Former ExxonMobil and National Trust exec appointed as COO at the University of Nottingham

Chris brings almost 30 years of diverse leadership experience across the private, charitable, and higher education sectors. In his most recent role, Chris served as Commercial Director at the University of Warwick, where he was responsible for Campus and Commercial Services. In this role, he focused on creating outstanding experiences for both internal and external visitors, while generating surplus for the university. Prior to his work in higher education, Chris spent two decades in leadership roles with multinational corporation ExxonMobil, developing his strategic and operational expertise on a global scale. He also served as Commercial Director at the National Trust, where he developed skills in managing heritage assets and visitor experiences. Chris holds an MBA from London Business School and a BA in History from the University of Warwick. His educational journey began at Nottingham High School, making his return to the city particularly meaningful.   

As Chief Operating Officer, Chris will oversee the Professional Services functions that provide the foundation for the university’s teaching, student experience, and research priorities. His role will play a key role in achieving the university's strategic plan. He will report to the Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Jane Norman, and be a vital member of the University Executive Board. His responsibilities will include commercial enterprises, campus operations, capital projects, and digital infrastructure development.