Search for successor to Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell to begin

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell’s term as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester completes in summer 2024 and the search for her successor will begin shortly.

Nancy was appointed as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester in July 2010, the first woman to occupy that position. As has been planned for some time, she will be stepping down after 14 years of unprecedented leadership in her present role when her current contract concludes.

2024 is a significant year as it will mark the bicentenary of the University, 200 years from its earliest origins in 1824. 

Philippa Hird, Chair of the Board of Governors at The University of Manchester, who is heading the search process, said: "Nancy has been clear of her intention to step down from her role as President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester when her current contract comes to an end in summer 2024.

"Under her leadership, the University continues to develop as a world-leading centre of teaching and learning excellence, a research powerhouse, and is setting new standards for social responsibility. Nancy has also made an outstanding contribution to higher education through her sector and national roles.

"Clearly, identifying Nancy’s successor in the most senior role within this world-leading university and prominent institution in Greater Manchester is of great significance.

"Although it will be 2024 before any leadership transition occurs, we are embarking on a global search for her successor which inevitably takes time to complete. It will be an inclusive process with staff, students, and alumni from within the institution and our wider stakeholder community being invited to help inform the requirements for our next President and Vice-Chancellor.

"We expect the full search process to take at least the remainder of this calendar year.

“Nancy will continue to lead the University as President and Vice-Chancellor until summer 2024 with her customary drive, skill and rigour and I look forward to working with her over that time.”