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James Purnell to move on from UAL in September 2024; Professor Karen Stanton appointed as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

James, with short gray hair and glasses stands in front of a colorful background composed of rolled-up fabric. He is wearing a dark blazer over a green button-down shirt and is smiling slightly. The fabric rolls behind him are of various bright colors, including pink, orange, yellow, red, and blue
  • Written byPress Office
  • Published date 19 June 2024
James, with short gray hair and glasses stands in front of a colorful background composed of rolled-up fabric. He is wearing a dark blazer over a green button-down shirt and is smiling slightly. The fabric rolls behind him are of various bright colors, including pink, orange, yellow, red, and blue
James Purnell, President and Vice-Chancellor, UAL | Photograph: Jerry Florez

James Purnell has announced his intention to move on from his role as President & Vice-Chancellor of UAL. James was appointed in October 2020 and will depart in September 2024. He will carry out his full duties and responsibilities until his interim successor is in place. James is moving to be Chief Executive at Flint Global, a consultancy offering policy and regulatory advice.

Professor Karen Stanton has been appointed as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor at UAL. Karen is currently the Interim Vice Chancellor at Bishop Grosseteste University, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor at York St John and Solent Universities. She also currently serves on UAL’s Court of Governors but will step down to take on this interim role.

Karen joins UAL on 1 September 2024 as Interim President & Vice-Chancellor Elect for a month-long transition period with James, who remains in office until 30 September 2024.

UAL will be running a full, global search to find a permanent President and Vice-Chancellor.

I would like to thank James for all he has achieved during his time with us. He has helped the University recover after the pandemic and launched an ambitious strategy for UAL. He has also been a very strong advocate for the higher education sector. His passion for social purpose will leave a positive mark on UAL for years to come.

Professor Karen Stanton is a superb choice as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. Her experience across a range of universities is complemented by her knowledge of UAL gained from being on our Court of Governors.

— David Isaac CBE, Chair of Governors at UAL
UAL is a unique, brilliant institution. Once you get here, you understand a good part of why the UK is so creative. I've had a wonderful time over the last three and a half years, and am hugely proud of the way UAL has led the sector on social purpose.

UAL is in a strong position – with healthy finances, a strong global reputation and a talented senior leadership team. I’ll miss our students and staff but know that they will build an even better institution in the years to come.

— James Purnell
I’m honoured to be asked to lead UAL through its transition from James to a new, permanent President and Vice-Chancellor. It is a privilege to lead this great university which is central to the global creative economy. UAL’s future is full of potential – built on financial stability, an exciting strategy, and most of all, incredible students and staff.

— Professor Karen Stanton