Professor Sir Ian Diamond has been appointed as the next Chair of Council of the University of Southampton, for a 3-year term starting on 18 April 2024. He also becomes an ex officio Pro Chancellor of the University. He will take over from Philip Greenish, who will remain a Pro Chancellor of the University after he stands down.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond – a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton – is currently the UK’s National Statistician, meaning he is Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, Permanent Secretary at the Office for National Statistics, and Head of the Government Statistical Service. Sir Ian served as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, and before that as Chief Executive of the Economic and Social research Council. He is a Fellow of the British Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Academy of Social Sciences.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “I am honoured and delighted to succeed Philip as Chair of Council next year, and I would like to pay tribute on behalf of all of Council and the senior executive team to his inspired leadership and dedication to the University over many years.
“I spent the first half of my career at the University of Southampton, a remarkable institution I have always held in the deepest affection and admiration, and where I had the opportunity to grow as a teacher, as a researcher, and a person. I am delighted to re-engage with the University at a time of great ambition with the new Triple Helix strategy.”
Philip Greenish said: “It has been an enormous privilege for me to have been involved in such a fine institution, and I am delighted that Ian has agreed to pick up the baton as Chair of Council. He will bring an extraordinary range of experiences and a deep commitment to Southampton, where he forged his early career.
“The University will be in very good hands, and I wish him and the University well. When my term of office ends, I will continue to watch with great interest, and I am delighted I will continue to be involved with the University as a Pro Chancellor.”