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University of York appoints diversity and inclusion champion Heather Melville as new Chancellor

University of York appoints diversity and inclusion champion Heather Melville as new Chancellor

Posted on 31 October 2022

The University of York has appointed diversity and inclusion champion Heather Melville OBE as its new Chancellor.

Heather Melville OBE (centre) has been appointed to Chancellor of the University

Heather Melville is renowned for her entrepreneurial vision and her work promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, particularly among women and ethnic minorities.

She is currently Senior Managing Director at the global CEO advisory firm, Teneo, where she supports businesses to build more sustainable, diverse and inclusive practices. Her 40-year career has established her in a number of senior positions, spanning corporate and international banking, technology, and professional services.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial and honorary figurehead of the University and plays an important ambassadorial role for York, promoting its work as a University for Public Good in the UK and internationally.

Inspirational

Commenting on her appointment, Heather said: "I am very proud to support the goals and ambitions of the University of York, and to help champion why it is so important to create an inclusive, diverse community for all. I’m as excited to be joining the University as I was when joining Teneo at the beginning of the year, because both appointments work hand-in-hand towards driving meaningful change for UK leaders and future generations."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery said: “Heather is such an authentic and inspirational leader, who embodies and inspires vision and ambition. She speaks from the heart and helps support a real culture of fairness, equality and justice.

“York is all about creating opportunities for all, so she will make a fantastic Chancellor, and I very much look forward to working with her. Her proven leadership and passion in promoting inclusion and diversity very much align with our values and ambitions here at the University of York.”

OBE

On Wednesday 18 January 2023, Heather will take part in her formal installation at the University, where she will be joined by staff and students at her official ceremony.

Heather already has strong connections with the University, having presented at York’s 2019 Festival of Ideas, and she has been working with the University to help promote doctoral study for graduates from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as part of the UKRI-funded Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education.

Heather was recognised with an OBE in 2017 for her services to business and gender equality. In 2019, she secured a place in The Financial Time’s prestigious ‘EMpower Top 100 Minority Leaders’ list, which showcases 100 carefully chosen BAME professionals from the UK and US, and in the PowerList 2022, which recognises the 100 most influential Black British individuals across the UK.

Seventh Chancellor

She will become the University’s seventh Chancellor, succeeding Sir Malcolm Grant who is stepping down from the post he has held since 2015.

Professor Charlie Jeffery added his thanks to Sir Malcolm for his enormous contribution to the success of the University during his time as Chancellor. He said: “Sir Malcolm has been a tremendous ambassador for the University and we thank him for his tireless commitment and dedication.”