Brunel University London is pleased to announce the appointment by Council of two new Pro-Chancellors.
John Cridland CBE is currently Chairman of Transport for the North. Between 2011 and 2015 he was the Director-General of the Confederation of Business Industry, Director of Business in the Community and a UK Commissioner for Employment and Skills.
John has extensive service on public bodies including the Low Pay Commission, the Council of ACAS, and the Commission on Environmental Markets and Economic Performance.
He was educated at Boston Grammar School and has an MA in History from Christ’s College, Cambridge. Awarded a CBE for services to business in 2006, John received an Honorary Doctorate from Brunel in 2015.
Commenting on his appointment John said: “I’m delighted to take up this role, particularly at what is such a vital time for new initiatives in education, business, science and technology in the UK, and a pivotal moment for proving the value of pioneering research.
“I have long admired Brunel’s work in encouraging its international body of students, and those much younger through STEM outreach programmes, to innovate and excel in their education and careers.”
John’s term of office commences on 1 March 2017 and will be for a period of five years.
Jane Kelly has been Chair of the University’s Council since 2011 and her career covers both the private and public sectors in a variety of senior management and Board roles.
She studied law at Birmingham University and at the College of Law. Her knowledge of national and international law developed through private practice as a Solicitor in England, Hong Kong and Brunei.
Her senior management experience was gained with an international healthcare company initially as Legal Adviser and Director of Human Resources and then as leader of the Corporate Health business. She was promoted to the main board, having successfully floated the company on the London Stock Exchange.
Jane has served the NHS for over 20 years, firstly as Chairman of West Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust, then of North West London Strategic Health Authority, and as Regional Commissioner for London at the NHS Appointments Commission. She is a Member of the Department of Health Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards. She is also the Founder Patron and a Trustee of cancer charity, The Mulberry Centre.
Jane commented: “As Chair of Council for the past half a decade I have seen Brunel develop significantly and excel in the face of challenges from a changing education and research landscape. It is extremely exciting to be appointed to the role of Pro-Chancellor as the University embarks on its bold and ambitious vision for the future.”
Jane’s term of office commences on 1 August 2017 and will also be for a period of five years.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Julia Buckingham added: “I am delighted that two great friends and supporters of the University have accepted these appointments. Their professional achievements and individual qualities will complement the Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor in carrying out this distinguished ambassadorial role for the University”.
Brunel Chancellor Sir Richard Sykes also welcomed the University’s new Pro-Chancellors: “Having recently marked our 50th year, Brunel is looking well into the future. The expertise of our new appointments will provide a valuable steer for the University as we develop and embed our strategy for the years ahead.”
The appointees will work alongside current Pro-Chancellor, Nazir Afzal OBE, who has been active in this role and in representing the values of Brunel since 2013.