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Heriot-Watt University is pleased to announce Professor Richard Williams OBE has been appointed as the University’s new Principal and Vice-Chancellor.
With a wealth of experience as a senior academic leader, impressive research credentials, and a strong track record in working successfully with governments and industry across the world, Professor Williams was a natural choice to lead one of the UK’s foremost science and business universities. His significant experience in international strategy and relations also clearly aligns with a globally-focussed university with campuses in Dubai and Malaysia and our network of academic learning partners world-wide.
I am delighted to be joining a University that has a proud heritage and evident track record of outstanding achievement in science, engineering and business and with such a profound global reach.
Professor Williams moves to the position from the University of Birmingham, where he has held the positions of Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences for the past five years. Before that he was Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer and International Strategy at the University of Leeds.
Frances Cairncross, Chair of Heriot-Watt’s University Court, said, “We are delighted to be able to announce that Professor Williams is to be the University’s next Principal and Vice-Chancellor.
“His experience and expertise mesh well with Heriot-Watt’s own academic and research strengths, as demonstrated in the recent REF results, and his background within the sector and his wide network of contacts will provide strong support to the University’s strategic development, building on the successes of recent years.
“We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
Professor Williams said of his appointment, “I am delighted to be joining a University that has a proud heritage and evident track record of outstanding achievement in science, engineering and business and with such a profound global reach. Heriot-Watt has an ambitious and sound strategic plan. I look forward to working with students and colleagues across the campuses in the UK, Malaysia and Dubai, along with our many partners and businesses in the ensuring the University’s future growth and success”.
Read more about Professor Richard Williams