ecosystem approach, grounded in the understanding that it is not a linear process and that the University’s success is closely tied to the strength of the region we are part of. Our work should make a positive difference to people’s lives – here in Manchester and around the world.”
John leads the University’s work on partnerships, public engagement and innovation. He helped set up the Productivity Institute and played a key role in creating Unit M. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he previously spent 15 years in senior strategy and policy roles across Greater Manchester.
Ele Morrissey
“We must consider how the future will shape the experiences of our people. The capabilities needed for our changing landscape continue to grow and we need to ensure our colleagues are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive.”
Ele leads the University’s people and culture work, shaping workforce strategy and supporting colleagues to thrive. A CIPD Fellow with 30 years’ experience, she was previously Global HR Director at Genus plc and has held senior HR roles across retail, social housing and cyber security. She also served as Chair of homeless charity The Gingerbread Centre.
Carol Prokopyszyn
“Our University will be equipped to make bold, strategic investments that strengthen our future. We will continue to compete – and recruit – at a truly global level and remain an inspiring place for our people, our students and our wider community.”
As our senior leader for financial strategy, stewardship and long-term sustainability, Carol has made a significant impact within higher education, with previous posts at the University of Dundee, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester.
Professor Sarah Sharples
“The University’s achievements in science and engineering are truly world changing. We will showcase our strengths and, by building on what works, create new opportunities for challenge, collaboration and innovation across the University.”
Sarah leads the Faculty’s scientific direction and research. A Professor of Human Factors, she joined from the University of Nottingham, where she was Pro Vice Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People, and previously served as Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Transport.
Professor Nalin Thakkar
“Our commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement is a defining part of Manchester’s identity, global reputation and performance. When we join forces with others, we multiply our ability to create positive change.”
Nalin leads the University’s work on ethics, social responsibility and accountability. He previously served as Associate Vice-President for Risk, Compliance and Research Integrity, and was a Consultant Histopathologist at Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Associate Vice-Presidents
Discover how our Associate Vice-Presidents champion the University’s priorities, working across disciplines and teams to turn strategy into action and drive meaningful progress across our teaching, research and wider community.