Following a rigorous selection process, Ian Dunn has been appointed the University’s Chief Operating Officer. He will take up his post in January 2016.
Ian is a highly experienced executive, with corporate, public and third sector experience in the UK and internationally. Ian spent 20 years working for Shell and its subsidiary companies, including as CEO and President for SunAllomer in Tokyo, as the Senior Vice-President for South/Central America in Sao Paulo and as President of Basell International with business operations throughout Asia, Middle East and South America.
Since 2009 Ian has shifted his focus, first working at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge and most recently as Chief Executive Officer of the Galapagos Conservation Trust in London.
Ian graduated from Southampton with a BSc in Environmental Sciences in 1983. He also has an MBA from Henley Management College and in 2013 he completed a Masters of Studies in Sustainable Leadership at Cambridge. His voluntary roles include being a Trustee for the charity Bees Abroad, the scientific journal Antarctic Science and until recently the Jane Goodall Institute.
Sir Christopher Snowden, Vice-Chancellor, was part of the selection panel. He commented:
“Ian combines extensive experience of organisations and his skills in managing operations, whilst understanding the people involved, make him the ideal person to fulfil our Chief Operating Officer role. He also has a strong interest in our University and is keen to help build on our success.”
Ian commented:
“I am delighted to be returning to Southampton and have been very impressed during recent visits with all the developments since I graduated. Joining the leadership team at a time of huge societal and sectoral challenges is a very exciting prospect and I look forward to helping further the success of the University in the years ahead”.