Sir Christopher O’Donnell to become Chair of Council at the University of York
Posted on 20 June 2007
Sir Christopher joined Smith & Nephew in 1988 and has been Chief Executive since 1997. He joined Smith & Nephew as Managing Director of the company’s Medical Division having previously been Managing Director of Vickers Medical Division and Vice-President, Europe for CR Bard, Inc. Since 2003 he has jointly chaired the UK government/industry Health Care Industries Task Force.
As Chief Executive of Smith & Nephew Sir Christopher has overseen two clear phases of the company’s development. Initially he was responsible for the streamlining of the company from nine to the current four divisions focusing on innovative products to help patients regain their lives. Subsequently the investments made in research and development, together with a doubling of the sales force have increased turnover to around US $3bn.
Sir Christopher has a first degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London, and an MSc from the London Business School. He was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2003, and awarded a Fellowship of Imperial College in 2005.
The University Council includes representation from staff, students and lay members with expertise in particular areas (the latter group forming the majority). It oversees the University's governance and considers the University’s mission, strategic vision, long term business plans, key performance indicators and annual budgets.
For the next year, Sir Christopher will sit on Council as Chair Designate, taking up the position of Pro-Chancellor from 1 August this year. He will be formally elected by the Council as its Chair in July next year to serve from 1 August 2008 for three years in the first instance.
ENDS